Tennessee cycling in numbers
38%
Bike ownership
1,000+
Miles of trails
60
State parks
35
Bike friendliness score
Tennessee from a cyclist's perspective
Tennessee is a state rich with cycling opportunities that offer a diverse blend of urban trails, mountain singletrack, and scenic rural rides. For cyclists, it presents a unique mix of challenges and delights, from the rolling hills and winding roads of the Appalachians to the gentle greenways threading through its cities. The state is a canvas of exploration that caters to all levels of riders—from casual weekend cruisers to serious athletes seeking tough climbs or a fast pace.
One of Tennessee’s highlights is the extensive network of public trails accessible by bike, covering more than 1,000 miles across urban corridors and natural landscapes. These trails connect communities, parks, and historical sites, offering serene rides away from traffic alongside active city routes. For example, the Shelby Farms Greenline near Memphis provides a flat, family-friendly trail through a dynamic urban park, while the more rugged terrain of the Cumberland Trail State Park appeals to mountain bikers hungry for adventure.
The biggest cities in Tennessee offer varying degrees of bike-friendliness. Memphis stands out for its progressive efforts to expand bike lanes and create protected paths, enhancing safety and accessibility. Nashville has made strides with its greenway system and dedicated bike lanes but still wrestles with heavy traffic and fragmented infrastructure. Chattanooga is emerging as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with scenic ride options and growing investment in bike-friendly amenities. However, most urban centers face ongoing challenges in fully integrating cycling into transportation planning, reflecting a car-centric legacy.
Cycling culture in Tennessee is supported by numerous events, clubs, and advocacy groups, fostering a strong community spirit among riders. Whether participating in endurance rides through the mountains, urban criteriums, or family-friendly trail events, cyclists find welcoming environments and spirited camaraderie. The state parks further enhance this appeal with trails that invite exploration on two wheels, alongside camping, fishing, and picnicking options.
Tennessee’s cycling infrastructure is a work in progress, balancing rapid expansion with necessary improvements in safety and connectivity. The state’s varied topography and growing trail mileage provide a solid foundation for future growth, but increased funding and unified planning are essential to fully realize its potential as a cycling haven. For visitors and locals alike, Tennessee offers a rewarding experience, made richer by its natural beauty and passionate cycling community.
In summary, Tennessee’s cycling landscape is a compelling blend of the urban and wild, supported by a strong trail network and an evolving infrastructure. While challenges remain, there is clear momentum toward making the state safer and more welcoming for cyclists, promising exciting rides for years to come.
Tennessee Cycling Weather
Tennessee cycling is best in the mild, dry conditions of Spring and Fall due to very hot, humid summers and occasional cold/wet winter conditions.
Sunny days a year
207
Riding season
March - October
207 sunny days a year
Riding season
Tennessee Cycling Destinations
Shelby Farms Greenline
The Shelby Farms Greenline is a premier urban trail in Memphis, offering a mostly flat, paved 10-mile corridor that threads through one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. The trail provides safe, car-free riding ideal for family outings, commuters, and casual cyclists. Its urban setting is dotted with art installations, benches, and access points to neighborhoods, shops, and cafes. The mostly flat profile ensures a comfortable ride suitable for all skill levels. Cyclists often use this trail as a hub for longer rides connecting to Memphis’s broader greenway network. The Greenline is a fantastic example of blending nature, recreation, and urban life, and it is popular year-round due to Memphis’s mild climate. It connects Midtown Memphis to Shelby Farms Park, offering riders a tranquil escape from city traffic. Regular maintenance and dedicated support from local organizations ensure the trail remains clean and accessible for the entire community.
Cumberland Trail State Park
Stretching over 60 miles with rugged terrain in the Cumberland Plateau region, Cumberland Trail State Park offers a true backcountry mountain biking and hiking experience. The park’s singletrack trails encompass rocky paths, forested hills, and sweeping views over deep gorges. Due to its elevation changes and technical features, it attracts intermediate to advanced mountain bikers. The trails are less populated and more remote than urban networks, delivering a wilderness adventure with notable climbs and descents. Riders should be prepared with equipment for more challenging terrain and enjoy the pristine natural setting. This expansive linear park crosses 11 counties in Tennessee, preserving both natural and historical features along the route. The most challenging sections often feature large rock gardens and natural drops, demanding full suspension bikes and careful line choices.
Virginia Creeper Trail
Running about 35 miles from Abingdon, Virginia into Tennessee, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a well-loved rail-trail known for its scenic beauty and historic significance. Mostly flat with gentle grades, the trail flows through forests, farmland, and quaint towns , making it accessible to riders of all ages and abilities. The trail surface is crushed limestone, providing a comfortable ride for hybrid or mountain bikes. Interpretive signs and views of historic trestles and waterfalls enrich the journey. Popular for day trips and multi-day tours, it is a must-visit destination in East Tennessee cycling. The 34 miles of trail feature 47 original wooden trestle bridges, some towering 80 feet above the gorges below. Its gentle 3% downhill grade from Whitetop Station to Abingdon makes the upper half a famous, effortless descent.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway follows a historic route for about 60 miles through Tennessee, ideal for long-distance road cyclists. Smooth pavement, light traffic, and rolling hills characterize this scenic ride that combines natural beauty with a sense of history . Elevation gains are moderate but consistent, offering a challenging workout for experienced cyclists. It is common for riders to segment the route into day trips or tackle it as part of the extended multi-state Natchez Trace experience. Amenities such as picnic areas and overlooks add convenience. The entire Parkway stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, and the section in Tennessee offers numerous historical stops, including the Meriwether Lewis site. Because commercial vehicles are prohibited, cyclists enjoy a uniquely quiet and protected riding environment.
Warner Parks Nashville
Percy and Edwin Warner Parks form one of the largest municipal park systems in the U.S., featuring over 20 miles of paved and unpaved trails for road and mountain biking. The parks are famous for their rolling hills and mix of easy to challenging rides close to Nashville’s urban core . Paved loops include moderate climbs with rewarding views, while the mountain bike singletrack offers technical terrain for skilled riders. Warner Parks are a local favorite for training and recreational riding amid woodlands and meadows. The annual Iroquois Steeplechase event grounds are located here, lending a pastoral, iconic character to the paved riding areas. Mountain bikers appreciate the challenging natural features, including switchbacks and rocky creek crossings on the designated dirt trails.
Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is a sprawling complex of over 50 miles of singletrack, fire roads, and multi-use paths spanning rugged hills and mellow greenways. The area offers extensive mountain biking trails for advanced riders who want technical features and scenic backcountry riding , in addition to easier trails and connections into the city for mixed-ability groups. The Urban Wilderness is one of Tennessee’s most significant investments in recreational cycling infrastructure and is gaining popularity with locals and visitors alike. Its unique feature is the immediate proximity to the downtown area, allowing riders to transition from remote wilderness trails to urban amenities within minutes. Key access points, like Ijams Nature Center, serve as hubs for the trail network and provide facilities for riders.
Tennessee Cycling Events
Cycling is very popular in Tennessee, there’s a cycling event for every type of rider.
Six Gap Century
The Six Gap Century is one of Tennessee’s most challenging and iconic rides, traversing six mountain passes in the North Georgia Mountains near Tennessee’s border. This 104-mile course features over 11,200 feet of elevation gain, including the formidable Hogpen Gap climb, which has a 7% average grade over seven miles. The ride attracts experienced cyclists seeking a strenuous mountain challenge and stunning Appalachian scenery. Held annually, the ride offers a supportive community atmosphere and well-marked routes for participants.
Event website
Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT)
This week-long tour covers approximately 400 miles through various Tennessee towns and landscapes, attracting 1,000+ riders annually. BRAT promotes bike tourism and community engagement, offering various daily routes that range in difficulty but focus on scenic and safe roads. It invites riders of all abilities to experience Tennessee’s diversity and camaraderie, with support stations and entertainment night (BRAG, similar event in Georgia; for Tennessee, Bike Ride Across Tennessee or BRAT info is typically found through local cycling groups).
Event website
Tour de Rocky Top
Held in Townsend, TN, this annual event offers multiple route options ranging from 25 to 100 miles, winding through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Riders enjoy rolling terrain and scenic views combined with a festive atmosphere. It’s a popular summer challenge balancing accessibility with natural beauty.
Event website
Gran Fondo Hincapie
The Gran Fondo Hincapie is a competitive yet inclusive ride known for its demanding climbs and rewarding scenery around Chattanooga. Offering multiple distance options, it tests climbing ability on routes that showcase Tennessee’s mountainous terrain and southern charm. This event is part of the national Gran Fondo series, attracting avid road cyclists seeking a race-like experience.
Event website
Erase the Trace
This charity ride supports cancer research, featuring routes on the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway around Nashville. Offering 10, 30, and 62-mile options, the event combines philanthropy with historic and natural beauty, encouraging participation at all levels.
Event website
Paris Century
This charity ride supports cancer research, featuring routes on the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway around Nashville. Offering 10, 30, and 62-mile options, the event combines philanthropy with historic and natural beauty, encouraging participation at all levels.
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| Policy Coverage |  | Homeowner/Renters Policy |
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| Crash Damage | Yes | No |
| Theft Coverage | Yes | Limited |
| Theft by Force | Yes | No |
| Theft of Accessories | Yes | Limited |
| Theft Away From Home | Yes | Possibly |
| Vehicle Contact | Yes | No |
| Personal Liability | Yes | Possibly |
| Permissive Use Policy | Yes | No |
| Replacement Rental | Yes | No |
| Event Fee Return | Yes | No |
| Cycling Apparel Coverage | Yes | No |
| Medical Payments | Yes | Possibly |
| Racing Coverage | Yes | No |
| E-bikes | Yes | No |
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Tennessee's best bike insurance
No matter where your adventures take you, protect your bicycle and yourself from the unexpected with America's best bike insurance.