Destination Cycling- East Tennessee
The 9 Lakes Region is a top cycling destination in the Southeast — offering everything from road miles to mountain-bike gravity descents. Pedaling through the region is a great way to explore rolling countryside and scenic overlooks, and it can be a more affordable way to travel. For the cycling adventurists among us, the beauty and terrain of the lake- and mountain-trail system draw riders from across the country. What’s more, every year new trails open, providing even more places to ride and discover.
Whether you’re chasing speed on pavement, carving singletrack in the woods, or tackling new gravel loops — no matter your skill or thrill level — 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 2026 cycling event here
No matter your skill level, great trails await you in the 9 Lakes, because “Great Adventures begin in Great Places!”
