The best cycling routes in Tennessee

Embark on the Tremont Logging History Auto Tour, a moderate touring cycling route that takes you through the quieter side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This scenic ride covers 3.1 miles (5.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 587 feet (179 metres), making it a pleasant journey you can complete in about 39 minutes. As you pedal, the Middle Prong of the Little River will be your constant companion, guiding you past numerous waterfalls and cascades that are particularly striking during the autumn months.

Your adventure begins at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, where you can find a small visitor center and bookstore. While the initial section is paved, be prepared for a well-maintained gravel road for the majority of the route. Considering the gravel terrain is important for your bike choice and overall planning, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

This route offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of logging in the Tremont area, providing a glimpse into the past of this beautiful region. The tour concludes at the Middle Prong Trailhead, which serves as a gateway to further exploration; from here, you can choose to hike to additional natural features like Lower Lynn Camp Falls, extending your day in the park.

Embark on the Newfound Gap Road Drive, a challenging touring cycling route spanning 32.1 miles (51.7 km) through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will experience a significant elevation gain of 3957 feet (1206 metres) over an estimated 3 hours and 53 minutes, making this a demanding ride for experienced cyclists. As you climb, you will pass through varied forest ecosystems, from hardwood trees at lower elevations to evergreen spruce-fir forests higher up, offering expansive views of peaks like Mount LeConte from overlooks such as Carlos C. Campbell.

When planning your visit, be aware that the Newfound Gap Road can experience heavy automobile traffic, especially during peak seasons, and there is often no wide shoulder for cyclists. To enjoy a potentially less crowded experience, consider riding in the early mornings, evenings, or during off-peak seasons like weekdays in November. This timing can help you better appreciate the continuous ascent and the exhilarating descent without as much vehicle interference.

This route offers a unique opportunity to cycle through a temperate rainforest environment within the national park, showcasing its diverse natural beauty. The continuous climb from Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap provides a thorough exploration of the park's changing landscapes and ecosystems. It is a notable regional challenge for those seeking a substantial cycling adventure with rewarding mountain vistas.

The Music City Bikeway offers a unique touring cycling experience, seamlessly blending Nashville's vibrant urban core with its tranquil natural greenways. You'll pedal past the diverse ecosystems of Shelby Bottoms, where bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands create a peaceful escape, before transitioning to scenic city views and stretches along the Cumberland River. This moderate 29.7-mile (47.9 km) route, with 845 feet (258 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 53 minutes, making it a rewarding ride for most cyclists.

Planning your ride is straightforward, though a few tips can enhance your experience. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for touring cycling in Nashville. To enjoy a less crowded path, especially in popular sections, consider riding on weekdays or starting early in the morning. While mostly paved, the route does include some shared city roads with traffic and can have inconsistent signage, so having a map or GPS is a good idea.

What makes the Music City Bikeway truly special is its role in connecting several of Nashville's greenways, forming an extensive network that showcases the city's varied landscapes. It provides a continuous journey that moves from bustling cityscapes to serene natural areas, offering a perspective on Nashville you won't get anywhere else. This integration allows you to explore different facets of the region's beauty and urban charm all in one go.

This easy touring cycling route, connecting UT/Downtown to the West Hills and Cedar Bluff Areas, offers a delightful journey through Knoxville's greenway system. You'll glide along predominantly paved paths, winding through serene wooded environments and alongside natural water courses, particularly on the Third Creek Greenway. The Sequoyah Greenway section provides picturesque views of rolling hills and historic homes, making for a varied and engaging ride that feels far removed from city bustle at times.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as this route is accessible year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery. The greenway system provides excellent connectivity, linking downtown Knoxville with the West Hills and Cedar Bluff areas, making it a convenient option for both recreation and local travel. While mostly on dedicated paths, be prepared for a few sections where you might share the road or sidewalk with traffic.

This 13.1-mile (21.1 km) route, with a gentle 461 feet (140 metres) of elevation gain, is considered easy and typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. It's a prime example of Knoxville's extensive greenway network, offering a popular and family-friendly cycling experience. Along the way, you can spot local wildlife and pass by points of interest like the historic James White Fort, adding a touch of history to your outdoor adventure.

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway, a route that stretches for 9.4 miles (15.2 km). You will experience varied and engaging scenery as the trail meanders alongside the wooded Chickamauga Creek, offering peaceful views of the waterway. The journey involves a gentle elevation gain of 319 feet (97 metres) and typically takes about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete, making it a relaxing outing for cyclists of all levels. As you pedal, keep an eye out for the impressive rock silo of Sterchi Farm, a notable landmark along the way.

Before you head out, be aware that approximately 1.5 miles of the greenway, specifically the section between the Camp Jordan Access point and the Brainerd Road trailhead, is closed for infrastructure work until the summer of 2027. This closure means you cannot currently complete a direct route from Camp Jordan to the Tennessee River. The trail features diverse surfaces, including smooth asphalt, concrete, and boardwalks, but some sections do have gravel and rough pavement, which can become slippery when wet. Plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the open sections of the route.

The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway offers a unique blend of natural and historical elements. You will cycle through a mix of landscapes, from towering oak-hickory forests and marshy areas to rolling farmland, providing a dynamic backdrop for your ride. This trail stands out for its accessibility and the opportunity to connect with both nature and local history, making it a popular choice for a leisurely touring bicycle adventure in the region.

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride through Nashville, combining urban views with natural riverfront scenery. This 13.6-mile (21.9 km) loop takes you along the Cumberland River Greenway, offering picturesque glimpses of the city skyline and the river itself. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 289 feet (88 metres), making it a comfortable journey that typically takes around 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. The route guides you past the iconic John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge before reaching Centennial Park, home to the impressive Parthenon replica.

When planning your visit, remember that this route is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for many cyclists. While much of the greenway is well-maintained, be aware that some older sections might have limited access to water and restrooms. It is also worth noting that some past reports have mentioned the possibility of sand on the path in certain industrial areas, so exercise a bit of caution there. Consider starting your ride in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially fewer crowds.

The Downtown Nashville and Centennial Park loop offers a unique blend of city exploration and peaceful green space. It stands out as a great way to see Nashville's urban core and its natural surroundings without venturing far from the city center. This route provides a refreshing escape, allowing you to enjoy lush greenery and prominent landmarks, all while staying within the vibrant atmosphere of Nashville. It's an excellent option if you are looking for a relaxed ride with diverse scenery.

Enjoy continuous waterfront views as you tour along the Tennessee Riverwalk, an easy touring cycling route. This 8.7-mile (14.1 km) path offers a pleasant ride, gaining 336 feet (103 metres) in elevation over approximately 53 minutes. You will cycle through varied scenery, from peaceful wooded sections and marshlands to more urban settings. Keep an eye out for the Bluff View Sculpture Garden and the iconic Walnut Street pedestrian bridge, which connects to Coolidge Park, adding to the charm of your ride.

The Tennessee Riverwalk is well-maintained and offers many conveniences for your trip. You will find restrooms, picnic tables, and benches available along the route. For easy access, you can find free parking at several points along Amnicola Highway. The trail is designed to be accessible, making it a great option for family-friendly cycling.

This route provides a true taste of Chattanooga's outdoor charm, blending natural beauty with urban attractions. The path's connection to the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge and Coolidge Park makes it a central part of the city's recreational offerings. It's a notable feature for anyone looking to experience the local environment and community spirit on two wheels.

The South Knoxville loop offers a diverse touring cycling experience, weaving through dense forests and along the Tennessee River. You'll encounter a mix of dirt singletrack, gravel, and pavement, with views of wildflowers and a prominent 200-foot bluff overlooking the University of Tennessee. Keep an eye out for the historic Gay Street Bridge and the Ijams Nature Playscape at Grayson Subaru Preserve, which add character to this urban wilderness adventure.

This moderate 17.5-mile (28.2 km) route involves 901 feet (275 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete. It's best suited for cyclists with some experience who are comfortable with varied terrain, including short, steep climbs and occasional rocky sections. Spring and fall are generally the most enjoyable seasons for this ride, offering comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Part of Knoxville's extensive Urban Wilderness, this loop acts as a key connector, linking various trail systems across 1,000 acres of preserved land. It's a testament to the city's commitment to outdoor recreation, providing a readily accessible escape just a few miles from downtown. The trail is well-maintained by local groups and offers a chance to spot local wildlife, making it a rewarding option for those seeking a blend of nature and history.

The Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, weaving through mature hardwood forests, past dramatic 30-foot tall rock outcroppings, and alongside a brilliantly blue quarry lake. You will encounter a mixed bag of terrain, predominantly dirt singletrack, interspersed with gravel and paved sections, including a scenic stretch along the Tennessee River. This route provides a true urban wilderness feel, showcasing wildflowers, bamboo thickets, and even rolling farmland, all within easy reach of the city.

This moderate 11.6-mile (18.7 km) loop, with 593 feet (181 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. It is crucial to note that while rated moderate, the trail's significant dirt singletrack and technical sections make it best suited for touring cyclists with robust gravel or hybrid bikes. Traditional road touring bikes with narrower tires may find the conditions challenging. The trail is well-signed, and fall offers particularly vibrant foliage.

What makes the Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop truly stand out is its unique position as a comprehensive connector within a 1,000-acre urban wilderness, just two miles from downtown Knoxville. It links multiple parks and natural areas, allowing you to experience diverse natural environments before easily accessing city amenities. This blend of accessibility and varied landscapes has garnered national attention, making it a significant recreational asset for the region.