About this place

The Tsali (pronounced "SAH-lee") Recreation Area's four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course. The Right Loop, rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible. The Left Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake. The Mouse Branch Trail, rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads. The Thompson Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track. Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians -the primary users- are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule: Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec. Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses - Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes - Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes - Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday May/July/August/October Right Loop and Left Loop: Horses - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday Mountain Bikes - Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop: Horses - Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday Mountain Bikes - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads. From Robbinsville, NC, take US143N towards Bryson City. Turn right on NC28 east and proceed approximately 8 miles to Tsali Campground Road. Turn left on Tsali Campground Road and proceed 1.3 miles to the campground. Upon entering the campground, the horse lot parking is the middle gravel road.