TSALI TRAILS . . . Bike, Hike, Horseback Ride, Boat Access Probably the most popular features of the Tsali Recreation Area are the 39 miles of trails suited for mountain biking, horse-back riding, and hiking. The 4-loop system offers a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes. You can climb 1-foot wide rugged paths or travel flat, well-beaten roads. The four trails meander through mixed pine and hardwoods on a peninsula stretching into Fontana Lake. Thompson Loop Trail - 7.7 miles, Single track, potential views of wildlife, overlooks, stream crossings, old logging roads, old home sites. Mouse Branch Loop Trail - 6.5 miles Single track and old logging roads, potential views of wild turkey, deer, and grouse in forest wildlife openings, old home sites.
Right Loop - 11 miles, Single track, views of Lake Fontana, creek crossings, shorter 4- and 8- mile loops possible. Left Loop - 11.9 miles, Single track, creek crossings, views of the Smokies and Lake Fontana at the overlook.
Mountain bikers and horse riders must pay a daily use fee of $2 or $15 for a season pass.. Directions: The Tsali Recreation Area is less than 10 miles from Good Life Cabins in the northeast corner of Graham County. From Highway 28 N, the entrance to the Tsali Recreation Area will be on the right side of the road and is well marked with signs. About 1½ miles from the entrance there is a parking area and it is a short walk to the various trailheads. The parking area has restrooms, an information bulletin board, and a ministore most weekends. There is boat ramp access to Fontana Lake, shore fishing, water skiing, camping, horse trails, mountain bike trails, picnic tables and hiking trails. Tsali History: The Tsali Recreation Area is named for a Cherokee man who hid in this area in 1838. The US Government had ordered the Cherokees to move to Oklahoma--a tragic removal that's known as "The Trail of Tears". Exasperated by the brutality to his family, Tsali and others managed to escape to these mountains. Tsali was coaxed to surrender by a promise to allow the others to remain in the area. Tsali voluntarily came forward as a sacrifice for his people. As a result, he, his brother, and two older sons were shot and killed. Today the Eastern Band of the Cherokee live on ancestral Cherokee land about 12 air-miles east of the Tsali Recreation Area.
"We had a wonderful time." |
Tsali Trails
are Known as the "Mountain Biking Mecca"
Hikers will see great views of Lake Fontana, wildlife, the Smokies and creek crossings peppering the Tsali Trails - Great Photo Opps too!
Tsali Trails are segmented by alternating days for Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding for worry-free rides!
A Boat Launch is accessible at the Tsali Recreation Area! For information about fishing licenses, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 919 662-4381.
What makes the Tsali Trails Great are the Awesome Views! Be sure to bring a camera. |
