Tsali Recreation Area

Tsali Recreation Area: Open year round

Tsali Campground: Open April 15 - October 31

Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping at Tsali Recreation Area, all located within steps of Fontana Lake.

Follow the Trail. The Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area’s four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course.

• The Right Loop, rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible.
• The Left Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake.
• The Mouse Branch Trail, rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads.
• The Thompson Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track.

Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians–the primary users–are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule:

Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec.
Right Loop and Left Loop:

• Horses – Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday
• Mountain Bikes –Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:

• Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
• Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday

May/July/August/October
Right Loop and Left Loop:

• Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
• Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday

Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:

• Horses – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
• Mountain Bikes – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday

There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads.

Sleep under the Stars. Open early April through October, Tsali Campground offers 42 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Many sites accommodate small RVs, but no hookups are available. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. Campers pay fees at the campground fee station.

Get in the Water.Fontana Lake offers flatwater paddling and motor boating. One boat launch is located at Tsali, while another is located nearby on FR 2553 at Lemmons Branch. Ample parking is available at either launch. Fishing is permitted year-round, and anglers will find some of the best fishing for walleye in the state. Anglers can also catch black bass, crappie, catfish and white bass.