Looking to push your skills to the edge on some of the toughest terrain in the Southeast? Tennessee’s mountain biking scene is more than just scenic—it’s savage. From expert-level singletrack to machine-built jump lines, the Volunteer State is home to legendary MTB zones like Windrock, Baker Creek, and WildSide Adventure Park.
Whether you’re chasing elevation gains, technical descents, or flowy downhill runs, Tennessee delivers. Below, we’ll break down the best advanced mountain biking trails across the state, including a few you probably haven’t heard of yet.
Best MTB Trails in Tennessee for Experienced Riders
Tennessee’s trail systems cover a wide range of riding styles and skill levels, but if you’re a seasoned rider looking for a serious challenge, these advanced trails are worth adding to your bucket list:
1. Windrock Bike Park – Oliver Springs, TN
Widely considered the toughest downhill riding in the eastern U.S., Windrock features aggressive terrain, rock gardens, and high-speed descents. The park offers shuttle service and is a top training ground for pro riders.
2. WildSide Adventure Park – Pigeon Forge, TN
Tennessee’s best-kept MTB secret is hiding just outside Gatlinburg. WildSide covers 900 acres and boasts 21+ high-speed trails, a 600-foot elevation gain, an insane jump park, and a growing network that gets updated yearly. From Baby Bear to Papa Bear, our trails are built to thrill.
3. Baker Creek Preserve – Knoxville, TN
Part of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Baker Creek is home to Devil’s Racetrack—a double black diamond jump line with massive berms and tabletops. There’s also year-round trail maintenance thanks to the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC).
4. Raccoon Mountain – Chattanooga, TN
This TVA-managed system includes over 20 miles of loops. Upper Chunky and Live Wire are must-rides if you’re after technical features, steep climbs, and rewarding downhills.
Trail Towns Worth Exploring
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:
Thrillium – 0.8 miles of unrelenting twists and a 14% max grade.
Very Gneiss – A deceptively chill start followed by chunky rock sections and high-speed jumps.
Whip-or-Will – Short but intense, with a 25% grade that’ll have your legs and lungs burning.
Dolly’s Curves – As bold as the icon herself—quick, technical, and packed with switchbacks.
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.
Additional Resources and Related Outdoor Adventures
For your friends who are mountain biking-curious but not nearly at the skill level you’re at, we’ve got plenty of beginner-friendly trails, too. These include Creek Climb, Holler Holler, and Halfway Up. And starting this summer, WildSide will also be offering bike classes for beginners to help new riders build confidence and skills right from the start.
We ALWAYS prioritize safety at WildSide, so we’ll make sure that your beginner friends (and you, too) are fully equipped with safety gear.
And don’t forget: WildSide also has UTV tours and America’s LONGEST zipline! You can have fun with the whole family and take a zipline tour after you give your kids a brief intro to mountain biking.
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.
