Mountain Biking & Touring Adventure

The Great Smoky Mountains offers the most scenic views in the country and have some of the most challenging biking trails east of the Mississippi river. Whether you’re a novice or a hardcore mountain biker, Settlers Mountain Adventure associates can help you plan your adventure to suit your level of expertise and guide you to the best trails in the Smokies.

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Mountain Biking

Voted a top-ten mountain bike trail in the country, the Tsali Recreation Area is located in the Nantahala National Forest park system just minutes from Settlers Mountain. We had guests fly from as far as California along with their bikes just to take the famed ride of Tsali. If you want hardcore Mountain biking fun, then Tsali is for you. Tsali, pronounced (Sah-lee) offers 42 miles of multi-use trails, mostly single track. The four loop system has beautiful views of Lake Fontana, heavy timbered forest, streams that feed the lake and big vistas. Mountain biking and horse back riding is offered but kept separated by alternating use of the trails.

Here's a preview of what you can expect on the Tsali trails:

  • Right Loop
    • Length: 11 miles
    • Highlights: Single track, views of Lake Fontana, creek crossings, shorter 4- and 8- mile loops possible.
  • Left Loop
    • Length: 11.9 miles
    • Highlights:
  • Mouse Branch
    • Length:
    • Highlights:
  • Thompson Loop
    • Length:
    • Highlights:

Tsali Tips

  • It can get crowded during the weekends but even so, Tsali trails are so extensive that even when the parking lot gets full, there are long stretches of time where you won’t see anyone. Check with us to see when events are happening.
  • It can get hot during the summer, bring lots of water.
  • Download a map from our website.
  • Bring all that you will need, such as a tire patch kit, pump, protein bars, etc.
  • Let us know your bike schedule.

 

 

State Park Biking

DuPont State Forest

Located near Brevard is the DuPont state forest with countless loops for you to enjoy. DuPont Forest is located about an hour away from Settlers Mountain. The little river runs through this park and most trails are available for mountain biking. You will see lots of waterfalls and many of the rides have big cap rock formations. If you get lots of rain during your stay you can still ride at DuPont without so much mud.

Some good trails at DuPont are:

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Our settlers mountain associates will provide directions.

 

Bike Touring

There are many places to ride your bikes just minutes away from Settlers Mountain. Some of the best places are right out your door from Settlers Mountain. All you have to do is jump on your bike and go. These lightly traveled roads offer a variety of scenes.

Upper Alarka winds its way through country landscapes with creeks and meadows with a few step grades and some flat farm land in the valley, about 15 miles long.

Lower Alarka being about 13 miles in distance is a nice moderate lightly traveled road offering views of Lake Fontana and the Tuckaseegee River.

Lakeview Drive, also known as the “Road to Nowhere”, that is lightly traveled and wanders its way into the Great Smokey National Park, just north of Bryson, city.

 

Local Biking

Our area has local bike rides almost every day of the week, and special events during some weekends. A Settlers Mountain associate can help you schedule rides with other biking groups and tours. We can recommend a local bike shop located just minutes away that will do, repairs, tune ups, and usually within 24 hours. There are mountain bike rentals available within minutes of Settlers Mountain. Most guests bring their own bikes and even fly with them. Ask your airline for details.