Tesla's Revenge - Mountain Bike Trail

Tesla's Revenge is a challenging, gritty, technical, and fun ride that combines a few of the Raccoon Mountain trails with a huge descent at the end. It's a great option for experienced mountain bikers looking for a thrill and might be a bit much for novice riders. It also combines flowing sections with rock outcroppings and root obstacles along the way, so watch out for that. There are also several decent views of the Tennessee River, so don't be in too much of a hurry to go through it.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Given how long it is, Tesla's Revenge could be considered a difficult trail just for the riding distance. However, its combination of steep climbs, switchbacks, and varied trail surfaces with multiple root and rock obstacles makes it even more so.

The start point should be at the Tennessee River parking area, where you'll go through the Boat Ramp Connector, which should be fairly challenging due to the rock garden. Use it to get to the rest of the trails and then turn onto the High Voltage trail. At the end of this trail, there's a steep climb punctuated by the occasional switchback.

Once we reached the top, we turned onto the Split Rock Trail, which is relatively easy compared to some sections of this loop. Also, just after you enter, you'll have to choose between a two-foot drop on the right and a much less technical left side.

Once you finish this trail, turn left onto Laurel Point and head to the Tennessee River Gorge. Both sections are fairly easy, although the next Megawatt section is the opposite. The climbs on this trail eventually get you to the Grindstone Ridge Trail, where you might want to be on the lookout for other rocks and root obstacles in your path.

Up next is a descent to the Small Intestine trail with smooth flowy turns that exits onto the Switch Yard trail, which is beginner friendly. Here you'll be close to the final descent, and all you need to do is go through about a 1000 feet gravel road to Live Wire 1. From there, it's a technical descent back to the Boat Ramp Connector through Live Wire 1 and Live Wire 2.

Most of the Tesla's Revenge loop requires advanced bike handling skills, great brakes, and for you to keep your eyes on the road ahead. Otherwise, a rock, root obstacle, or even a switchback may lead to a serious accident. However, if you're an advanced rider and keep this in mind, it should be lots of fun.

Additional Trail Features

• Extra fees: You won't be charged any extra fees for using any of the trails on Raccoon Mountain.
• Obstacles: There are plenty of rock and root obstacles along the trail, so be careful.
• Shuttles: Once you're on the trails, it's mostly singletrack with dirt and stone riding surfaces, so no shuttles. However, you can get to the trail start point via boat on the Tennessee River.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

There are many interesting views and possible stops, including the views of the Tennessee River and the observation deck on the Megawatt trail.

Recommendations and Precautions

Exercise caution throughout the whole trail, even when you hit a flowing patch, since there's almost always another technical stretch with obstacles and switchbacks up ahead.