Escape to the Smoky Mountains for some of the most heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping fun you can find on two wheels. From steep and rocky terrain packed with challenging obstacles that require a solid attack position to easier rides where you can settle into the saddle, there’s something for every skill level.
Hug winding curves, navigate tricky berms, climb top ridge lines, and take in scenic mountain views as you pedal your way across the highest elevations in the Southeast on these incredible mountain biking trails.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Technically speaking, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t have mountain biking trails inside the park. (Biking is not allowed on designated hiking trails.) BUT there are plenty of multi-use trails where you can experience the park’s amazing nature up close and personal as you cruise and climb your way down scenic rides. Most of these are perfect for novice mountain bikers too!
Gatlinburg Trail
This family-friendly trail is great practice for beginners (and you can even bring your dog). It’s a popular, well-traveled trail, but if you’re visiting Gatlinburg and looking to get away from the touristy stuff, it’s a nice escape. Running from River Road in Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, it’s 1.9 miles each way. Soak up the peaceful ripples of the Little Pigeon River and take in some of the park’s history as you ride.
Cades Cove Loop
The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the most popular spots in the park where you can spot wildlife, marvel at scenic mountain views, and just enjoy the beauty of nature. But if you’re a seasoned mountain biker looking for a little bit of a challenge, then venture off the main path. Right past Hyatt Lane, you’ll find Rich Mountain Road, a 7-mile gravel road with a steep climb up to Rich Mountain Gap. Or just beyond the Cades Cove Visitor Center, take the gravel Forge Creek Road/Parsons Branch Road spike that will lead you on a steep 5.4-mile climb up to the ridge of Hannah Mountain.
Deep Creek Trail
For breathtaking views and a somewhat beginner-friendly ride, the Deep Creek Trail, located near Bryson City, NC is a round-trip 4.5 miles that traces the edge of the crystal-clear waters of Deep Creek. (FYI, this creek is also a great spot for fly fishing!) There are a couple of steep climbs on the outbound trail that will test a beginner mountain biker, but reaching the top is worth the reward.
Indian Creek Trail
Tack on the less-traveled Indian Creek Trail to your Deep Creek ride for a longer adventure and a tougher workout – plus a beautiful waterfall! You’ll feel the burn on the uphill climb that ranges from gradual to moderate to super steep. But the return trip is all downhill, and you can take in the tranquility of nature as the refreshing Indian Creek ripples alongside the trail. One note for both Deep Creek and Indian Creek: bikes are not allowed beyond where the old roadbed ends and the trail begins.
Big South Fork
Known for its scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, the Big South Fork Recreation Area covers over 125,000 stunning acres. Mountain bikers come from far and near for an incredible backcountry experience on everything from skinny single tracks to exciting hills with breathtaking mountain views. There are plenty of mountain biking trails to choose from, but two must-rides are the Duncan Hollow Loop and the Grand Gap/John Muir Combination.
Duncan Hollow Loop
If variety is what you’re looking for in a mountain biking trail, then Duncan Hollow Loop delivers. This 5.3-mile trail runs between Brandy Creek Visitor Center and ends at its namesake, serving up a hot combo of speedy single track and gravel roads with downhill drops, a stream crossing, and a pedal-pumping climb at the end.
Grand Gap Loop & John Muir Loop Combo
Great for both beginners and intermediate riders, the Grand Gap and John Muir loops are mostly flat and smooth single tracks, and when combined give you a nice long 18-mile ride. With lots of contours and no major climbs, you’ll follow along the rim of Big South Fork River Gorge and be treated to some spectacular scenic views. Plus, the trails hold up well in bad weather. So it’s a good time whether rain or shine!
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest covers over 500,000 acres of dense mountainous terrain in Western North Carolina, making it a mountain biking mecca. In addition to whitewater rapids, waterfalls, and dense forests, you’ll find over 245 miles of trails winding across the rugged wilderness. Most of the best trails are located in the Pisgah Ranger District, and two favorites are the Black Mountain Trail and Squirrel Gap.
Black Mountain Trail
Rated difficult, the 9.8-mile Black Mountain Trail sees an elevation change of 1,900 feet. You’ll start out on a fairly easy section, but don’t get too comfortable because you’ll quickly run into Little Hickory Knob and its 800-foot ascent. With lots of ups and downs and some jaw-dropping views, the two summits of Clawhammer Mountain and Black Mountain make this a favorite for advanced mountain bikers.
Squirrel Gap
Slightly easier than Black Mountain, Squirrel Gap is rated moderate but is still packed with plenty of challenges…and plenty of roots. This trail starts in a grass opening, then turns into a winding side slope trail with plenty of climbs and descents before becoming a narrow, rooty and rocky single track that will test your balance and your stamina.
Tsali Recreation Area
Tsali is a mountain biker’s paradise. Regularly rated as one of the top mountain biking destinations in the Eastern United States, this network is packed with 42 miles of epic trails. Located in Swain County, North Carolina, Tsali also includes a four-loop cross-country style system that delivers everything from hard-packed single track trails to old logging roads and gravel roads – plus extensions for even more options. No wonder it lands in top ten mountain biking lists on a consistent basis. Know before you go: The Tsali trails rotate with horseback riders. So, be sure to make sure you head out on a mountain biking day.
Mouse Branch Loop
Ranked as moderate, this 8.7-mile loop trail is one of the more technical of the four loops at Tsali. The gradual uphills get full sun exposure and will make you sweat, but the views of Lake Fontana when you get to the top are totally worth it. You may even spot wildlife like wild turkey, deer, and grouse along the way. Combine it with the Thompson Loop for an epic ride.
Thompson Loop
This 7.3-mile trail is also ranked as moderate and matches the Mouse Branch Loop in technical challenges with its tight and twisting turns. Take on the single track at warp speed as you traverse rugged wilderness, cross over streams, and navigate your way down old logging roads. With an overall elevation change of about 300 feet, there are a couple of climbs that may sneak up on you. But it’s all worth it in the end.
New Trails in 2022
Berm Park
Added to Canton, NC’s Chestnut Mountain Park in April 2022, this park within a park is championed by Seth Alvo, a YouTuber and creator of Seth’s Bike Hacks fame. Enjoy an exciting 10-acres with a single “peddle up” trail where you can then choose from multiple downward trails of varying skill levels for a thrilling descent.
Nantahala SORBA’s plan for Blackrock and Shut-In
Coming Soon: the highest-elevation mountain bike trail on the East Coast with sweeping mountain views! A new mountain biking concept between the Cherokee Tribal Council and Sylva Board of Commissioners is underway. A total of 912 acres includes the 441.5-acre Blackrock Creek Tact owned by the Town of Sylva and the 471-acre Shut-In Creek Tract owned by the tribe and is spearheaded by Nantahala SORBA. This new plan will add 13.1 miles of new trail to the existing 3.4 miles that currently exist on those properties, connecting to the 9 miles of trail that already exist in Pinnacle Park. Both hikers and bikers can enjoy the multi-use trails. A stacked loop system will include easier loops with wider trails closer to the trailhead and harder loops with narrower trails farther in the backcountry.
