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Cherokee Cabin Rentals Smoky Mountains Harrah's Casino North Carolina Bryon City |
Biking
In the Western North Carolina
mountains, the word “flat” is seldom used to describe the landscape.
So, needless to say, biking these hills can be a challenge for road bikers and
off-road bikers alike.
Mountain Biking
— Each year, Swain County
attracts thousands of mountain bikers to the world-famous Tsali Recreation Area
Trail System, 15 miles west of Bryson City. Pronounced “SAH-lee” and named after
the 19th Cherokee Indian martyr, the 42-mile network of multi-use trails is
consistently rated one of the top ten riding destinations in the United States.
The four-loop system offers a variety of landscapes and trail types from single
track to old logging roads. Hikers may use the trails any day of the week, but
mountain bikers and horseback riders are kept separated by alternating use of
the trails. A schedule is posted at all trailheads. To download a Tsali
Map/brochure (PDF),
click here. In recent years, the sport has
grown to such an extent that now there is a series of annual races held in the
area. The NOC Knob Scorcher races are scheduled each spring, summer and late
fall; and attract some of the best bikers in the country. These races are
sanctioned by the national Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) and are included
in the Western North Carolina and North Carolina State Championship point
series.
Road Biking — There
are many miles of uncrowded country roads throughout Swain County, many
designated as bike routes. Lakeview Drive (a.k.a. "Road
to Nowhere") is a
lightly traveled road that winds eight miles into the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, north of Bryson City. It is a moderate ride with great views of
Fontana Lake. Just west of Bryson City, two
moderate loops offer a variety of landscapes on lightly traveled roads. The
13-mile Lower Alarka Loop offers views of Lake Fontana and the Tuckasegee River,
while the 15-mile Upper Alarka Loop offers a mixture of scenic flat farmland and
steep mountain grades.
Bryson City Rock-N-Rivers
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Full service outfitter that offers many recreation
opportunities in downtown Bryson City. Bike rentals, trail shuttles for hikers,
nature tours, rafting on the Tuckasegee River, tubing, and team building. Nantahala Outdoor Center - Private instruction, rentals, Knob Scorcher race series, one-day samplers, and a "Week of Trails," are some of the options. The bike shop, located in the Outfitter's Store, is available for repairs, parts, energy foods, magazines, guide books and advice.
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