Popular Mountain Biking Routes

Experience the thrill of mountain biking in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, stretching across both Kentucky and Tennessee. This vast landscape offers trails of varying difficulty, scenic views, and plenty of opportunities to test your skills. From quiet forest paths to more challenging routes, there’s something here for every rider.

Use the descriptions below to discover trail highlights, riding tips, and everything else you need to plan your next two-wheeled adventure in the Big South Fork. If you need help choosing your route, check out our biking trail map, which can be picked up at the park visitor centers.

 

 

Tennessee Bike Trails

 

West Bandy Trail - 3 miles

Traveling westward from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center: Follow directions to the Collier Ridge Loop and then from the point at which Collier Ridge Loop leaves the West Bandy Creek Road, continue following the gravel road for 0.4 miles to the beginning of the West Bandy Bike trail. Turn right onto the bike trail at the signs.

You can also access the opposite end of this trail from the West Entrance Trailhead on Hwy. 297: Follow the connector trail across West Bandy Creek Road and follow the bike trail signs. This section features rolling single track, creek crossings and short, steep sections. Return to your starting point by following the West Bandy Creek Road.

Time Allowance: (single track section)
Beginner—45 minutes
Intermediate—30 minutes
Advanced—20 minutes

This trail may also be linked with the Duncan Hollow Loop or Collier Ridge Loop.

Duncan Hollow Loop - 5.3 miles

Ride from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center to Duncan Hollow Road, located near the campground swimming pool. In 1.1 miles, turn left off Duncan Hollow Road onto Duncan Hollow Bypass.

This section, best ridden clockwise, features one creek crossing and one moderate climb. To ride it clockwise, travel 0.6 mile and turn right onto the second entrance. This single track rejoins Duncan Hollow By-Pass for the return ride to Bandy Creek. Remember, bicyclists must yield to equestrian use.

3.0 miles gravel road
2.3 miles single track

Time Allowance:
Beginner—1 1/4hour
Intermediate—1 hour
Advanced—45 minutes

Grand Gap Loop Trail - 6.4 miles

The Grand Gap Loop and portions of John Muir Trail can be biked any day of the week. Be prepared to share these trails with hikers. Beginner to Intermediate skill levels required.

This 6.4 mile loop is best ridden counter clockwise. Except for a few moderately technical sections, the trail is mostly flat, smooth singletrack. The trail is alongside several rockshelters and cliffline overlooks of the river. Please park your bike and walk the short distance to the overlooks.

John Muir Trail from Grand Gap Loop to
Station Camp area

The trail is a 7.5 mile extension of the Grand Gap northward with more overlooks and rockshelters. This single track trail is also flat, smooth and flows well. It connects to Duncan Hollow Road.

NOTE: Use caution because there are at least two spur trails that lead to unprotected overlooks.

Two popular options for riding both Grand Gap and John Muir Trail (JMT)

1. Park at the intersection of Duncan Hollow and Alfred Smith Roads (no facilities). Ride 1.8 miles down Alfred Smith Road to Grand Gap. Ride Grand Gap, then continue north on the JMT and return to your vehicle via Duncan Hollow Road. Total ride is about 18 miles (2 on gravel, 14 on trail, then 2 on gravel).

2. Drive 1.8 miles down Alfred Smith Road to small trailhead parking lot at Grand Gap. Ride Grand Gap Loop and then the JMT to its northern end. Turn around and return to the trailhead for a 28-mile out-and-back single track ride.

Collier Ridge Loop - 8 miles

Beginning from the Bandy Creek Visitor Center, the trail starts and finishes on the West Bandy Creek Road. The single track begins 1.1 miles after leaving the Visitor Center by turning left off West Bandy Creek Road just past the sign for Scott State Forest. Look for and follow the bike marker posts. The single track section features creek crossings, a few short hills and some sandstone slabs.

Approximately 0.3 miles from West Bandy Creek Road, you will see a split in the bike trail going uphill to the right. This trail will be part of your return route as you complete the loop.

The trail splits again at 1.8 miles after leaving West Bandy Creek Road. This split offers the choice of a novice or advanced section. If you would like the challenge of the advanced section, turn right on the single track to continue. This section has one short drop over a rock ledge. If you are a novice rider, continue straight ahead to Hwy 297.

Turn right on 297 and ride single file near the white line. In 1.3 miles look for the bike marker in the woods on the right to rejoin the single track.

Once the two sections rejoin, either continue west along Hwy 297 and take the West Bandy Trail (see below) or remain on the Collier Ridge Trail for another 2.3 miles back to the West Bandy Creek Road. Turn right and return to the Visitor Center.

Time Allowance:
Beginner—1 3/4 hours
Intermediate—1 1/4 hours
Advanced—45 minutes

 

Kentucky Bike Trails

 

Short Loop Option - 16 miles

Turn north onto the Laurel Hill multiple use trail and follow to the junction of the Laurel Ridge Road (approx. 2.4 miles). Turn right onto the Laurel Ridge Road and travel about 6 miles to the intersection of Bald Knob-Hill Cemetery Trail. Travel south on the Bald Knob-Hill Cemetery Trail to the Ledbetter Trailhead approximately 1.5 miles to complete the short loop.

Long Loop Option - 33.8 miles

From the Laurel Hill multiple use trail, continue west on the Kentucky Trail 1.5 miles to the junction of the John Muir Trail.

Turn west and follow the trail approximately 1.6 miles to the Longfield Branch Trail. Follow the Longfield Branch Trail 0.9 mile to reach the Terry Cemetery Trailhead.

From this point, travel 5 miles west to the Divide Road. Turn north and follow Divide Road 6.2 miles crossing the Tennessee/Kentucky stateline to reach the Peters Mountain Trailhead. Travel east on the Laurel Ridge Road approximately 8.5 miles to the ntersection of Bald Knob-Hill Cemetery Trail.

Turn right and travel south on the Bald Knob-Hill Cemetery Trail to the Ledbetter Trailhead approximately 1.5 miles to complete the long loop.