7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Tennessee
When most people visit Tennessee, they stop at the big cities such as Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga. While these are amazing places to explore, if you're a cyclist, you might be looking for a quieter destination, as riding through a busy city road is seldom fun. Thankfully, Tennessee has many smaller towns with serene landscapes and a charming atmosphere perfect for spending a day cycling. From the Greenways in Oak Ridge to stunning vistas of the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, the state's small towns offer a more intimate experience to enjoy the scenery in Tennessee. This article explores Tennessee's seven most bike-friendly towns, so get ready to hop on your bike and explore one.
Jonesborough
Located near Knoxville, Jonesborough is a town rich in history with many biking opportunities. The town has a few parks with many biking trails. A popular one for bikers is Persimmon Ridge Park, located on Persimmon Ridge Road. The park has over 130 acres of biking and hiking trails, making it the perfect place to explore with your bike. Jonesborough is also near the Cherokee National Forest, an area with plenty of hiking and biking trails.
The Lost State Scenic Walkway is a great trail to bike or walk in town. The trail starts downtown and goes 4 miles (6 km), giving a scenic view of the town. Riding through town, you are bound to notice the historic buildings as Jonesborough is Tennessee's oldest town, founded in 1779. Some historic buildings you can see downtown include the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum and the Jonesborough Washington County History Museum.
Townsend
One of the best towns in Tennessee to ride your bike is Townsend. The mountain town has a strong community of bikers pushing adjustments to the roads over the years to make biking more comfortable. Many places are accessible by bike, and the sidewalks are larger for bikers and those walking. One of the most scenic routes is the local paved loop called Cade's Cove. The 11-mile (18 km) loop closes to motor vehicles every Wednesday from early May until late September, making it an excellent spot for riding amidst mountains. Other biker trails in town include Ellejoy Jaunt, Little River Run, and Townsend Bicycle Trail.
Some of the top attractions in town are the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and the Little River Railroad and Lumber Museum. Throughout the year, the town also has many festivals, including the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival in May and Old Timers Day in September. These are perfect times to visit Townsend, enjoy the laidback atmosphere, and ride through the celebrations.
Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle is a town just as cute and quirky as its name. The town is quite small, which makes it perfect for biking around. There are many charming shops around the town, and anyone who loves antiques will want to stop by the local antique shops. A couple of great ones include Hilltop Antiques and Livery Stable Antiques. Reaching these spots is easy as traveling across town on your bike won’t take more than ten minutes. Along with stores, bikers can enjoy hillside views biking around town thanks to its location in Bedford County. Bell Buckle also has a biking loop for 43 miles (69 km) on the road. The loop takes bikers through farmland and tree-lined hills, making for a picturesque ride.
After a day of biking around Bell Buckle and exploring, you can rest at The Bell Buckle Cafe. This quaint cafe combines the comfort of southern food with live bluegrass music, making it the perfect place to experience the town's culture.
Dandridge
Dandridge is one of Tennessee's oldest towns, named after George Washington's wife, Martha Dandridge. Like Bell Buckle, this town is small, making it easy to travel on a bike. To this end, visitors can ride through the streets while enjoying views of the 18th-century architecture in the historic district. The Historic Downtown area is on the Main street and accessible for pedestrians and bikers. Some iconic places to stop for history enthusiasts include the Revolutionary War Graveyard, the 1820 Shepard Inn, and the Jefferson County Courthouse. To find more historic sites, stop at the 1820 Hickman Coach House, now the town's Visitor Center. They offer maps of the best spots to stop at, as well as great information on your next biking route. To explore the outdoors in town, visit the Dandridge Partnership Trail. While this isn't a biking trail, it is a great trail to hike and take a break from your bike.
Sevierville
Sevierville is the perfect town to enjoy views of the Great Smoky Mountains from your bike. The town has many mountain biking trails and paved trails to explore. The Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum Trail is a great example that cuts through the forest. As it lies in a verdant arboretum, visitors can learn about the 30+ labeled tree species while they pedal around. Moreover, with views of the East and West Bank of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, there are few better activities for outdoor lovers. To bike on a paved path in town, check out the Middle Creek Greenway. This 2-mile (3 km) trail crosses Railroad Street and continues onto Eastgate Road, showcasing tons of local stores and landmarks. Similarly, the 2-mile (3 km) West Prong Greenway is another fan favorite, boasting incredible viewpoints of Mount LeConte.
Beyond bike trails, there are other attractions to explore in town. Country fans will be delighted to know that Sevierville was the hometown of country star Dolly Parton. Her statue is even on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn. Another gem to check out in Sevierville is the Forbidden Caverns, home to one of the world's largest known walls of rare cave onyx. Guided tours are available to see this natural wonder and experience its underground charm.
Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge is a town in Tennessee that prioritized biking with its ample greenways. There are 13 Greenways in Oak Ridge with around 85 miles of walking, running, and biking trails. The Greenways make biking through town accessible and easy. For a peaceful ride by the water, visit Oak Ridge's scenic Melton Lake Park. The park has 173 miles of shoreline and a 5.6-mile (9 km) waterfront greenway for biking. Take a break from biking and go for a swim, or pack a picnic and enjoy the waterfront views.
Today, Oak Ridge is an excellent destination for biking and enjoying the small-town charm. However, Oak Ridge wasn't always on the map. It was one of three secret cities the United States government had and was home to the Manhattan Project’s Clinton Engineer Works in the 1900s. Visitors can learn more about the town’s past at sites like the K-25 History Center.
Leipers Fork
Leipers Fork is a picturesque Tennessee community that offers cyclists an ideal combination of scenic beauty and cultural charm. The Natchez Trace Parkway Loop is an extension of the iconic 444-mile scenic route, connecting Nashville with Natchez and taking cyclists through the pastoral Fernvale community and the historic village of Leiper's Fork. This ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the area's rich history and natural beauty.
While riding through Leiper's Fork, make sure to stop at one of the local art galleries like the Copper Fox Gallery and Leiper's Creek Gallery, where you can admire the work of talented local artists. Afterward, you can relax and enjoy a meal at the Country Boy Restaurant, a cozy Southern diner known for its comfort food and rustic ambiance.
Final Thoughts
Each of these seven towns offers something unique for cyclists. Whether you're exploring the historic charm of Dandridge, taking in the mountain vistas of Sevierville, or enjoying the artistic ambiance of Leipers Fork, Tennessee’s bike-friendly towns cater to all types of cyclists. From small-town eateries and antique shops to scenic bike loops and peaceful retreats, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable cycling adventure. All you need to do now is figure out how to get your bike to all these wonderful destinations.
