Tsali Recreation Area

Mountain Biking the Tsali Recreation Area
The popular Tsali Recreation Area has long been considered a top destination for mountain biking in Western North Carolina, and even the entire eastern US. Containing nearly 40 miles of trails in a system with four excellent loops, it has been rated as one of the top 10 places to ride in the USA. The area is located on a hilly peninsula reaching into beautiful Fontana Lake, at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The four long main trails at Tsali wind along the lake shore and onto the wooded, steep interior ridges. There are several connector trails, gravel roads and extension trails that give a few more options for rides besides the main loops. Three designated overlooks along the trails provide sweeping views of Fontana Lake with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the other side.

The trails are fast, hardpacked singletrack, and they're extremely well designed and well used. Trails alternate use between mountain bikers and horseback riders on different days; two will always be open to mountain biking. There is a $2.00 trail use fee for one day.

Tsali's jumping off point is the end of FS 1286, where the trailhead, campground, and boat launch are located. See below for directions to the trailhead.

History

"Tsali" is the name of a Cherokee Indian man who gave his life so that some of his people could stay in the Great Smoky Mountains region. In 1838, during the US government-ordered removal of the Cherokee nation to Oklahoma, Tsali and several others managed to escape the brutality and hide in the mountains. In an agreement to let some of the Cherokee stay, he, his oldest son, and his brother-in-law volunteered themselves as sacrifices for their people. They were executed and buried a community that is now under the waters of Fontana Lake. Tsali was survived by his wife and youngest son. They, and over 1000 others who had hidden in the mountains, returned to their homes and were finally allowed to remain. Generations later, their descendents form the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian, some of whom live on the Qualla Boundary reservation in the town of Cherokee and in the surrounding region today.

Crowds

Tsali can indeed be quite crowded on summer weekends. In fact, a lot of locals will tell you it's just too crowded to even ride here. Don't let this deter you, however, if you can only visit on a weekend. The parking lot will probably be pretty full. But actually finding a place to park is usually not a problem unless there's an event such as a race going on. While on the trails, you might encounter other riders frequently - so keep that in mind as you pick up speed. Despite this, the trails are hardly ever so crowded that you can't find seclusion. Even on the most crowded days with a full parking lot, you can often ride for miles without seeing anyone else. To avoid the crowds entirely, try to visit during the week.

Heat

It seems to get unusually hot for the Mountain region during the summer at Tsali. Yes, hiking is allowed on all the trails on any day - but bring your bike unless you want to roast in the hot sun like I did in August 2007. Without the breeze you get as you cruise down the trail on two wheels, you start to remember that you're in the South. The area is at a relatively low elevation, compared to nearby sites like Pisgah. It bears mentioning that the trails at Tsali can be open and sunny, and large clearcuts along with open, treeless expanses along the rocky lake shore can make for some truly miserable heat during the summer. Bring plenty of water here and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. If you're like me, you won't be able to resist a dip in cold, clear Fontana Lake at some point during or after your ride.

Camping and Lodging at Tsali

Public Campgrounds

The Tsali Campground is a public campground operated by the Nantahala National Forest's Cheoah Ranger District. Open from April thru October, it is located directly next to the trailhead. There are sites in a nice forest by a stream as well as open, sunny sites in a meadow. This campground has 41 shady, graveled, level sites, and there's hot showers and flush toilets. Drinking water is also provided. Smaller RV's will fit in some sites and are welcome but there are no electrical/water hookups. Sites are $15 per night. Payment is done on the honor system at a self-pay station, so you'll want to have your pass ready for when the friendly ranger comes around the next morning to check that you paid. Best of all, you can pick up your bike and ride straight out of your campsite onto the trails!

Backcountry camping is also allowed anywhere on National Forest lands, for free, except in designated wildlife fields. Also, no camping within 500 feet of a road or parking lot.

Directions to the Tsali Trailhead

See the WNC Area Map for the location of Bryson City and Tsali. From Bryson City, NC, follow US 19/74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway) to intersection with NC 28 north. Follow NC 28 north (a 4-lane highway) about 3 miles to the top of the hill and a sign for the Tsali Recreation Area; turn right. Follow the paved road to the campground and trailhead parking lot; park in the lot signed "Bikers Park and Pay Here."