Gravel Routes in Damascus, Virginia

Damascus to Elizabethton

Gravel route from Mountain View Dr to E Mill St, Elizabethton, Carter County, Tennessee

Holston Hustle

Gravel route on S Beaver Dam Ave, Damascus, Washington County, Virginia

Beartree Spree

Gravel route on Beartree Gap Rd, Damascus, Washington County, Virginia

"Most often visited for its lake, Beartree Recreation Area is an under-appreciated basecamp for cycling. A number of trails can be connected out Beartree’s backdoor, most notably the Iron Mountain Trail which runs for 40 miles along the spine of the Iron Mountain range. The Iron Mountain Trail was once the corridor for the Appalachian Trail, which was rerouted in the ‘70s to its present day route. Old A.T. shelters can still be found along the Iron Mountain Trail. Park your car where the Beartree Gap Trail crosses the entrance road to the park. There should be a small pull off large enough for a couple of vehicles on the right. From there, follow the main road out the backside of the recreation area to Straight Branch Trail. This non-technical trail begins as doubletrack before narrowing to singletrack. It’s usually in great shape, but be on the lookout for recently downed branches that could rip off your derailleur. It’s only 1.5 miles of trail before you hit pavement. This section cruises if the wind is in your favor. Keep an eye out for your lefthand turn onto Flat Top Road – it’s a rough forest service road, so there isn’t much in the way of signage. The next three miles are steep, chunky, and loose. You’ll climb about 900ft on grades that, at times, can be as punchy as 16%. It’s a challenging bit but it’s quiet. You’re unlikely to see anyone else out in these tucked-away pockets of the national recreation area. The quality of the gravel improves once you hit Hurricane Road. Then, you’re back on pavement. Bomb down Whitetop Road until you come to Mill Creek Road, one of the northernmost boundaries of the recreation area. Pavement turns back to gravel as you climb, and climb you will – 1,100ft in 3.5 miles. Climbing aside, the going is slow no matter what direction you ride this bit. FS 615 is loose and sandy with baby head rocks and the occasional downed tree littering the track. Pick your lines carefully and enjoy the solitude. Once you’ve crested the climb, it’s a ripping gravel descent back down to Jeb Stuart Highway. Hang a left on Route 58 and head back to your car at Beartree. You’re on Route 58 for just a half-mile before turning off, but be mindful of the Creeper Trail shuttle traffic that crowds the road during tourist season (Memorial Day through October)."

Chestnut Mountain Road

Gravel route from Green Cove Rd to County Rd 726, Damascus, Washington County, Virginia

Elk Creek Parkway to Rebel Circle

Gravel route from US-21 to Rebel Cir, Damascus, Washington County, Virginia

Grassy Ridge Road

Gravel route from Steele Rd to Chestnut Mountain Rd, Damascus, Washington County, Virginia

Damascus Route

Gravel route from Rebel Cir to Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, Sugar Grove, Smyth County, Virginia

Gravel and Shroomss

Gravel route on S Beaver Dam Ave, Damascus, Washington County, Virginia

"not much asphalt on this route"

Government Rd

Gravel route from Co Rd 757 to Co Rd 757, Damascus, Washington County, Virginia