If you're new here, considering moving, or have lived in Johnson City your whole life, check out this series: Live in Johnson City, a guide to Johnson City.
Riding distance from downtown Johnson City, Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park is like a mini mountain right at the heart of the city. Today, Tannery Knobs covers over 40 acres with wooded trails and incredible overlooks. Over a century ago, the city labeled the land as an ideal spot for a mountain park. Before it would become the park, Tannery Knobs was home to a leather-making business and WJHL’s first transmitter in 1953.
In 2013, the property was bought with a vision for the future. It was donated by the Summers-Taylor construction company in 2016 with a deal that if the city builds the trails for the public, the land would be free. The park opened to the public in 2019 and is already creating a buzz within the mountain biking world. The hope for the future is to be the Mountain Bike Mecca of the South.
Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park welcomes all ages and levels of riders. The park was designed as a progressive and inspiring environment to develop each rider's skill set. All the trails and features were professionally created, making the park inviting to both enthusiasts and beginners. All of the trails are also color-coded: green for easy, blue for intermediate, and black for advanced.
The park also sits less than a mile from the Tweetsie Trail, making it easy to get a variety of riding in. While the Tweetsie offers distance, Tannery has everything from flow and jump lines to a kids section.
If bikes are not your thing, Tannery Knobs is still the perfect spot for you. Check out the incredible overlooks from one of the benches, or go for a hike or trail run. Tannery Knobs Park is free and accessible to the entire community, allowing everyone to enjoy being outside.
Park Hours:
November 15 - March 1 (7:00AM - 7:00PM)
March 2 - November 14 (7:00AM - 10:00PM)
Using good judgment during wet weather is recommended. When trails are slick or muddy, play it safe and stick to the paved pump track.
To truly take advantage of the trails, you will want a modern mountain bike; however, everyone is encouraged to get out and try it. Riders are encouraged to use discretion between the trail level and equipment. The advanced trails are for advanced equipment and skillset: however, beginner trails are perfect for just about anybody. The paved pump track is also open to BMX, so bring everyone. Just remember that helmets are mandatory at all times.
If you have any questions about your current setup or are looking to up your equipment, we recommend stopping by one of Johnson Cities bicycle stores. Several stores also offer rental options to help get you riding.
To learn more about Winged Deer Park check out the Johnson City, Tennessee website by following this link: https://www.ridetk.com
Thanks for reading our blog! We hope you enjoy learning more about this incredible city and get out to explore. If you're ready to move here, give us a call! We'd love to help you love where you live.