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Ocoee River Pedal/Paddle Escape

Duration
3 nights/3 days
BASE PRICE
Starting at $785
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Recreational
Book Tour
type
Self-guided
DISTANCE
Varies

Overview

Pedal through the Hiwassee and Ocoee River Valleys, and paddle on the Ocoee--with the wooded hills of the Cherokee National Forest as the backdrop--for some of the best experiences and scenery Tennessee has to offer.

You’ll experience the varied scenery of rural East Tennessee as you get a glimpse into the rural character of the region. You’ll roll through beautiful farmland and into a past where life was simpler and time was slower.

Each day you’ll have a choice of activities including bicycle tours of varying distances and levels of difficulty and with a variety of attractions including wineries, Mennonite farm markets, rivers and waterfalls as well as tubing and rafting, hiking, horseback riding or simply relaxing on the farm.

Your home base: Riverside Farm, a paradise setting with two choices of lodging: “The Riverside,” a two-story private cabin located on the bank of the Ocoee, and The Barn Loft, where you will be an invited guest of five beautiful horses and share their barn accommodations (more details under Dates and Prices).

Your hosts, John and Donna, will make sure your visit is a memorable delight. They will also provide emergency support during your rides and, if you don’t want to go the full distance, provide pre-arranged drop-off and pick-up services--all included in the price.

At an additional charge, we can also arrange for an escort cyclist to ride with you and for a support vehicle to accompany you--for a completely relaxed experience.

Highlights

Depending on chosen daily activities

  • A choice of rides or rivers or both each day
  • The varied scenery of rural East Tennessee
  • Visits to historic rural towns
  • Relaxed riding on quiet backroads
  • Scenic Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers
  • Relaxation on the farm amidst cows, pigs, chickens, horses and more
  • Fresh-laid eggs for your breakfast
  • Wine-tastings at outstanding wineries
  • Tubing on the slow and easy Lower Ocoee--and taking out at your lodging
  • Visit to a Mennonite farm market
  • Relaxing and swimming in the in-ground pool
  • Life on the farm with your charming hosts nearby

Difficulty

Level 2 out of 4 (Active)

The region is called "Overhill" for a reason--and you'll be cycling over countless hills. But few are long and fewer are steep. And we can advise you which routes to choose depending on your preferences. With the exception of a few brief areas with packed gravel or dirt (very walkable), the surface is entirely asphalt.

Itinerary

Daily Program

Day 1

Late afternoon or evening arrival at the farm. Your hosts, Donna and John, will orient you to the property and cabin and review your daily options. Get to know the animals, relax on the deck overlooking the Ocoee, cook out, and fall asleep to the sounds of the river and forest.

Awaken to a view of river and forest

Day 2: Pedal/Paddle Day (8-30 miles plus 6 miles paddling or tubing)

Wake up. If the chickens have been productive overnight, Donna will drop off some freshly-laid eggs for you to prepare your breakfast.

Ride 8-30 miles along the western rim of the Cherokee National Forest. On the longer ride, you cross the Hiwassee and have a chance to visit Delano Farm Market (run by the Mennonites), Savannah Oaks Winery and Hiwassee Ocoee State Park. Meet your hosts at the Lower Ocoee River Put-in at Sugarloaf Mountain Park, where they’ll bring your tubes, kayaks, paddles and life vests and pick up your bikes.

Paddle or float gently downstream (about 2 hours) taking out at the farm.
Route map

Relax on the farm.

Friendly cows greet you along the way.

Day 3: Pedal Day

Choose from a variety of rides in the region, from 25-85 miles. No problem if you want to go one way and have your hosts pick you up and return to the farm. Just agree on a pickup time and location. If you need an unscheduled pickup, no worries: Just call your hosts, and they'll come pick you up. It's all included in the tour price. And your Bike the South team can advise you in advance or during your stay as to which rides you might prefer.

Sample Rides

Chatata Valley Loop (32 miles, with shorter options)
Route map
A wonderful loop through gorgeous scenery, beautiful farmland and winding back roads with lunch and a wine tasting at Morris Vineyard--sip local wine and snack on cheese against the backdrop of wooded hills of the Cherokee National Forest.

Two-Vineyard Ride (37 miles)
Route map
You leave the Ocoee behind and make your way gradually to the Hiwassee, with views of Cherokee National Forest to the east. Stop at Savannah Oaks Winery for a wine- and cheese-tasting before heading along the back roads of the Hiwassee River Valley to Morris Vineyard, where the views are as great as the wines (or juice, if you’re so inclined).  

Etowah-Benton Loop (47 miles, with shorter options)
Route map
On this ride, you experience the varied scenery of rural East Tennessee as you ride between two small farm towns. It’s one of our favorites, as it’s both scenic and offers a glimpse into the rural character of our region. You’ll roll through beautiful farmland and into a past where life was simpler and time was slower. There are ample hills--most rewarding you with pastoral views.

Your ride through the Hiwassee River Valley takes you to Delano Community Farm Market, a Mennonite market where you can load up on fresh vegetables, fruit and baked goods, and Savannah Oaks Winery where you can have a wine- and cheese-tasting and lunch.

Day 4: Departure

It's time to say goodbye to paradise. If you have your own car and bikes, you're welcome to pack up and check out and get another ride in.

Dates & Pricing

Dates

May 18, 21; June 1, 22, 28; July 20, 23; August 16, 27; September 3, 10, 24; October 1, 15, 22, 2021)

Daily, upon request, subject to availability, May 1-November 15, 2021

Prices

The Riverside (1 bedroom with king bed, 1 bedroom with double bed, den with sleeper couch, 1 bathroom; full kitchen)

$749 per person, 2 participants

$489 per person, 3-4 participants

$389 per person, 5-6 participants

Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights: add $35 per person per night


The Loft (1 bedroom above stable with queen and single bed, 1 bathroom; refrigerator, microwave, gas grill with gas cooktop burner)

$769 per person, 1 participant

$469 per person, 2 participants

$349 per person, 3-4 participants

$289 per person, 5-6 participants

Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights: add $35 per person per night

Note: Access to the loft is via steep step-ladder, and the bathroom is on the stable level separate from the loft.


Rental bikes

Hybrid touring bike: $225

Electric-assist (e-bike): $325

Additional support

Ride-along bike escort: $225/day per group

Accompanying vehicle/driver: $185/day per group

Note: Shuttles and emergency support are included in the tour price.

Optional

We will provide information for you to book directly, as there are many different options.

Full-day Ocoee rafting: $90.99 per person

Half-day Ocoee rafting/Upper: $45.99 per person

Half-day Ocoee rafting/Middle: $39.99 per person

Hiwassee Loop Rail Tour: $93 (dome car)

Inclusions
  • Overnight lodging (3 nights)
  • Curated bicycle routes with route and sightseeing information and downloadable maps
  • Emergency pick-up in case of mechanical or human breakdown
  • Shuttles to/from ride starts/finishes
  • Drop-off of paddling gear and pickup of bicycles at Lower Ocoee put-in
  • Fishing poles
  • Kayaks and paddles, tubes, life vests
  • On-site hosts to provide suggestions and support
  • Visits to outstanding wineries (some wine tastings are additional)
  • Pool access for cabin clients (Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 PM, April 1st -September 30th)

Optional

  • Full-day guided river rafting on Ocoee River, with lunch
  • Half-day guided river rafting on Ocoee River
  • Ride-along escort cyclist
  • Support vehicle with driver

Meals are not included, but you have use of your kitchen (refrigerator and gas grill and fire pit you but no oven or stovetop). Several restaurants are within 15-20 minutes of the farm. Plus farm-fresh eggs from friendly chickens.

Map
Gallery

Daily Program

Day 1

Late afternoon or evening arrival at the farm. Your hosts, Donna and John, will orient you to the property and cabin and review your daily options. Get to know the animals, relax on the deck overlooking the Ocoee, cook out, and fall asleep to the sounds of the river and forest.

Awaken to a view of river and forest

Day 2: Pedal/Paddle Day (8-30 miles plus 6 miles paddling or tubing)

Wake up. If the chickens have been productive overnight, Donna will drop off some freshly-laid eggs for you to prepare your breakfast.

Ride 8-30 miles along the western rim of the Cherokee National Forest. On the longer ride, you cross the Hiwassee and have a chance to visit Delano Farm Market (run by the Mennonites), Savannah Oaks Winery and Hiwassee Ocoee State Park. Meet your hosts at the Lower Ocoee River Put-in at Sugarloaf Mountain Park, where they’ll bring your tubes, kayaks, paddles and life vests and pick up your bikes.

Paddle or float gently downstream (about 2 hours) taking out at the farm.
Route map

Relax on the farm.

Friendly cows greet you along the way.

Day 3: Pedal Day

Choose from a variety of rides in the region, from 25-85 miles. No problem if you want to go one way and have your hosts pick you up and return to the farm. Just agree on a pickup time and location. If you need an unscheduled pickup, no worries: Just call your hosts, and they'll come pick you up. It's all included in the tour price. And your Bike the South team can advise you in advance or during your stay as to which rides you might prefer.

Sample Rides

Chatata Valley Loop (32 miles, with shorter options)
Route map
A wonderful loop through gorgeous scenery, beautiful farmland and winding back roads with lunch and a wine tasting at Morris Vineyard--sip local wine and snack on cheese against the backdrop of wooded hills of the Cherokee National Forest.

Two-Vineyard Ride (37 miles)
Route map
You leave the Ocoee behind and make your way gradually to the Hiwassee, with views of Cherokee National Forest to the east. Stop at Savannah Oaks Winery for a wine- and cheese-tasting before heading along the back roads of the Hiwassee River Valley to Morris Vineyard, where the views are as great as the wines (or juice, if you’re so inclined).  

Etowah-Benton Loop (47 miles, with shorter options)
Route map
On this ride, you experience the varied scenery of rural East Tennessee as you ride between two small farm towns. It’s one of our favorites, as it’s both scenic and offers a glimpse into the rural character of our region. You’ll roll through beautiful farmland and into a past where life was simpler and time was slower. There are ample hills--most rewarding you with pastoral views.

Your ride through the Hiwassee River Valley takes you to Delano Community Farm Market, a Mennonite market where you can load up on fresh vegetables, fruit and baked goods, and Savannah Oaks Winery where you can have a wine- and cheese-tasting and lunch.

Day 4: Departure

It's time to say goodbye to paradise. If you have your own car and bikes, you're welcome to pack up and check out and get another ride in.

Depending on chosen daily activities

  • A choice of rides or rivers or both each day
  • The varied scenery of rural East Tennessee
  • Visits to historic rural towns
  • Relaxed riding on quiet backroads
  • Scenic Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers
  • Relaxation on the farm amidst cows, pigs, chickens, horses and more
  • Fresh-laid eggs for your breakfast
  • Wine-tastings at outstanding wineries
  • Tubing on the slow and easy Lower Ocoee--and taking out at your lodging
  • Visit to a Mennonite farm market
  • Relaxing and swimming in the in-ground pool
  • Life on the farm with your charming hosts nearby

Level 2 out of 4 (Active)

The region is called "Overhill" for a reason--and you'll be cycling over countless hills. But few are long and fewer are steep. And we can advise you which routes to choose depending on your preferences. With the exception of a few brief areas with packed gravel or dirt (very walkable), the surface is entirely asphalt.

Dates

May 18, 21; June 1, 22, 28; July 20, 23; August 16, 27; September 3, 10, 24; October 1, 15, 22, 2021)

Daily, upon request, subject to availability, May 1-November 15, 2021

Prices

The Riverside (1 bedroom with king bed, 1 bedroom with double bed, den with sleeper couch, 1 bathroom; full kitchen)

$749 per person, 2 participants

$489 per person, 3-4 participants

$389 per person, 5-6 participants

Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights: add $35 per person per night


The Loft (1 bedroom above stable with queen and single bed, 1 bathroom; refrigerator, microwave, gas grill with gas cooktop burner)

$769 per person, 1 participant

$469 per person, 2 participants

$349 per person, 3-4 participants

$289 per person, 5-6 participants

Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights: add $35 per person per night

Note: Access to the loft is via steep step-ladder, and the bathroom is on the stable level separate from the loft.


Rental bikes

Hybrid touring bike: $225

Electric-assist (e-bike): $325

Additional support

Ride-along bike escort: $225/day per group

Accompanying vehicle/driver: $185/day per group

Note: Shuttles and emergency support are included in the tour price.

Optional

We will provide information for you to book directly, as there are many different options.

Full-day Ocoee rafting: $90.99 per person

Half-day Ocoee rafting/Upper: $45.99 per person

Half-day Ocoee rafting/Middle: $39.99 per person

Hiwassee Loop Rail Tour: $93 (dome car)

  • Overnight lodging (3 nights)
  • Curated bicycle routes with route and sightseeing information and downloadable maps
  • Emergency pick-up in case of mechanical or human breakdown
  • Shuttles to/from ride starts/finishes
  • Drop-off of paddling gear and pickup of bicycles at Lower Ocoee put-in
  • Fishing poles
  • Kayaks and paddles, tubes, life vests
  • On-site hosts to provide suggestions and support
  • Visits to outstanding wineries (some wine tastings are additional)
  • Pool access for cabin clients (Mon-Sat, 9 AM-6 PM, April 1st -September 30th)

Optional

  • Full-day guided river rafting on Ocoee River, with lunch
  • Half-day guided river rafting on Ocoee River
  • Ride-along escort cyclist
  • Support vehicle with driver

Meals are not included, but you have use of your kitchen (refrigerator and gas grill and fire pit you but no oven or stovetop). Several restaurants are within 15-20 minutes of the farm. Plus farm-fresh eggs from friendly chickens.

Maps are for reference only and may not be the actual routes used.
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Explore the scenic Hiwassee, Tellico and Ocoee River Valleys from your home base on a farm

Questions? Drop us a line.

CONTACT US