The Tennessee Park Worth Driving Across The State To Explore
By Chris Dodge|Updated on April 24, 2024(Originally published August 08, 2023)
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
East Tennessee is filled with many small charming towns, beautiful mountain ranges, and plenty of opportunities to get outside to enjoy it all. Searching high and low, we have found plenty of hidden gems scattered throughout the state, but oftentimes, the best surprises are hiding in plain sight. Tannery Knobs in Tennessee is a perfect example of this because you’d never guess that a top-notch mountain biking park is hidden only minutes from downtown Johnson City. Whether you fancy yourself an adrenaline junky or an avid mountain biker, this park is well worth driving across the state to experience.
Only a few minutes from downtown Johnson City and located on an in-town mountain, you can find Tannery Knobs.
Tannery Knobs is a top-tier mountain bike track covering 40 acres and offers a network of trails. The trails are well maintained and offer plenty of steep grades -- and there is even a section for kids and beginners. If you are looking for a day trip in Tennessee, then this is a great spot to bring your family.
The work that went into creating these trails was extensive and garnered lots of buzz as the project progressed. When the trails were opened, many people came on out to this little track to feel the rush and get a little air while they were at it. Flash forward to today and many people consider this one of the best places for mountain biking in Tennessee.
Chances are, you will be having so much fun that you will forget you're only a few minutes from downtown Johnson City! The trails are also quite lush and give you the sense that you are deep within the mountains... all while still having all of the urban conveniences close by.
This is a must for any mountain biker. For those who are not familiar with a pump track, it's a track that is designed to propel the rider forward without the need to pedal. Riders can cruise the curved banks and bumps ad infinitum!
In need of a bike? Trek is a downtown Johnson City bike shop and they have been very excited to show off this glorious mountain bike park. If you are traveling in from somewhere else then you can also rent a bike to take up on the trails. They even offer a few tours and help teach new riders the ins and outs of the trails.
After riding the trails -- and especially if you have traveled far away into town -- you will want to find a nice place to lay your head for the night.
Located right in the heart of town is an artsy apartment with a certain unique flair to it. This space is not what you would typically expect from East Tennessee, but offers a fun way to stay the night and explore more of Johnson City.
From adrenaline junky to curious spectators, Tannery Knobs in Johnson City, Tennessee, is an impressive mountain bike park. With miles of biking trails ranging from beginner to expert, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Make sure you follow along with the Tannery Knobs Facebook page for updates as they continue to improve this park. As a kid, I caught the extreme sports bug, making this park a fun and unique place for me to visit and we can’t wait to hear what you think!
One of the best Tennessee state parks is just close by too, make sure to check out Roan Mountain State Park. If you plan on doing any hiking (Which I would highly recommend you do) make sure you have your AllTrails+ app ready to go and help you navigate the trails.
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