Appalachian mountain bike tour? Great Divide prep.

[greenbubba]

Im looking to get my feet wet doing some mt bike touring in preparation for a great divide trip without flying out west.  Looking for recommendations in the Appalachian mountains - NC-VA-TN area or as close as possible.  Living in Raleigh. Even an overnight.  Ideas?

[jsieber]

Not sure if you have checked out bikeovernights.org, but there are a few overnights listed in those states. Hope that helps!

[Pat Lamb]

Have you ridden Tsali?

[greenbubba]

Thanks! Looks like 2 strong leads.

[craigt]

This may be a little farther than you wanted to travel, the Trans North Georgia Mountain Bike Adventure would mirror many aspects of the Tour Divide.  It runs about 350 miles and combines pavement, graded Forest Service roads, and Pinhoti Trail single track. For a shorter challenge, I've put together a 120 mile route that encircles the Cohutta and Big Frog Wilderness Areas in North Georgia and Tennessee.  The route also combines pavement, graded FS roads, and single track.  You could stage out of Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Get-away, or Chatsworth, GA and ride a circular route. 

[markusl]

This has some ideas for you

http://www.virginiaenduranceseries.com/?m=1