The best cycling routes in Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park

No, the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park's primary feature, the Cumberland Trail, is specifically designed and managed for foot-traffic-only hiking. Bicycles, including touring bikes, are not permitted on these main trails. The touring cycling routes mentioned in this guide are located in the broader Cumberland region, near the park, but not directly on the Cumberland Trail itself.

The touring cycling routes in the broader Cumberland region feature a landscape characterized by the eastern escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau. You can expect rugged terrain with ridge lines, deep gorges, and dense forests. The area offers a mix of elevation changes, from moderate climbs to more significant ascents, suitable for various touring cycling experiences.

This guide features 6 touring cycling routes in the Cumberland region. These routes offer a variety of experiences, with 3 classified as moderate and 3 as difficult, catering to different skill levels.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like Bakewell Mountain loop from Northend Ball Park offer significant climbs over its 35.6 miles (57.3 km). Another difficult option is the Connor Toll House loop from Mountain Friendship Church, which covers 23.5 miles (37.8 km) through forested areas with notable elevation changes.

Yes, for a moderate touring cycling experience, you could consider the Bike loop from Falling Water Falls 110. This route is 17.3 miles (27.8 km) long with a total elevation gain of 1,335 feet (407 meters), making it a popular choice for those looking for a balanced ride.

While the main Cumberland Trail is for hikers, the broader region offers access to stunning natural features. You can find spectacular overlooks and panoramic vistas, dramatic waterfalls, and dense forests. Notable natural areas include Laurel-Snow State Natural Area and North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Natural Area. Some attractions accessible for hikers near the cycling routes include Hogskin Branch Waterfall and Laurel Falls.

The rugged terrain of the Cumberland region features numerous ridge lines with strategic routes to breathtaking views. While specific viewpoints might require a short walk off the cycling path, nearby highlights include Dunn Overlook and Leggett Point Overlook, offering panoramic vistas of the landscape.

The Cumberland region offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the foliage is vibrant. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter can bring colder temperatures. Always check local weather forecasts before planning your ride.

Yes, several routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Bike loop from Falling Water Falls 110 and the more challenging Clear Creek loop.

While the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park is for hiking, other state parks in the vicinity do offer cycling. For instance, Cumberland Mountain State Park in Crossville has dedicated mountain biking trails. Cove Lake State Park offers a 3.5-mile paved trail suitable for biking, and Fall Creek Falls State Park provides both paved and mountain bike trails.

Parking availability varies by route starting point. Many routes begin near local parks or community areas, such as Northend Ball Park for the Bakewell Mountain loop, where parking facilities are typically available. It's advisable to check the specific route details on Komoot for information regarding parking at your chosen starting point.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the broader Cumberland region offers some paved or multi-use trails in other state parks that might be more suitable for families. For example, Cove Lake State Park has a 3.5-mile paved trail, and Fall Creek Falls State Park offers 3 miles of paved bike trails, which are generally more family-friendly.