Dual-Sport & Adventure Bike Trails Near Nashville

Nashville offers more than just urban adventures. Just outside the city, you’ll find a ton of fantastic routes for dual-sport and adventure biking. Whether you’re looking for rugged gravel roads and old-country dirt tracks, or just some scenic Tennessee beauty, it’s right around the corner.

Best Dual-Sport and Adventure Bike Routes Around Nashville

Here are some of the finest rides you’ll find near Nashville. They offer a fantastic blend of rural roads, classic paved byways, stunning scenery, and perfect stop-offs. Keep in mind that many of these rides cover more ground than you might tackle in a day, making them perfect for return visits.

Tennessee Dirt Devil (Middle Tennessee)

You’ll find this epic trail system just 35-40 minutes southeast of the city. It covers over 200 miles of public-access roads, including country dirt roads, rolling hills, creek crossings, and overlook bluffs. The route uses only street-legal dual-sport motorcycles, so no need for an off-road-only bike. Perfect for a day loop or a multi-stop ride.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The northern end of this 444-mile route lies around 12 minutes from the heart of Nashville. It offers some unforgettable scenery, including forested landscapes and rolling terrain, as well as some historic sites. While it’s mostly paved, the two-lane Natchez Trace Parkway offers a loop back via smaller country roads.

Cumberland Plateau Tour

The Cumberland Plateau around Center Hill Lake offers a perfect day trip out of Nashville. You’ll find high ridges and deep valleys along the way. It’s not an intense off-road ride, but it does offer twisty country roads and gravel paths. Start your journey near Sewanee, Monteagle, or Tracy City. As a bonus, you can also stop off at Edgar Evins State Park along your route for even more natural beauty.

Unicoi Motorcycle Trail

If you’re willing to take a more extended excursion out to Southeast Tennessee, Unicoi Trail #82 in Cherokee National Forest is well worth the trip. It offers hard-pack paths and some moderate climbs perfect for dual-sport riders. Enter at the Benton Mackaye Trailhead on Highway 68. The trail runs year-round and allows street-legal bikes with spark arrestors. Combine this ride with some other nearby routes for an unforgettable weekend trip.

Pro Tips for Dual-Sport Riders in Tennessee

Preparation is key for any dual-sport ride. Keep these tips in mind, and it should be smooth sailing the whole way through:

• Get the Right Maps: Navigation tools and hard copy maps can help you plot out your ride and prevent any mishaps should you lose your way with poor phone service.
• Be Respectful and Legal: Stick to public roads and the ones marked on sanctioned maps. Some trail systems have unmarked tracks that lead onto private property. Riding responsibly preserves access for everyone.
• Consider Your Bike Setup: Opt for tires that can handle both dirt and gravel while still performing well on pavement. A 60/40 or 50/50 dual sport tire works well.
• Come Prepared: Carry tools and a small first-aid kit. Some segments may not have gas stations nearby, so plan accordingly.
• Ride Smart: Scout new routes ahead of time to avoid getting lost. Ride with a partner whenever possible, especially on forest service roads or less-traveled areas. Let someone know your route plan, as cell service may be limited in some remote regions.

When you plan your ride with care, you can take in the beauty of Tennessee with a calm, clear mind. Remember that this guide is intended to help you get started with planning your routes. Be sure to do plenty of research before heading out of town.