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MTB TRAIL STATS

Avg Rating:	23 trail reviews
Status: Open updated 4/6/09 by ckdake Closed Open Wet / Sketchy	Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 11 miles	Global Rank: 10
Tread: Singletrack	Configuration: Loop
Ridden: 210	Wishlist: 122
Avg. Speed: 6.52 mph	Avg. Time: 1hr 46min
IMBA Epic Trail

 

Tsali Right Loop in Bryson City

 

Tsali Thompson Loop in Bryson City

 

Catawba Mtb Park-US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte

 

Tsali Mouse Branch Loop in Bryson City

 

  
reviewed by scout_about on November 23, 2009

I rode all four trails at Tsali last weekend. I liked this one the best. I feel it is superior to the Right Loop in many ways; I felt it flowed better overall, it's down hill sections were more fun, I felt it was more technical overall and it had better views of the lake. We also did it when it was 45 degrees and pouring rain, so I might liked it even more. I still like it a lot and if you could only ride one, I would go with Left over Right.

Similar Trail: Right Loop, Mouse Branch, Thompson Loop

  
reviewed by rich67 on September 14, 2009

Totally awesome. Wow. Rode this 09/09, and I'd have to say the left loop is awesome. Great lake views (took a dip too-water was perfect), KILLER downhills, and some challenging uphills. I rode the trail from the "suggested" trail marker at the horse parking lot at the top of the gravel hill. I can say that you'd be best off going this way- the first part of the trail offers some awesome undulating hills, and you get some amazing downhill toward the end of the trail. If you ride it the opposite way, you're missing out on some of the gradually sloping downhills where you can really get some speed. Plus, I was able to take the gravel road DOWNHILL at the end, which was fun as well.

Similar Trail: Santos,Ocala FL., Bull Mountain, Dahlonega GA

  
reviewed by Graylin_King on July 12, 2009

Great trail nice flow

  
reviewed by natedogg on November 12, 2008

Tsali in general is SOLID trail riding. Lots of fun, moderate climbing, GREAT views, trails well maintained and marked, and a few fun downhills. Granted, it's not very technical, but what do you want?!? It's FUN!! Me and about 6 others do a trip down from Pittsburgh every fall. We've ridden all the loops, and I'd say Left Loop is the best, but c'mon, you gotta do'em all!!

* Review edited 11/12/2008

  
reviewed by j2davis on November 10, 2008

We came here because this trail was listed by DirtMag as one of the top ten trails in the US. Even though we prefer a little bit more technical trail than this, we still had a good time. We did this counter clockwise. Most of the trail is fast and smooth single track. A little bit of climb to finish up the single track and heading up to the overlook. Then out the service road to trail head was a easy cool down ride. With all the hipe, we were a little disappointed. But it is still a fun ride.

  
reviewed by ecp97 on September 21, 2008

Rode left loop clockwise and had a blast. First 1/2 to three quarters is either tight single track with plant life rubbing your shoulders or a skinny ridge that skirts the side of the mountain with a fairly continuous view of the lake. No room for error or you'll be going for a little tumble. Either way it made the trail feel faster than I was going and kept things exciting. I did the climb up to the scenic overlook and was glad I did...the view is awesome. But be cautious as you reach the peak because you're a few hundred feet up and there's a spot right at the very top where you could potentially fall over the edge. It is literally straight down and no warning signs anywhere. The downhill from the overlook is fun. When you get to an intersection follow the signs for "trailhead" to get back to your car. Following the "left loop" signs at this point will take you counterclockwise on the left loop and back the way you came from. The "left loop" route will be tempting because heading for the "trailhead" will immediately start you on a climb that seems to go on forever. Careful going downhill on the logging road. Lots of speed plus gravel, curves, and little humps is a recipe for a good slideout crash...or so I've heard.

  
reviewed by jhckelman on August 3, 2008

I'd say this is the best overall loop in the Tsali system, which I'm quite familiar with at this point. Mostly good quality singletrack, with some very fast sections and great scenery, especially the Left Loop overlook (nice views into a roadless area of the Smokies). My main complaint with Tsali in general is the poor state of the tread, as there are lots of mudholes that would be easy to fix but that have remained for years now. I generally try to semi-fix at least one every time I ride here (which now down to only a couple of times a year since I moved to the West Coast), as it's easy to do with a trowel or even a stick to drain them. I know the forest service is underfunded, but it's ridiculous to charge an admission fee AND rely almost entirely on volunteer maintenance for tread work.

Similar Trail: Mouse Branch

  
reviewed by trent34 on June 18, 2008

i was really disapointed in this trail. yea parts are really fast but it rides the shore of the lake 90% of the time and with all of the baby pine trees blocking the view you really cant go all that fast. I have heard though that the other 2 trails (mouse and Thompson) are much better. oh and the last 3 miles or so is a gravel rd and if you go too fast in a corner youll be pulling rocks out for a week. i give this trail a 2.5 with a 5 being the olympic trail in conyers GA. Now that is FAST single track!

  
reviewed by gcarlson on June 17, 2008

Awesome riding, it's been a while since I rode there but from what I remember it is one of the best rides on the eastern seaboard. Best thing about is that you can go ahead and camp on the trailhead and then just take off after breakfast for an epic ride.

  
reviewed by Reserverockhopper on December 29, 2007

The "Holy Grail" on the eastern seaboard! It has been since October we rode, so I get a little fuzzy about this one, Right Loop, Mousebranch etc.. The entire trail system is awesome. There are some areas where you can kill yourself if not careful. I did lose it off a bench cut tight ledge section and bounced and rolled 20+ feet down the mountain. Fortunately, only a small scratch to show for it. This is the best trail park we've ridden.

Similar Trail: Mousebranch, Right Loop.

  
reviewed by ositoking on July 7, 2007

A great trail with smooth singletrack, minimal difficult climbs, great downhill runs

  
reviewed by madlion on November 14, 2006

Great ride, but very muddy. I'm not sure if they should fix the mud holes to drain or leave them. They added an interesting technical aspect that I enjoyed. You could jump the mud hole and get punished if you didn't make it or try to skirt the edges---If they werenít there then you'd just ride along with no obstacles....

  
reviewed by rocketbracket on October 26, 2006

long trail seems like it goes forever no exit for at least 10 miles . it can be even longer if connect with tsali right loop. scenery of the lake below is very nice and it breaks a monotony of this trail. easy climbs and downs. trail use alternates between mtb and horse back on certain days of the week so check it before venturing out there. there is campground and lake access hundred feet below trailhead

  
reviewed by ositoking on August 11, 2006

I rode here last weekend and I think that this is a great place. Its a sweet trail with a beautiful view of the lake. Not too many climbs. Great Downhill.

  
reviewed by getonthetrail on July 27, 2006

I enjoyed the tight, flat and smooth singletrack. This was a good warm-up allowing a very fast pace. There was not too much climbing, one kewl stream crossing and one good climb with a sweet veiw (think it was the one of the overlooks). I enjoyed the ride.

  
reviewed by scubasteven on July 24, 2006

We just rode this trail on Friday and it was in great shape. It is hard to imagine a better 11 miles than the Left Loop. The track was dry and fast and provided tons of great riding. The last 1/3 of the trail grabs your attention with a 1.5 mile climb that never seems to end. After the climb meets up with the Right Loop, it gets really steep. Following the climb though, you are rewarded with some really fast downhill action that ends right back at the campground.

Similar Trail: Tsali Thompson Loop

  
reviewed by Rebus on May 30, 2006

A great trail with smooth singletrack, minimal difficult climbs, great downhill runs. I rode it clockwise and combined it with the Right Loop for a full day of riding. This is a must-ride, and one of the finest pieces of singletrack this side of Fruita.

  
reviewed by EZ-E on August 7, 2005

In my opinion, this is one of the best loops at Tsali!! Ridden clockwise, this trail offers perfect hardpack singletrack with some mildly rocky portions and minimal roots. The views of Fontana Lake are breathtaking as the trail follows the banks for several miles. Mid-way out on the Left Loop there are some challenging uphill climbs with mildly technical lines(some rooty) followed by some really quick downhill decents. A few creek crossings and a bridge add to the excitement of the trail. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic, as direction of the trail is more a "suggestion" rather than the rule. County Line Road is a screaming fast jeep-road-wide ride back to the main lot. Three comments: 1. Pay your $2 on the honor system, 2. Get a trail map, 3. Don't litter out there, we saw two plastic bottles which had been dropped on the trail. It's just unexcusable to not pack out what you take in.

  
reviewed by yellowXtrek on June 26, 2005

This trail has a little bit of everything. Some areas to ride with some speed, some technical challanges including creek crossing, roots, rocks and the very edge of the trail that will dump you into the lake if you are not careful, some decent climbs and fast downhills. The variety and scenery made this trail a lot of fun to ride.

  
reviewed by BabylunaWNC on June 2, 2005

This loop is so much fun! The best way to run this trail is to take county line all the way down to the 4 way junction at the end. (this is where county line road, left loop, the left loop overlook and right loop all come together) From there make a left onto left loop and complete the trail, this is backwards from the suggested route of travel so beware of oncoming riders. The overlook is amazing too.

  
reviewed by Wyoming on April 1, 2005

Good single track trail with glimpses of Fontana lake. I was a little disappointed in the lack of full views (except at the top). It is a long trail, but several short cuts allow for quicker loops.

  
reviewed by mikerider on August 7, 2004

The best part about this ride is that one wrong move and your swimming in Fontana! This trail has great variety: ups, downs, fast runs and some pretty technical areas on occasion. The park is gorgeous! There are a couple areas that could be marked better.

  
reviewed by devildog on June 29, 2004

Left loop is really amazing. I think it is the best of the four in the area. The trail is fast and exciting, but is not a forgiving as it may seem. A friend went flying off into the woods because there are lots of sharp turns. The best part of this trail is the amazing view of Fontana, which is of course where the Nantahala empties into. An absolute must if you get the opportunity.

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