No Southeastern state delivers more black-diamond mileage in a day’s drive than Tennessee. Between pro-grade jump lines, shale-packed descents, and rugged bike parks, it’s where expert riders come to level up.
Looking for the best advanced mountain bike trails in Tennessee? This guide breaks down the top black and double-black MTB trails for experienced riders, including hidden gems and must-ride parks. From Windrock to WildSide and beyond, let’s hit the dirt.
Best MTB Trails in Tennessee for Experienced Riders
| Trail / Park | Location | Best For | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windrock Bike Park | Oliver Springs | Steep DH & Racing | Grab a shuttle token before 10 a.m.—the line backs up fast on weekends. |
| WildSide Adventure Park | Pigeon Forge | Jumps & Mixed Tech | Warm up on Baby Bear jump line—its exit drops you right onto the climb trail for an efficient lap back up. |
| Baker Creek Preserve | Knoxville | Big Jump Lines | Hit Devil’s Racetrack early; the clay berms get slick as shade rolls in. |
| Raccoon Mountain | Chattanooga | Tech Endurance Loop | Ride clockwise for the longest sustained downhill |
| Vee Hollow | Townsend | Machine-Built Flow | Refuel at the on-site coffee bar between laps |
| Wilkins Branch MTB Park | Franklin | Progressive Jumps | Free air station at the trailhead; tune pressure before dropping into Ragnarok. |
| Haw Ridge Park | Oak Ridge | Natural Tech | Spring ticks are fierce—spray legs or wear light gaiters. |
| Urban Wilderness South Loop | Knoxville | Network Linking | Connect to Baker Creek via greenway for a mega-loop |
| Concord Park | Knoxville | Quick Weekday Laps | Sneak in twilight rides—great lighting under tree canopy |
Need-to-know Info on the Most Advanced MTB Trails in TN
WildSide Adventure Park – Pigeon Forge
- Trail mileage:11.5 miles
- Elevation Gain:≈ 600 ft base-to-summit
- Amenities:Rentals (manual + e‑bikes), food trucks, UTVs and ziplines
- Why ride it:Built for experts but friendly for new riders
- See More Info Below
Windrock Bike Park – Oliver Springs
- Trail mileage:~15 mi of DH & enduro + fire roads
- Elevation drop/lap:≈ 2,150 ft from summit (shuttle)
- Terrain vibe:Rocky, loose, World Cup–style drops
- Need-to-know:Paid pass, year-round shuttle, full-face & pads recommended
Baker Creek Preserve – Knoxville
- Mileage:~7 mi connectable to 50+ mi Urban Wilderness
- Elevation gain:≈ 508 feet
- Star attractions:Devil’s Racetrack, Barn Burner, blue flow warm-up
- Perks:Free entry, AMBC workdays, breweries nearby
Urban Wilderness South Loop – Knoxville
- Loop length:12 miles
- Elevation gain:≈ 1,000 ft
- Advanced sections:Year‑Round Get‑Down, Sharp’s Ridge connector
- Good to know:Mix of greens & blacks for split‑ability groups
Haw Ridge Park – Oak Ridge
- Network mileage:~28 miles total
- Elevation gain:≈ 840 ft on 9‑mi tech loop
- Trail flavor:Off‑camber roots, rock stairs, narrow bridges
- Local tip:Ride clockwise to drop through rock gardens
Concord Park Trails – Knoxville
- Mileage:4.4‑mi perimeter + tech spurs
- Elevation gain:≈ 500 ft
- Why it matters:Quick weekday burn off I‑40
Vee Hollow – Townsend
- Mileage:14 mi (East & West)
- Elevation gain:≈ 600–650 ft per summit
- Standout runs:Rush (flow), Kessel (tech + drops)
- Hub:Bike shop & coffee bar at base
Wilkins Branch MTB Park – Franklin
- Mileage:6 miles of loops
- Elevation gain:≈ 380 ft on black loop
- Headline line:Ragnarok jump trail
- Access:Free, volunteer‑maintained, porta‑john & wash
Raccoon Mountain – Chattanooga
- Loop length:13‑mi rim + tech spurs
- Elevation gain:≈ 1,450 ft
- Terrain profile:Loose shale, limestone drops, river vistas
- Pro tip:Start clockwise on Live Wire for epic DH
Ride, Refuel, Repeat: Tennessee MTB Towns
Tennessee’s MTB scene isn’t just about the trails—it’s about the towns that make the experience unforgettable.
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge – Nestled near the Smokies, these adventure towns are the perfect launchpad for serious riders. WildSide Adventure Park sits right between them, offering some of the most advanced terrain in the state. After your ride, enjoy local brews, mountain views, and family-friendly attractions—making it easy to turn your biking trip into a full vacation.
Knoxville – Home to Urban Wilderness, Sharp’s Ridge, and Ijams Nature Center, with 50+ miles of interconnected trail systems.
Chattanooga – Ride Enterprise South, Stringer’s Ridge, or the technical loops at Raccoon Mountain.
Nashville – Explore Lock 4 in Gallatin, Jones Mill, and the singletrack around Hamilton Creek.
Townsend – Gateway to Vee Hollow and the peaceful, bike-only Wednesdays on Cades Cove Loop.
Sevierville & Greenbrier – Known for quiet riverside rides and growing networks of scenic multi-use trails.
Featured: Advanced Trails at WildSide Adventure Park
WildSide is not your average trail system—it’s a dedicated adventure park built for riders who live for the challenge. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
Root Awakening – Our most techincal trail on the mountain. Root Awakening is steep and loamy singletrack with roots, off-camber lines, and natural ruts. It’s a raw and rugged ride that will challenge the best.
Last Hill and Testament – This trail begins with steep banked turns and decends into a flyover with a mandatory drop. Tough for even the most advanced mountain bikers.
Raven’s Revenge – Reserved for expert riders, Raven’s Revenge is a pro-level race track with a bit of everything. It features loamy soil, steep off-camber turns, high-speed descents, rooty and rocky sections, machine-cut jumps, and a road gap over the Purgatory UTV trail. This trail combines intense speed with technical precision for a next-level downhill experience.
We’ve also got pedal-assist E-bikes with variable resistance if you want to dial in the intensity. Rentals available on-site.
➡️ Check our trail status before visiting to ensure conditions are right.
WildSide Adventure Park: A Hidden Gem for Advanced Riders
It makes sense that the real exclusive, high-octane trails would be inside an adventure park, and it’s true. Covering 900 acres between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, WildSide’s got what you won’t find anywhere else:
- 21 high-speed trails. Plus, we’re building more every year, so there will be more to explore on your next visit.
- A 600ft gain in elevation. You know those heart-pumping descents will be in store.
- 5 adult trail bike sizes. Our bike rentals include manual options for those who want to up the challenge.
- An insane jump park. From Baby Bear to Papa Bear, see where the jumps are just right and then—blow past your comfort zone. Papa Bear starts off with a 7-foot wooden drop!
WildSide caters to both advanced mountain bikers and E-bike enthusiasts. Our pedal-assist E-bikes have a variable resistance adjustment, so you can choose the difficulty level you want.
FAQs: Advanced MTB in Tennessee
Where is the best mountain biking in Tennessee for advanced riders?
Windrock and WildSide offer the most technical, race-level terrain. Baker Creek is also highly rated for jump lines.
What is the hardest MTB trail in Tennessee?
Most riders agree Windrock’s Pro DH and WildSide’s Raven’s Revenge are the toughest.
Is Knoxville or Chattanooga better for expert riders?
Both are excellent. Knoxville has more interconnected trails; Chattanooga has gnarlier terrain like Raccoon Mountain.
Are there e-bike friendly trails for advanced riders?
Yes—WildSide allows pedal-assist e-bikes and has custom terrain that scales with rider intensity.
Become a Smoky Mountain Trailblazer at WildSide
Your adventure awaits—and so does your sense of victory over the Smoky Mountains terrain. Blaze through these extreme mountain biking trails, and you’ll feel like you can conquer anything that comes your way.
So, time to start planning! Book your WildSide experience today.