Mountain Biking in the Smokies – The Best Places Near Gatlinburg

Biking Opportunities in and Around Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The expansive scenery and winding roads of Great Smoky Mountains National Park—and the surrounding areas like Gatlinburg—create an excellent setting for cycling, if you know where to go. While park trails are off-limits to bicycles, many roads and designated paths offer scenic and accessible biking routes. To avoid traffic-heavy areas, it’s best to seek out lesser-traveled roads, greenways, and local cycling hubs. Below are some top recommendations, including rental shops and popular routes.

Bike Rental and Service Locations

Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center
209 Wears Valley Road, Townsend, TN 37882
Phone: 865-448-3500

Located in Townsend, often called the “Quiet Side” of the Smokies, this center provides bike rentals, tune-ups, and customization services. It's conveniently situated near several scenic routes such as the Townsend Bicycle Trail, Little River Run, and Ellejoy Jaunt. They also offer tubing excursions on the nearby Little River.

Shifting Gears
112 W. Main Street, Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone: 865-908-1999

This full-service bike shop in Sevierville provides both rentals and repair services. Whether you’re looking for a road or mountain bike, they have a range of options along with equipment and expert maintenance.

Cades Cove Campground Store
10035 Campground Drive, Townsend, TN 37882
Phone: 865-448-9034

Located within the park, the store offers seasonal bike rentals for adults and children during summer and fall. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop is one of the best cycling experiences in the park, ideal for wildlife viewing and exploring historic 19th-century homesteads. Each year, from mid-May to mid-September, the loop is closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m., creating a safe and serene cycling environment.

Recommended Cycling Routes

Pigeon Forge Greenway (Riverwalk Greenway)
This scenic path follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, connecting the Pigeon Forge Community Center with Patriot Park. It also provides convenient access to attractions like The Island, making it a great choice for combining cycling with sightseeing.

Gatlinburg Trail
One of the few park trails open to bicycles, the Gatlinburg Trail is a flat, 1.9-mile route connecting downtown Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center. This pet-friendly trail offers riverside views and forested sections, with the option to turn the ride into a round trip or arrange for a pick-up.

Greenbrier Road
Accessible from Highway 321, six miles east of Gatlinburg, Greenbrier Road offers a quiet ride through a scenic valley. The road includes one mile of pavement followed by five miles of gravel, with light vehicle traffic. The area is known for its rich history, spring wildflowers, and serene atmosphere, ending at two rewarding trailheads.

Tremont Road
From Townsend, take the route toward Cades Cove and turn onto the road leading to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The first two miles are paved (Lower Tremont Road), followed by three miles of gravel (Upper Tremont Road). This peaceful stretch showcases riverside and forested views—perfect for a quiet ride in nature.

Foothills Parkway
Open to cyclists and offering panoramic mountain vistas, this 17-mile route sees lighter vehicle traffic than many park roads. While it's a relatively easy ride, the two-lane road lacks dedicated bike lanes, so caution is essential. It's recommended to ride only during daylight hours for maximum visibility and safety.

Tsali Recreation Area (North Carolina)
Located just outside the park, this renowned destination features approximately 40 miles of interconnected trails, making it one of the most celebrated mountain biking locations in the region.

Additional Biking Destinations

Outside of the national park, mountain biking is permitted in various national forests and recreation areas. For more information, contact:

  • Chattahoochee National Forest: 770-297-3000
  • Cherokee National Forest: 423-476-9700
  • Nantahala National Forest: 828-257-4200
  • Pisgah National Forest: 828-257-4200
  • Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area: 423-286-7275
  • Mount Rogers National Recreation Area: 800-628-7207

Important Reminders

While Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits biking on most trails, three exceptions are open to cyclists: the Gatlinburg Trail, the Oconaluftee River Trail, and the lower Deep Creek Trail. All other trails remain off-limits to bikes.

Cyclists should always follow road regulations and ride responsibly. Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders, and Tennessee law requires helmets for children aged 16 and under.

Outdoor Activities