The best traffic-free bike rides in Tennessee

Tennessee offers a wide selection of car-free road cycling routes, with over 450 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy greenways to more challenging rides through diverse landscapes.

Yes, Tennessee has numerous easy and family-friendly options. For instance, the Murfreesboro Greenway offers a gentle 25 km ride through Stones River National Battlefield, providing riverside views and historical sites. Another great choice is the Shelby Bottoms Greenway Loop, an easy 18.5 km route perfect for a relaxed outing.

Tennessee's no-traffic routes offer incredibly diverse scenery. You can cycle through lush forests, along picturesque rivers like the Tennessee River, past rolling farmlands, and even experience dramatic geological formations on the Cumberland Plateau. Many routes provide stunning viewpoints, especially in the eastern mountainous regions.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, routes like the Mississippi River Trail and Meeman-Shelby Forest Loop offer a difficult 124 km ride with significant elevation changes. The Chattanooga area also features routes with substantial climbing for panoramic views, such as the Prentice Cooper State Forest loop.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling experience in Tennessee, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic roads, the variety of landscapes, and the well-maintained greenways that allow for peaceful rides away from vehicle traffic.

Yes, many no-traffic road cycling routes in Tennessee are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Shelby Bottoms Greenway Loop and the Percy Warner Park loop from Manley Lane, which offers a moderate 39 km ride with some elevation.

Spring and Fall are generally considered the best seasons for road biking in Tennessee. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while Fall offers spectacular foliage, especially in the mountainous regions. Summer can be hot and humid, but early mornings or routes with good tree cover are still enjoyable. Winters are typically mild enough for cycling, though some higher elevation routes might be affected by colder weather.

Many routes pass by or lead to notable attractions and viewpoints. For instance, the Murfreesboro Greenway goes through Stones River National Battlefield. In the broader region, you can find stunning natural features like the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cumberland Plateau with its waterfalls, and numerous scenic overlooks. Highlights such as Cliff Top (Mount LeConte) and Myrtle Point offer breathtaking vistas.

Tennessee has embraced the rails-to-trails concept, converting old railway lines into scenic cycling paths. These routes are typically flat, paved, and car-free, making them excellent for leisurely rides. Many greenways, such as those found in Murfreesboro and Nashville, utilize these former rail corridors.

Most dedicated greenways and state park routes offer designated parking areas at trailheads. For routes that utilize quieter rural roads, you can often find parking in nearby small towns or at public access points. It's always recommended to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information before you go.

Tennessee is full of hidden gems for cyclists. Beyond the well-known greenways, many rural county roads offer incredibly peaceful and scenic rides with minimal traffic. Exploring areas like the rolling countryside south of Nashville or the less-traveled sections of the Cumberland Plateau can reveal charming small towns and beautiful landscapes away from the crowds. The Hicks Gap Natural Area from Suck Creek route is an example of a moderate ride through a natural area.