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Tsali Recreation Area is inside the Nantahala National Forest in Bryson City, North Carolina. My husband and I had a chance to ride our mountain bikes there two years ago while we were on vacation. We easily could have spent a couple of days exploring the trails at Tsali, however, our son and daughter don't share our love of biking. They decided to hang out with my mom back at the cabin we had rented in Maggie Valley.

Tsali was a 45-minute drive from our cabin in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. We only had time to ride one trail at Tsali while we were there. We went on the Mouse Branch Trail and added on the Mouse Branch Trail Loop which took us up to around 3,500 feet. At the very top of the trail we had an incredible view looking down on the house boats that were moored in Lake Fontana.

But we did have a bit of a problem breathing. Part of the problem is that we are middle age, and carrying around a few extra pounds. We've been living in Florida for over 16 years so have become used to being flat landers. There are some fantastic mountain bike trails down in Florida, however, they are flatter and more technical (tree roots, rocks, log overs, boulders) than the trails at Tsali.

Tsali Recreation Area has 4 mountain biking trails covering approximately 40 miles. The trails, which are also open to hikers, are also available for horse back riding on a rotating basis. Two trails are always available for mountain biking - there is a sign at the trailhead that details which ones are open on any particular day. There is a $2 trail use fee for one day.

Here's a brief description of the 4 trails at Tsali:

Right Branch - 11 miles with creek crossing with options to do a shorter 4- or 8-mile loop. Open to mountain bikers on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Left Branch - 11.9 miles with creek crossings. Open to mountain bikers on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Mouse Branch - 9 miles. Open to mountain bikers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Thompson Loop - 7.7 miles with stream crossings. Open to mountain bikers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Other Activities Near Tsali
You can also go camping, boating and fishing at the Tsali Recreation Area. There are a number of white water rafting outfitters nearby if you would like to turn your Tsali adventure into a multi sport opportunity.

Learn more about this author, Lynn Smythe.
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