Mountain Bike Information

bike symbol Welcome to the Hoosier National Forest trail system. Approximately 176 miles of trails are available for mountain biking. Click here for a printable pdf on Mountain Biking on the Hoosier National Forest.

The following chart and linked map provide a brief description and general location of mountain bike trail systems found on the Hoosier National Forest. Special thanks to Richard Ries of the Madison Area Bicycle Club for compiling this summary of each of our trails and what skill level is required for each.

Trail Name	Use Type	Approx. Miles
Birdseye- Skill/Aerobic Level: easy; flat to rolling, very little technical riding except for a few steep climbs. A favorite, offering a mix of singletracks and fire roads. Along the way are a lake, creeks, stands of hardwoods, old homesteads and a cemetery.	Multiple-use*	11.8
German Ridge-Skill/Aerobic Level: easy to moderate; much of the trail has been widened and flattened to better accommodate horses. Frequent climbs, a few of which are difficult. The south end is a gravel lane through the woods. Some good singletrack exists at the north end. The area on the south end is heavily used by horses.	Multiple-use*	24.0
Hardin Ridge- Skill/Aerobic Level: In the campground area the trail is single lane and relatively flat. This portion of the trail makes for an enjoyable family ride although it is used primarily by campers. One end of the trail drops off to Lake Monroe and is very steep. The trail crosses the paved campground road in several places so watch for traffic. Bicycles also ride the paved campground roads. This trail is not subject to the trail permit requirement.	Hike/Bike	2.0
Hickory Ridge- Skill/Aerobic Level: easy (if you stay on the ridges) to difficult (if you head for the ravines). A combination of narrow and wide trails. Considerable horse use near the parking area, fewer horse impacts as you move further out.	Multiple-use*	48.7
Nebo Ridge- Skill/Aerobic Level: moderate, with lots of short climbs. A roller coaster singletrack trip through the woods. May be most popular MTB (Mountain Bike) trail in the state.	Multiple-use*	8.6
Lick Creek- Skill/Aerobic Level: easy to moderate. An excellent beginner's trail, Lick Creek offers a few "whoops", some narrow singletrack, and a short rock garden mixed in with easy sections.	Multiple-use*	7.7
Mogan Ridge West - Skill/Aerobic Level: moderate, with a few tough climbs. Some fairly technical singletrack sections. Counter-clockwise offers best descents. Two sections of singletrack with gravel road in between.	Multiple-use*	12.3
Oriole West- Skill/Aerobic Level: moderate; some technical sections; attention required on descents and climbs. Go counter-clockwise for a fast, "whoop-filled" descent that leads into a technical single-track. Scenic creek bottom section. Contains some wide, gravel-covered stretches.	Multiple-use*	7.2
Oriole East- Skill/Aerobic Level: moderate, with a few tough climbs. Recommend riding the trail counterclockwise and including the east end loop.	Multiple-use*	6.5
Shirley Creek- Skill/Aerobic Level: moderate to high on the hills and in the streambeds, easy elsewhere. Loops within loops yield many options. Lots of hilly, technical singletrack. Fun, but demanding.	Multiple-use*	19.4
Springs Valley Trail	Multiple-use*	12.7
Tipsaw- Skill/Aerobic Level: easy; mostly flat, a couple moderate climbs, some rocky parts. Beginners get real mountain biking here -- rocky sections, shallow ravines, climbs -- without being overwhelmed. Fun for intermediate riders, too. Lake, picnic areas and camping.	Multiple-use*	5.9
Youngs Creek- Skill Level: moderate to high, with several challenging climbs and technical singletrack. Perhaps the most demanding trail in the Hoosier, yet is 90 percent ridable, 90 percent fun. Clock-wise is a little more enjoyable. Either direction has tough climbs, mudholes, sticker bushes and rocks.	Multiple-use*	11.0

Camping

Camping areas or developed campgrounds are in the vicinity of many of the trails.

Etiquette and Rules

Horse riders and mountain bikers are required to have a trail permit and stay on trails designated for their use. Annual ($35/day) and day-use ($5/day) permits are available from our offices and several local vendors.

Please observe the following trail courtesy:

Mountain bikers yield to horse riders & hikers.
Hikers yield to horse riders.
Horse riders control your horse.

Pack out your trash. Camping is permitted in back-country areas. Motorized travel on trails is not permitted. Leave no trace of your visit.

Pardon our Dust

Maintaining a trail system is a long and ever-changing process. Please bear with us as we work to get trails brought up to standard. Some new routes may vary from existing maps.

Safety

Be aware of hunting seasons. Blaze orange clothing is recommended (do not wear white) during deer season.
Park your vehicle off the roadway if a parking lot is not available where you wish to access.
Many trails intersect roadways. If you choose to use a road as part of your trip, be mindful of traffic.