Highlights

• Excellent mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking trails along the South shore of Fontana Lake and facing the NC side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The 'easiest' two trails of the four main trail systems within Tsali Recreation Area (Tsali Trails Right & Left, Thompson Loop Trail & Mouse Branch Loop Trail)
• Great Fontana Lake & Great Smoky Mountains National Park views along both trails
• 'Single Track' riding at it's best
• Nearby Tsali Campground, Lemmons Branch Boat Access, Tsali Road Boat Access, Area Information, Restrooms & Showers 
• Pit Toilets, Water, Information, Pay Area located at trail head

Tsali Recreation Area- Tsali Trail Right/Left Loops & Parking
  

The Local Scoop

Tsali Trails Right & Left Loops are great trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking.  These two trails are rated as 'easy' and offer views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake, with a great overlook opportunity of both the park and lake via the Tsali Trail Left Loop.  

We highly recommend Tsali Recreation Area and Tsali Trails Right & Left Loops to all mountain bikers and horseback riders in particular.  This area is surrounded by natural beauty and is secluded which provides a relaxing getaway. 
We also recommend staying a night or two at the Tsali Campground located just steps away from the main parking area for the Right & Left Loops.
If you're into mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, hiking, fishing and boating, Tsali Recreation Area is your ultimate playground. Come give it a shot!  You will not regret it! 

The Local Directions

From Bryson City, NC
Take U.S. Highway 74 West*/U.S. Hwy 19 West*/N.C. Hwy 28 North* (Great Smoky Mountain Expressway) for 8.3 miles to a right towards Robbinsville on N.C. Hwy 28 North.  Continue on (crossing a bridge over Fontana Lake & into 'Graham Co.') for another 3.6 miles to another right onto 'Tsali Road.'  Travel down this curvy little road for another 2.5 miles until you reach Tsali Recreation Area.
Horseback parking is to your left (think 10:00 o'clock) and Mountain Bike parking is to your slight left (think 11:00 o'clock).

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Coordinates

35.406465, -83.584148

Access

Easy via NC Hwy 28 North

Trail Distance

Right Loop: 11 miles
Left Loop: 11.9 miles

Nearest City

Bryson City

County

Graham County

Distance From

Bryson City, NC: 13.4 miles