8 Scenic Tennessee Rail Trails Where You Can Bike For Miles Without Steep Climbs

A Tennessee railroad once earned a goat nickname because its climb up a plateau ranked among the steepest rail ascents anywhere. Today, that same rail bed carries bikes on smooth pavement.

I have to admit, that twist made me grin.

Old trains hated hills. Engineers graded their routes to stay as level as possible.

That old work still pays off for anyone pedaling those corridors today.

One path rolls over wooden trestles through wetlands. Another crosses an original train trestle near a big river.

A third follows a line nicknamed for the sound of its steam whistles.

So the hard part is already done. Your legs get the scenery without the burn.

I can see why these routes hook riders. Which old line would you ride first?

1. Tweetsie Trail Trailhead, Johnson City, TN

Trains on this line made such a cheerful whistle that folks nicknamed the railroad Tweetsie. The steam engines are long gone, but the name stuck to the trail that replaced them.

At the zero-mile marker, look down. A piece of original track from the early 1880s sits inlaid right there, a fun photo spot before you pedal off.

The route runs roughly 10 miles from Johnson City to Elizabethton on fine crushed stone. It drops at a low grade heading away from the trailhead, so the ride back asks for just a little more effort.

Shade covers most of the path, which your neck will appreciate in July. You’ll cross seven bridges along the way, plus a handful of road crossings where you should stay alert.

History nerds, rejoice. Nearly two dozen markers explain railroad stories, geology, trees, and local birds.

Around mile 2.5, a replica of the old Milligan Depot pops into view. Farther on, Sabine Hill State Historic Site sits near mile 4.4, and Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park waits near mile 5.8.

The modern trail opened in 2014, and it already feels like a Johnson City staple. Benches give you spots to rest, and the free parking lot makes starting easy.

Bringing the dog? Leashed pups are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can join the fun.

Address: Corner of Legion St. & Alabama St, Johnson City, TN 37601

2. Mountain Goat Trail

Here’s an irony worth savoring. A railroad named for its brutally steep climb now hosts one of the gentlest rides on the Cumberland Plateau.

The Mountain Goat Railroad hauled coal and passengers between Palmer and Cowan from 1856 to 1985. Its climb onto the plateau ranked among the steepest railroad ascents in the world, which explains the goat label.

Good news for you, though. The paved sections sit up top, where the old rail bed stays easy on your legs.

One stretch runs about six miles between Sewanee and Monteagle. Another links the DuBose Center in Monteagle to downtown Tracy City, adding roughly six more miles of smooth riding.

Starting in Sewanee puts you near the University of the South and its Gothic-style buildings. Parking is available at the Sewanee Welcome Center by the flashing light.

On the Tracy City end, you can hop on at Old Roundhouse Park downtown. The peaceful Grundy Lakes area sits close by for a post-ride wander.

CSX abandoned the line in 1985, and crews pulled the tracks a year later. A trail alliance formed in the early 2000s to turn the old bed into a path.

The big dream is over 35 miles linking seven plateau towns. For now, you get forest views, a calm mood, and pavement that lets you coast and daydream.

Address: Sewanee, TN 37375

3. Clarksville Greenway, Clarksville, TN

Deer sightings on a bike ride? Around Clarksville, that’s a pretty normal Tuesday.

The Clarksville Greenway follows a former railway corridor for approximately 9 miles, offering paved paths through wooded scenery. Much of the route offers comfortable cycling, but some sections have steep hills that require extra caution.

Pretty bridges show up along the route, giving you scenic spots to pause. The landscape draws plenty of wildlife, so keep your eyes on the tree line.

Paths stretch for several miles in each direction from the Pollard Road access. That means you can choose a quick spin or a longer outing without plotting a fancy route.

Families get a lot to love here. A natural playground with balancing logs, stepping stones, and climbing features gives kids another way to burn off energy after the ride.

Picnic tables make lunch easy, so pack sandwiches and make an afternoon of it. Public restrooms also sit on site, which matters more than anyone admits.

The greenway isn’t just for bikes. Walkers, runners, strollers, and skaters share the pavement, so a friendly bell ring goes a long way.

Leashed dogs are welcome too. Bring water for your pup on hot Tennessee afternoons.

Plan your visit during daylight hours, as Clarksville’s general park rules specify dawn-to-dusk access unless otherwise posted. Mornings tend to draw the biggest crowds, while weekday afternoons usually feel calmer.

Parking is free, so there’s no reason to skip it. Grab your helmet and go meet the local deer.

Address: 1101 Pollard Rd, Clarksville, TN 37042

4. Eureka Trail, Athens, TN

The old Eureka Cotton Mill near Englewood gave this trail its name, adding a little industrial history to the ride. The old Eureka Cotton Mill once operated near the Englewood end.

Today the Eureka Trail runs about 5.6 miles between Athens and Englewood on a former railroad bed. The surface is hard-packed gravel, and the path stays fairly level with only gentle inclines.

Horses share the route, so you might pass a rider or two. Give them space and a friendly hello.

The Athens trailhead sets you up nicely. You’ll find restrooms, a water fountain, and a bike repair station for that wobbly chain.

New riders should check out the Health Triangle. That half-mile loop sits right at the Athens trailhead with a rubberized surface designed for accessible, beginner-friendly exercise.

Once you head out, woods and rural scenery take over. Deer and turkeys sometimes wander into view.

Want a little science lesson with your ride? Numbered tree markers along the trail turn the route into an outdoor field guide.

The trail also earned the 2016 Coalition for Recreational Trails National Achievement Award. Not bad for a former rail line in small-town Tennessee.

Hours run from 7 AM to 9 PM, and the parking lot is free. Leashed dogs can tag along, though horses may get the right of way in their hearts.

Address: 1400 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303

5. Shelby Farms Greenline

Few city rides end with a chance to see bison. In Memphis, the Greenline can deliver exactly that.

The paved trail follows a former railroad corridor from Midtown out toward Cordova for over 10 miles. It runs mostly straight with a gentle grade, so you can settle into a steady rhythm.

Big oaks and other trees shade long stretches of the path. Wooden trestles carry you over wetlands, which adds a dash of drama to an otherwise easy ride.

Watch the edges for wildlife. Deer, wild turkeys, and even armadillos make appearances.

The trail links directly to Shelby Farms Park, one of America’s largest urban parks at around 4,500 acres. That’s where the resident bison herd lives.

No bike? Bike rentals are available year-round at the Hyde Lake Wheel House inside the park, although operating hours may vary.

Need a quick fix? A free bike repair station sits at the zero-mile marker near Farm Road and Mullins Station Road.

On the western end, the Greenline connects with the Hampline. Follow it toward the Broad Avenue Arts District and Overton Park for a longer day.

The first 6.5 miles opened in October 2010, and the route has grown into a Memphis favorite. Open sunrise to sunset, it rewards early birds with quiet miles.

Address: Memphis, TN

6. Maryville Alcoa Greenway park, Alcoa, TN

Evening riders, this one’s for you. The greenway stays open until 10 PM, and the paths are well lit.

Maryville and Alcoa share this paved greenway network, connecting parks and neighborhoods through both cities. That rail history explains why the paths feel so level.

The paved routes connect into a greenway network spanning more than 18 miles across Maryville and Alcoa. You can cruise for a long while without repeating yourself.

Pistol Creek winds alongside sections of the greenway, giving your ride a calm, scenic backdrop. Picnic tables wait nearby when you want a snack break.

Dog owners get a bonus here. The park includes a dog park, and leashed dogs can join you on the walkways.

Kids fit right in too. Short, easy stretches work well for little legs still learning to balance.

The Louisville Road entrance offers a free parking lot. It makes a handy starting point if you’re new to the area.

Timing matters if you want elbow room. Monday mornings and Tuesday afternoons tend to be busiest, while many nights feel quiet.

Gates open at 6 AM for sunrise people. Night owls can roll out after dinner and still enjoy a long, flat loop under the lights.

It’s an easy pick for a mellow ride with a little bit of East Tennessee scenery.

Address: 400 Louisville Rd, Alcoa, TN 37701

7. Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail Trailhead, Cookeville, TN

Most rail trails replaced their trains. This one rides right beside them.

The Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail is a rails-with-trail project, running next to an active rail line. Keep an ear out, because a train might roll past while you pedal.

The main stretch covers about 4.23 miles between Cookeville and Algood. It’s paved, mostly with 9-foot-wide asphalt, and the elevation changes stay gradual.

Start near the Cookeville Depot Museum on West Broad Street. Restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, and public parking sit near that end.

Along the way, Cinderella Park offers a playground and picnic tables. It’s a smart stop if you’ve got kids who suddenly need a break.

The Algood Community Center end has a bike repair station. Fix that squeaky brake before the ride back.

Keep your eyes open for art installations by local artists. They add a fun surprise to a commuter-style route.

There’s also an unconnected 1.1-mile section in Monterey. It features a wooden boardwalk over Stamps Hollow Creek and passes the Monterey Depot Museum.

The long-term plan calls for about 19 miles of trail. For now, you get a friendly ride that celebrates Tennessee railroad heritage.

Address: 150 W Broad St, Cookeville, TN 38501

8. Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail

A pair of nesting bald eagles once named a whole trail segment. That’s the kind of backstory you want before a ride.

The Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail follows part of the old Tennessee Central Railway near Ashland City. Over about 7 miles, it climbs only around 71 feet total.

Yes, that’s barely a speed bump. You can focus on the river views instead of your breathing.

More than 4 miles are paved. The rest, about 2.75 miles called the Eagle Pass Segment, is gravel and got its name from those eagles.

History shows up in steel form too. A bridge over Sycamore Creek was built in 1901 by the American Bridge Co. and became part of the trail in 1997.

Plant fans should slow down during the first mile. Signs there help you identify what’s growing beside the path.

Turkey Junction makes a handy rest stop. You’ll find restrooms, picnic tables, and benches waiting.

Wetlands, bluffs, and tributaries keep the scenery changing as you ride. It never feels like the same mile twice.

In December 2025, TennGreen Land Conservancy donated trail sections it owned to Ashland City. That move supports the trail’s future growth.

So pack binoculars along with your water bottle. Those eagles set a high bar for trail mascots.

Address: 177 Chapmansboro Road, Ashland City, TN 37015