After several miles along the Cumberland Plateau the road descends via Crow Mountain; there are several switchbacks but nothing steep.
The valley below is nice farmland, 15 miles of low traffic and lots of variety, though sometimes rough with potholes. There are not many dogs on this route but after turning left onto AL-55 there are a few houses with several dogs that chase (noted on the cue sheet and map).
The route then takes a small detour into Stevenson for a lunch stop, recommended since the road between Stevenson and Sewanee has few stores, sometimes none open. On weekdays there's a country restaurant located in old town Stevenson, the Choo-Choo Restaurant. If the Choo Choo is closed there are some fast food restaurants located three miles off route, near Highway 72 and Bank Street. A convenience store is located about a half mile southeast of downtown on AL-117.
After lunch the route heads north on the quiet and well-paved AL-117 up a beautiful valley, traveling into Tennessee.
US-41 between Sewanee and Monteagle has some traffic and poor shoulders, so the route parallels the road along a bike path and back roads before venturing back onto the main road. It's only a few miles to Monteagle from there, the road widens to four lanes near town.
There are several restaurants within walking distance in Monteagle, for cyclists the Italian food at Papa Ron's Pizza and Coffee House works well, it's located a short walk east from the American Eagle Inn. After Monteagle the traffic on US-41 drops, and soon after Tracy City traffic it's very light. Though early in the ride (if you stayed overnight in Monteagle), Foster Falls is a worthwhile stop, a short walk to see a spectacular fall far below, with a picnic area and restrooms.
The descent down into Jasper is easy, five miles with a 4.4% average grade. Jasper is probably the last chance for a restaurant stop before Chattanooga, with several choices including Rafael's Italian Restaurant on US-72. The road travels through quiet farm country, crossing the valley and turning north to the climb up Suck Creek Road, a long four mile climb with a 6% average grade. The descent into Chattanooga is gradual, around 5% average grade for almost six miles.
After the descent the road follows the Tennessee River for several miles, then turns onto Signal Mountain road (away from the mountain) where city traffic picks up, though four lanes for the most part. A couple of turns, including a short tunnel, past the art galleries and coffee shops on the north side of the river, then across the Walnut Street walking bridge and into downtown Chattanooga.
The descent down into Jasper is easy, five miles with a 4.4% average grade. Jasper is probably the last chance for a restaurant stop before Chattanooga, with several choices including Rafael's Italian Restaurant on US-72. The road travels through quiet farm country, crossing the valley and turning north to the climb up Suck Creek Road, a long four mile climb with a 6% average grade. The descent into Chattanooga is gradual, around 5% average grade for almost six miles.
After the descent the road follows the Tennessee River for several miles, then turns onto Signal Mountain road (away from the mountain) where city traffic picks up, though four lanes for the most part. A couple of turns, including a short tunnel, past the art galleries and coffee shops on the north side of the river, then across the Walnut Street walking bridge and into downtown Chattanooga.
The Cove Park ballfields near Hampton Cove:
If traveling over Monte Sano on Highway 431 (east on Governors Drive): go 4.8 miles after passing Monte Sano Boulevard and turn Left at Old 431/Sutton Road. Travel 1.6 miles and turn right onto Old 431. The ballfields are on the right.
If traveling over Cecil Ashburn Drive: continue straight on Sutton Road for 0.7 miles and go straight across Highway 431. From the intersection go 1.6 miles and turn right onto Old 431. The ballfields are on the right.
