Trail is
Avg Rating:   |
54 trail reviews |
Difficulty:  - Intermediate |
|
| Length: 30 miles | Global Rank: #5 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 168 | Wishlist: 144 |
| 15 trail check-ins |
Climb // Descend +6,000 // -6,900 feet |
| Average Speed: 6.4 mph | Average Time: 2hr 44min |
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Description
Tsali features four singletrack loops that hug the banks of Fontana Lake. Super fast and flowy singletrack with mostly moderate climbs and amazing scenery.
Daily usage alternates between horses and bikes so you don't have to worry about running into spooked riders (check local park maps and signage). The trailhead features a bike wash station and there's also a nice campground with showers and flush toilets. Tsali is an IMBA Epic and with good reason!
KleinGuy on June 13, 2013
Porcupine Rim (70%)
Heritage Park (70%)
Dupont State Forest (70%)
Slickrock (70%)
To view directions to Tsali Recreation Area mountain bike trail, please login. If you don't have an account, sign up for a free account - it only takes a minute.
Description
Tsali features four singletrack loops that hug the banks of Fontana Lake. Super fast and flowy singletrack with mostly moderate climbs and amazing scenery.
Daily usage alternates between horses and bikes so you don't have to worry about running into spooked riders (check local park maps and signage). The trailhead features a bike wash station and there's also a nice campground with showers and flush toilets. Tsali is an IMBA Epic and with good reason!
added by jeff 
on July 21, 2010
on July 21, 2010Mountain Bike Trails in the Tsali Recreation Area Trail System
- Tsali Left Loop ( - Intermediate )
- Tsali Mouse Branch Loop ( - Intermediate )
- Tsali Right Loop ( - Intermediate )
- Tsali Thompson Loop ( - Intermediate )
Trail Reviews [Add a review]
KleinGuy on June 13, 2013
0 out of 0 readers found this useful
Review: I've been going to Tsali for years. About 15 years to be exact. The campground is great and right at the trailhead. I really like the Thompson loop even though its one of the shortest. It's fast and flowy and has a great downhill at the end. Its always a good ride combining the left and right loop as well. Absolutely love this place and look forward to going every year!
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Review: narrow and fun in most places, was pretty muddy when I was there but that is what wash station is there for.
Review: These trails are a little under expectations to be an EPIC ride bent creek and DuPont are much better. Still some good riding in the area left loop is really fast and fun, if your in the area already check out the left loop or Thompson depending on the day, but don't make the extra drive here over DuPont or bent creek!
Review: Tsali is and always has been a nice trail in a great location but
#4 in the world. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING. It was all the rage in the South in the 90's but now I don't consider it top 4 in WNC. Dupont, Jackrabbit, Bent Creek, etc. are all better. Just my IMHO but I have lived in WNC 40
years....
#4 in the world. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING. It was all the rage in the South in the 90's but now I don't consider it top 4 in WNC. Dupont, Jackrabbit, Bent Creek, etc. are all better. Just my IMHO but I have lived in WNC 40
years....
Review: Just went down from NY for the weekend and we were not disappointed the weather was perfect and the trails are fast and smooth nothing really technical a few climbs to keep you honest I believe Mouse is highly underrated here it's well worth the time however out of the 4 Thompson is the best loop if you can only do one. That being said park on the right side of the sign because they will write a parking ticket for a nice $75 ride!
Similar Trail: Allegrippis trails Raystown Lake
Similar Trail: Allegrippis trails Raystown Lake
Review: I came out here last May and rode the Left Loop. It had a lot of pretty scenery of Fontana Lake and I enjoyed the ride but it probably would have helped had I gone the right direction. It doesn't work very well when taken counter-clockwise, and the width of the trail makes it difficult to avoid other cyclists going the other direction.
Review: I've been looking forward to Tsali for a long time. We moved to Boone NC several months ago from Steamboat Springs, CO and I have ridden my fair share of trails. This to me, isn't close to epic. Sorta flowy, too often it's wider than single track, and the berms are weak. I always have a good time on my bike, so I still had fun. But I'd rank every mile of Kerr Scott and Warrior Creek trails above Tsali. I only rode half of it (right and left loops) and got a little lost at dusk on New Years Eve. My expectations were so much higher so I left a little bummed and spent my extra cash at Harrahs in Cherokee.
Review: Nice ride, not very tecnical but great fun and exercise with exception of a few rocky spots.
Similar Trail: OVT in Wilksboro
Similar Trail: OVT in Wilksboro
Review: Awesome trail! Very challenging inclines and descending fast, although alot of fun. Camping in the park was awesome. Just jumping on the bike from your tent site and riding to the trailhead was nice. Great place to hit 2 trails.
Review: 1st time to Tsali and not disappointed..the weather and scenery were spectacular. Rode Mouse on Saturday and Left Loop today. Extremely fast downhills with some grueling climbs..hope to be back soon
Review: I have ridden all four of the loops listed here. They are all fast, twisty fun on smooth singletrack with very little elevation gain or loss. I love this kind of riding.
Similar Trail: Rampart Reservoir
Similar Trail: Rampart Reservoir
Review: I rode Thompson loop on Thursday 10/11 and throughly enjoyed it. It's in good condition for this late in the season and is well-drained except where it crosses small streams. But those were no problem and added to the adventure. Thompson loop is not as technical as some reviews describe it, but there are a couple a long climbs. After the last climb the descent to the trailhead was fun despite the rough trail surface due to tree roots. I hiked part of Right Loop that day and look forward to riding it on my next visit.* Review edited 10/15/2012
* Review edited 10/15/2012
* Review edited 10/15/2012
Review: Just arrived back home and still super stoked about the Right Loop!!! We woke up and picked a spot, drove to a beautiful place we had never been to and had no idea how majestic and exhilirating our day would be! We only were able to to do the Right Loop, but will be planning a trip back to explore the remaining trails.
Great downhills, great flow, super fun switch backs and again....the amazing scenery! It is rated as moderate due to the few steeper inclines, but well worth walking a few yards up for the decents. This loop is clearly marked with short cuts at 3 and 8 miles to give you plenty of options. One of the best we have riden!
Review: I live 20 miles from Tsali so the four trails are my main rides. I won't repeat what is all said below but was just there today. My message is watch for downed trees. Lots of twisty singletrack and they are diffificult to see.
Review: Great trail system with awesome views of the lake. The main trail is a fire road that branches off to several single track sections. This trail will test your technical skills and fitness level. A must ride trail for the Mtb fanatics!
Review: awesome trails! Everything below is true!
Review: Awesome! Absolutely amazing single tracks! Rode thompson loop and right loop trails. Amazing climbs and even more amazing down hills. A must if you in the Bryson city/Nantahalla area!
* Review edited 8/24/2012
* Review edited 8/24/2012
Review: Camped near the NOC and rode Tsali for a couple days. What a great time! Trails are fun, flowy, and fast! If you like technical riding then Tsali is not for you. But if you like flowy fast descents then ride Tsali. The only down side is watch out for downed trees. Line of sight can be short and several trees obstruct the trails. Other than that I would recommend Tsali to all. Just the kind of riding my 29er HT was made for.
Similar Trail: Bull/Jake Mtn, Pinhoti trails
Similar Trail: Bull/Jake Mtn, Pinhoti trails
Review: Fast and fun- awesome cross country riding
Review: no big climbs lots of fast flowly trails, great for a 29 hardtail!!!!
Review: Heavily used with great access from the adjoining campground. The trails are in good condition with fun berms a few whoop-de-doos.
There is quite a bit of variation in the style of trails - from narrow/exposed to wide-flowy doubletrack.
Windy Point off of Right Loop should not be missed.
Trails are heavily ridden with a large range of abilities - overall the condition is great but the many wet spots are being widened by riders trying to go around rather than through.
Worthy of a top 100 rating but definitely not top 10.
Review: We just don't get the high rating on Tsali. We've biked it several times. It's not a re-do for us unless it's a last resort. Nothing special, some washed out red clay trail areas that are extremely hot in the summer... didn't see any spectacular scenery at all. Fletcher Creek near Asheville, NC and Warrior Creek at Kerr Scott Dam in Wilksboro NC are far superior trails!! Actually, anything in Bent Creek Forest in Asheville beats Tsali hands down. Tsali is just boring.
Similar Trail: Fletcher Creek, Hard Times Trail in Bent Creek, Explorer Loop in Bent Creek.. Going south into Georgia we like Bear Creek in Ellijay.
Similar Trail: Fletcher Creek, Hard Times Trail in Bent Creek, Explorer Loop in Bent Creek.. Going south into Georgia we like Bear Creek in Ellijay.
Review: Awesome! Even though I took a terrible fall and had to be taken to the emergency room. I love this place and can't wait to heal and get back there.
Similar Trail: It is in a league of its own
Similar Trail: It is in a league of its own
Review: Tsali has a lot to offer... from grueling climbs to some pretty slick downhills... it's the Mecca of Mountain Biking, IMHO. I went after a week of rain, so it was a bit soaked with some puddles at least knee deep. These aren't obvious, so avoid them if possible. The trails are well marked, and it's pretty easy to get around, even without a map. If you can, go on a weekday because it can get quite crowded on weekends....
Similar Trail: Panthertown Valley
Similar Trail: Panthertown Valley
Review: Honestly not sure why this is ranked so high. After riding Pisgah and Dupont this place can not compare. It was well maintained but I would not classify it as an epic or destination trail. I think the IMBA is getting soft on what a EPIC really is.
Review: I've been coming to these trails for 20 years, and have always enjoyed the rides.
These trails are not like Pisgah or Dupont. Tsali is a ride that many can enjoy, while Pisgah and Dupont or for the more hardcore crowd IMO. To give these trails a poor rating is missing the point. Dupont and Pisgah are awesome, but should no be compared to Tsali, because they are so very different. Similar Trail: Chicopee Woods
These trails are not like Pisgah or Dupont. Tsali is a ride that many can enjoy, while Pisgah and Dupont or for the more hardcore crowd IMO. To give these trails a poor rating is missing the point. Dupont and Pisgah are awesome, but should no be compared to Tsali, because they are so very different. Similar Trail: Chicopee Woods
Review: Tons of fun, some good climbs, some fast downhill and the scenery is the best.
Review: Great trail system with fantastic scenery. Lots of different trail types, climbs, sweet singletrack, switchbacks, fast downhill double track. Great trailhead campground and lake for that mandatory after ride dip!
Review: Good trail system. I did this with my family with an Ally-cat 3rd wheel on the back of my bike. We did two of the loops. Nice views. I want to go back and hammer on this trail. I'm sure it would have a different dynamic. I'm glad there were some wild berries for the kids during the ride to keep them going.
Review: Ok, very nice swoopy trail with some valley views at the top. But no way in hell is this the 3rd best trail in the world, or America.
Review: Some of the finest riding you'll find in the area. I've ridden these trails multiple times and they've never let me down. Beautiful scenery, fast single track, and a serious workout for my suspension.
Similar Trail: I'm not sure anything compares to these trails. Maybe Bear Creek, but the rides not as long.
Similar Trail: I'm not sure anything compares to these trails. Maybe Bear Creek, but the rides not as long.
Review: Rode Right and Left Loops 3/28, the Mouse Branch and Thompson Loops 3/29. Conditions were perfect and trails were very good. I've not been on too many trails, but this is the best I've ridden so far.
Similar Trail: Brown County, Nashville, Indiana
Similar Trail: Brown County, Nashville, Indiana
Review: Rode Mouse, Thompson, Yesterday Really Liked them both, Rode Right Loop Today it was more flowy. Mouse & Thompson were a little more Technical. Enjoyed all 3 trails. Gotta go back and do Left loop Now.
* Review edited 3/25/2012
Similar Trail: Tanasi- Ocoee,TN
* Review edited 3/25/2012
Similar Trail: Tanasi- Ocoee,TN
Review: This whole trail system is a real treat. A few spots that will have all but the supermen and women among us walking our bikes to the top and some incredibly brisk downhills as a reward. Each day has a pair of trails open that will give you about 20 miles of peddling.
Similar Trail: Tanasi
Similar Trail: Tanasi
Review: Agree with the review below. Good trail, but not the best I've ridden (FATS is #1 to me). We went up here last summer and rode about half the trails here one day and all of JackRabbits another day. Solid, well groomed/marked trails that seem to get a bit long at times. Some of the climbs were long and fun, but no real flowy sections like FATS or JackRabbits.
* Review edited 12/31/2011
* Review edited 12/31/2011
Review: Every one i meet says this trail is the best. I think they could be better. As narrow as some of these trails are along the lake edge they should be rotation direction not bidiectional. They do rotate trails for horse and bike use . Whatever? trails are marked well, flow good , great views at overlooks, tend to get bored as each trail is long with little change up. dont mind the miles just when they all look the same and ride the same. Jack Rabbit trails are more fun than this one . if you want to ride all the trails here plan 2 days as they are on a rotation with horse use 4 trails total 2 avaliable every other day. Bottom line if you are in the area go ride here ,just dont make a pilgramage here expecting bliss
Review: Great trail and one of my favorite IMBA Epics I have ridden. I have been there several times from Indiana and it doesn't get old. Great views, climbs and downhills. It is a must do for anyone.
Review: See reviews for the 4 individual trails there. Left, right loop. Thompson and Mouse Branch loops. Ride different loops on different days. Campground on site to bike to trails. $2 entrance fee per day. Money goes to trails. Epic, multi day trip.
Review: Rode the right and left loops on 10/7/11 and ticked 20 miles exactly. The trails were in great shape. I always prefer the Thomson and Mouse days though.
Spent Saturday taking a flat bottom canoe down the Natahala with a buddy. Mtn biking and the reevur....good times.
Review: Riding Tsali this weekend and the Mouse Branch and Thompson Loops rode well today. The flow worked well and we ticked 20.1 miles after riding both trails plus the overlook. My gauge is prolly off since i got new rims though.
Review: Fun and Flowy, pretty easy stuff....Great scenery and a camp ground with showers. I was hooked on this place for a few weeks....
Similar Trail: Brush Creek (near Tanasi)
Similar Trail: Brush Creek (near Tanasi)
Review: My son and I rode both the right and left loops as Tsali back-to-back. This trail system is not especially technical, but is challenging to ride mainly because of the steady climbing to reach the overlook areas and the overall length of the loops when ridden in one day. We had a great time and would recommend it highly, but I think Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania is a better example of the same general concept -- long, flowy trails at a destination mountain bike network.
Similar Trail: Raystown Lake, PA
Similar Trail: Raystown Lake, PA
Review: What can i say, this trail lived up to the hype. The views, trail condition and overlook are all top notch. Definitely worth the 2.5 hour trip.
Similar Trail: Dupont State Forest
Similar Trail: Dupont State Forest
Review: Spent three days up there in May. What a great trip wish I could have stayed longer. Not very technical but fun and fast. The climbs were a little tough for a florida boy, but the downhill was worth it! Did I mention fast! Great veiws great trails will be going back for sure.
Review: Trails are in great shape, the Nantahala Area Sorba club will be working with Forest Service to make these the best trails around. Please,please obey the alternate day rules. Happy Trails!
Similar Trail: Jackrabbit
Similar Trail: Jackrabbit
Review: These trails are simply great. No man made obstacles but I can do those in my back yard. A beautiful wilderness area. Fast tracks. I can't believe the nerds complaining about limbs and brush. If mountain biking is not considered a contact sport, it should be. Go bowling or man up.
Review: This is truly on of the quinessential east coast trail systems, which is great in the summer because it does not get quite as balmy here as it does in other parts of the south. There are a lot of good trail reviews (see below) but I want to reiterate that you cannot ride all 4 loops in one day because of alternating with horse traffic. Also, after it rains, there are a lot of holes on the trail that fill with water; be cautious because some of those puddles have rocks and roots in them. I busted it hard last year when it started storming...it is easy to get use to flowing, non technical trails for miles, bombing down a hill doing 25mph, then bam: big fat rock garden and a busted bike. I love Tsali, though, and find myself comparing many trails I ride to its simplicity and design.
Similar Trail: FATS
Similar Trail: FATS
Review: Great trail, but wish there was less doubletrack and some more slow technical sections.
Similar Trail: none
Similar Trail: none
Review: Fun, fast, and flowy! These trails are fun for the experienced rider and still rideable by the novice. Don't expect to be challenged by the technical just enjoy the flow.
Review: fast and flowy not very technical. Lots of great scenery but similiar throughout.
Similar Trail: Lake Norman State Park
Similar Trail: Lake Norman State Park
Review: All 4 trails are great with variable difficulty but I have one major complaint shared by many riders and the topic is not on your questionaire. CUT THE WEEDS, BRIARS, POISON IVY, TREE LIMBS ETC. FROM THE TRAILS....I MEAN THEY ARE GROWING ACROSS THE TRAILS IN SOME PLACES. THAT IS NOT AN EXPENSIVE THING TO DO.* Review edited 4/28/2011
* Review edited 4/28/2011
Similar Trail: US National Whitewater, Charlotte
* Review edited 4/28/2011
Similar Trail: US National Whitewater, Charlotte
Review: These trails alternate horse/bike every other day , so you can only ride one side of the park on a given day. Tuesday, Thursday and Sat are Mousetail and Thompson which I think kicked total butt. Killer technical downhills on fast single track, nice short steep climbs. Excellent. The right and left are different but still fun and will wear you out as it winds around the lake twisting and turning. Really great trails, but you do need to spend 2 days here to get it all!
Similar Trail: Chicopee, but Tsali is tough on beginners...
Similar Trail: Chicopee, but Tsali is tough on beginners...
Review: What can be said that hasn't already?
Well let me say this: these trails live up to the hype: there is no let-down here! The most Colorado-esque trails I've ridden east of the rockies.
Similar Trail: FATS, Jack Rabbit
Similar Trail: FATS, Jack Rabbit
Review: Another trail system well deserving of the IMBA Epic status. As Trek7k said, even the parking lot is top notch! The trails don't seem very technical but they will leave you smiling and ready to come back. Trails are closed to bikes and used by horses on alternating days but, unlike another IMBA Epic (Bull Mt), very few signs of their presence exist. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday are bike days for the Left and Right loops. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are bike days for the shorter and somewhat more technical Thompson and Mouse Branch loops. this is a great area for camping or hanging out on the lake as and it's pretty close the Great Smkoy Mountains National Park as well.
Similar Trail: Forks Area Trail System
Similar Trail: Forks Area Trail System
Review: Tsali has great singletrack that's fast and flowy without a ton of climbing required. One of the best parts is the campground at the trailhead: hot showers, flush toilets, and clean sites.
* Review edited 7/21/2010
Similar Trail: Tanasi in Tennessee has a similar feel, though with a bit more climbing.
* Review edited 7/21/2010
Similar Trail: Tanasi in Tennessee has a similar feel, though with a bit more climbing.
Recommendations
Forks Area Trail System (FATS) (100%)Porcupine Rim (70%)
Heritage Park (70%)
Dupont State Forest (70%)
Slickrock (70%)
Tags
imba epic ncNorth Carolina Outdoor Lists
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