Nantahala National Forest - Tsali Recreation Area

Located south of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tsali Recreation Area is home to about 30 miles of single track trails that wind their way along the shores of picturesque Fontana Lake. There are several places along the Left and Right Loops where you can take in the beautiful Smoky Mountains across the lake to the north.

The Tsali trail network is comprised of 2 sections that are accessible to mountain bikers and equestrians on alternating days of the week. Either one or the other of the sections will be open to mountain bikers every day of the week. The entire trail network is open for hiking at all times.  The trails at Tsali are mostly intermediate level, smooth and flowy single track interspersed with some rooty/rocky sections. Run by the National Forest Service, the Recreation Area has a first-come-first-served campground and a boat launch.