The trail is busiest on the weekends. If you can go during the week, there will be far less traffic on the trail. Despite the ease of the trail (3 miles of downhill, the rest flat), the dirt trail has ruts and rocks. The amount of traffic on the trail can be important if you are taking less experienced bikers along. Toward the end of September, temperatures begin to drop on Whitetop. Pack earmuffs, gloves, and a fleece vest for layering to allow for comfort as temperatures will be much cooler at that higher elevation. I biked this trail at the end of September three years ago and was very glad that I had taken my friend's advice about the earmuffs, etc.

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to do the 17 mile ride ...