Little River Canyon, Alabama?
 

Input or thought on routes around Little River Canyon, Alabama would be appreciated.

Is it better to do the road along the canyon's western rim heading south or heading north? Does it matter? What about other local road conditions, traffic and other scenery to check out? Things to avoid?

Thinking about a fall foliage ride but unsure about leaf-peeper traffic and midweek might be a better option. Left to myself I'd ride the random route pulled off Ride with GPS below but thought I'd reach out here to get some feedback from anyone who might have cycled the area.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6115424


-Tim-

I have done some of your proposed route about 18 mo or so back, from Mentone, south to the Falls across to the eastern valley road (35/273) and then up 43 past Orbix Glass to 275. We followed the crest road back to the Falls, overlapping your crest route. Doing all of that, about same distance as you propose was a leg killer. The canyon rim road is constant short ups and downs with 10-15% grades for 100-400 yds then down and up again. Constant rollers. My legs gave out about 2-3 miles from the Falls at about 45 miles. I believe it is a bit easier N->S than the way we did it. Roads generally good, traffic low the weekend we were there but haven't done it in leaf peak season. Oddly you only get occasional glimpses of the canyon and even less of the river. Generally very scenic area.

Another route to consider: Stevenson Al, northeast on 75 to 98, 98 through Orme to 156 (beastly climb out of Orme) then 156 into Sewanee and back south on 56 to
Stevenson. 5 mile downhill on 56. Beautiful coves north of Tennessee R in N Alabama.

Thanks.

Really appreciate the advice and info.