Cycling on the Peaceful Side

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

The Peaceful Side of the Smokies is a renowned cycling destination. Over the past 30 years, the local Tour de Blount has attracted thousands of cyclists from across the nation. With scenic mountain roads and quiet countryside rides, discover why so many visitors love cycling on the Peaceful Side.

Maryville and Alcoa

The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway features over 18 miles of trails running alongside Pistol Creek and through scenic parks throughout Maryville and Alcoa. Bikes are also allowed in designated areas within Maryville College’s 140-acre woods.

Cycology Bicycles, a family-owned business in Maryville, sells a variety of bikes, apparel and accessories. Their experienced staff can assist you with all your cycling needs.

They host free intermediate group rides every Tuesday and Thursday, covering 35 to 45 miles at a 15 to 17-mph average pace. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, rides start at 8:30 a.m., then shift to 10 a.m. after the holiday. On Greenway Sundays, which run from April to October, a shorter ride departs from Pearsons Springs at 4 p.m. and turns around at Clayton Homes.

The Cycology Women’s Rides Series (CWRS), now in its 12^th year, offers a women’s cycling program from April through October. It caters to all levels with four no-drop pace groups.

Maryville Bike & Trail, named the Best Bicycle Shop by The Daily Times in 2023, offers a variety of bike sales and rentals.

They host beginner rides on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and intermediate rides on Thursdays at 6 p.m. The beginner rides are about 5 miles long, while the intermediate rides cover about 15 miles at a 10-mph average pace. Holiday social rides are advertised on their Facebook page.

Townsend

Vee Hollow, a 14-mile mountain bike trail network, is free to use and open year-round. It has four distinct zones for riding, ranging from easy to difficult, with a skills area, jump trails, mountain trails and more. Bikes are available for rent for up to three days.

Cades Cove Loop Road is motor vehicle-free on Wednesdays starting in June through September, allowing the perfect opportunity for cycling. The loop is 11 miles long, with historical buildings to check out along the way.

Tremont Road, 2.1-miles long, connects the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont to the Middle Prong Trailhead.

The Townsend Historical Trail spans 4.5 miles on both sides of US 321/Lamar Alexander Parkway, totaling 9 miles. The trail runs along Little River and features a 0.3-mile unpaved River Walk.

Other attractions along the way include the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, the Little River Railroad Museum, Gracehill Fine Art & Basketry, Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe, Towns End Coffee and the Townsend Visitors Center. Bikes can be rented at the Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center.

Walland

Walland offers routes such as Ellejoy Jaunt, a 20.5-mile loop starting at Coulter Bridge with scenic farmland and panoramic mountain views, and Old Walland Hwy, a 17.6-mile out-and-back paved ride. Cyclists should be mindful of motor vehicles on these roads.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies has a variety of trails and resources to ensure an enjoyable ride.

Interested in Tour de Blount? This event takes place every spring. You can learn more on their website.

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.