Dale Hollow Ramble begins below the dam

CELINA-One of 52 designated bicycle routes across the state as a part of the new Bike Tennessee initiative has been mapped out right here in Clay County.

The Dale Hollow Ramble is a 21-mile trek beginning at the Dale Hollow Dam Recreation Area.

From there, riders travel to Pleasant Grove, where the Swinging Bridge is located, then come back across the dam, out Livingston Highway, and down on Mill Creek.

The route continues down the creek, before turning up Poor House Ridge and returning to where it started below the dam.

BikeTN.com launched late last month and it is designed to attract experienced cyclists, both locally and from afar, to explore Tennessee’s stunning landscapes and charming communities across the state—including 14 routes in Tennessee State Parks.

The closest other two routes to the Dale Hollow Ramble are the Cummins Falls Out-And-Back between Gainesboro and Cookeville, and the York Historic Park Challenge between Byrdstown and Jamestown.

According to their website, Bike Tennessee is a statewide road cycling initiative featuring professionally curated road cycling routes that showcase the small towns, natural landscapes and hidden gems that can only be found along Tennessee’s backroads. 

Administered by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Bike Tennessee aims to inspire visitors to experience Tennessee’s scenic beauty and rich heritage on two wheels.

Bike Tennessee’s collection of road cycling routes have been crafted in collaboration with a professional cycling guide and developer, Shannon Burke of Velo View Bike Tours in Chattanooga.

The routes feature mostly rural, low-traffic cycling experiences in some of Tennessee’s most scenic and historic landscapes including multiple state parks.

Bike Tennessee is designed for seasoned road cyclists and offers diverse ride options and landscapes—all mapped using the Ride With GPS app.

In addition to the maps, ride descriptions are included with each route, offering insight into the character of the ride, points of interest, and potential modifications to shorten or lengthen the distance.

“Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or an adrenaline-fueled expedition, there’s something for everyone to discover on the Bike Tennessee trail,” the website says.

For more information, visit BikeTN.com.