Tennessee Tourism Announces Bike Tennessee’s New Mountain Biking Routes

Photos available here for media use courtesy of Tennessee Tourism

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 5, 2026) – The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) launched mountain biking routes through its Bike Tennessee program today, adding a new phase to the state’s existing road and gravel cycling routes. Developed in collaboration with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), the expansion features 11 mountain biking hubs with 76 trails across Tennessee.

The addition of mountain biking routes, alongside the already established road and gravel routes, brings the total Bike Tennessee collection to 165 routes available statewide. The curated collection of mountain bike trail systems offers a range of trail types and difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced, with experiences spanning interconnected urban trail networks to sprawling backcountry adventures. Four hubs, including SORBA Chattanooga, SORBA Tri-Cities, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club in Knoxville and Grind City Trails in Memphis, also offer adaptive-friendly trails, expanding access to mountain biking for cyclists of all abilities.

“The expansion of our Bike Tennessee program to include mountain biking creates new opportunities for cyclists to experience Tennessee’s stunning landscapes and great outdoors,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell. “Through our partnership with SORBA, these new routes further position Tennessee as a premier cycling destination for visitors worldwide.”

The hubs bring together active SORBA chapters and bike parks dedicated to trail stewardship and expanding access to mountain biking. The new routes offer cyclists additional ways to explore the state’s diverse terrain, with stunning backdrops spanning East, Middle and West Tennessee.

“We are excited to partner with Tennessee Tourism to highlight the efforts of our chapters across the state and share the incredible riding available across all three regions of Tennessee. Our volunteer-driven organizations build and maintain public trail systems for everyone to enjoy,” said Philip Darden, Executive Director of SORBA. “The addition of mountain biking to Bike Tennessee not only showcases the great riding Tennessee has to offer but also highlights the strength and dedication of our volunteers.”

The 11 mountain biking hubs include:

East Tennessee

Middle Tennessee

West Tennessee

Grind City Trails

Visitors can explore the new mountain biking trails on the Bike Tennessee website which provides navigation and detailed information on route distance, elevation profiles, terrain and more. Riders can customize their routes based on their preferences and skill levels.

Tennessee Tourism launched Bike Tennessee in 2024 with curated road cycling routes designed to connect cyclists with Tennessee’s scenic landscapes, small towns and welcoming communities. Since then, the program has expanded to include gravel cycling and now mountain biking, creating more opportunities for visitors to explore the storytelling state on two wheels, discover local businesses and experience Tennessee beyond the trails.

For more information about Bike Tennessee and to explore road, gravel and mountain biking routes, visit the Bike Tennessee website or follow Bike Tennessee on Facebook and Instagram. Join the conversation using #BikeTN.

About Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA)

SORBA is the largest nonprofit mountain bike advocacy organization in the Southeast. With 47 chapters spanning eight states across the region, it empowers chapters to build great trails and stronger communities across the Southeast. Learn more at sorba.org.

About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNVacation.com and follow @TNVacation on social media for travel inspiration.

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Media Contacts:
Chelsea Trott
chelsea.trott@TN.gov

Amanda Murphy
amanda.murphy@TN.gov

Jill Kilgore
jill.kilgore@TN.gov

Shelby McAuley
shelby.mcauley@TN.gov