Shadows of the Past Hiking/Biking Trail, Tennessee, United States
4.5 (16 reviews) Spent Ranking #14 in Townsend Biking Trails
Great way to see Townsend by foot or bike
This hike/bike trail was established in 2002 and runs parallel along both sides of the main road through town beginning at the one lane concrete bridge at the west end of Townsend all the way to the Texaco and almost to the GSMNP entrance on the east end of town. It is a 10 mile loop if you travel the entire length, or you can start and stop anywhere you choose. Bring your own bike or rent one from AJ's Hearth and Kettle or just walk it. The Little River Railroad Museum, the GSM Heritage Center, artisan galleries and shops in Trillium Cove and the Townsend Visitor Center are all located right on the trail and make good stops, there are 13 additional marked locations along the trail describing the history and culture of this region from the earliest documented inhabitants from about 200 BC to present day. Don't miss the short nature walk slightly east of Nawger Nob - a short stroll through a wooded area with a wide variety of trees and plants marked for easy identification.
Address
7906 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882-4028
Mobile
Website
http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/shadows
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 15:01
User Ratings
4.5 based on (16 reviews)
Reviews
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4Melanie M 5:00 PM Aug 28, 2020
Put a little ump in your bike ride
The trail is about 10 miles long. It crosses under the highway at least 3 different areas so you can easily get from one side to the other. One side is rather flat with a few hills. The other side has ups and downs and curves. It had very little traffic. The river is on one side of the trail so there are various things to look at as you are riding. This is a paved trail and well maintained.
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4Spencer J 5:00 PM May 24, 2015
Nice path through Townsend
The path is a nice one through town where you get to see or visit the activities in town. I would recommend the path for middle school-aged children through adults. Several roads/driveways cross the path and a good part of it is inches away from 60-mph cars. You might not feel safe with your youngest ones teetering right next to busy highway. The most scenic/safest route is starting at the end nearest the park entrance (as if you were heading out of town toward Cade's Cove). Park at the very last lot there and you have around 3 miles of trail that has a good bit of separation from the busy road. The visitor's center is a good place to stop for a water and bathroom break.
