As cyclists, we crave the unknown, desire ribbon-like roads that unroll in front of us. We’re blazers of backroad routes, seeking challenge and adventure. We remember each bend in vivid detail. The way the sunlight dances across oak leaves, or the slight banking of a turn.
If you’re looking for a different cycling destination in 2026, visit a true gem of the southeastern United States. Bike Tennessee has numerous road and gravel cycling routes that showcase various regions’ natural beauty, heritage, and cycling-friendly experiences. They offer routes that take you off the beaten path and give you even more stories to tell. Let’s take a look at Bike Tennessee and a few route samples below…
This post is sponsored by Bike Tennessee.
What is Bike Tennessee?
Bike Tennessee is a statewide road cycling initiative by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, featuring 52 road cycling routes that include 14 Tennessee State Parks, spanning 1,739 miles across 53 counties. Crafted in collaboration with professional cycling guide Shannon Burke of Velo View Bike Tours—who brings more than a decade of experience leading cycling tours—the collection emphasizes safety, scenery, and standout experiences.
Ride Through Scenic and Historic Routes
The Bike Tennessee routes showcase Tennessee’s iconic rural beauty, small towns, natural landscapes, and hidden gems that can only be found along Tennessee’s backroads. Log miles of wonder and then wander through a small town for lunch. Endless roads meander through beautiful forests, alongside streams, and with vistas that will cause pause.
Road Bikes Welcome
Bike Tennessee road cycling routes are tailored for seasoned road cyclists, offering varied route difficulties and distances. Expect everything from short, history‑rich spins to long endurance loops and punchy elevation rides. Bring your climbing legs and sense of adventure!
You Can Rely on Bike Tennessee’s Route Navigation
Every Bike Tennessee route is available in the popular cycling app Ride With GPS, with easy-to-follow navigation and detailed ride notes. Descriptions outline terrain, elevation, and waypoints, highlight must-see stops, and suggest ways to shorten or extend your ride. Every route is available on the Ride With GPS app.
Low Traffic Riding
The routes showcased are primarily rural roads selected to ensure low traffic and maximum safety for cyclists. If you’re chasing the path less traveled, Tennessee delivers the perfect ride.
Community and Connection
Bike Tennessee invites riders to experience Tennessee on two wheels, exploring the communities, cafes, shops, and cultural attractions along the way.
Cyclists can learn more about Bike Tennessee and explore the available road and gravel cycling routes by visiting BikeTN.com.
The Radavist Handpicked Rides: Stories Worth Telling Live on Backroads
Land Between The Lakes Loop – 36 miles / 2400 feet of climbing
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area gets its name from the two lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, that form the west and east boundaries of the park. Visitors can enjoy camping, paddling, hiking, biking and fishing, as well as attractions like a planetarium and a living history farm. Bison and elk were reintroduced to the area and can be spotted in designated areas. The main north-south roadway through the park (TN-49) is designated as the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway and a joy to experience by bike. Cyclists can explore the scenic byway, mountain bike trails and gravel roads. The park gets busy during peak travel times and holidays. For a quieter ride, weekday mornings during the off-season are recommended.
Lynchburg Loop – 29 miles / 2100 feet of climbing
The Lynchburg Loop challenge starts in historic downtown Lynchburg, Tennessee, best-known as the home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This scenic ride through Lynchburg’s rugged landscape has some steep grades and challenges, but the reward is ending the ride at some of Tennessee’s most renowned attractions, including a distillery tour and a meal at any number of famous Lynchburg restaurants.
Reelfoot Lake Loop – 40 miles / 600 feet of climbing
Explore the captivating history of Reelfoot Lake, a shallow natural lake that formed when the Mississippi River ran backwards during the New Madrid Earthquake in 1811-12. Today, the area serves as a bird sanctuary, with the largest wintering bald eagle population in the eastern U.S. Explore this fast and fun ride around one of West Tennessee’s natural treasures.
Fall Creek Falls Loop – 32 miles / 2500 feet of climbing
Discover the allure of Tennessee’s most-visited state park, Fall Creek Falls State Park, which is home to Tennessee’s tallest waterfall and a vast 30,000-acre wilderness. This route offers the best of both worlds: rolling roadways and dedicated trails within the park, as well as picturesque country roads beyond its borders. Plan to ride on weekdays or early mornings to savor the tranquility and natural beauty of this state park treasure.
Middle Sequatchie Valley Loop – 29 miles / 1400 feet of climbing
Some of the best riding in East Tennessee can be found in the Sequatchie Valley. That’s why you’ll find not just one, but three routes, each offering a unique perspective on the valley’s geography and charm. The Middle Sequatchie Valley Loop begins with beautiful views from the Cookie Car Cafe in Dunlap and heads north through Sequatchie County, featuring historic sites, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and gorgeous views of Walden’s Ridge and the South Cumberland Plateau. Pair this route with the Upper and/or Lower Sequatchie Loops for a multi-day riding expedition.
Foothills Parkway Challenge – 63 miles / 8100 feet of climbing
Few rides in the eastern U.S. offer climbs and descents of this length, coupled with vistas comparable to Colorado and the western states. The entire Foothills Parkway is a treat, but the new section is a rare gem that will undoubtedly be ranked as one of your top all-time favorite rides. The views of the Smoky Mountains are that good, and the descents are that fun! It’s a tough ride (even when shortened) with a huge payoff for the effort. We can’t recommend this ride enough.
Quiet roads, bold scenery. Explore Tennessee’s curated cycling routes designed for your best rides yet.
Bike Tennessee just launched 37 new gravel routes you can see at BikeTN.com!
This post is sponsored by Bike Tennessee.