Bike TN Mousetail Landing State Park Loop

Tucked in the quiet backroads of Perry County, Tennessee, the Mousetail Landing Loop offers cyclists a rugged but rewarding 40-mile ride. Launching from the scenic banks of the Tennessee River inside Mousetail Landing State Park, this route is a mix of steep climbs, fast descents, and peaceful stretches through woods and farmland. You might even find a few historical landmarks along the way.

Getting Started at the State Park

Your ride begins inside Mousetail Landing State Park near Linden. From there, it’s a short mile on park roads before reaching Hwy 438, which connects you to quieter backroads and the heart of the loop.

Once you’re on Little Spring Creek Road, the ride starts gently along a creek before quickly turning uphill. It’s a sign of what’s to come—this route is peppered with short but steep climbs, especially in the first half. The grades occasionally reach the mid-teens, so expect to work a bit in exchange for sweeping views and long, fast descents. 

Throughout the ride, you'll encounter a variety of road surfaces—mainly pavement, with occasional chip-seal and bumpy patches—but it’s all very manageable for road cyclists. Riders should be prepared for a few loose dogs, which are not uncommon on rural Tennessee routes.

Learn more about the route at ridewithgps.com

About two-thirds through the loop, just after turning onto Buckfork Road, you’ll come across the Cedar Grove Iron Furnace, a towering stone structure built in 1832. Once a major local industry, the furnace was destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War. It’s worth a short stop to explore the site and read the historic marker—plus, there’s a nearby picnic area if you’re ready for a break.

From there, Buckfork rolls through shaded woods and quiet stretches before dropping back into familiar territory as you make your way back toward the park.

The last few miles require some grit. After a brief stretch on Hwy 13 and Hwy 128 (use caution while navigating these turns), you’ll tackle two final climbs. Both are steep—one on Denton Road and another on Little Spring Creek Road—but the payoff is a relaxing ride along the creek before turning back into the park.

If you're short on time or energy, there is an option to cut the loop down to about 26 miles by turning right onto Cedar Creek Road at mile 8.2. This shortcut bypasses some of the steeper terrain while still offering a scenic and satisfying ride.

Cool Down and Refuel

After your ride, you can walk over to the beach area for a quick dip in the river or just rest under the pavilion while your legs recover. For food and drinks, Linden is just a 15-minute drive away, where you'll find local dining options and small-town hospitality. Ready for something new? The Mousetail Landing Loop invites you to pedal off the beaten path and experience Perry County at its best: one climb, one creek, and one backroad at a time.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Route Length: 40 miles (or 26-mile shortcut option)

• Elevation Gain: Expect several steep but short climbs throughout

• Surface: Paved, with some chip-seal; suitable for road bikes

• Traffic: Low-traffic roads, but some crossings require caution

• Parking: Mousetail Landing State Park, near the restrooms and beach

The Adventurous Type?

If you’re looking to stay a while, Perry County is full of all kinds of outdoor fun. Paddle under the stars with a nighttime kayaking tour from the Commodore Hotel, cast a line in the Tennessee River, or pitch a tent at Mousetail Landing State Park to get the full back-to-nature experience. With scenic hiking trails and peaceful river views, it’s easy to turn a great ride into a full weekend outdoor getaway.