The Most Scenic Cycling Routes In Tennessee

Between the rolling hills and the winding roads, there’s no doubt that Tennessee has great places to go cycling. These routes are the ones that provide the most scenic views along the way.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Between Natchez, Mississippi and Nashville, Tennessee is the 444-mile (715 km) Natchez Trace Parkway. The two-lane road, which passes through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, has been declared a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. It is home to nearly 1,500 species of plants, 33 mammal species, 70 species of reptiles and 134 species of birds. Along the route are sites like Emerald Mound and Mount Locust. The parkway is open year round and encourages bikers, hikers and motorists to enjoy the scenic ride at a leisurely pace.

Shelby Farms Greenline

Cades Cove Loop

Winding through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop. The road offers views of mountain peaks and rolling hills, as well as wildflower meadows and a diverse array of wildlife. Many historic buildings in the park are found along the loop, making it easy for cyclists to stop and take a break while exploring log homes, churches and barns from the 1800s. The best times for bikers to ride Cades Cove Loop are from early May through to late September, when only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the Cades Cove Loop until 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Springfield Greenway

Just a half hour north of Nashville is the 4.3-mile Springfield Greenway. The flat, smooth path winds along Sulfur Fork Creek, a lush tree-lined waterway in Springfield. The road is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels and is open year round. Interpretive signs are placed along the greenway that provide the historical backgrounds and significance of recreational and civic facilities in the area.

Cherohala Skyway

Designated a National Scenic Byway, the Cherohala Skyway cost over 100 million dollars to construct. It opened in 1996 and crosses through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, as well as the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. The 40-mile long skyway connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee with Robbinsville, North Carolina. It’s a wide, paved, two-lane road with elevations that range from 900-feet to 5,400-feet above sea level. There are more than 20,000 species of plants and animals along the Cherohala Skyway, with plenty of overlooks to stop and admire the scenery.

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Clarksville Greenway

The Clarksville Greenway can be found on the outskirts of Clarksville. The road meanders along a creek and helps to create a buffer along the Red River. Large trees and nearby streams provide an adequate habitat for the diverse plant and animal species who call the area home. The trail also features panoramic views of nature.

Percy Warner Park Loop

Located in the Belle Meade neighborhood of Nashville, Percy Warner Park Loop is an enjoyable cycling route any time of year. The challenging 11.2-mile loop weaves through Percy Warner Park, offering a quiet forest ride surrounded by trees, where cyclists have the occasional wildlife sighting. The route takes riders past the Steeplechase course at the turning point of the larger loop and has several sections of steep path to climb.

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