+ 2
Big Ivy Road to Douglas Falls
Gravel Riding Trail
Moderate
16.83 mi
2,406 ft
A steep gravel grind up Big Ivy Road to the Douglas Falls Trailhead.
Though this is a simple out-and-back gravel grind, this route is nothing short of epic. Starting at the Big Ivy Trailhead, this ride is 100% gravel, full of roadside waterfalls, and ends at the trailhead for Douglas Falls. If you prefer to clip in, consider bringing a pair of shoes or sandals along, and a small lock so that you can make the final ~20-minute trek up a trail to the waterfall.
Big Ivy Road is open to vehicles except between January and April. For the exact dates each year or for road conditions, contact the Appalachian Ranger District at 828-689-9694. Hunting is also popular during the fall and winter, so wearing blaze orange is a **must**.
As for the ride, the first couple of miles are rather steep and may be challenging if you have a larger chainring or narrow-range gearing. Don't worry if you have to stop and catch your breath, though—you won't be the first. After the road turns to the right, it continues climbing, but at a more gradual pace. Along the way, you'll pass several stunning cascades and a massive rock wall popular among rock climbers.
A quick loop at the map will lead many to wonder if there are ways to create a longer gravel loop with Laurel Gap Trail. Not only is there no feasible option to make a loop, but Laurel Gap is also often *extremely* overgrown during the spring and summer, and could be considered impassable and/or unenjoyable. Little Andy and Upper Corner Rock, the two trails that look as though they could form a loop, are both extremely steep. If you're up for a hike-a-bike though, Upper Corner Rock would be your best bet to pair Laurel Gap and Big Ivy Road for a fall or winter gravel loop. If you chose that route, consider a mountain bike or hardtail instead of a gravel bike since Laurel Gap can be muddy at times.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
Though this is a simple out-and-back gravel grind, this route is nothing short of epic. Starting at the Big Ivy Trailhead, this ride is 100% gravel, full of roadside waterfalls, and ends at the trailhead for Douglas Falls. If you prefer to clip in, consider bringing a pair of shoes or sandals along, and a small lock so that you can make the final ~20-minute trek up a trail to the waterfall.
Big Ivy Road is open to vehicles except between January and April. For the exact dates each year or for road conditions, contact the Appalachian Ranger District at 828-689-9694. Hunting is also popular during the fall and winter, so wearing blaze orange is a **must**.
As for the ride, the first couple of miles are rather steep and may be challenging if you have a larger chainring or narrow-range gearing. Don't worry if you have to stop and catch your breath, though—you won't be the first. After the road turns to the right, it continues climbing, but at a more gradual pace. Along the way, you'll pass several stunning cascades and a massive rock wall popular among rock climbers.
A quick loop at the map will lead many to wonder if there are ways to create a longer gravel loop with Laurel Gap Trail. Not only is there no feasible option to make a loop, but Laurel Gap is also often *extremely* overgrown during the spring and summer, and could be considered impassable and/or unenjoyable. Little Andy and Upper Corner Rock, the two trails that look as though they could form a loop, are both extremely steep. If you're up for a hike-a-bike though, Upper Corner Rock would be your best bet to pair Laurel Gap and Big Ivy Road for a fall or winter gravel loop. If you chose that route, consider a mountain bike or hardtail instead of a gravel bike since Laurel Gap can be muddy at times.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wall | 1.57 mi | 676 ft | 8.2% |
| Gate Climb to End of Big Ivy Rd | 8.38 mi | 1,716 ft | 3.8% |
| Climb to Walker DH | 3.97 mi | 1,125 ft | 5.4% |
| Gate to top and back | 16.90 mi | -1,706 ft | -0.0% |
| FS 74 Parking to Staire Creek | 4.83 mi | 1,220 ft | 4.8% |
| Old Ranger Road Climb | 2.03 mi | 942 ft | 8.7% |
| You Rule: Shuttle Rebuttal & Scuttle | 1.55 mi | 709 ft | 8.6% |
| Save yr kom's & top-10's by croppin-n-splittin yr shuttles | 0.62 mi | 285 ft | 8.6% |
| State Road 2173 Climb | 1.32 mi | 443 ft | 6.3% |
| State Road 2173 Climb | 1.12 mi | 410 ft | 6.9% |
| Laurel Gap to end of Big Ivy Rd | 0.84 mi | 105 ft | 1.0% |
| Top down to gate | 8.42 mi | -1,706 ft | -3.8% |
| End of Big Ivy Rd to Laurel Gap | 0.86 mi | -105 ft | -0.9% |
| Bear Pen to Walker Creek DH | 0.85 mi | -105 ft | -2.3% |
| Fast AF Descent | 2.96 mi | -1,086 ft | -6.9% |