Looking for your next unforgettable ride? Tennessee invites you to experience the state’s beauty, history, and hidden gems from the best seat in the house—your saddle. Whether you’re chasing mountain vistas, rolling along quiet farmland, or coasting into a historic small town, Bike Tennessee has a ride that’s ready to inspire your next adventure.
Curated Routes for Cyclists, By Cyclists
Bike Tennessee, a statewide cycling initiative from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, offers 52 professionally curated road cycling routes spanning 1,739 miles across 53 counties and 14 state parks. These routes were crafted by professional cycling guide Shannon Burke, and each route is designed with safety, scenery, and the rider’s experience in mind, ensuring that every turn of the crank reveals something new and rewarding.
Scenic Roads, Historic Towns, Authentic Experiences
From the rolling foothills of the Smoky Mountains to the wide-open stretches of farmland in West Tennessee, these routes showcase the best of the Volunteer State. Cyclists can explore quiet backroads lined with wildflowers, centuries-old town squares filled with history, and natural landscapes that feel worlds away from the everyday. Along the way, you’ll discover cultural landmarks, charming cafes, and small-town charm you’d never find from behind a car windshield. Each ride is a journey through Tennessee’s heritage and a chance to see the state’s beauty from a new perspective.
Easy-to-Navigate and Rider-Friendly
Every route is mapped and ready to go on the Ride with GPS app, making it simple to follow turn-by-turn directions and stay focused on the ride. Detailed notes outline the terrain, elevation changes, and waypoints so you’ll know what to expect before you clip in. Riders will also find suggestions for extending or shortening their route, along with insider tips on where to grab a snack, refill a water bottle, or stop to take in a view. Paired with handpicked rural roads chosen for low traffic and high enjoyment, Bike Tennessee routes give cyclists confidence and peace of mind to ride at their own pace.
Ride Tennessee’s Highlights
Every Bike Tennessee route has its own story to tell, and together all 52 road cycling routes showcase the diversity of Tennessee’s landscapes and communities. Here’s a sampling of some of the routes you can explore on two wheels:
- Lynchburg Loop – 29 miles / 2,100 ft climbing
Start in historic downtown Lynchburg, home to the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This route winds through rugged terrain with steep climbs and rewarding vistas. At the finish, celebrate with a distillery tour or a hearty Southern meal in one of Lynchburg’s iconic restaurants. - Reelfoot Lake Loop – 40 miles / 600 ft climbing
Ride around Reelfoot Lake, a natural wonder born when the mighty Mississippi River ran backwards during the New Madrid Earthquake of 1811–12. Today, it’s home to the largest wintering bald eagle population in the eastern U.S. Flat, fast, and scenic, this loop is rich in both natural beauty and history. - Fall Creek Falls Loop – 32 miles / 2,500 ft climbing
Experience the wonder of Tennessee’s tallest waterfall inside the state’s most-visited state park. This loop combines dedicated park roads and country backroads, offering riders a mix of rolling hills, forested stretches, and panoramic overlooks. Early mornings or weekday rides are best for enjoying the park’s 30,000-acre wilderness in peace. - Middle Sequatchie Valley Loop – 29 miles / 1,400 ft climbing
East Tennessee’s Sequatchie Valley is a dream for cyclists, and this loop showcases its best features: open valley views, historic sites, and charming stops like the Cookie Car Café in Dunlap. Riders can also connect this loop with the Upper and Lower Sequatchie Valley routes for a multi-day exploration of this cycling paradise. - Foothills Parkway Challenge – 63 miles / 8,100 ft climbing
For riders seeking a true test, the Foothills Parkway Challenge is one of the crown jewels of Bike Tennessee. With long climbs and exhilarating descents, this epic route rewards effort with sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains that rival those of Colorado. A bucket-list ride for serious cyclists, it’s as rewarding as it is demanding.
Together, these highlights showcase the variety and richness of riding across Tennessee—whether you’re chasing culture, history, wildlife, or mountain views, there’s a loop that delivers exactly what you’re after.
Find Your Ride
Cycling in Tennessee is about more than miles—it’s about connection. Connection to the land, to the stories of the people who call it home, and to the joy of discovering places you might otherwise pass by. With 52 handpicked routes designed to bring out the very best of the state, Bike Tennessee offers something for every rider, from weekend explorers to seasoned road warriors.
So stop riding in circles looking for the perfect route. With Bike Tennessee, you’ve already found it.
Start planning your adventure at www.BikeTN.com
