Johnson City Cycling: Trails, Clubs and Family-Friendly Rides

Little Bellas

Whether you are looking for a relaxing ride or some energetic exercise, Johnson City has the people and the places to please all types of cyclists. A blend of grassroots community programs is creating a thriving cycling hub in the region, providing residents with yet another way to get healthy while also enjoying the natural beauty of northeastern Tennessee. 

“Cycling is not just a random hobby. It’s truly a quality-of-life aspect that people do for their physical and mental health,” says Abraham McIntyre, executive director of Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association Tri-Cities (SORBA). “By investing in trail systems, we’re offering people different recreation opportunities beyond ball sports, which really adds to the overall community.” 

Founded in 1998, SORBA Tri-Cities is involved in both creating and maintaining mountain-biking trails. The organization currently works with 18 trail systems throughout the region. 

For those who prefer to remain on the beaten path, the Tri-Cities Road Club provides a variety of riding opportunities for recreational riders and competitive racers. The organization has been promoting cycling in the region since the early 1990s, and organizes multiple group rides each week. 

Yet, for many, the “quality-of-life” McIntyre speaks of is found in the social camaraderie of the Taco Trek. What began in 2015 as a 10-person outing at Trek Bicycle has evolved into a Tuesday night institution that can draw 350 cyclists to the downtown streets. By ending each loop at Holy Taco Cantina, the event bridges the gap between exercise and social connection. 

“A lot of our success in building up the culture of cycling has come from the Taco Trek,” McIntyre says. 

Little Bellas

Big Fun for Little Bellas

McIntyre says one of his goals is to have more children involved in cycling. 

“We want to get kids outside and moving,” McIntyre says. “And if the kids are moving, their parents or other grown-ups are probably moving, too.” 

An opportunity for young girls is the Little Bellas organization, a cycling program for ages 7 to 13 that began in Johnson City in 2020. 

“We meet at Winged Deer Park for two hours of biking, games and snacks,” says Samantha Mooney, program lead for Little Bellas Johnson City. “It helps girls grow in their confidence and explore their abilities on a bike, and hopefully have fun and make friends in the process.” 

Mooney says the program has doubled in size since it originated, with more than 30 girls taking part in the most recent eight-week session. She says some of the participants do not even know how to ride a bike when they first arrive. 

“They’ve just gotten their first bike, and they’re so excited but also a little bit scared,” Mooney says. “By the end of the program, they’re out there on the trails riding over roots and rocks. Seeing that transition in them is very rewarding.” 

Courtesy of SORBA Tri-Cities

Where to Ride

One of the best aspects of cycling in the Johnson City area is the number of trail systems close to downtown. Winged Deer Park used by Little Bellas is just 6 miles north of the city center and has more than 3 miles of single-track trails. East Tennessee State University has 5 miles of trails, and the Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park is located on 40 acres of heavily wooded terrain just a mile from downtown. 

In addition, the 9.6-mile Tweetsie Trail is a rails-to-trail project that opened in 2014, running from Johnson City to Elizabethton (with plans to expand it west toward Jonesborough). There also are multiple trails within 725-acre Buffalo Mountain Park, located about 3 miles south of downtown. The highlight is the Grand Circuit, a 4.5-mile trail that provides spectacular ridge views. 

“There really is something here for every type of rider,” Mooney says. “It’s an activity that families can do together, or you can go by yourself. It’s just a great way to be outside, enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise.” 

Courtesy of SORBA Tri-Cities