Nestled against the foothills of the Unaka Mountains in Erwin, Tennessee, Unaka Bike Park represents the future of mountain biking in the Tri-Cities.
What began as a vision to transform a protected watershed into a community recreation asset quickly grew into one of the region's most exciting trail development projects. The park was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Town of Erwin, Erwin Utilities, the Friends of Unaka Bike Park, SORBA Tri-Cities, IMBA Trail Solutions, Barry Smith Trails, and numerous public and private partners who believed mountain biking could become a catalyst for recreation, tourism, and economic development.
The story began in 2018, when the Town of Erwin received an IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant to help evaluate the property and develop a master plan. Construction of the first trails began in 2021, and Phase 1 officially opened in 2022, introducing riders to a progressive trail system unlike anything else in the Tri-Cities. Momentum continued with the completion of Phase 2 in 2023, and plans for an even larger Phase 3 promise to expand the park into one of the Southeast's premier bike-specific destinations.
Unlike the region's traditional Appalachian singletrack, Unaka Bike Park was purpose-built for fun. Smooth climbing trails make gaining elevation easy, leaving plenty of energy for what the park does best: descending. Wide berms, sculpted rollers, tabletop jumps, optional features, and flowing turns encourage riders to carry speed while developing confidence and bike-handling skills. Every jump is designed to be rollable, allowing first-time riders and seasoned experts to enjoy the same trails at their own pace.
The trail network is intentionally progressive. Beginners can build confidence on Gomer's Loop, while intermediate riders can lap Roli Noli, one of the region's best jump trails. More advanced riders will find bigger features and faster speeds on trails like Moonsault and Ankle-Biter, proving that progression never has to stop. With more than 700 feet of elevation change and over 10 miles of planned trails, the park continues to grow into a destination worthy of repeat visits.
One of Unaka's greatest strengths is its location. The trailhead sits less than a mile from downtown Erwin and only minutes from Interstate 26, making it incredibly accessible for both locals and visitors. Even better, it's perfectly positioned alongside some of Northeast Tennessee's most iconic outdoor destinations, including the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River, making it easy to combine gravity laps with hiking, paddling, rafting, or exploring the mountains in a single day.
Unaka Bike Park is more than just another trail system. It represents a new generation of mountain biking in the Tri-Cities, where thoughtful design, rider progression, and community investment come together to create an experience that's as welcoming for a child's first ride as it is exciting for an experienced rider chasing the perfect lap.
