Looking to get out into the great outdoors and explore more of The Volunteer State this summer? There’s no better time to hop on a bike and hit the trails, since the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced that as of April, 37 newly curated gravel cycling routes have been added to the state’s Bike Tennessee program.
“The addition of gravel routes brings a new dimension to the Bike TN program, giving cyclists even more ways to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty,” says Chelsea Trott, Communications Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Cyclists can take in mountain views, winding river valleys and rolling farmland across the state in a whole new way. These new routes add up to 1,000 miles to the already established routes that make up the Bike Tennessee network. With this new addition, it will now boast a total of 89 different cycling routes spanning a variety of terrains. Tennessee now features more than 1,800 combined miles of cycling experiences in addition to existing road routes, creating new opportunities to experience and discover the state’s rural communities, charming small towns and local businesses along the way,” says Trott.
Since its initial launch in 2024, the Bike Tennessee program has continued to expand and bring more adventure to tourists as well as residents who want to experience everything from mountain landscapes with elevation gain to rural communities across the state where cyclists can explore the beauty of these areas on two wheels.
Cyclists can use the “Ride with GPS” app to locate the Bike Tennessee trails around the state. This app was created with the help of Shannon Burke, who is one of the professional route developers and cycling guides behind the Tennessee Gravel website. On this app, cyclists can see everything from route details and elevation information to hidden gems and terrain information, in order to pick the perfect ride for their skillset and
preferences.
For more information and a map of all of the trails, visit Bike.TNVacation.com or follow the Bike Tennessee accounts on Facebook (Bike Tennessee) or Instagram
(@bike.tennessee).
Explore these trails around the Middle Tennessee area
Leipers Fork Challenge
44 miles / 3000 feet of climbing
This trail through Leipers Fork is a beautiful challenge. Riding through ridge roads lined with trees and wide-open spaces, it takes cyclists through 13 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway, while also featuring some steep climbs with almost 20% grades.
Erin Loop
36 miles / 2500 feet of climbing
The Erin Loop features a ride through pastures, woods, and open fields. The climbs of this ride reach the upper teens, making it a challenge while also getting to explore some of the prettiest Tennessee countryside.
Bell Buckle Loop
43 miles / 1700 feet of climbing
The Bell Buckle Loop is the perfect ride to experience the idyllic countryside that Middle
Tennessee has to offer. The quaint small town of Bell Buckle is where cyclists can stop for a bite to eat in a cafe, browse antiques, or get some ice cream.
Cheatham Wildlife Gravel Grinder
17 miles / 900 feet of climbing
Explore the Cheatham Wildlife Management Area on this smooth, gravel out-and-back trail. Enjoy a peaceful tree-lined ride without having to worry about traffic. It’s even close to the Harpeth River if you want to float or take a dip to add to your adventure.