The best cycling routes around Knoxville

Knoxville offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 40 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy paved paths to more challenging trails with elevation changes.

Knoxville's mild climate makes it suitable for touring cycling year-round. However, spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions with comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural scenery, such as the seasonal sunflower fields in the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area.

Yes, Knoxville has numerous easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. Over half of the available routes are classified as easy. A great option is the UT/Downtown to and from West Hills and Cedar Bluff Areas, which is an easy 13.1-mile trail connecting urban areas with greenway sections.

Many of Knoxville's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, offering a continuous journey without retracing your steps. For example, the South Knoxville loop is a popular moderate 17.5-mile path featuring varied terrain. Another option is the Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop, an 11.6-mile trail through diverse natural landscapes.

Knoxville's routes offer diverse scenery, including rolling hills, the Tennessee River, and extensive greenway systems. You can enjoy views of the river along paths like the Neyland Greenway, or explore natural areas with forests, meadows, and wetlands within the Knoxville Urban Wilderness. Highlights like Meads Quarry offer unique natural settings.

Absolutely! Many routes pass by or are close to significant landmarks and attractions. You can cycle past the iconic Sunsphere Observation Tower near downtown, or visit the Ijams Nature Center, a central hub for outdoor activities. The River Trail Boardwalk also offers scenic views and connects to other points of interest.

The Knoxville Urban Wilderness is a spectacular outdoor adventure area just minutes from downtown, featuring over 60 miles of multi-use trails and greenways. It's a haven for cyclists, connecting nature centers, lakes, historic sites, and quarries. The Urban Wilderness loop is a challenging 35.4-mile route that explores a significant portion of this area.

Many of Knoxville's greenways and multi-use trails are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. The extensive network of trails, especially within the Urban Wilderness and along the river, offers ample space for you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors. Always check specific trail regulations before heading out.

Parking is generally available at various access points along Knoxville's greenway system and within the Urban Wilderness. Many parks and nature centers that serve as trailheads, such as Ijams Nature Center or those along the Third Creek Greenway, offer designated parking areas for cyclists. For specific locations, it's advisable to check local park information.

The touring cycling experience in Knoxville is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 27 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, the extensive and well-maintained greenway system, and the unique blend of urban connectivity with natural serenity. The variety of routes, from easy paved paths to more challenging trails, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the Tennessee River is a prominent natural feature in Knoxville, and several greenways offer scenic waterside cycling. The Neyland Greenway, for instance, follows the Tennessee River, providing excellent views of landmarks like Neyland Stadium. The Will Skelton Greenway also meanders along the river, offering beautiful vistas.

Knoxville's greenway system is designed for connectivity. The Third Creek Greenway is a notable paved route that connects downtown Knoxville with the University of Tennessee and extends towards West Hills, offering a peaceful ride through riparian zones. This allows for seamless cycling between urban centers and natural areas.