The best cycling routes around Knoxville

This easy touring cycling route, connecting UT/Downtown to the West Hills and Cedar Bluff Areas, offers a delightful journey through Knoxville's greenway system. You'll glide along predominantly paved paths, winding through serene wooded environments and alongside natural water courses, particularly on the Third Creek Greenway. The Sequoyah Greenway section provides picturesque views of rolling hills and historic homes, making for a varied and engaging ride that feels far removed from city bustle at times.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as this route is accessible year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery. The greenway system provides excellent connectivity, linking downtown Knoxville with the West Hills and Cedar Bluff areas, making it a convenient option for both recreation and local travel. While mostly on dedicated paths, be prepared for a few sections where you might share the road or sidewalk with traffic.

This 13.1-mile (21.1 km) route, with a gentle 461 feet (140 metres) of elevation gain, is considered easy and typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. It's a prime example of Knoxville's extensive greenway network, offering a popular and family-friendly cycling experience. Along the way, you can spot local wildlife and pass by points of interest like the historic James White Fort, adding a touch of history to your outdoor adventure.

The South Knoxville loop offers a diverse touring cycling experience, weaving through dense forests and along the Tennessee River. You'll encounter a mix of dirt singletrack, gravel, and pavement, with views of wildflowers and a prominent 200-foot bluff overlooking the University of Tennessee. Keep an eye out for the historic Gay Street Bridge and the Ijams Nature Playscape at Grayson Subaru Preserve, which add character to this urban wilderness adventure.

This moderate 17.5-mile (28.2 km) route involves 901 feet (275 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete. It's best suited for cyclists with some experience who are comfortable with varied terrain, including short, steep climbs and occasional rocky sections. Spring and fall are generally the most enjoyable seasons for this ride, offering comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Part of Knoxville's extensive Urban Wilderness, this loop acts as a key connector, linking various trail systems across 1,000 acres of preserved land. It's a testament to the city's commitment to outdoor recreation, providing a readily accessible escape just a few miles from downtown. The trail is well-maintained by local groups and offers a chance to spot local wildlife, making it a rewarding option for those seeking a blend of nature and history.

The Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, weaving through mature hardwood forests, past dramatic 30-foot tall rock outcroppings, and alongside a brilliantly blue quarry lake. You will encounter a mixed bag of terrain, predominantly dirt singletrack, interspersed with gravel and paved sections, including a scenic stretch along the Tennessee River. This route provides a true urban wilderness feel, showcasing wildflowers, bamboo thickets, and even rolling farmland, all within easy reach of the city.

This moderate 11.6-mile (18.7 km) loop, with 593 feet (181 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. It is crucial to note that while rated moderate, the trail's significant dirt singletrack and technical sections make it best suited for touring cyclists with robust gravel or hybrid bikes. Traditional road touring bikes with narrower tires may find the conditions challenging. The trail is well-signed, and fall offers particularly vibrant foliage.

What makes the Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop truly stand out is its unique position as a comprehensive connector within a 1,000-acre urban wilderness, just two miles from downtown Knoxville. It links multiple parks and natural areas, allowing you to experience diverse natural environments before easily accessing city amenities. This blend of accessibility and varied landscapes has garnered national attention, making it a significant recreational asset for the region.

The Urban Wilderness loop offers a unique touring cycling experience, weaving through Knoxville's diverse landscape. You'll navigate varied terrain, from the paved Will Skelton Greenway within Ijams Nature Center to natural surface trails that traverse wooded areas, old limestone quarries, and offer glimpses of the Tennessee and French Broad Rivers. This 35.4-mile (57.0 km) route, with its 1681 feet (512 metres) of elevation gain, is rated difficult and promises a rugged adventure for those seeking more than just a smooth ride.

Planning your ride on this challenging Urban Wilderness Knoxville cycling trail requires attention to the weather; dry conditions are crucial for tackling the natural surface sections. While the estimated duration is 3 hours and 31 minutes, allow extra time for the technical elements. Parking is available at various points, including Ijams Nature Center, but always check for specific access details and arrive early, especially on weekends.

What makes this route truly stand out is its accessibility to nature right within minutes of downtown Knoxville, connecting multiple parks and natural areas. It's a testament to community effort, transforming the area into a comprehensive outdoor recreation destination. While primarily known for mountain biking, this touring cycling route offers a chance to explore the diverse natural features, from bluffs to quarry lakes, that define the Urban Wilderness.