Barkley Challenge Loop

Morgan County, Tennessee, United States

20.1 miles (32.4 km) · 6,503 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Barkley Challenge Loop is a 20.1-mile loop route in Morgan County, Tennessee, United States, gaining 6,473 feet of elevation. The route follows a up-and-over elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 6 distinct sections including 3 significant climbs. The longest climb covers 2.8 miles gaining 1,824 feet at an average 11.4% grade. Only 29% of the terrain is runnable — expect substantial hiking throughout. The route opens with a climb and finishes with a descent.

Route facts

Distance	20.1 mi (32.4 km)
Elevation gain	6,503 ft (1,982 m)
Average gain	323 ft per mile (61 m per km)
Longest climb	2.8 mi, 653 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	27%
Runnable	29% of the route
Climbs / descents	3 climbs, 3 descents
Profile shape	Up, then down
Difficulty score	14.5 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	7%
Mild uphill	12%
Moderate uphill	8%
Steep uphill	30%
Mild downhill	8%
Moderate downhill	2%
Steep downhill	33%

Questions about Barkley Challenge Loop

How much elevation gain does Barkley Challenge Loop have?

Barkley Challenge Loop has 6,503 ft (1,982 m) of elevation gain over 20.1 miles (32.4 km). That averages 323 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Barkley Challenge Loop?

The difficulty score for Barkley Challenge Loop is 14.5 of 100. That is harder than 82.4% of routes at a similar distance. About 29% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Barkley Challenge Loop?

The longest climb on Barkley Challenge Loop runs 2.8 miles (4.5 km) and gains 653 ft (199 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 27%.