Tsali Recreation Area

A Popular Destination to Hit the Trails and Access Fontana Lake

One of the most diverse recreation areas in the South, the Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area includes mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping, all located within steps of Fontana Lake. The popular Tsali Recreation Area has long been considered a top destination for mountain biking in Western North Carolina, and even the entire eastern US. Four huge loops give you 40 exhilarating miles of trail to ride. Between runs on the single track and former logging roads, catch your breath and admire the spectacular scenery: Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park dominate the views from the trails. Tsali has been rated as one of the top 10 places to ride in the USA.

Download a Map of the Tsali Recreation Area

Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, and Hiking

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

Campground:

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.

Water Activities:

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.

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.

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From Singletracks.com: Staff and Contributors’ Favorite Trails of the Year

"My all time favorite trail is the Left Loop and Right Loop atTsali Recreation Area in Bryson City, NC. Combined they are a little over 20 miles in length with nearly 2,000 feet of climbing and about the same amount of descending. They are IMBA Epic trails that were redone a few years ago by Ed Sutton and his crew with Trail Dynamics and they have such great flow. Though they are rated as intermediate, they are not for the faint of heart. They go around the side of the mountains up there and there are drop-offs of a few hundred feet in places with little room for error. But they give you breathtaking views of Lake Fontana and the surrounding area."