Tennessee’s old railroad corridors have been reborn as some of the best cycling routes in the South. These rail trails take you through mountain hollows, along river bluffs, past wetlands, and into small towns that still remember the whistle of steam engines.
Whether you’re after a smooth paved cruise or a gravel adventure with a side of history, these ten trails deliver the kind of rides that stick with you long after you’ve unclipped your pedals.
1. Tweetsie Trail — Johnson City to Elizabethton
Back when the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad was hauling timber and passengers through the Blue Ridge, locals called the little narrow-gauge line the Tweetsie because of the high-pitched whistle it made. Now that same corridor is a 10-mile rail trail connecting Johnson City to Elizabethton, and it’s one of the most approachable rides in the region.
The crushed stone surface is firm enough for road bikes with wider tires, and the grade stays gentle the whole way.
You’ll roll through neighborhoods, cross old trestle bridges, and pass under tree canopy that keeps things cool even in summer. The mountain views open up in spots, giving you a sense of place without demanding any serious climbing. It’s the kind of trail where you can bring a friend who doesn’t ride often and still have a great time.
Elizabethton’s downtown sits at one end, so you can grab lunch or coffee before turning around. Johnson City anchors the other side with more food options and parks. The trail sees plenty of foot traffic too, so keep your speed reasonable and call out your passes.
What makes this one bucket-list material is the blend of history, scenery, and accessibility. You’re riding the exact route where the Tweetsie once chugged along, but you’re doing it at your own pace with zero car traffic. Families love it, solo riders love it, and it’s long enough to feel like a real ride without requiring a full day’s commitment.
If you’re new to rail trails or just want a mellow outing with mountain-town charm, this is your starting point.
2. Shelby Farms Greenline — Memphis
Memphis knows how to do greenspace, and the Shelby Farms Greenline proves it. This paved rail trail runs from Midtown all the way out to Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. It’s about 10 miles one way, and the whole route feels like a green tunnel through the city—shade trees line both sides, and the path stays separated from traffic the entire time.
The surface is smooth enough for road bikes, wide enough for groups, and popular enough that you’ll see everyone from commuters to families with kids in tow. Early mornings are quieter if you want a faster pace, but weekends bring out the full Memphis cycling community. Either way, it’s a social ride with plenty of energy.
What sets this trail apart is how seamlessly it connects urban neighborhoods with nature. You start in the heart of Memphis and end up at Shelby Farms, where you can loop around the park, grab a bite, or just sit by the lake. It’s the kind of ride that makes you forget you’re in a city until you glance up and see the skyline in the distance.
For out-of-towners, this is the easiest way to see Memphis on two wheels. For locals, it’s a go-to route that never gets old. The Greenline isn’t trying to be wild or remote—it’s trying to be useful, beautiful, and rideable every single day.
And it succeeds on all three counts.
3. Mountain Goat Trail — Sewanee
Sewanee sits high on the Cumberland Plateau, and the Mountain Goat Trail follows the old railroad bed that once served this college town. The name comes from the Mountain Goat Railroad, a narrow-gauge line that hauled freight and passengers up the mountain in the early 1900s. Now it’s a quiet, wooded trail that feels more remote than it actually is.
The surface is mostly gravel, so bring tires that can handle loose stone and a few roots. It’s not a long trail—around 3 miles depending on where you start—but the setting is what makes it special. You’re riding through dense forest with the plateau dropping off on one side and the University of the South campus nearby on the other.
The grade is manageable, though there are a few sections where you’ll feel the climb. That’s part of the experience, though—this was a railroad built to conquer elevation, and you’re tracing that same route. The trail is popular with hikers too, so keep your eyes up and your speed reasonable.
What earns this trail a spot on the list is the combination of railroad history and mountain beauty. You’re not just riding a path through the woods; you’re following a route that once connected isolated mountain communities to the rest of Tennessee. The air is cooler up here, the forest is thick, and the sense of stepping back in time is real.
It’s a short ride, but it’s one that sticks with you. If you’re in the Chattanooga or Nashville area and want a rail trail with serious character, make the drive to Sewanee.
4. Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail — Ashland City
Just outside Nashville, the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail offers the kind of scenery that makes you stop mid-ride to take a photo. This rail trail follows the river through wetlands, past limestone bluffs, and along wooded stretches that feel untouched. It’s also known as the Ashland City Rail-Trail, and it’s one of the prettiest rail-trail rides in Middle Tennessee.
The trail is mostly crushed stone with some paved sections, and it runs about 6 miles one way. You’ll cross streams, ride past a waterfall, and get long views of the Cumberland River winding through the valley. The grade is easy, so you can focus on the surroundings instead of your gears.
Wildlife is everywhere—herons, turtles, deer, and plenty of songbirds. The wetlands sections are especially rich, with boardwalks that keep you dry while you roll through. It’s the kind of trail that feels more like a nature escape than a workout, even though you’re getting both.
Ashland City is a small town, so don’t expect big amenities at the trailhead, but that’s part of the appeal. You’re here for the river, the bluffs, and the quiet. The trail is less crowded than some of the more urban options, which means you can ride at your own pace without dodging pedestrians every few minutes.
For cyclists who want a rail trail that prioritizes natural beauty over convenience, this is your pick. It’s close enough to Nashville for a day trip but remote enough to feel like a real getaway. Pack water, bring a camera, and plan to spend some time just soaking in the views.
5. Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail — Cookeville
Not every rail trail replaces the railroad—some run right alongside it. The Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail is a rails-with-trail project, meaning you’ll see active trains rolling past while you ride. It’s a 5-mile paved route connecting Cookeville and Algood, and it gives you a direct, visceral connection to Tennessee railroad history.
The trail is smooth, flat, and accessible, making it a great option for riders of all levels. You can start at either end and enjoy a straightforward out-and-back, or just ride a section if you’re short on time. The path is wide enough for two-way traffic, and it’s popular with walkers and runners too.
What makes this trail stand out is the proximity to the active rail line. You’ll hear the rumble of freight trains, see the tracks just a few feet away, and get a sense of what it was like when railroads were the lifeblood of small-town Tennessee. It’s a living history lesson that unfolds while you pedal.
Cookeville has plenty of dining options and a solid downtown, so you can easily turn this into a half-day outing. The trail is also part of a longer vision—eventually, the Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail could stretch much farther, connecting more communities along the old Tennessee Central Railway corridor.
For now, this 5-mile stretch is a polished, well-maintained ride that’s perfect for families, casual riders, or anyone who wants a taste of railroad history without leaving the pavement. It’s not the longest trail on this list, but it’s one of the most unique. If you’re in the Cookeville area, this is a must-ride.
6. Eureka Trail — Athens
Sometimes the best rides are the ones nobody’s talking about. The Eureka Trail in Athens is a 6-mile gravel rail trail that flies under the radar, and that’s exactly why it deserves a spot on this list. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and has the kind of simple, rural feel that makes you remember why you started cycling in the first place.
The trail follows an old railroad bed through East Tennessee farmland and forest. The surface is gravel, so bring appropriate tires and expect a slower pace than you’d get on pavement. But that’s part of the charm—this isn’t a trail for speed or Strava segments.
It’s a trail for noticing things: the way the light filters through the trees, the sound of gravel crunching under your wheels, the quiet.
You won’t find much in the way of amenities or trailhead facilities, but that’s not the point. This is a trail for riders who want to unplug, escape the crowds, and just ride. It’s also a good option if you’re staying in the Chattanooga area and want a change of pace from the busier trails around Lookout Mountain.
The Eureka Trail isn’t trying to compete with the big-name greenways or the heavily marketed rail trails. It’s just a straightforward, honest ride through the Tennessee countryside. If you’re the kind of cyclist who values solitude over scenery and simplicity over polish, this is your trail.
Pack a snack, bring plenty of water, and enjoy the fact that you might not see another rider the entire time. That’s not a downside—it’s a feature.
7. Guild-Hardy Trail — Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is famous for its Civil War history and sweeping views, but it’s also home to the Guild-Hardy Trail, a gravel rail trail that follows an old railroad bed along the mountainside. It’s about 3 miles long, and while that might sound short, the setting and the history make it a ride worth seeking out.
The trail is gravel with some loose sections, so plan for a slower pace and bring tires that can handle the surface. You’ll ride through forest with occasional glimpses of the valley below, and the sense of riding on top of a mountain is unmistakable. The grade is mostly flat, thanks to the railroad origins, but there are a few spots where you’ll notice the elevation.
This trail is less developed than some of the other options on this list, which means fewer amenities and more of a backcountry feel. That’s a good thing if you’re looking for a ride that feels a little more adventurous. It’s also a good pairing with other Chattanooga-area trails if you’re planning a weekend of riding.
The Guild-Hardy Trail doesn’t get the same attention as the bigger greenways, but it offers something those trails can’t: a genuine rail-trail experience on one of Tennessee’s most iconic mountains. You’re riding where trains once hauled freight and passengers up and down the slopes, and that sense of connection to the past is palpable.
8. South Carthage Rail Trail — South Carthage
Not every great rail trail needs to be long or dramatic. The South Carthage Rail Trail is proof that sometimes a short, easy ride in a small town is exactly what you need. It’s about 2 miles of paved trail, and it’s perfect for a quick spin, a family outing, or a warm-up before a longer ride somewhere else.
The trail follows an old railroad corridor through South Carthage, a quiet town on the Cumberland River. The surface is smooth, the grade is flat, and the whole experience is relaxed. You won’t find big crowds or fancy trailhead facilities, but you will find a pleasant, well-maintained path that’s easy to ride and easy to enjoy.
South Carthage isn’t a tourist destination, and this trail isn’t trying to be a showstopper. It’s just a solid, functional rail trail that serves the local community and offers visitors a nice place to ride. That simplicity is part of the appeal—sometimes you don’t need waterfalls or mountain views.
Sometimes you just need a good path and a bike.
The trail is short enough that you can ride it out and back in under an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore the town or grab a bite at a local spot. It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with kids or riders who aren’t ready for longer distances. Everyone can handle 2 miles, and everyone can enjoy the experience.
The South Carthage Rail Trail might not be the most dramatic ride on this list, but it’s one of the most accessible. It’s a reminder that rail trails don’t have to be long or famous to be worth riding. Sometimes the best rides are the ones that just let you pedal, breathe, and enjoy the simplicity of two wheels and a smooth path.
9. V&E Greenline — Memphis
Memphis has more than one great greenline, and the V&E Greenline is a short, beloved route that’s perfect for a quick ride or a neighborhood loop. It’s only about a mile and a half, but it’s well-used, well-loved, and a great example of how rail trails can serve urban communities.
The trail follows an old railroad corridor through East Memphis, and it’s paved, shaded, and easy to access from multiple points. You’ll see runners, walkers, and cyclists of all ages, and the whole vibe is friendly and community-focused. It’s not a destination trail—it’s a neighborhood trail that happens to be really well done.
The V&E Greenline is short enough that most riders will want to pair it with other routes, and that’s easy to do in Memphis. You can connect to the Shelby Farms Greenline or just ride it as a quick loop before heading somewhere else. It’s also a good option if you’re staying in East Memphis and want a safe, traffic-free place to ride without driving to a trailhead.
What makes this trail worth including is its role in the Memphis greenway system. It’s not the longest or the flashiest, but it’s a key piece of the puzzle, and it’s a trail that locals use every day. That kind of real-world utility matters, and it’s part of what makes rail trails so valuable.
If you’re a visitor, the V&E Greenline is a nice addition to your Memphis cycling itinerary. If you’re a local, you probably already know it well. Either way, it’s a solid, dependable ride that proves you don’t need distance to have a good trail—you just need a good path and a reason to use it.
10. Clarksville Greenway — Clarksville
Clarksville’s greenway system has grown into one of the best in Middle Tennessee, and a good chunk of it follows old rail corridors. The Clarksville Greenway offers cyclists a smooth, paved ride through wooded areas and open spaces, with enough distance to feel like a real outing. It’s currently over 10 miles with plans for expansion, making it a strong option for riders who want a longer, more sustained ride.
The trail is accessible, well-maintained, and popular with both cyclists and pedestrians. You’ll ride through forest, cross streams, and pass through parks, all while staying separated from traffic. The surface is smooth enough for road bikes, and the grade is gentle enough for casual riders.
It’s the kind of trail that works for a wide range of abilities and goals.
What sets the Clarksville Greenway apart is the balance between length and accessibility. You’re not sacrificing one for the other—you get both. It’s long enough to feel like a workout or a weekend adventure, but it’s easy enough that you don’t need to be in peak shape to enjoy it.
That makes it a great choice for group rides, family outings, or solo training rides.
Clarksville is close to Fort Campbell and has a strong cycling community, so you’ll see plenty of riders on the trail, especially on weekends. The city has also invested in trailhead amenities, parking, and connections to other parks, which makes the whole experience more user-friendly.
If you’re looking for a rail trail with a more outdoorsy feel but don’t want to sacrifice convenience, the Clarksville Greenway is your answer. It’s close to Nashville, long enough to be satisfying, and smooth enough to be enjoyable. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is a trail that deserves a spot on your ride list.