Bicycling

Tennessee requires that youth age 16 and under wear a helmet, though it's strongly recommended that all riders do so, regardless of age.

Cades Cove. Arguably the best place to bike, the 11-mile loop road is mostly level, and being on a bike allows you to get around traffic backups. However, traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends in summer and fall, and the road is narrow. The best time to bike the Cove is from early May to late September on Wednesday and Saturday morning until 10, when the Loop is closed to motor vehicles. Bicycles and helmets can be rented in summer and fall at an annex behind Cades Cove Campground Store (Cades Cove Campground 865/448–9034).

Foothills Parkway West. Parts of the 72-mile road has light vehicular traffic and is a scenic and fairly safe place for bicycling. Safe biking also is available on the lightly used access roads to Greenbrier picnic area and Cosby campground.

Mountain Biking

Gatlinburg Trail. This is the only hiking trail on the Tennessee side where bikes are permitted. The trail travels 1.9 miles (one way) from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. Pets on leashes are also allowed on this trail.

Parsons Branch Road. The unpaved, narrow, one-lane back road that twists and dips from near Cable Mill on the Cades Cove Loop Road to U.S. Route 129 appeals to mountain bikers.