The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a lot to do when you visit! One of the best things to do is go for a bike ride! Hiking in the Smoky Mountains knows of several great Smoky Mountain bike trails you can give a try. You’ll get to experience everything from mountain vistas to old historic buildings along the way too! Keep reading to learn about where you can ride a bike in the national park.
1. Cades Cove Loop
While this may not be your typical dirt path for mountain biking, this still may be one of the prettiest bicycle rides you ever go on! The Cades Cove loop is 11 miles long. Along it you can see historic structures like cabins and barns. There are trails you can explore on foot around the loop, and beautiful views of the mountains.
You can rent a bike from Cades Cove Trading, click here for more info.
2. Gatlinburg Trail
The Gatlinburg Trail is a great option for Smoky Mountain bike trails! Not only that, but this trail allows pets, and it’s an easy trail to manage. One-way is 1.9 miles from Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Bicyclists will pass over bridges and the Little Pigeon River. There are also several old foundations, homesteads, and chimneys.
3. Oconaluftee River Trail
The Oconaluftee River Trail travels from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Cherokee, NC. One-way it is 1.5 miles long. The trail is relatively flat, but does have a few small hills. This peaceful bike trail runs alongside the Oconaluftee River and offers beautiful river views.
4. Lower Deep Creek Trail
The Deep Creek area is known for its beautiful streams and waterfalls. This is one of the few Smoky Mountain bike trails that allow bicyclists. Bicycles are allowed on the Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails to the points where the old roadbeds end. If you are looking for more of a challenge than the aforementioned trails this is where you need to go! Be sure to bring some snacks along for after your ride because this a great area for picnicking!
Other Places Bicycles are Permitted
Bicycles are permitted in other open areas of the national park as well, including:
– Greenbrier- Greenbrier is a great place for the whole family to ride together! During spring you can see tons of wildflowers in the area. Summer is also a great time to visit because you can bike and swim in the same location! There are multiple picnic areas, and traffic is generally slow.
– Tremont- It is also known as the Institute at Tremont. This is a peaceful area not far from Townsend, TN. There is a lot to explore in the area! There are beautiful woodlands and vistas to see, and you may even spot some wildlife!
– Cataloochee- Cataloochee Valley is where you can see elk! There are historic buildings in the area to explore as well. Cataloochee is a great peaceful mountain valley to for a bike ride in, but aware of the automobile traffic in the area that you share the road with.
While many there aren’t many options for bicyclists, we promise what is available for Smoky Mountain bike trails will not disappoint! You will get to enjoy peaceful rivers, and see historic homesteads in the mountains. Not only that, but some of these areas offer fantastic mountain views to enjoy even! When you are ready to hope of the bike and hike trails we know the best to try! Take a look at the 8 best trails in the Smoky Mountains, and get ready for a great adventure!
