Destination Cycling- East Tennessee

The 9 Lakes Region is a top cycling destination in the Southeast for road to mountain gravity riders. Pedaling through the region is a great way to explore the countryside and scenic overlooks, not to mention a less expensive way to travel.  For the cycling adventurists, the beauty and terrain of the lake and mountain trails draw riders from around the country.  Every year, new trails are opening providing more places to ride and discover.

No matter your skill or thrill, this is a great time to plan your next biking vacation.  Here are some of the best biking trails in Tennessee:

MTB

•  Baker Creek Preserve Bike Park  22 trails/ EV bikes allowed on designated trails.
•  Big South Fork National River and Recreation IMBA Epic 33.1 miles
•  Concord Park– 8.2 miles
•  Frozen Head State Park– 13 mile loop
•  I.C  King Park– 7 miles
•  Ijams Nature Center and Quarry– 3.5 miles
•  Haws Ridge   30 miles
•  Norris Area Trail System 95 miles
•  Panther Creek State Park 8 miles/ EV bikes allowed on designated trails.
•  Urban Wilderness 35 miles- MTB to natural surface trail
•  Windrock Bike Park– Gravity Downhill- 51 trails, 21 miles

Road (paved)- Watch for traffic conditions

• Blaine to Rutledge 19.6 mile bike lane, one way.
• Cades Cove loop-  11 miles seasonal May through Sept on Wednesdays
• Cherohala Skyway- 43 miles
• Historic Rugby 10 miles out and back
• Maryville- Alcoa Greenway 18 miles
• Melton Lake Greenway 5.7 miles, one way
• Paint Creek Corridor 12 miles, one way
• Townsend Historical Trail– 9 miles
• Will Skelton Greenway– 3.5 miles

Gravel

•  Bald River Loop– 31 miles starts at FR 384 at the ranger station
• Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement– 11 miles Closed during hunt season.
• Chuck Swan WMA- 71 miles- dirt/ gravel, 27.6 mile loop – Closed during hunt season
• Forks of the River– 6.5 miles
• Indian Boundary Loop trail-Cherokee NF- 3.6 miles

At the end of a satisfying day on the trails, dine at one of the many local restaurants and micro-breweries.

Or sign up for a 2024 cycling event here

No matter your skill level,  great trails await you in the 9 Lakes, because “Great Adventures begin in Great Places!”