Mountain Bike Outfitters, Bicycle Shops
and Bike Rentals in the NC and GA Mountains
These web site links are listed as a convenience to our visitors. We take no responsibility and give no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of these third-party sites.
 

NC Smokey Mountains Bike Trails and Maps

Swain County NC near Bryson City, Robbinsville,
NOC Nantahala Outdoor Center, Nantahala River Gorge

Tsali Recreation Area Mountain Bike Trails



The popular Tsali Recreation Area has long been a top destination for mountain biking in Western North Carolina, and even the entire eastern US. Containing 42 miles of trails in a system with four excellent loops, it has been rated as one of the top 10 places to ride in the USA. Tsali is located on a hilly peninsula reaching into beautiful Fontana Lake, at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The four long main trails at Tsali wind along the lake shore and onto the wooded, steep interior ridges. There are several connector trails, gravel roads and extension trails that give a few more options for rides besides the main loops. Three designated overlooks along the trails provide sweeping views of Fontana Lake with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the other side. The trails are fast, hard packed single track, and they're extremely well designed and well used. Trails alternate use between mountain bikers and horseback riders on different days; two will always be open to mountain biking. There is a $2.00 trail use fee for one day.

Open to mountain bikers Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Right Loop - 11 miles
Left Loop - 11.9 miles

Open to mountain bikers Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Thompson Loop - 7.7 miles
Mouse Branch Loop - 9 miles

Forest Service management alternates trail days between mountain biking and horseback riding to minimize risk for all visitors.

Flint Ridge Trail at NOC
This relatively new trail at NOC was designed specifically for mountain bikers. It features technical riding as well as some rolling single-track. From the Bike Shop, the ride is about 4.5 miles, with a loop at the end. You'll also enjoy some incredible views of the Nantahala Gorge. Since this trail is completely on NOC property, it is open year round and not accessible to horses.

Clay County NC near Hayesville NC, Hiawassee GA

Jack Rabbit Mountain Bike / Hiking Trails

Off Jack Rabbit Road in Clay County, NC, on the NC/GA border.
Located on very scenic peninsula off recreational Lake Chatuge with adjacent campground. . Close to 15 miles of machine constructed singletrack trails have been completed and are based on a stacked-loop design. The 3.1 mile Central Loop is the "core" trail that all other optional trails are connected. Combination of fast/flowing to tight/twisting; some technical features include 75 foot rock crossing, elevated ladder bridge on advanced trail, to small rock crossings, whoopty-do's and dirt jumps on intermediate loops. Many of the trails border Lake Chatuge, while others meander through the woods or ridge-top. These trails were specifically designed to appeal to all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Great for families as well.

Directions: Going south on 175 pass the high bridge and go about 2 miles, turn right on Jack Rabbit Road. Go another mile, pass the Philadelphia Baptist Church, turn left onto gravel after church (there is a Jack Rabbit Hiking Trail sign, but its past the turn). Park right there and ride in. Map
Jack Rabbit Mountain Bike / Hiking Trails Map (from SABA site)
Trail condition at Jack Rabbit  Photos

NC Smokey Mountains Bike Shops
Call them for Mountain Bike Rental Information

Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 Highway 19 W
Bryson City, NC
28713-9165
800.232.7238

The NOC Bike Shop has an excellent selection of rental bikes, from entry-level to high-end. All rentals include a helmet and a bike rack, so you can travel with the bike to the trails. All rental bikes are sized per customer.

Motion Makers Bicycle Shop
552 W. Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-6925

Smoky Mountain Bicycles
3580 Georgia Road (441/23)
Franklin, NC 28734
828-369-2881
828-369-2022 FAX

Western North Carolina Mountain Biking Information, Trails, Maps

For NC Mountain, Cherokee, Clay, Swain and Macon County NC
area and event information contact:

 Andrews NC Chamber of Commerce
Bryson City Chamber of Commerce
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
Clay County Chamber of Commerce
Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce

North GA Blue Ridge Mountain Bike Trails and Maps

In Clay County NC, just over the border from
Towns County GA - Lake Chatuge

Jack Rabbit Mountain Bike / Hiking Trails
Off Jack Rabbit Road in Clay County, NC, on the NC/GA border.
Located on very scenic peninsula off recreational Lake Chatuge with adjacent campground. Close to 15 miles of machine constructed singletrack trails have been completed and are based on a stacked-loop design. The 3.1 mile Central Loop is the "core" trail that all other optional trails are connected. Combination of fast/flowing to tight/twisting; some technical features include 75 foot rock crossing, elevated ladder bridge on advanced trail, to small rock crossings, whoopty-do's and dirt jumps on intermediate loops. Many of the trails border Lake Chatuge, while others meander through the woods or ridge-top. These trails were specifically designed to appeal to all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Great for families as well.

Directions: Going south on 175 pass the high bridge and go about 2 miles, turn right on Jack Rabbit Road. Go another mile, pass the Philadelphia Baptist Church, turn left onto gravel after church (there is a Jack Rabbit Hiking Trail sign, but its past the turn). Park right there and ride in. Map
Jack Rabbit Mountain Bike / Hiking Trails Map (from SABA site)
Trail condition at Jack Rabbit  Photos

North GA Blue Ridge Mountains Bike Shops

Spin Lite Cycling, Hiawassee GA, (706) 835-7920

Blairsville Bikes & Boards, Blairsville, GA (706) 745-8141

Cycle South, Blue Ridge GA

Woody's Mountain Bikes, Helen GA

For GA Mountain and Towns County GA
area and event information contact:
Towns County GA Chamber of Commerce