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Grand Gap Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.8 (54)
  1. Areas
  2. TN
  3. …Eastern TN
  4. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
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“A scenic loop with giant rocks and sheer cliffs above the Big South Fork River. ”

Leslie Kehmeier
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Map Key

6.4

Miles

10.4

KM

100%

Singletrack

1,427' 435 m

High

1,257' 383 m

Low

875' 267 m

Up

872' 266 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

The Grand Gap loop is part of the 2012 designated Big South Fork - IMBA Epic. Grand Gap is multi-use, shared with hikers. The trail has spectacular views of the Big South Fork River and is mostly smooth and flat singletrack, ideal for beginning and intermediate mountain bikers.

Need to Know

There are a couple of options for accessing the Grand Gap Trail:

Option 1. From Bandy Creek take Duncan Hollow Road approximately 2 miles to the Alfred Smith Road on the right. Park at the intersection of Duncan Hollow and the Alfred Smith Road. Ride 1.8 miles down the Alfred Smith Road to Grand Gap Loop. Ride Grand Gap Loop (6.8 miles), return to your vehicle and drive out the Alfred Smith and Duncan Hollow Road returning to Bandy Creek.

Option 2. Drive from Bandy Creek out Duncan Hollow road. In approximately 2 miles turn right on Alfred Smith Road. Travel 1.8 miles down Alfred Smith Road to the small trailhead parking. Ride the Grand Gap Loop 6.8 miles. Return to your vehicle and drive back to Duncan Hollow Road and Bandy Creek.

Description

The Grand Gap loop is best ridden in a counterclockwise direction starting at a small trailhead near the intersection with the John Muir Trail.

The first half mile or so of the trail is a more or less steady, not-too-steep climb. At the top you'll pass a gravestone. The trail flattens out here and then gradually descends towards the first viewpoints along the river.

From here on out the trail rolls along through dense forests, along cliff edges and under giant rock houses. It's the kind of trail that captures your attention for the entire ride.

History & Background

The Grand Gap trail is located in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, designated in 1974.

Contacts

Local Club: Big South Fork Bike Club

Land Manager: NPS - Big South Fork Nat. River and Rec. Area Office

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 54 votes

#1

in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

#278

Overall
  4.8 from 54 votes
5 Star
85%
4 Star
9%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Big South Fork Nationa…

#1

in Tennessee

#278

Overall
42 Views Last Month
10,619 Since Nov 7, 2012
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

There aren't many technical sections on Grand Gap. The ones that you will find travel through spectacular settings.
Dec 21, 2012 near Oneida, TN
There are many opportunities to look out over the Big South Fork River
Dec 21, 2012 near Oneida, TN
Late day sun on the Grand Gap trail.
Dec 21, 2012 near Oneida, TN
Rock houses are common throughout the Grand Gap Loop
Dec 21, 2012 near Oneida, TN
Looking northeast along the Big South Fork River
Dec 21, 2012 near Oneida, TN
Looking out over the gap.
Jul 11, 2019 near Oneida, TN

2 Comments

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Check-Ins

Feb 1, 2024
Prokop Prusek
23mi — 2h 00m
Nov 11, 2023
Blake Maberry
25.2mi — 2h 59m
May 27, 2023
stephaniemarcellino
Mar 18, 2023
Alejandro Diaz
6.7mi — 1h 49m
Aug 16, 2022
Steve Liddle
Fun little ride. Nothing too technical, and no jumps, but lots of fun regardless. Amazing views, interesting rock formations. Very unique ride! 6.9mi — 1h 15m
Mar 3, 2022
Russ Gowan
Dry warm 72F few muddy spots. Leaning trees. Gorgeous views blue green water. Perfection. 6.4mi — 1h 22m
Aug 29, 2021
Tre Wright
Great Trail best experienced counter clockwise. Last 3 miles are really fast and flowy with only a few moderate climbs. — 1h 10m
Jul 16, 2021
Paul Stahlschmidt

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