A grassroots race-and-ride weekend built around Cherokee National Forest routes and a Hiwassee Outfitters base camp.
Reputation: A small, climbing-heavy Southern Blue Ridge gravel weekend.
[01]
Course Overview
Eight thousand feet of climbing through Cherokee National Forest in 70 miles.
70 mi
Distance
8,100 ft
Elevation
Reliance, Tennessee
Location
April 24 (70-mile race; event weekend April 23-25), 2027
Date
~100
Field Size
$75-$105
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Gravel CyclistRelentless Southern Blue Ridge climbing on a 60% gravel loop, with chunky forest roads, fast pavement, and a steep final mountain descent.
Signature challenge: Arriving at Starr Mountain with enough climbing strength and handling precision to manage its steep, rutted descent after 55 miles.
15
MILE
McFarland
The opening river section and Powerhouse climbing feed into the first stocked aid station at the top of McFarland.
27
MILE
Buck Bald
A five-mile climb reaches the Buck Bald checkpoint before the punchy Fingerboard section.
55
MILE
Starr Mountain
The final major climb reaches the last stocked aid station, then turns into a steep and rutted descent before two smaller finishing climbs.
RIDERS REPORT
Bridge area
Dangerous section where crashes can occur, resulting in serious injuries including concussions and shoulder damage.
7% grade climb
Sustained climb with riders going 7 miles per hour on this challenging grade.
Tar surfaces can be slick if there's moisture on them, requiring caution on descents.
[04]
From the Field
Well, we just had one of our team members crash. Probably got a mild concussion. He just crashed on this bridge I'm about to video going across. We're here at the famous Reliance Tennessee Web Brothers store. It's kind of a staple up here. It's only store up here.
American Cycling Network · 15 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Reliance Tennessee Gravel? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
April 24, 2027 RELIANCE TENNESSEE GRAVEL
RIDERS REPORT
Continental tubeless tires in 28mm width are being used by riders.
[08]
Train for Reliance Tennessee Gravel
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
8
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
6
Technical
6
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Chattanooga (CHA); verify ground-transfer time before booking
Lodging
Reserve a campsite at Hiwassee Outfitters with registration or stay in a larger nearby town; Reliance itself has limited inventory.
Food
Post-ride lunch is included Saturday and Sunday; breakfast and dinner are sold on site during listed windows.
Packet Pickup
Friday 3:00-8:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 6:00-8:00 a.m. at Hiwassee Outfitters
Parking
Free at Hiwassee Outfitters; the adjacent boat ramp is not event parking
[10]
Tire Picks
42mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
IRC Boken Double Cross
Underrated mixed-terrain tire. Fast center with confident shoulder grip.
3
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M
Mixed-terrain specialist. Balanced grip and speed for variable conditions.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 42mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Reliance Tennessee Gravel?
The race runs in late April in the Southern Blue Ridge. Weather is a preparation variable because wet conditions can change the forest surfaces, but the official event materials do not frame climate as the course's defining obstacle.[4]
How are the logistics for Reliance Tennessee Gravel?
The Hiwassee Outfitters base keeps parking, packet pickup, camping, and every race start together. Reliance remains a remote, low-inventory destination, though, and the free camping area is limited enough that riders should reserve a primary campsite or arrange lodging early.[4]
How adventurous is Reliance Tennessee Gravel?
A remote base camp, an unmarked route, Cherokee National Forest roads, and a full three-day ride-and-race schedule create a complete adventure weekend. The stocked aid stations and sweep vehicles keep it below a self-supported expedition grade.[8]
How prestigious is Reliance Tennessee Gravel?
The 250-rider cap and regional organizer footprint make Reliance a recognized local and Southeast event rather than a national calendar anchor. Its appeal is the course and community, not series points or elite status.[4]
Should I race Reliance Tennessee Gravel?
Yes if you want a hard, technical climbing day and can navigate an unmarked course. Skip it if you need easy travel, frequent town access, or a national-caliber field.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Careylowerycareylowery.blogspot.com/2025/04/reliance-deep-woods-grav...
- Other Sources Gumbi1gumbi1.wordpress.com/2024/06/01/reliance-gravel/
- Other Sources Tennesseegravelwww.tennesseegravel.com/past-results
- Official Official 2027 event pagewww.tennesseegravel.com/reliance
- Official Official 2027 schedule, pricing, and supportwww.tennesseegravel.com/reliance-details
- Other Sources Tennesseegravelwww.tennesseegravel.com/reliance-results-2025
- Official Official 2027 race routeswww.tennesseegravel.com/reliance-routes
- Other Sources Tennesseegravelwww.tennesseegravel.com/ride-reports