Century Rides in Tennessee
The comprehensive 2026 directory of 100-mile centuries, metric centuries (62 miles), and endurance cycling tours across Tennessee.
Cycling in Tennessee: Terrain & Route Overview
Tennessee offers an extraordinary breadth of century cycling across its three Grand Divisions. In East Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest deliver brutal, breathtaking mountain climbs like the Cherohala Skyway, where century riders summit mile-high peaks with sweeping views. Middle Tennessee around Nashville and the Cumberland Plateau features undulating limestone hollows, rolling horse farms, and the northern gateway to the Natchez Trace Parkway. In West Tennessee, flat agricultural roads approach the Mississippi River basin. Spring and autumn bring optimal cycling weather, complete with blooming dogwoods and spectacular fall colors. Supported by a passionate cycling community and classic Southern hospitality, Tennessee is an incredible destination for endurance riders of all levels.
Terrain Characteristics: Great Smoky Mountain summits, Cumberland Plateau ridge climbs, rolling Middle Tennessee horse farms, and Mississippi River flats.
Riding Season & Weather: April through June & September through November.
📍 Tennessee Century Rides Map
9 Plotted Events3 State 3 Mountain Challenge
MayConquers three iconic mountain ascents across Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia around the Tennessee River Gorge.
Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT)
SeptemberA multi-day bicycle tour through a different part of Tennessee each year, showcasing small towns, Tennessee countryside, and state parks.
Cherohala Challenge
JuneThe Cherohala Challenge offers three distinctive rides for riders of all skill levels, including a century ride with 115 miles and 10,350ft of climbing, and a metric century with 62 miles and 3,700ft of climbing, with support from experienced SAG vehicles, moto support, mechanics, and rest stop crews.
Harpeth River Ride
JuneRolling century along Williamson County hollows, horse farms, and scenic river valleys.
Horton 100
AprilSat Apr 25 - Sun Apr 26, 2026
Memphis Cottonmouth Century
SeptemberFast-paced late-summer century through quiet rural farmland, river bottoms, and rolling western Tennessee blacktop.
Natchez Trace Century (Tennessee Terminus)
MayContinuous car-free feel following the northernmost reaches and double-arch bridge of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The Milligan
JuneThe Milligan is an annual event that takes riders on the most beautiful bicycle ride in Middle TN, promoting cycling in Middle Tennessee and encouraging cycling at all levels.
Tour de Rocky Top
JulyTour de Rocky Top has established itself as the premier ride in the greater Knoxville area, offering six routes, including 25, 40, 50, 65, 85, and 100 miles climbing the famed Butterfly gap.