16 Jan Great Smoky Mountains National Park moves forward with mountain biking plan
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. This beautiful park has something for everyone, from hiking to camping to breathtaking views. Now, it looks like mountain biking will be added to the list of activities available in the park, as plans have been moved forward for a mountain biking trail system. Let’s take a look at what this means for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The National Park Service issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System Environmental Assessment (EA). The NPS prepared the EA to look at alternatives and environmental impacts associated with a proposed mountain bike trail system within the Wears Valley portion of Foothills Parkway Section 8D.
What Does This Mean?
The plans call for creating more than 11 miles of trails specifically designed for mountain biking throughout the park. These trails will offer beginner, intermediate, and expert levels of difficulty, so that people of all skill levels can enjoy this activity safely and responsibly. The trails will feature a variety of terrain, including wooded sections, fast downhills, and technical climbs that are sure to provide a challenge even for experienced bikers.
The Benefits
Mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in America today, and with good reason. It combines fun with exercise while allowing you to explore nature and see wildlife up close. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with friends or family since you can ride together and talk about your experiences during breaks along the way. And now you don’t even have to drive far; you can just head over to your local national park!
Safety First
As with any outdoor activity, safety should always be top priority when mountain biking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Make sure you wear protective gear such as a helmet and knee pads at all times while riding your bike on these trails; these items can help minimize potential injuries if you fall or run into obstacles on your ride. Additionally, always follow posted signs regarding speed limits and other important safety information when riding on these trails and respect other riders who may be sharing them with you.
Mountain biking is a great way to explore nature while getting some exercise and having fun with friends or family members at the same time! With plans now moving forward for an extensive trail system within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park dedicated specifically to this activity, those who live near or plan on visiting this area soon have even more options available when it comes to enjoying their time outdoors! Just make sure that safety remains top priority by wearing protective gear such as helmets and knee pads whenever you ride these trails. Enjoy exploring!