Low-Stress Cycling In Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands sits high in the southern Appalachians at roughly 4,100 feet above sea level, and the riding here reflects that elevation from the moment the road tilts upward. The town is surrounded by steep mountain highways leading toward places such as Franklin and Cashiers, but not all of those roads are good choices for cyclists. U.S. 64 and several of the connecting mountain roads are narrow, heavily traveled in tourist season, and packed with blind curves and fast-moving traffic. The climbs are long, the descents are quick, and shoulder space is limited in many sections.

For riders looking for quieter roads and a safer overall experience, the area near the Highlands Biological Station is a better option. Roads such as Lower Lake Road, Horse Cove Road, Bowery Road, and several of the smaller residential connectors provide lower traffic volumes, slower vehicle speeds, and more room to ride without constant pressure from passing cars. The terrain still rolls and climbs, but it is far less stressful away from the narrow, busy highways.

Cycling scenery in Highlands, N.C.

Lower Lake Road is one of the better options for steady riding close to town. The pavement winds through wooded neighborhoods and around small lakes, with short climbs rather than sustained mountain grades. Horse Cove Road is more demanding in sections, though traffic tends to remain manageable compared to the highways leaving Highlands. Riders can link several of these roads together for loops that stay mostly away from the busiest tourist corridors.

If you’re looking for a challenge, roll down to Ravenel Park on Horse Cove Road. After the twisty descent, it’s the return that hurts. Near the park, the road runs flat for a short stretch before the mountain abruptly rises. From there, the climb becomes a dramatic western North Carolina ascent, twisting uphill through a series of tight switchbacks and steep grades that have drawn comparisons to Alpe d'Huez, the legendary Tour de France climb. While Horse Cove Road is much shorter than the climb up the Alpe, the sensation is similar as the road folds back on itself repeatedly while gaining elevation quickly. Riders encounter roughly half a dozen major switchbacks on the upper sections of the climb, and several grades are steep enough to force many cyclists out of the saddle.

Even on the quieter roads, the elevation can affect riders who arrive from lower altitudes. Highlands is not high enough to create true high-altitude conditions, but many cyclists notice heavier breathing and elevated heart rates during climbs, especially in the first day or two. Climbs that might feel manageable closer to sea level can become more draining here, particularly in humid summer weather. Don’t be surprised if your Garmin beeps and messages you when it feels you are acclimated.

There is an off-pavement route beginning near Sunset Park Drive and extending toward Ravenel Park. While technically rideable, this trail is best left to strong and experienced riders. The grades are steep, traction can be inconsistent, and parts of the gravel surface are loose and sketchy, particularly after rain. Riders should expect rough climbing, abrupt pitches, and limited recovery sections.

Cyclists visiting Highlands are usually better served by treating the area as a place for shorter mountain rides rather than long-distance mileage. The scenery is excellent, temperatures stay cooler than many southern destinations in summer, and the back roads are much quieter than the highways surrounding town.