Tsali Trailhead, US Forest Service, Cheoah Ranger District

Simply Starry

2024-04

I love these mountain bike trails. Plus it's right on Fontana Lake which is a bonus the most beautiful Lake that I've seen around here. The trails aren't super challenging but long enough to get a great workout. Lots of hills and climbs but all very doable. The right and left Loop run along the lake which is the bomb the most spectacular mountain biking I've seen for quite a while. They have good parking and then the ramp for Fontana Lake is right by the trails so I bike and then I go paddle with my dog. A great place to hang out for sure

Warfather1964

2023-11

Really good place to go mountain biking, hike or even horseback riding. The trails alternate on a daily basis so you can access all the trails if you're on a bike or a horse and not get bored. And not have any issues or conflicts. Great lookouts on both trails. They overlook the lake and give you great views of the mountains. Especially beautiful during the fall. So grab your hiking sticks your mountain bike or your horse and get out here. It's $2 per person per day can't beat that for value. There is potable water and bathrooms. There are a couple of picnic tables as well.

Ting Cheng

2023-05

My friends and I came here during Thanksgiving holidays in 2022. We spent nearly 3 hours walking the Thompson Loop (6.1 miles) so it was really exhausting. However, it was always a pleasure to complete a wonderful trail!

Jenny Gallegos

2023-05

Great place to mountain bike ride! We did the right loop, Beautiful scenery and mostly shaded… we got lost trying to take the second alternate back, but eventually found our way back by just going south.

Derek Wainscott

2023-06

We had a good 3 mile hike around the lake. The dogs took a little swim. Very nice trails.

Jeff Roche

2023-05

Honestly my favorite spot in the SE region to mountain bike. Challenging but enjoyable trails, plenty of miles between the alternating trail days. A few significant climbs are rewarded by amazing views and fast downhills. Parking lot can get busy, but within a few minutes of riding, you rarely see another rider on the trail. Don't forget the daily fee (paid at the TH or online).

David Shuler

2022-05

Grew up not 20 minutes from Tsali. This was my 1st hiking trip to Tsali. I hiked the Thompson Trail Loop. It is a 7.7 mile hike. It runs around Fontana Lake part of the way. With the leaves still off the trees i was able to see the lake very well. There are several trails to hike or bike or horseback ride. There is a $2.00 parking fee. But well worth it to hike this beautiful area. It happened to storm half way thru my hike but that didnt hamper the beauty. I also saw a beautiful doe deer.

Allen C

2023-05

Not bad for hiking, trails are maintained for horses and bikers, so mostly easy hike, with many river views and accessDog-friendliness: Dog friendly

Gregory Keppel

2021-05

This place is Mountain Biking Heaven! I come up here at least 6 times a year from Atlanta because it's sooo scenic. Love the lake views and the beautiful mountains!

Julie Wick

2024-04

Easy access, easy to navigate, well marked trails. Bathrooms, bike repair, and wash at parking lot.

Kim Osborne

2019-05

Just rode this area and it is wonderful!! Peaceful and gorgeous. Trails are challenging but not expert level which is great!! My favorite trails to ride in the area!!

rangerlee

2023-11

Went for a walk here. Great trails. Mountain bikers were respectful of walkers which isn't always assured. Restrooms at the trailhead not as clean as USFS facilities out west but it's end of summer and I suspect they get a lot of pressure here. Very nice campground next to trailhead. Big enough for rv's but no hookups. Probably tight for larger units but doable. Road going down from 28 is standard smokey mtn road...all switchbacks. But a pretty place.

Brandon Robinson

2021-05

Fun but be prepared and bring enough water and snacks! We ended up going about 5 miles w 3 little kids that only had bmx. Mostly easy terrain first 3 miles. Then some sketchy spots where the kids had some pretty rough wipeouts and bruises scrapes (dad almost). Several areas where you could get down to the lake fairly easy, and its beautiful :)

Joyce Kanetzky

2020-05

These trails are very nice for intermediate and advanced riders. They could use some occasional Trail maintenance especially for the overgrown foliage over the single-track.

Cris Sleightholm

2020-05

Excellent walking trails. Trails are in good condition. Some nice views of the lake.

Mindy

2024-03

Through research I am fond of the Cherokee name Tsali. Very nice to see a beautiful location.

Matt Deese

2021-05

Pretty amazing place. Did the Mouse Trail and it was great. It’s 6 miles but there is an option to go an additional 2 miles for an overlook. Highly recommend you do that.

Ruth Schonfeld

2018-05

Fun and challenging trails! You can do around 20 miles of different trails in 2 days. 2 trails a day.

Rebecca S

2019-05

Fun in a nutshell!! Great trails. Been here twice and last time was really wet! But made it even more fun!

Chandler S

2022-05

Learned to mountain bike here as a kid. Been coming ever since. Awesome spot for biking and camping. Horses allowed on trails too. Good for families and/or beginners (some trails). Fun trail system. Nice lake views. Not too far from other outdoor recreational opportunities either. Can’t wait to come back.

Kristina O'Quinn

2021-05

Gorgeous views! Deep, cool forests! Challenging sections and wide, smooth track to choose from. Something for everyone!

Javy

2023-05

I've been wanting to come to Tsali for over a decade. I finally made the 10 hour drive from Central FL. It was great! The trails are fast, with gorgeous scenery to Fontana Lake. It is in a remote area with the closest grocery/gas station at 6 miles.Definitely a must see for MTB and other outdoor activities.

David Burgess

2021-05

We rode Thompson trail for the 1st time. We had a great time. We look forward to coming back and riding more of the trails.

Douglas Reed

2019-05

Great single track trails good for beginners

Jeremy Hagler

2021-05

We took Mouse Branch Loop and the Overlook loop and the trail was very well maintained and the views were stunning! We were hiking with our dog and even though this trail is primarily a mountain biking and horse trail, we had plenty of space to let pass people pass if needed!

John Whitehill Jr.

2020-05

Can’t say enough about this park! Ran the Tsali Frosty Foot 50km race here and it was just magical! Great trails, great scenery! Old Cherokee land that you could feel the magic every step. We will be back in the spring and summer to visit again!

Tony Miksa

2021-05

Great flow trail, nothing technical just climb and flow down!!!

Jerry Rozier Jr

2018-05

Awesome place to go mountain biking 🚵‍♀️ and to do some foot hiking. Fairly busy year around with mountain bikers except for when it is extremely cold. I’ve met people there from all the USA 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 and everyone has always been nice and outgoing and willing to lend a hand if need be and give pointers to folks who are new to the area or to thoughts that have never hiked there before. Can’t comment on the horse ridding there because I’ve never done it but the biking and hiking I give two thumbs 👍 up!

CHris Cooper

2018-05

One of the best mountain biking trails in Western North Carolina.

Elizabeth Robertson

2020-05

As far as trailheads go, this one is nice.Parking: ample and easily accesibleBathrooms: two vault toilets (they can have the usual bugs you seen around such toilets)Changing area: on the backside of the bathrooms there is a large enclosed changing area. This comes in handy!There is a little bicycle tool area and a water spigot.Trails: This is hands-down one of my favorite areas to mountain bike. The trails are doable - the Mouse Branch/Thompson loop side is a nice flowy trail with few crazy ascents/descents. It opens up to lovely views of Fontana Lake. The Right/Left loop is not my favorite, but has slightly more technical terrain. Each set of trails is open to biking on certain days and horseback riding on other days - the sign details this information as well as on their website.Pro tip: There is a fee to access the trail, done on a system where you put the money in the envelope and then tear off part of it to put it in your window. So make sure to take some cash!