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.
The bike trail at Bells Bend Park provides breathtaking views of the Cumberland River. Image: Rex Hammock via Flickr CC
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.
The Boulevard is one of six bike trails at Percy Warner Park. Image: Idintify Media via Flickr CC
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.
Explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while biking the Cades Cove Loop. Image: SmokyMountains.com via Flickr CC
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
A collaboration between Metro Parks and the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, Cane Ridge is a favorite among mountain bikers. So pick up your bike, and get to riding! Image: Instagram / @trailyeah
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
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.
With six individual bike paths, it’s no wonder the Clarksville Greenway is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Image: Facebook
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.
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and take in stunning views while biking the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail. Image: Brent Moore via Flickr CC
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.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through the woods or you’re up for a challenge, Enterprise South Nature Park offers bike trails at all difficulty levels. Image: Richard Nix via Flickr CC
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.
The Kingsport Greenway includes access to surrounding restaurants, shopping and downtown Kingsport, TN. Image: David Cate
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.
Whether you’re a fan of cityscapes or wildlife, Shelby Bottoms Greenway offers views of both. Image: Tyler Neu via Flickr CC
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.
Explore the city of Memphis, TN, as you bike the Shelby Farms Greenline. Image: Rebecca Dailey of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
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.
The forest backdrop at Shutes Branch Trail provides cyclists with beautiful views during their ride. Image: Facebook
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.
Explore the city of Chattanooga, TN, and take in views of the Tennessee River as you bike along the Tennessee Riverpark. Image: Shannon McGee via Flickr CC
Enjoy your rides, wherever they take you!
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