At Tsali Recreation Area, the trails are calling. With options for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers, there’s a perfect route for every type of adventurer. Four main loops await, each offering its own mix of challenge, scenery, and fun:
- Right Loop: Spanning 13.9 miles, this loop is rated moderately difficult and offers singletrack terrain with creek crossings. Shorter 4- and 8-mile options are available.
- Left Loop: At 11.9 miles, this moderately difficult loop provides scenic views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake.
- Mouse Branch Loop: This 8.7-mile loop is rated moderately difficult and includes a mix of singletrack and old logging roads.
- Thompson Loop: Covering 7.3 miles, this moderately difficult loop offers a more remote experience with varied terrain.
Hikers may travel the trails on any day. Mountain bikers and equestrians–the primary users–are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Trail Use Schedule
Open from April 15 through October 31, Tsali Campground in the Nantahala National Forest offers the perfect base for exploring the trails and waters of Fontana Lake. The campground features 42 shaded, first-come, first-served sites—many suitable for tents and small RVs, though no hookups are available. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post, with access to flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water. Just steps from Tsali’s famous mountain biking and hiking loops, the campground provides a peaceful forest escape where adventure and relaxation meet. Campers can pay fees at the on-site fee station before settling in for a night under the stars.
Fontana Lake offers flat-water paddling, kayaking, and motor-boating right from the Tsali Recreation Area, thanks to a boat launch onsite and another at Lemmons Branch. Fishing is permitted year-round with excellent opportunities for walleye, bass, crappie and catfish. As you head out, be sure to follow standard water-safety guidelines—life jackets are strongly recommended, and swimmers should note that some areas of the lake have strong currents or boat traffic so designated swim zones must be respected. Also, since the lake lies within the protected forest area, be sure to avoid launching in non-designated spots, pack out your trash, and respect the shoreline vegetation to protect water quality.
History Behind the Tsali Name
On November 1, 1838, the Cherokee Indian known as Tsali was captured, and among those who refused to leave North Carolina after a group of Cherokee leaders signed a treaty ceding their tribal lands to the United States. Tsali, his family, and a few friends had gone into hiding in the spring. Cherokee tradition tells of Tsali’s group being captured and harassed by the federal troops. By this account, Tsali decided to try to fake an injury and ambush the soldiers to escape. In the ensuing skirmish, one soldier was killed and two others wounded, one mortally. The Cherokee escaped and hid until learning that if the men responsible were to give themselves up, all of the other Indians in hiding could remain in North Carolina. The legend maintains that Tsali agreed to be executed so that the others could stay. Among the Cherokee, Tsali has become a legendary hero, depicted in the outdoor drama Unto These Hills
A former neighbor of Tsali’s known as Euchella and another Indian caught Tsali and executed him. Euchella and his men were given permission to remain in North Carolina with the Oconaluftee Citizen Indians. Eventually these groups would be recognized as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The events were tragic and the outcome heartbreaking, and the saga is now immortalized in Cherokee lore.
