Tennessee’s Best Bike Trails

Tennessee is home to some of nature’s most spectacular wonders. From its rolling hills and waterfalls to its wildlife and rivers, there’s so much to explore. And what better way to see it all than on a bike ride?  Whether you’re a beginner cyclist or have been at it for years, Tennessee is home to some of the best trails — each one offering beautiful views. With so many paths to choose from, we’ve rounded up 100-miles-worth of the most scenic bike trails in Tennessee.

The Best 100 Miles of Bike Trails in Tennessee

Bells Bend Park

4187 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37218 • (615) 862-4187 Hours: Daily, dawn until dusk Length: 5.5 miles Difficulty: Beginner/intermediate Bells Bend Park is located in western Davidson County in Nashville, TN. With two loops, the trails are fit for cyclists of all levels — including children and families. One route offers a slow, relaxed ride for beginners, while the other has twists and turns for the more advanced riders. The terrain includes small rock formations, some exposed tree roots, open fields and rolling hills. Metro Parks also offers free seasonal bike rentals at the Bells Bend Outdoor Center.

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The Boulevard at Percy Warner Park

1300 Forrest Park Dr., Nashville, TN 37205 • (615) 862-8555 Hours: Daily, dawn to 11 p.m. Length:1 mile Difficulty: Easy Percy Warner Park is a well-known public park in Nashville, TN, and for good reason. Its Boulevard bike trail is one of six bike paths at the park, connecting the Clubhouse Trailhead to the Music City Bikeway. With smooth pavement and a lack of obstacles, this route is particularly family-friendly. Cyclists can also access Metro Nashville’s Greenway System from this trail.

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Cades Cove Loop

Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882 • (865) 436-7318 Hours: Daily, dawn until dusk Length: 11 miles Difficulty: Moderate What better way to take in views of the Great Smoky Mountains than while on a scenic bike ride? Cades Cove Loop in Townsend, TN, offers views of the area’s surrounding greenery. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as well, as the area is known for its white-tailed deer, turkeys, raccoons and more. Although the trail also serves as a road, it is closed to vehicles every Wednesday and Saturday until 10 a.m. through September 27, 2020. Bikes are also available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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Cane Ridge Mountain Bike Trail

419 Battle Road, Antioch, TN 37013 • (615) 862-8408 Hours: Daily, dawn to 11 p.m. Length:6.5 miles Difficulty: Beginner/intermediate Mountain biking through Cane Ridge is a one-of-a-kind experience. Opened in 2012, the trail was a collaboration between Metro Parks and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association. Avid mountain bikers were directly involved with the design and building processes, making the trail fit for riders of all experience levels. The dirt trails run through beautiful woods, making it a picturesque ride for beginners, while frequent twists and turns allow advanced cyclists to test their skills. RELATED: 4 Amazing Chattanooga Hiking Trails to Explore

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Clarksville Greenway

1101 Pollard Road, Clarksville, TN 37042 • (931) 645-7476 Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Length: 9 miles Difficulty: Easy

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As part of Clarksville’s Rails to Trails initiative, the Clarksville Greenway was once a series of abandoned railroad tracks. Today, the greenway is made up of six paved trails: the Red River Trail, the Pollard Road Trail, Mary’s Oak Trail, the West Boyscout Road Trail, the Riverwalk and the Upland Trail. Depending on where you start your trek, paths range from 0.3 to 5.1 miles in length. Located along the banks of the Red River and West Fork Creek, each route offers unique views of the surrounding greenery. The greenway has also received statewide recognition for its environmental stewardship, and it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors. Rental bikes are available through BCycle.

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Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail

177 Chapmansboro Rd., Ashland City, TN 37015 • (615) 792-2655 Hours: Daily, dawn until dusk Length: 6.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Another member of the Rails to Trails initiative, the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail has options for every type of cyclist. Street bikes are welcome on the paved trails at the Marks Creek and Sycamore Creek segments, while the trail’s Eagle Pass section is compacted gravel and more suitable for mountain bikes. The surrounding terrain features streams, waterfalls, misty wetlands and beautiful bluffs. The trail stretches along the famous Cumberland River for almost seven miles with benches and picnic tables available every quarter mile.

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Enterprise South Nature Park

190 Still Hollow Loop, Chattanooga, TN 37416 • (423) 209-5350 Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Length: 16.3 miles Difficulty: Beginner/intermediate/advanced Enterprise South Nature Park consists of four bike trails: Log Rhythm (a 2.8-mile intermediate loop), the TNT trail (a 4.4-mile intermediate loop), Black Forest (a 3.6-mile beginner loop) and the Atlas trail (a 5.5-mile advanced loop). There is also a 0.3 mile Hercules loop perfect for children. Each trail is surrounded by trees and vegetation, providing cyclists with shade throughout their ride.

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Kingsport Greenbelt

Netherland Inn Road, Kingsport, TN 37664 • (423) 229-9457 Hours: Daily, dawn until dusk Length: 8 miles Difficulty: Moderate The Kingsport Greenbelt mountain bike trail is a paved path running alongside Reedy Creek and the South Holston River. A perfect trail for the family, the pathway has access points to surrounding restaurants, shopping and downtown Kingsport, TN. There are also historical landmarks at either end of the trail. The Exchange Place is located at the East entrance and was once a self-supporting plantation, relay station and post office. The Greenbelt ends at the site of the Battle of Kingsport.

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Shelby Bottoms Greenway

1900 Davidson Street, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 862-8539 Hours: Daily, dawn until dusk Length: 6 miles Difficulty: Easy Shelby Bottoms Greenway gives cyclists the best of both worlds, offering breathtaking views of downtown Nashville as well as unique wildlife sightings. The trail is perfect for beginners, as it is paved and primarily flat. Cyclists can explore the surrounding East Nashville neighborhood and eateries, or head to the Shelby Street Bridge on the Cumberland River to see spectacular views of the downtown skyline. Bicycles are also available to rent at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center.

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RELATED:  The Tennessee Wildflower Hikes To Take in Spring, Summer & Early Fall

Shelby Farms Greenline

6903 Great View Drive N., Memphis, TN 38134 • (901) 222-7275 Hours: Daily, dawn until dusk Length: 10.65 miles Difficulty: Easy Shelby Farms Greenline sits on an old railroad line, running from the Midtown neighborhood in Memphis, TN, to Cordova, TN. Perfect for an all-day family outing, the paved trail is flat, and surrounding greenery offers shade for the majority of the route. And with access points to some of Memphis’ most eclectic neighborhoods, this is also a great way to explore the city. Bikes are available to rent from the Hyde Lake and Greenline wheel houses.

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Shutes Branch Trail

Shutes Branch Road, Old Hickory, TN 37138 • (615) 822-4846 Hours: Open 24 hours Length: 8 miles Difficulty: Moderate Located just outside of Nashville, TN, the Shutes Branch Trail sits on an old U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground. The old campsites and surrounding roads provide various connectors throughout the trail, so cyclists can hop on and off the trail if they do not have time to ride the full seven miles. The first two miles of the bike trail are perfect for beginners, as they are primarily relaxed and flat. The next six miles feature more rocky terrain and hills, which test the skills of more advanced cyclists.

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Tennessee Riverpark

4301 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37406 • (423) 493-9239 Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Length: 13 miles Difficulty: Easy If you’re looking for another all-day excursion, we recommend taking a ride along the Tennessee Riverpark (also known as the Chattanooga Riverwalk). Although it seems daunting, as the trail stretches for 13 miles along the banks of the Tennessee River, there are marks placed at every half-mile to help you keep track of your progress. Its paved pathways, equipped with water fountains, lights and 24-hour security, make this trail perfect for the whole family. And if you need a break, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and attractions providing a perfect rest stop. Cyclists can also rent bikes from the nearby sharing station.

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Enjoy your rides, wherever they take you!

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