Cotaco Backroads 40

This ride is 40 miles, starting in Cotaco at the intersection of AL-36 and Cotaco-Florette Road, south of the Tennessee River. The first half of the route is rolling with several long grades, nothing steep. The second half is relatively flat. It travels on mostly good pavement thru beautiful quiet farmland, with rest stops at 17 and 27 miles.

The route can easily be shortened to 31 miles by heading north on Cotaco-Florette Road from the second rest stop at mile 27, returning directly to the start at Cotaco.

Legend has it that Cotaco was the name of a Creek Indian chief in the area. The original pronunciation was Cuh-tauk-uh but the locals now pronounce it Co-TAY-co, with all long vowel sounds.

Cue sheet

Route map

Google Earth file:
KmzCotaco40.kmz

BikeRouteToaster

The total elevation gain is 810', starting at 620' with a maximum elevation of 755'.

There's a 63 mile version of this route that adds three mountain climbs, the first 22 miles are the same as this one.

Directions to start:

This ride begins at the Cotaco-Florette Road intersection with AL-36, south of the Tennessee River. Travel South from Huntsville on US-231 (Memorial Parkway) across the Tennessee River. Three miles after the bridge turn Right on AL-36 (flashing yellow light). Travel 8.3 miles to the intersection with Cotaco-Florette Road.

Google Maps driving directions to Cotaco.

Arriving from the east on AL-36 you'll pass the Cotaco fire station on the left before reaching the intersection. Near the Cotaco Grocery store there's parking on both sides of the road, and the Cotaco School is located just to the west.