This route goes through two traffic signals before it winds through part of Virginia Tech over to Hethwood (west of Tech). The ride utilizes several different bike lanes plus fairly quiet roads over a flat terrain through the Tech farm area and past the Smithfield Plantation slave house. This variation joins the Huckleberry Trail going south.
Starting Point: Main entrance to University Mall in Blacksburg.
Distance: 6.5 miles.
Terrain: Fairly flat for the area with only a few short minor climbs.
| Mile | Directions |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | From University Mall front doors go east (right) onto University City Blvd. |
| 0.3 | Cross Prices Fork at signal and go straight onto bike path which turns left. |
| 0.5 | Follow bike path which curves right just before coming to West Campus Drive. |
| 0.7 | Leave bike path turning right onto Duck Pond Drive. |
| 1.1 | At end of duck pond, take second right onto Smithfield Road. |
| 1.4 | Turn right to Tech’s farm where sign points to Smithfield Plantation on left. |
| 1.5 | Get on bike lane on right side of gravel road. |
| 1.8 | Pass through tunnel under US 460. |
| 2.0 | Left at T intersection on Plantation Rd. Join the Huckleberry Trail and follow it north to Pandapas Pond. |
| 6.5 | Connect to Pandapas Pond trail system. |