19.2 miles
Distance
1,761 ft
Climb
-1,741 ft
Descent
2,000 ft
High Point
20 ft
Altitude change
1,704 ft
Altitude min
1,804 ft
Altitude start
1,824 ft
Altitude end
-34.3%
Grade max
37%
Grade min
8 miles
Distance climb
8 miles
Distance down
3 miles
Distance flat

The Left and Right Loops in Tsali Recreation Area are fast, flowy singletrack through beautiful North Carolina forest with views out over Fontana Lake.

This loop can be ridden in either direction, but I prefer counterclockwise because you get rewarded with the best views at the end.

Detailed Description
Tsali Loops - Left & Right is a 19 mile popular intermediate route located near Bryson City North Carolina. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions. This route includes 7 trails. This route climbs 1,761 ft with a max elevation of 2,000 ft then descends -1,741 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Dec 24, 2025)

Links

Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Nantahala Area SORBA (www.nasorba.com)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Stats

  • Distance
    19 miles
  • Altitude min
    1,704 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,804 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,824 ft
  • Climb
    1,761 ft
  • Descent
    -1,741 ft
  • Grade max
    -34.3%
  • Grade min
    37%
  • Distance climb
    8 miles
  • Distance down
    8 miles
  • Distance flat
    3 miles

4 Reviews & Comments


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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Tsali Recreation Area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • E-Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes
  • Bike type
    XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Ridelogs
    2
Avg: 5 (1 votes)
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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    • Singletrack

    Photos

    more photos »
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    163

    Videos

    more videos »
    trail: Left Loop
    0:00 | 280 | comments: 1 | favs:
    Oct 15, 2020
    trail: Left Loop
    0:40 | 164 | comments: 1 | favs:
    Oct 15, 2020

    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Right Loop
    Jun 29, 2026 @ 4:54pm (America/Kentucky/Monticello)
    Jun 29, 2026
    		Some sections had vegetation that was overgrown. I could really use a haircut.
    Left Loop
    May 9, 2026 @ 2:03pm (America/Kentucky/Monticello)
    May 9, 2026
    Overlook Trail
    Dec 24, 2025 @ 3:20pm (America/Kentucky/Monticello)
    Dec 24, 2025
    		Trees down in several places across the Right Loop trail. Just had to lift bike over or around. I would be keen to join a group to cut and clear.
    Overlook Loop Access
    Oct 17, 2024 @ 6:53am
    Oct 17, 2024
    more reports »
    • By twowheeledwandererTF Pro & contributors
    • #50797 - 1,683 views

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