shadows of the past hiking/biking trail

The trail is approx. 10 miles...you can travel it on either side of 321. You will see many folks using this trail and enjoying their walks and biking. At night, one side of the trail is well lit in a particular section. Great place if you are alone and want to get your exercise and be safe at the same time. I highly recommend it!

We like having a safe place to walk. The bike rental place was closed or we would have rented a bike. Wide path and parts are scenic. Could have used more markers and some places to sit, especially along the river.

We were really excited about this walk but the first 2 places noted on the map had no specific signage so we aren't able to say we actually saw what we were supposed to. Very disappointing. The walking path is well maintained and easy to walk at least.

Several miles long, with lots of ups and downs; provides a good workout with the scenic mountains as a backdrop

This is a well organized and paved path for bikes. There are many places to stop and shop or eat. One negative point is the stores and restaurants do not have bike racks to lock-up your bikes which is not good thinking on their part since they are located on a nice bike path. We went off the path to some paved roads near the river which was nice to see the townsend town lifestyle. On the far end of the path away from town there is bridge that can be crossed to extend the path more than the 9 miles which can make it almost 20 miles round trip. We plan to go again since we live only 45 minutes away. Especially in the fall when the leaves are turning. There is no fee to enter the path. The visitors center has flat and safe parking on a paved lot located behind the building.

The bike trail parallels the Lamar Alexander Parkway. It is about 10 miles out and back. I would rate as easy but has enough moderate hills to feel like you got an enjoyable workout. It is a very good way to see local sites of townsend. There is plenty of parking and would recommend for a nice family outing.

We took our bikes to Townsend because we were going to ride Cades Cove. We discovered this trail just outside our motel room. We rode 8 miles of it and found it enjoyable and a great way to get to know Townsend.

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.