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The Goats of Kingsport
As the heat and humidity start their slow decline into fall, it’s a great time to enjoy a bike ride in East Tennessee! Here in Kingsport, we have a variety of paved bike paths and mountain bike trails for beginners to experts and every level in between.
Laid-back rides on level paths
Probably the best place for beginning cyclists or anyone looking for a relaxing ride is the Kingsport Greenbelt. This paved linear park is approximately 10 miles long, and with mile markers placed every half-mile, It’s easy to keep track of your riding distance.
The Greenbelt winds among several parks, schools, downtown, and even a couple of historic sites, with lots of sightseeing opportunities along the way for nature lovers. Open from dawn to dusk, the path features park benches and shelters perfect for taking leisurely breaks. If you have a problem along the way, the path also offers a bike repair station and air pump at Riverfront Park.
Another comfortable, laid-back bike ride is the paved loop around Duck Island at Warriors’ Path State Park. The path is mostly flat and is only about 7/10ths of a mile, so it’s great for a short ride with the kids or a light workout during a lunch break. Be sure to take in the scenery of the lake and watch the ducks peacefully paddling along.
Adventurous mountain trails
Warriors’ Path also offers over 12.5 miles of scenic mountain bike trails that are considered intermediate to difficult, crisscrossing about 150 acres of the park. You can download a park map from the park’s website.
The MTB Project site provides detailed descriptions of the trails for serious riders, describing the trails as such: “Multiple stacked trails offer something different around every turn. Designed and built by mountain bikers, the thoughtful layout gives way to numerous alternate lines and plenty of challenge.”
Even more great mountain bike riding is available at Bays Mountain Park, with 32 miles of trails offering fun and adventure for all skill levels. Most of these trails are considered to be intermediate difficulty. The MTB Project offers a detailed route recommendation on its site. Admission to Bays Mountain is $5 per vehicle.
A few guidelines to be aware of:
- Register at the gate.
- Helmets are required.
- Only certain trails are open to mountain bikes. Download a Park Map or pick up one at the entry gate.
- Stay on designated mountain bike trails.
- Do not ride across the dam, through animal habitats, or up/down the park entrance road.
Show off your best tricks
The Scott Adams Memorial Skate Park, which opened this summer at Brickyard Park, welcomes cyclists in addition to skateboarders. BMX bikes are the best option, as they’re lightweight but durable and many are specifically designed to be used in trick riding.
The 10,000 sq. ft. concrete skate park features a backyard bowl, a flow bowl, a four-stair set with up/down rails, a five-stair set with a down rail, two quarter pipes, an up/down hubba ledge, a pyramid, and more. Admission is free. Helmets and pads are strongly encouraged; and children should be accompanied by an adult.
2016 Brickyard Park Drive
423-224-2428
Open dawn to dark.
Need a bike?
These local shops are fully equipped to help you find the best new or used bike for your needs:
Larry’s Cycle Shop is a Trek, Cannondale, GT, Electra Townie, and Miami Sun bicycle dealer located in downtown Kingsport. Larry’s offers new and used bikes for sale, including road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, hybrids, BMX trick and pump track bikes, and even several models of e-bikes! Rentals are also available. Larry’s also stocks accessories – enjoy a 10% discount with a bike purchase. And if your bike needs basic service or a tune-up, give them a call.
718 E. Center St.
423-247-2751
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reedy Creek Bicycles, also located downtown, carries brands like Specialized, Santa Cruz, Cervelo, Niner, Vaast, Surly, and Batch, several models of e-bikes, and BMX bikes. Reedy Creek offers a great selection of accessories, clothing, helmets, car racks, parts, and gear, and can handle everything from a tune-up to a complete overhaul.
154 Commerce St., Suite 1
423-765-2770
Hours: Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reedy Creek will be offering a series of three beginning mountain bike classes for kids, teens, and adults in September:
- Sept. 1st – 6-8 p.m. Meet at Reedy Creek Bicycles. Bring your bike and helmet and learn about gear, maintenance, and repairs. Then class participants will ride around downtown and learn skills like bunny hop, lift front and back wheel, small drops, and slow turning balance.
- Sept. 6th – 6-8 p.m. Meet at Bays Mountain Park. The goal will be to use the skills learned in the first class on the park trails. Several skilled instructors will be on hand to lead smaller groups.
- Sept. 13th – 6-8 p.m. Meet at Winged Deer Park, Johnson City. Again, you’ll be applying your new skills on different trails and you will grow in your confidence!
Register ASAP to join these classes. Fee is just $5 per person.
No matter your experience level, there are several great places for riding your cruiser, mountain bike, or BMX trick bike here in Kingsport. Get out there and find your favorite!