This 10 mile out-and-back in Hot Springs is a challenging ride that is well worth the work.

Just 3 miles north of Hot Springs on 25/70 turn off the highway at Tanyard Gap and take a right onto Lookout Mountain Road. Follow this road for approximately .5 miles until you reach a paved clearing where you can park. Unload your mountain bike and begin this route on the gravel road called Neal Barnett Road. Don’t let Strava’s elevation graph fool you! There are plenty of flat areas to recover your legs on your way up to the fire tower!

Follow the winding gravel road up and around Rich Mountain for 3.5 miles until you eventually cross the Appalachian trail and a fork in the road with Rich Mountain signage. Take the left and you’re only about a mile away from the Rich Mountain fire tower and a well-earned break!