This is by far one of my favorite areas to mountain bike! I live about an hour away and make the…read moretrek a couple of weekends a month.
There are two sets of trails (Mouse Branch/Thompson Loop or Right Loop/Left Loop) and they vary by day which set is for bikes and which for horses, which is detailed on their site (but I have also copied that info at the end of my review. All the trails are one-way, dedicated trails so you can get some good speed too!
Mouse Branch/Thompson Loop: I LOVE the flow of this trail. There are no drastic up hills or downhills. Pretty much anyone can traverse these trails. I am a solid intermediate but suck on ascending, but I do not have to get off my bike anywhere on this trail. It opens up to some GORGEOUS views of Fontana Lake. Be warned that you will need to wear your sunscreen on this side because it lacks a good tree canopy, unlike the other set of trails.
Right Loop/Left Loop: These are the more challenging and longer trails. I did have to get off my bike and push a couple of times. There is more tree canopy on this side (thus more shade, which I love). It also has great views of the lake in spots.
If I had my choice, I would choose a day when Mouse Branch/Thompson Loop is open for mountain biking for a more fun, easier, flowy trail. For more of a challenge, choose a Right Loop/Left Loop day.
**Bring a few bucks cash. There is a daily use fee on an honor system (but it supports the trails so don't be cheap!!). You go to the little board at the end and fill out an envelope, which you put in a box.
You can also kayak and camp nearby! :)
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Info from their site:
The Tsali (pronounced "SAH-lee") Recreation Area's four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course.
The Right Loop, rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible.
The Left Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake.
The Mouse Branch Trail, rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads.
The Thompson Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track.
Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians-the primary users-are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule:
Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec.
Right Loop and Left Loop:
Horses - Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday
Mountain Bikes -Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:
Horses - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
Mountain Bikes - Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
May/July/August/October
Right Loop and Left Loop:
Horses - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
Mountain Bikes - Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:
Horses - Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Mountain Bikes - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads.