Short, Uncomplicated Cycling Adventures In & Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Middle Prong Road

This route is inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It includes a combination of paved and gravel roadways, paralleling the Middle Prong of the Little River in a dense, beautiful Appalachian Forest setting. I saw my first snake of the season here (end of March/early April), woven around a couple branches and basking in the sun.

Access Middle Prong Road from Laurel Creek Road, and you’ll find several pull-outs along Middle Prong Road that provide safe places for parking and staging. This is an out-and-back ride, roughly five miles one way, ending at the Middle Prong Trail trailhead (for hikers/equestrians only). It parallels the Middle Prong of the Little River. If you start near the Laurel Creek Road/northwest end of the road heading towards the Middle Prong Trail trailhead, you will experience a steady but fairly gentle climb.

You’ll pass the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, as well as several opportunities to get off your bike and step down to the river’s edge. The Institute at Tremont also has a small bookstore. This area is just three or four miles from Townsend, Tennessee, and when driving to and from this route, you’ll pass the three-way intersection of Little River Road, Laurel Creek Road, and Highway 73, often referred to as the "Townsend Wye." There is a decently sized parking lot there where you can stop for a picnic or another dip in the river. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water.

Greenbrier

This route is also inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and includes a combination of paved and gravel roadways paralleling the Little Pigeon River in an Appalachian Forest setting. This route is challenging and hilly. Along the way, you will come across a nice picnic area, as well as plenty of places to access the river.

Access Greenbrier from Highway 321, east of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Once you turn off 321, you’ll come across a ranger station and another parking lot on the right side of the road, either of which provides a good place for parking and staging. Once you get started, you’ll head southeast, eventually coming to a fork in the road that will take you to either the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead or the Porters Creek Trailhead (both trailheads are for hikers only). Either option is an out-and-back road, and you can expect a total of 14 or 15 miles if you travel to both trailheads, in addition to the main road. Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water. After your ride, consider visiting the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, listed below.

Townsend Bicycle Path (aka Townsend Greenway)

Townsend, Tennessee, is touted as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” and it truly is noticeably less crowded than the Sugarlands (Gatlinburg, Tennessee) and Oconaluftee (Cherokee, North Carolina) Visitor Center areas of the national park. This Greenway is an out-and-back paved trail paralleling Highway 321. Along the way, you’ll find options for sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, and dinner, as well as places to view the Little River. The west end of the trail ends at the Townsend/Sunshine Covered Bridge, which is a great place to stop, take a break, and snap a few pictures before heading back towards town.

This route is roughly 10 miles round trip, depending on whether you choose to explore any side roads along the way. And, you can ride on either side of the highway if you like a little variety. Head into some of the neighborhoods on the north side of Highway 321 for a fun, safe, and quiet alternative. You can explore the neighborhoods on the south side, too, but they get pretty hilly, pretty fast! After your ride, jump in the car and head to the nearby Tuckaleechee Caverns, listed below.

Cades Cove Loop Road

This route is also inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is a paved loop road spanning approximately 11 or 12 miles, depending on where you begin. If you’re visiting in the summertime, the park typically closes the road to vehicle traffic every Wednesday, making for a really wonderful riding experience. During the late spring and summer months, you may see black bears, deer, turkeys, and historic structures where farmers and their families once lived and worked. You’ll also be surrounded by green mountains on all sides.

Like all routes in the national park, this one is hilly, but well worth it! There is a campground and camp store near the parking areas at the east end of the loop, as well as a visitors center at the west end of the loop. The Cable Mill Historic Area is also located next to the visitors center. Cycling (or hiking) through Cades Cove is an excellent way to experience this special area without getting stuck in sometimes-lengthy traffic jams caused by bear sightings.

Pigeon Forge Greenway

This greenway is relatively short, easy, and relaxing, and it provides several opportunities for shopping, eating, sitting by the river, or people watching. This is a paved out-and-back ride, roughly four miles one way. If you park in the lots along City Park Drive near the Pigeon Forge Community Center, you should find ample parking and space for staging. Once you get moving, you’ll parallel the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, heading southeast and crossing under the Parkway. Riders will likely see at least one great blue heron in the river along the way.

Once you cross under the parkway, you’ll soon reach The Island, where you can find plenty of options for food, ice cream, souvenirs, games, and rides. The Greenway continues on to Patriot Park and the Old Mill area, where you will find the Old Mill Restaurant, Creamery, and Candy Kitchen, as well as a general store, the Old Forge Distillery, and a few other shops. The Pigeon Forge Transit Center is also located near Patriot Park, providing trolley rides to Dollywood, Gatlinburg, or other points along the parkway.

Peaceful Side Social (Townsend, Tennessee)

This is an awesome spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as an outdoor play area for kids. The outdoor space is also dog friendly. You’ll find beer, wine, and one or two kombucha options on the menu, as well as grain bowl and salad options, 12-inch pizzas, sandwiches, and a small selection of main dishes. Great food made well, and an even better atmosphere!

Towns End Coffee (Townsend)

Full suite of coffee and espresso, lattes, and non-coffee options, as well as breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and bagels.

Artistic Bean (Townsend)

Full suite of coffee and espresso, lattes, and non-coffee options, as well as breakfast sandwich options all day, every day. At lunchtime, you can also get "traditional" sandwiches—grilled cheese, hot ham and cheese, etc.

Elvira’s Café (Wears Valley, Tennessee)

This spot is located in between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, not far from the Metcalf Bottoms area of the national park (near Line Springs Road). You’ll find plenty of familiar breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and comfort foods with both Smoky Mountains and Southern influences. A pleasant surprise located a little off the beaten path!

Taco Ranch (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)

Taco Ranch is located right on the parkway in Pigeon Forge. They fuse all kinds of different cuisines in a way that is both creative and delicious. Place your order at the counter and staff members will bring your food to you when it’s ready. Fast and courteous service, with a great variety of tasty options!