5 Can’t-Miss Places to Mountain Bike in Tennessee for Epic Views

Tennessee’s mountains hold some of the best-kept secrets for mountain bikers who crave stunning scenery alongside challenging trails. From ridgelines overlooking rivers to lakeside loops through hardwood forests, the state offers terrain that rewards every pedal stroke with breathtaking views.

Whether you’re chasing technical descents or peaceful forest rides, these five destinations deliver unforgettable experiences that combine natural beauty with thrilling singletrack adventures.

1. Raccoon Mountain – Chattanooga

Perched above Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain commands attention with its jaw-dropping panoramas of the Tennessee River Gorge stretching far below. Riders who tackle these trails earn their views through rocky technical sections and lung-burning climbs that test both skill and stamina. The reward? Overlooks that make you forget the effort it took to get there.

The trail network here spans over 30 miles of singletrack winding through oak and hickory forests, with elevation changes that keep things interesting from start to finish. Rock gardens demand focus and bike handling prowess, while fast descents let you feel the rush of mountain biking at its finest. Intermediate and advanced riders find their sweet spot here, though beginners might want to build skills elsewhere first.

You’re never far from another vista or technical feature that reminds you why Tennessee mountain biking deserves national recognition. The trails stay rideable year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Pack extra water for those climbs—you’ll need it.

2. Baker Creek Preserve – Knoxville

Baker Creek Preserve transformed from abandoned farmland into Knoxville’s premier mountain biking destination, and the transformation shows in every carefully crafted meter of trail. Rolling ridgelines offer glimpses of the city skyline between stretches of hardwood forest, creating a unique blend of urban proximity and wilderness feel. The variety here means everyone from first-timers to adrenaline junkies finds trails that match their appetite.

Green-rated beginner trails flow smoothly through gentler terrain, building confidence without intimidation. As skills improve, blue and black trails await with steeper grades, tighter turns, and features that demand commitment. Downhill enthusiasts particularly love the gravity-fed lines that let riders point downhill and let loose.

The preserve sits just minutes from downtown Knoxville, making it perfect for after-work rides when you need to blow off steam. Trail conditions stay maintained thanks to an active riding community that takes pride in their local gem.

3. Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area – Oneida

Remote doesn’t begin to describe the feeling you get pedaling through Big South Fork’s backcountry trails. This massive recreation area sprawls across the Tennessee-Kentucky border, offering riders genuine wilderness experiences complete with sandstone bluffs, ancient rock formations, and river gorges that plunge hundreds of feet below ridgeline trails. Solitude comes standard here—you might ride for hours seeing more wildlife than people.

The trails demand respect and preparation. Technical sections navigate rocky terrain and root-laced forest floor, while elevation changes can humble even seasoned riders. But those willing to work for it discover overlooks that rival anything in the Southeast.

Sandstone arches frame distant ridges, and river views from cliff edges create moments worth every drop of sweat.

Plan accordingly for rides here since facilities are sparse and cell service spotty. Carry extra supplies, know your route, and tell someone your plans before heading out. The remoteness that makes Big South Fork special also means self-sufficiency matters.

4. Haw Ridge Park – Oak Ridge

Water views define the riding experience at Haw Ridge Park, where trails hug the shoreline of Melton Hill Lake for miles of scenic pedaling. The constant presence of sparkling water creates a different vibe than typical mountain trails—more open, brighter, with breezes off the lake cooling even summer rides. Technical sections keep things challenging, but the overall feel leans toward fun rather than punishing.

The trail network winds through 12 miles of rolling terrain that mixes smooth flow sections with rocky challenges and short climbs. Roots and rocks appear frequently enough to demand attention without overwhelming riders. Intermediate cyclists find this park perfectly suited to their skill level, though beginners can handle the easier sections with care.

Advanced riders use it for quick after-work sessions when time is tight.

Wildlife sightings happen regularly here—herons fishing in shallow coves, turtles sunning on logs, and deer browsing near the water’s edge. The park maintains a neighborhood feel despite its quality trails, with local riders forming a tight-knit community. Weekday mornings offer the quietest riding, while weekends see more traffic from families and casual users.

5. Montgomery Bell State Park – Burns

Sometimes the best rides aren’t about conquering brutal climbs or navigating gnarly rock gardens—they’re about flowing through beautiful forests with occasional lake views that take your breath away. Montgomery Bell State Park delivers exactly that experience, combining wooded singletrack with glimpses of shimmering water and terrain that challenges without punishing.

The trails wind through mature hardwood forests where dappled sunlight creates ever-changing patterns on the path ahead. Lake Hall and Creech Hollow Lake provide scenic backdrops for sections of trail that emerge from forest shade into waterside clearings. The terrain rolls rather than climbs aggressively, with enough variation to keep things interesting without exhausting less experienced riders.

Trail surfaces here ride smoothly compared to rockier Tennessee destinations, though roots and occasional technical features still require attention. The park’s overall vibe feels peaceful rather than adrenaline-charged—perfect for riders who want exercise and scenery without white-knuckle descents. Spring brings wildflowers and vibrant green canopy, while fall transforms the forest into a golden tunnel.