Bike the Tweetsie Trail

Johnson City, Tennessee

3.3/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

20 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Merritt McKinney

The Tweetsie Trail is ideal for a leisurely bike ride, afternoon run, or a stroll with your dog. Following the path of an old railroad, the trail is relatively flat, passes over several bridges, and runs through the beautiful East Tennessee scenery.

The course gravel trail begins just east of downtown Johnson City. The trail maintains a flat grade throughout the 10 miles towards the city of Elizabethton. There are restrooms 3 miles in from the Johnson City trailhead. You can also park at Lions Field in Elizabethton and head west towards Johnson City or East towards downtown Elizabethton.

The trail passes over several bridges, weaves between green forest-like hills, and looks out at the Appalachian Mountains. You also pass the beautiful Milligan College and a large pond surrounded by rock cliffs. 

Trail-goers can walk, run, or ride bikes. The trail is pet friendly but must be on a leash. Most locals will park at the Johnson City trailhead and not travel the entire distance of the trail since it is out-and-back. The trailhead is within a mile from downtown Johnson City which features some of the best eats and drinks in East Tennessee. 

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Features

Cycling
Running
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Romantic
Scenic

Bike the Tweetsie Trail Reviews

This trail is very conveniently located just outside the heart of downtown Johnson City. Sections of the trail are quite peaceful and have a nice view of the countryside and distant mountains. There are also sections where you are riding right by housing that sometimes is not the prettiest. Overall, I would recommend this trail because it is a nice little escape from the noise of Johnson City without having to go too far.

I love doing my long runs on this trail. It is relatively easy and convenient to the community. We needed something to exercise on and they have done a great job with the trail. I run it every week.

This is a tired idea the city had that is supposed to bring some sort of economic growth to the area. What we got instead is a parking lot in a rough neighborhood and a trail for unconcerned parents to drop their kids off on. Time has not been kind to neighborhoods built along the rail road and this is a prime example. But the adventure itself is only six miles, not exactly an amazing feat.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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