Smoky Mountain Single Track
Fast, flowy single-track in a dense, diverse jungle is what the Tsali trail is all about. Built along the beautifully turquoise Fontana Lake, the trail system lies at the base of the Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina.
The 40 miles of trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians with alternate day use. The left and right loops, which you can ride consecutively, are each about 12 miles and are always open to mountain bikers. Ride during the week for a peaceful experience sans heavy visitor use.
Both the right and left loops have multiple connectors to shorten or lengthen your ride with terrain varying between rolling hills that meander through the lush jungle, creek crossings, natural bridges and short climbs that lead to expansive overlooks of the lake and the peninsula.
At the end of your ride, spray your sweaty, muddy self off at bike cleaning station and use the shower that’s conveniently located at the trailhead. Better yet, go for a cool dip in the lake!
Dry off and head east to Asheville where you will find the endearing downtown area worth the 1.5hr drive. Unique restaurants, art galleries, book stores and the like offer a progressive retrieve in the southern state. Drink a cold cucumber beer, infused with black peppercorn and brewed in a gin barrel at Wicked Weed Brewing. The tasty taproom is located next door to the well-established Orange Peel, hosting some of the greatest music shows in the area. Across the street are a local grocery Co-op and a summer Thursday evening farmers market, both selling delicious local cookies to energize you for your next ride!
The Bent Creek trail system; just outside of Asheville, adjacent to the North Carolina Arboretum, is a popular for good reason. Road biking, running, and hiking are all excellent options for the area. By mid morning the trailheads are packed with friendly and earnestly active folk of all ages. A worthwhile souvenir to take away is the kind southern hospitality, not only is it real, but it really makes your experience sweet and is worth taking with you on future adventures!