June 28, 2019
When preparing for your camping adventure at the Greenbrier Campground, don’t forget to bring along your bikes on vacation! With stunning scenery and fresh mountain air, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect place to explore while biking! There are several convenient areas nearby that are bike friendly. Here are the top 3 places to go biking in the Smoky Mountains:
The Gatlinburg Trail is one of just two trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you can ride your bicycle! This pleasant 1.9-mile trail travels from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you can enjoy natural history exhibits and a free 20-minute film about the park. The Gatlinburg Trail is relatively flat and runs through the forest following along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. While riding your bike, you will love the spectacular views of the river! There are also foundations and chimneys of several old homesites visible along the trail. Keep in mind people will often walk the trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail is the only dog friendly hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. So be sure to be aware of other people when you’re riding!
One of the best places to go biking in the Smoky Mountains is in the Greenbrier section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! While bicycles are allowed on most roads in the national park, many of the roads are not conducive for safe and enjoyable cycling. However, since the Greenbrier section is off the beaten path, there are far fewer visitors, so you practically have the road to yourself as you enjoy this beautiful area. The Greenbrier entrance to the national park is less than a half mile away from the Greenbrier Campground! Just keep in mind bicycling is permitted on Greenbrier roads but is prohibited on all of the trails.
Another great place to go biking in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove, which features an 11-mile loop road to explore. Although this is one of the most popular destinations in the national park, bicycle and foot traffic are only allowed on the loop road until 10 am every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May to late September. Therefore, get an early start and beat the crowds to this gorgeous area of the park! The morning is also one of the best times to view wildlife, as white tailed deer, black bears, coyotes and other animals have been spotted in the area. Cades Cove offers the widest variety of historical buildings in the National Park, so be sure to stop to see the 3 churches, a working grist mill, log houses, and other historical structures!
Riding a bike is a delightful way to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains with your family and friends! You will also enjoy seeing the Smokies in a new way from the view of your tent! Check out all of the information about our Smoky Mountain campground today to plan your vacation! We look forward to seeing you soon!
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