FAMILY BICYCLE
RIDING ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Enjoy the scenic
beauty of the fabulous Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Ride
through thickly forested mountain paths, under lush forest canopies, along
bubbling trout streams, on scenic byways that allow panoramic scenic vistas,
and long range mountain views. Breath the fresh clean mountain air, feel the
cool inviting breezes, listen to the bird songs, enjoy the scenic splendor, and
treat yourself to high quality personal and family time!
Customize your
trip:
Choose from a variety of different trails that range from fun and
easy paved or gravel paths & roads that are family friendly, to the rugged,
challenging and physically demanding mountain bike trails.
SOME OF THE MANY
TRIPS TO CHOOSE FROM:
WESSER CREEK ROAD
TRIP
This trip begins at Nantahala River Gem Mine. Bikers ride from the
Gem Mine to the end of Wesser Creek Road. The trip winds along Wesser Creek
through the scenic Wesser Creek Community. A number of homes are situated along
this public road. Traffic is very light, and bicycling and hiking is common in
this community. The road is paved for about 1 mile, graveled for about 1 mile,
and then goes onto a forested dirt path at the end of the community.
NANTAHALA RIVER
BIKE PATH
This trip requires that the bikes be transported only about 9
miles to the Nantahala River Bike Path. This path winds along the scenic
Nantahala River on a very easy paved woodland path that winds along the flat
plain between the bottom of the tall mountains and the Nantahala River. It
takes you past small tributary streams, past a quiet still pond with cattails
& water plants, past a profusion of vegetation including interesting native
plants, beautiful wildflowers, and tall stately trees in the trailside forest.
You might see deer, squirrel, rabbits, foxes, birds, frogs, turtles & etc.
You may see whitewater rafters on the river. Listen to the sounds of the forest
& enjoy the cool breezes coming off the nearby Nantahala River! This unique
and attractive trail is located on Nantahala National Forest land. It is
restricted to bicycles or foot travel. This is a great trail for families with
children! It is a 2 mile round-trip trail that all bicyclers would want to
experience.
LOWER DEEP CREEK
CAMPGROUND BICYCLE TRAIL
This dirt & gravel road is accessed at the
Deep Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson
City. The trail begins at the Gate and goes approximately 3 miles to the narrow
bridge and back, about 6 miles round trip. This trail winds along Deep Creek
the whole distance. Two waterfalls can be viewed from this bike path. Toms
Branch Falls is located beside the trail about 100 yards up the trail. Indian
Creek Falls are located about ½ mile further on the trail. They are
located about 50 feet off the bike path. The tall lush forest of the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park surrounds the trail and offers bikers an up close
experience. The Park hosts a great multitude of diverse & protected plant
& animal life. This is a great trail for families & children, as well
as others.
TSALI MOUNTAIN
BIKE TRAILS
These trails are located at the Tsali Recreation Area in the
Nantahala National Forest. These nationally acclaimed trails are the most
popular mountain biking trails in the Southeast. There is a parking area with
restroom facilities a short walking distance from the trailheads. The Tsali
Trails are rated as "more difficult" and are CHALLENGING. The 4-loop trail
system offers a variety of landscapes. You can choose 1 foot wide rugged paths
or choose flat, well-beaten roads. The 4 trails are located on a large
peninsula of the Nantahala National Forest stretching into Fontana Lake. The
trails meander through hardwood & pine forests offering a diversity of
plant & animal life. Some trails offer spectacular views of Fontana Lake
& the Great Smoky Mountains National Park located across the
lake.
RIGHT LOOP TRAIL
(11 miles)
Single track, creek crossings, views of Fontana Lake. Riders
may choose shorter 4 or 8 mile loops if the prefer.
LEFT LOOP TRAIL
(11.9 miles)
Single track, creek crossings, views of Fontana Lake &
the Smokies. This is the longest trail.
MOUSE BRANCH LOOP
TRAIL (5.3 miles)
Both single track and old logging roads, Deer, turkey
or grouse are commonly seen. Has old homesites.
THOMPSON LOOP
TRAIL (7.4 miles)
Single track, has overlooks, stream crossings, Old
home sites, & logging roads.
Please note that
there are many trails/roads in the area on which bicycles are permitted. Maps
& directions are available. |
