Tsali Guided Mountain Biking
Experience fun trails and scenic overlooks with a guided mountain biking tour on Tsali! Just a short drive from our main campus, guests will receive top of the line equipment, instruction and guidance.
Overview
Tsali Recreation Area has been rated one of the top destinations to mountain bike in the region and the U.S.!
Join our experienced guides for a mountain bike tour that offers sweeping views of Lake Fontana at the base of the Smoky Mountains. Tsali is located just a short shuttle ride from our main campus in the Nantahala Gorge. Guests can expect to experience trails through wooded areas, multiple loops and connectors along with steep, interior ridges. Besides the main loops, Tsali offers 40 trails that are fast, singletrack and well-designed. Along the trip, you will get to experience fantastic views from several overlooks, and extensive trail system.
The trails at Tsali are considered moderate and we recommend having some mountain biking experience. Our guides will review with some basic instruction and tips before the trip begins, then will guide your trip while sharing some information about the recreation area and landscape.
Other experience levels can choose to try out mountain biking on our Flint Ridge Trail located right on our 500-acre campus.
Highlights
- Ride industry-leading Specialized bikes fitted for you with the help of our bike guides
- Tour a popular mountain biking trail system maintained by the National Park Service
- Experienced Guides will lead riders on extensive trails with information about the local area
- The trails offer several scenic overlooks of Fontana Lake
What to Expect
After checking in at the Adventure Center Deck, bike guides will work with you to fit an appropriately sized bike for you to use during the guided trip. After being shuttled to Tsali from our Nantahala River Outpost in Bryson City, Guides will review the basics of mountain biking before beginning the trail ride. At the end of trail riding, you will return to the NOC Bryson City outpost by shuttle. Total trip time is will be around three hours.
Discounts Available
Second Activity Discount
More adventure, more savings! Save an extra 10% when you book a second qualifying activity at our Nantahala River adventure campus.Stay and Play Discount
Outdoor Adventure at your doorstep! Stay 2 or more nights at NOC lodging and save 10% on outdoor activities at our 500-acre Nantahala campus. Call us to book today!Dates
Location
Before You Visit
Participants must be between 4’11” and 6’5″ to fit on mountain bike rentals. All minors (17 and under) must be accompanied by a participating adult during the activity.
Mountain biking requires participants to be able to actively pedal a bike up and downhill, over uneven terrain and with switchbacks. Flint Ridge is a moderate to challenging course and mountain biking experience is highly recommended, with good conditioning to pedal 6-14 miles.
Participants must meet age, weight, and chest size minimums and maximums specific to this trip. Please read our General Participant Eligibility & Recommendations for more information.
NOC provides the following:
- Equipment fittings with mountain bike rental and helmet
- Transportation shuttles to and from trails
- USFS Fees
Guests are welcome to bring their own bikes*, please ensure they are in good working order.
*There is no discount for guests that bring personal bikes or equipment.
You will need to wear sturdy shoes like sneakers that will stay on securely during the trip. No sandals, water shoes, Crocs, Tevas, Keens, or Chacos are allowed. Wear comfortable athletic clothing, and bring a rain jacket. Please bring 1-2 water bottles or camelbaks and snacks as needed. If you have clipless pedals and shoes you may bring them for an NOC guide to attach.
Enjoy riverside dining at one of our two locations conveniently located right on campus. River’s End Restaurant offers American-style cuisine with pizza, sandwiches, salads and more. Big Wesser features quick Southern fare like burgers and barbeque. Both have a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Additional snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the Outfitter’s Store or the General Store.
