The Carolinas Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

30s & 40s Adults 30-49

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

5 days

4 nights

Activity Levels 2-5

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels*

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

The Carolinas Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

30s & 40s Adults 30-49

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

5 days

4 nights

Activity Levels 2-5

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Premiere Hotels*

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2025: Sep-Oct2026: May-Jun, Sep-Oct

Outdoorsy Greenville to Artsy Asheville & the Blue Ridge Mountains

This trip is all about natural splendor, Southern Appalachian culture and some of the most glorious riding on the Eastern Seaboard. Through a cyclist's paradise from Greenville to Asheville. From George Hincapie’s bike-centric hotel to George Vanderbilt’s historic and opulent estate, experience one of our most pedal-perfect offerings yet.

... Read more

Highlights

  • Marvel at sweeping vistas and stunning colors in the storied Blue Ridge Mountains and the rolling hills of the Piedmont region
  • Tap your feet at a performance of bluegrass—music born and nourished in North Carolina's mountains
  • Bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway, famous among cycling enthusiasts for its picturesque views and thrilling elevations
  • Delight your taste buds with the regional specialties of the Carolinas, including farm-to-table cuisine and a plethora of craft brews
  • Read More
North Carolina and South Carolina Bike Tour map

South Carolina & North Carolina

StartGreenville

EndAsheville

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

Group of guests in biking gear, waterfall behind them.

Days 1-2

Description

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail, one of Greenville’s famed Rails-to-Trails pathways, along the Reedy RiverSet out on a peaceful ride through the Greenville Watershed Area and visit the historic Victorian mountain town of SaludaRelax at our Mediterranean-style hotel and fuel up with a wonderful farm-to-table dinner at the stylish Restaurant 17Embark upon Hincapie’s Gran Fondo route or choose a leisurely spin past the North Saluda Reservoir.

Accommodations

Nights 1-2

Hotel Domestique
Travelers Rest
Premiere Hotel

Set amid the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, this stylish boutique hotel is the brainchild of 17-time Tour de France competitor George Hincapie and his brother Rich. (pool)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Shot of waterfall flowing into rocky stream.

Day 3

Description

Cycle north at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in South CarolinaTackle the ascent of Caesars Head—spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains await at the summitRide a gradual descent across the state line into North CarolinaIf you enjoy rolling terrain, you’ll love pedaling through the afternoon stretch of Southern Appalachia and classic Carolina farmland • Listen to bluegrass music over a barbecue dinner.

Accommodations
Pilot Cove

(1 night)

Night 3

Pilot Cove
Pisgah Forest
*Deluxe Hotel

Bordering Pisgah National Forest, the modern cabins at Pilot Cove are designed to blend into their verdant setting and have easy access to area trails.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Guests biking in front of the Biltmore Estate.

Days 4-5

Description

Head out on a peaceful ride through Pisgah National Forest, home to Sliding Rock and the Cradle of Forestry heritage siteWonder at the numerous white-water rivers and waterfalls, including Looking Glass Falls, with its spectacular 60-foot cascade • Cycle down an exhilarating portion of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, the longest stretch of protected parkway in America and known as "America's most scenic drive"Bike through tunnels and past scenic overlooksExplore George Vanderbilt’s magnificent Loire Valley-inspired château and gardens, set within the 8,000-acre Biltmore EstateEnjoy a leisurely spin through the Biltmore Forest before we savor a farewell lunch.

Accommodations

Night 4

Inn on Biltmore Estate
Asheville
Premiere Hotel

Savor turn-of-the-century elegance and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at this gracious inn, nestled on Biltmore’s majestic estate. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

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What's Included

See more

From $3,899 /person

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Hotels

World-Class Hotels

Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Nights 1-2

Hotel Domestique
Travelers Rest

Premiere Hotel

Set amid the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, this stylish boutique hotel is the brainchild of 17-time Tour de France competitor George Hincapie and his brother Rich. (pool)

Night 3

Pilot Cove
Pisgah Forest

*Deluxe Hotel

Bordering Pisgah National Forest, the modern cabins at Pilot Cove are designed to blend into their verdant setting and have easy access to area trails.

Night 4

Inn on Biltmore Estate
Asheville

Premiere Hotel

Savor turn-of-the-century elegance and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at this gracious inn, nestled on Biltmore’s majestic estate. (pool, spa)

From $3,899 /person

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Bikes

Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Bike with drop handlebars and a "New" label on the top left
Backroads Next Generation Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Ideal for avid cyclists
  • Redesigned for 2024
  • Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
  • Responsive, efficient and comfortable
  • Drop handlebars only
Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Suited for a wide range of cyclists
  • Comfortable ergonomic seat
  • Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
  • Upright handlebars only
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

  • One of the lightest e-bikes available
  • Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
  • Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
  • Upright handlebars only
  • Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours;  learn more

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike
  • $400 rental fee
  • Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
  • Custom upgraded wheelset
  • Best for riders with some tandem experience.

From $3,899 /person

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Reviewed by 22 customers

A WOW trip!

Submitted September 2024

By john

From Fort Mitchell, KY

Great hardworking leaders. Great, albeit hilly roads. So happy we chose ebikes. Even rides in the rain were delightful! Hotels were outstanding! Meals unique and delicious!

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With George Hincapie at "Domestique"
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BBQ, Moonshine & Blue Grass
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"Riding in the Rain"

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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My First Backroads - Loved It!

Submitted May 2024

By Levi

From Norwalk, CT

Beautiful views, great accommodations, awesome leaders and the best travel companions.

User submitted media
Pisgah National Forest

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Our trip was a beautiful bike ride thru the mountains.

Submitted October 2022

By mitchell

From Beverly Hills, Mi

We had a great time with our new friends in our group of 20. The 3 leaders were fantastic, funny, great to be around and spent a good amount of time going over our daily routes. The use of the E bikes made our mountainous rides much more enjoyable. The wahoo navigational devices are much better than trying to read the paper directions. We loved the accommodations and the variety of our meals. We cannot wait to head out on another backroads trips in the future.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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What an amazing way to kick off my retirement!

Submitted September 2022

By kelly

From Western New York

This trip far exceeded my expectations. I was nervous about my fitness level before the trip began (even with an ebike), but the leaders and other guests were so incredibly welcoming and encouraging; I enjoyed every minute. What a wonderful experience - one I can't wait to repeat!

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Hotel Domestique
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Barbeque at Pilots Cove
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Courtyard dinner at Hotel Domestique
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Waterfall on the grounds at the Biltmore
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Bluegrass
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Waterfall leaving Pilot's Cove
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Biltmore bike path
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Biltmore Estates bike and walking path
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The Inn at the Biltmore

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Challenging and exhilarating!

Submitted September 2021

By Pam

From Sycamore IL

Seeing the Carolinas from the seat of a bicycle was a challenge (almost 12,000 cumulative ft ascended) and exhilarating (the Pisgah Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Forest). Breathtaking views every step of the way! The leaders were fabulous and made the trip interesting and even more fun.

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Biltmore house
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Blue Ridge Parkway
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Pisgah Forest
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Sunflowers at Biltmore
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Biltmore forest

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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So Much More that a Bike Trip

Submitted July 2021

By Katie B.

From St. Charles

We had a wonderful trip at the end of June through the Carolinas. Not only was the biking fun and challenging, but we learned about honeybees, bonsai trees, the history of Blue Grass music and toured the Biltmore hearing about the history of the Vanderbilt family. The food and hotels were excellent and our guides David and Kai were the best. We enjoyed our small crazy group and can't wait for our next Backroads trip. Thank you, Back Roads.

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Blue Ridge Parkway
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Sunrise at Pilot Cove, Pisgah Forest
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Sunrise at the Biltmore
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Private Blue Grass Concert

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Amazing Trip through the Carolinas!

Submitted June 2021

By Brian R

From Bellaire, Texas

Blew away our expectations for a United States Backroads trip! Proof positive one need not travel abroad to have a wonderful, memorable vacation! The Carolinas with its gorgeous scenery, fabulous routes and outstanding, professional guides truly was amazing. Special shout out to our Rock Star guides Kai and Angela. Delicious plentiful food, quality gear and amazing accommodations. Oh, the private Bluegrass band performance on night 3 was a pleasant surprise! Highly recommend adding the Carolinas Bike Tour to your Backroads "To Do" list.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Fabulous trip!

Submitted June 2021

By beth

From Cary, NC

This was an amazing experience. The guides were phenomenal; the lodging spectacular; the food terrific; the bikes excellent; the route guidance outstanding; and the trip itself, fabulous. Amazing scenery (waterfall, blue ridge mountains, gorgeous forests, beautiful parks)! I am not a skilled or experienced bicyclist -- but with eBikes, I worked as hard or as little as U wanted to. The other travelers were interesting, smart and easy-going -- great traveling companions. We are already working on our next trip with Backroads!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Carolinas best scenic areas

Submitted June 2021

By terry

From New York

Our bike routes were from moderate to challenging through some of the most scenic areas of the Carolinas. The e-bike made the challenging rides so much more enjoyable. Our leaders were fantastic and we had a wonderful group to share the week with us. The dining & accommodations were top rated. Our family will remember this trip for years to come.

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Biltmore Estate
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Bluegrass & BBQ at Pilot Cove
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Pisgah National Park, NC

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Great Biking Trip!

Submitted June 2021

By Emily

From Salt Lake City

Great Biking! Each day had awesome bike routes with amazing scenery (and some serious climbing for those interested). Top that off with great accommodations and food - Perfection. All you have to do is show up and be ready to have a great time. Couldn't be easier.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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From $3,899 /person

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Dates & Prices

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

Unplugged dates are perfect for guests who want to ride an acoustic bike.
E-bikes are available to travel companions by request only.

Your guest & room selections

1 adult

1 room, 1 bed

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Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Download & Share

Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Learn more

From $3,899 /person

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