As you drive through the Ocoee Region, you will probably see lots of bike racks mounted onto passing vehicles. Why? Biking is a passion shared by natives and visitors alike! The Ocoee Region is full of places to take your bike…whether you’re a casual cyclist, a serious mountain biker or a weekend BMX amateur.

Bikeways/Road Biking

Bikeways of the Scenic South/Three Rivers Way

Much as the Ocoee, Hiwassee and Tellico rivers grow from cascading streams in the Cherokee National Forest to meandering waterways of the Tennessee River basin, the landscape of this region ranges from steep mountain topography to wide open pastoral plains, offering an exceptional variety of options for cyclists of all stripes, including bikepackers and gravel grinders! Three River Way is postcard-perfect scenery, rich history and cycling heaven! Take it all in one pedal stroke at a time on these carefully crafted bike routes!

Be sure to check the website for information on all the trails. Bikeways of the Scenic South 

BMX Biking

If BMX biking is your thing, then the Cleveland is the place for you! Bradley BMX is one of only four active USA BMX approved tracks in Tennessee. We have a world-class track with all levels of riders from beginners to champions! For information about Bradley BMX, contact Bradley County Recreation. (423)728-7035

Casual Biking

Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway

The city of Cleveland has a wonderful Greenway that runs through the city’s center. Bikes are welcome, as long as you make way for pedestrians. The Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway is a 3.94-mile-long public greenway path along Mouse Creek that will eventually stretch from the Village Green shopping and office center to the Hiwassee River in Charleston. The Greenway weaves through the northern part of Cleveland from Willow Street to Mohawk Drive. The path follows South Mouse Creek and crosses the waterway in five locations. Highlights of the greenway include an 18-space parking area at the north end of Harris Circle, five pedestrian bridges that cross Mouse Creek, five underpasses (Mouse Creek Rd., Keith St., 17th, 20th and 25th Streets), two playgrounds, three restrooms and a connection to the Prayer Walk Plaza at the Church of God International Offices.

Historic Downtown

Historic Downtown Cleveland is also a pleasant place for biking trips. Sidewalks run throughout most of the downtown area. Historic sites along the tour include Craigmiles Hall, built as an opera house in 1877-1878;

Café Roma, fine dining in an historic building that once housed the local daily newspaper; and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, a Gothic Revival structure rich in local folklore.

If you need any gear while you’re here, the expertise at our local bicycle shop is unsurpassed! Not only are they knowledgeable, they are also friendly and will be able to assist you in finding the best places to ride in the Ocoee Region. Be sure to check their website for upcoming rides and events. Scott’s Bicycle Centre 2544 Georgetown Rd, Cleveland, TN (423) 472-9891.

Mountain Biking

Johnston Woods Bike Trails

298 Brymer Creek Road

This multi-use trail system is designed mainly for mountain biking on the 380-acre Johnston Woods Retreat Center property. It offers scenic views and is great for all skill levels.

The trail is currently 4.5 miles with plans for further development. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Tanasi Trail System

Boasting more than 20 miles of trails, this trail system has it all. The Tanasi Trail System at the Ocoee White Water Center has extensive mountain biking and offers a wide variety of trails. Lots of fun for all levels!

All of the trails are beautiful and well maintained by the staff at the Cherokee National Forest.

Park in the Ocoee Whitewater Center lower parking lot at 440 US-64 in Copperhill, TN.

Mountain Bike Races

In addition to the casual days of mountain biking one can do in the Ocoee Region, there are also several major mountain bike races that draw hundreds to the area every year.

Here is a sampling of three of the largest:

Cohutta 100 – This 100-mile mountain bike race on the Tanasi Trail System originates at the Whitewater Center and draws hundreds of riders from across the country. Entry fees and OWC user fees apply.

SERC Mountain Bike Race – Cross-country, NORBA-sanctioned championship races for all age groups along the beautiful Tanasi Trail System. This race draws hundreds from across the country each year.

Black Bear Rampage – Advertised as the premier mountain bike race of the year, the Black Bear Rampage is a 42-mile mountain bike race utilizing the best trails of the Tanasi Trail System in the Cherokee National Forest.

Sponsored by Gary Fisher, Oakley and Scott’s Bicycle Centre of Cleveland. 423-472-9891