Chickasaw Trace

Columbia, Tennessee

One of the best mountain bike rides in Middle Tennessee at Chickasaw Trace — easy and fast up front, with a punishing 'Trail of Tears' finale of tough climbs and fast switchbacks just 45 minutes from Nashville.

Fairview Trails (Bowie Nature Park)

Fairview, Tennessee

A welcoming mountain bike trail system near Fairview with a main loop around 7.5 miles — gentle enough for beginners, with options to cut down to 4.5 or extend to 9.5 miles.

Cottonwood Loop

Franklin, Tennessee

A flat 0.8-mile beginner single-track loop with three jumps running along the river — most riders lap it several times for a satisfying session.

Percy Warner Mountain Bike Trails

Nashville, Tennessee

Excellent mountain bike trails at Percy Warner Park — a well-regarded riding destination near Nashville.

Camp Meribah Mtb Trails

Centerville, Tennessee

A nearly 6-mile loop through varied terrain at a church camp above the Duck River, with steep downhills, rock gardens, drops, ridge views, and a rock quarry section.

Montgomery Bell State Park

White Bluff, Tennessee

Twenty-five miles of all-singletrack riding through rolling hardwood forest along Hayne Branch Creek — five color-coded sections from beginner to advanced downhill at Montgomery Bell State Park.

Bells Bend Trail

Nashville, Tennessee

A short, flat beginner single-track loop that starts in a field, dips into the woods for some small rocks, rolls through a pumpable section, and finishes with fast turns — low consequence and a lot of fun.

Cane Ridge

Nashville, Tennessee

About 2 miles of beginner-plus singletrack with twists, turns, small hills, and gullies near Nashville — a good cardio challenge, closed between 11 PM and first light.

Hamilton Creek

Nashville, Tennessee

Rough terrain from eroding topsoil makes this a bumpy, challenging ride — suspension is recommended, especially on the technical side, at Hamilton Creek near Nashville.

Cheatham Lock and Dam

Shelbyville, Tennessee

A pretty rail trail ride mixing 2.5 miles of unpaved old rail bed with 4 miles of paved surface — easy and scenic near Shelbyville.

The Trails At Fontanel

Nashville, Tennessee

A well-maintained 2.5-mile intermediate trail system in Nashville's Fontanel, with shaded woodland singletrack, views of Whites Creek, and a sprint loop with good climbs and descents.

Stones Creek Greenway

Nashville, Tennessee

A paved greenway trail in Nashville, Tennessee — smooth and accessible for cruising along Stones Creek.

Jones Mill

Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Multi-loop mountain biking near Mount Juliet with loose rocks, exposed roots, a Bald Knob climb with switchbacks, and a blood-pumping downhill — four route options from just over a mile to 4.5 miles.

Twin Fork Recreational Area

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

A looping wooded trail alongside water near Murfreesboro with no fees, easy bailing to the parking lot, and a mellow pace — avoid riding after rain when low dips hold mud and standing water.

Shutes Branch

More than eight miles of mountain bike trails near the lake in Tennessee — a solid backcountry riding destination at Shutes Branch.

Wessington Warrior Trail

Hendersonville, Tennessee

A newer intermediate trail in Hendersonville still a bit rough from being freshly built — technical skill builder with fun greenways nearby.

Lock 4

Gallatin, Tennessee

A lakeside mountain bike trail in Gallatin with steep hills, cool jumps, and new routes being added regularly — fun for newcomers with enough challenge to keep experienced riders coming back.