Tsali Recreation area located beside Fontana Lake near Bryson City, NC. This trail system consists of 4 loops that alternate between horseback riders and mountain bikers. Hikers may travel on the trails on any day. There is a $2 user fee per person, and this fee helps fund trail improvements.
Tsali is named after a Cherokee man who once lived in the area. The U.S. Army captured Tsali and his family during the Cherokee removal in 1838. Tsali and others escaped from their captors during the march along present day Fontana Lake.
Ok, enough general information. Mountain biking Tsali is a blast!! The day we were there was the day before the “12 hours of Tsali” mountain bike race. We rode the right loop in reverse with the rest of the racers. While they were picking their lines for the next day, I was just hoping to make it back to the car. The trail is very scenic, but unfortunately, the right loop doesn’t lend itself to many good pictures of the lake as I had hoped to have some to post but maybe next time.
I wouldn’t recommend Tsali to the beginning mountain biker. There are plenty of climbs that would make even the avid rider dismount and push. I would ride for a few months and get your endurance level up then go have some fun.
Tsali has a campground that is first come first serve from April 15-October 31. Personally, after a day of mountain biking, I would be looking for a cushy bed to sleep on, but if camping is your thing, they have a nice campground.
Check out this web site for more detailed information on Tsali.
