Looking for good bicycle tour route in SE United States in November
Replies: 1 - Last Post: Oct 12, 2012 3:28 PM Last Post By: chavo
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Looking for good bicycle tour route in SE United States in November
Im looking to do a bike tour in the South or SE of the U.S. in November. I wanted to find a good scenic route that potentially has rail to trails. I would ideally like to end the trip near New Orleans, or take a train there after. So far I've been looking at the Atlantic Coast route that follows the South Carolina coast. I want someplace not too touristy, and somewhere warm so my sister and I can camp. Any suggestions, book recommendations, and/ or websites would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!1
November is a rather iffy month along the Atlantic Coast. That being said, If I were in your shoes, I'd still go for it. One of the main "ifs" is campgrounds being open. I just ran into that same problem in Alaska where many campgrounds close by October. With a little imagination and good sense, that should be no problem for you. Along the east coast there are quite a few mom and pop campgrounds that do stay open 12 months a year. Then too, there are KOAs which are basically for RVs, but also do tents. The "good sense" I mention refers to "living rough" like my wife and I do in Europe occasionally. It's really no different in VA and the Carolinas (and FL, LA etc.) Wait to pitch your tent around dark, preferably in a wooded area and if it seems safe, it probably is. At least you won't have to be concerned with grizzlies! Hurricane season is behind us now, so the weather should be terrific for cruising on two wheels. Not sure where your starting, but from DC, I'd head to the VA coast. Like I said, great weather this time of year and the trees will blow your mind! From Va. Beach, head to the Outer Banks of NC, paradise! Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island. Absolutely awesome! Take the Cedar Island ferry to Morehead City and follow the coast to Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Surf City, Wilmington and on to Charleston and Savannah. Such a soulful and beautiful stretch. Great eating too, espeicially after pedalling 50 or 100 miles. The FL coastline is such a breeze to ride. Not quite as beautiful as the Carolinas, but warmer and still very pretty with lots of campgrounds. Not sure what to suggest about the route around the panhandle of FL. You might head inland toward the Gulf Coast at Jacksonville, but I'd pick Daytona which can be fun and I like New Smyrna too. Cross over to Ocala and then find your way to the Gulf Coast. From there you can follow the coast all the way to the Big Easy, one of the most fun and rockin' cities in the country. Jude Travel Park is my favorite campground and check out rock and bowl at Mid City Lanes. WAY too much fun! Buen viaje!
