Apr 22, 2026
BikeTN Names Three Official Cycling Routes on the Peaceful Side
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
Three routes on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are now part of BikeTN, a statewide program from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development that highlights road and gravel rides across Tennessee. The local additions include a shorter paved ride in Townsend, a gravel climb into Cades Cove and a longer Foothills Parkway challenge.
At 19 comfortable miles, the Townsend Out-and-Back is the easiest of the three. While riders can start in several places, the route guide points to Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe in Townsend, with easy access to parking, restrooms and food.
From there, the route heads west on the bike path, drops through the tunnel beneath Highway 321 and continues toward the Townsend Sunshine Covered Bridge. After crossing the bridge, riders turn onto Old Walland Highway, a former main road that now carries mostly local traffic.
The first several miles follow the Little River. The road rolls but trends downhill early. Around mile five, the route passes under Foothills Parkway, then pitches up into a short climb before dropping into Walland. After another stretch along the river, the road opens into farmland and ends at Ellejoy Road, where most riders turn around.
Townsend/Cades Cove Gravel Loop
The Townsend/Cades Cove Gravel Loop is the most distinctive of the three, totaling 31 miles. Like the Out-and-Back, it starts at Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe.
From Townsend, the route climbs Rich Mountain on gravel. Grades stay steady, generally between 4 and 6 percent, and the surface stays smooth and compact. Much of the climb stays shaded beneath dense forest, with occasional overlooks through the trees.
A series of switchbacks drops the route into Cades Cove, calling for a controlled pace. In the cove, the route opens into meadows, historic cabins and one of the best-known landscapes in the national park. Wildlife sightings are common.
This route should only be ridden when Rich Mountain Road and Cades Cove are closed to cars. Riders can shorten the route by turning around at the top of Rich Mountain or skipping the Cades Cove loop.
The Foothills Parkway Challenge is the hardest of the three. It’s 63 miles long with about 8,100 feet of elevation gain.
The route starts in Walland at the pull-off where the two completed sections of Foothills Parkway come together. The route returns there halfway through, so riders can restock or stop early.
The ride breaks into two out-and-backs. Riders head west first on the older section of the parkway. That side opens with a steady climb, then another, with overlooks and views of the Smokies and surrounding valleys along the way.
Near the top, riders can detour to Look Rock for the overlook and observation tower. After that comes a long descent toward Highway 129, then the full climb back up.
The second half follows the newer section. The grades bite sooner, and the views open wider as the road climbs. Riders can stop at a higher overlook for a shorter ride or keep going to Wears Valley before turning back.
Bike Safety in Tennessee
In Tennessee, bicycles count as vehicles. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic signs and signals, and use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Cyclists under 16 must wear a helmet. Anyone riding at night must use a white front light and a red rear reflector or red rear light visible from 500 feet. Tennessee law also requires drivers to leave at least three feet when passing a bicycle.
Riders should stay far right on descents and blind curves, especially on roads with frequent switchbacks. They should also carry enough water and nutrition, especially on longer routes with limited services.
Learn more about traffic laws relating to bicycles on the Tennessee Department of Transportation website.
Upcoming Local Bike Events
Two cycling events are on the calendar this year. Tour de Blount returns to Maryville on May 23 with 25-, 50- and 75-mile options. Tour de Rocky Top follows in Townsend on July 11, with options ranging from shorter local rides to longer mountain routes.
Cycology Bicycles in Maryville also hosts free, social-paced group rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.