Brown County Mountain Bike Trails Nashville, Indiana, USA

Three words that describe the Brown County experience. Designed from scratch by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. With miles and miles of flowing trail, scenic vistas and amazing terrain Brown County has become a world-class mountain biking destination.

In 2011 Brown County was added to the exclusive list of IMBA Epic Rides.

In its March, 2009 issue Bike magazine named Brown County State Park one of the best 33 trail systems in North America. It was also named runner-up in the "Best Trail Network" category. The editors said "its...singletrack is among the most varied terrain east of the Mississippi. From berms to steep switchbacks to tight trees to rock gardens, these trails have it all. And even more are on the way, with an ambitious expansion plan already in the works."

Bike magazine also said that Brown County has "flowed-out berms, tight switchbacks and hand-built rock features that will leave you thinking you landed in Tsali [North Carolina] or Canaan [West Virginia]. Ride an out-and-back, and you've got 30-plus miles. Switchbacks? Plenty. Steep climbs? Just like the East Coast. Natural beauty? It's at an all-time high in the fall." Dirt Rag magazine wrote, "Hills, rocks, trees, roots. A place that reminds you why wheels turn. A place that reminds you that the grass isn't always greener two states over."

The Brown County mountain bike trail system is located entirely within Brown County State Park. It is Indiana's largest state park. Since 2004, the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association has been hard at work building one of the best trail systems in the world.

Directions to Trail Head

Brown County State Park is located in south-central Indiana between Bloomington and Columbus in Nashville. Enter through the North Gate off State Road 46 just east of Nashville. The mountain bike parking is just past the gate house and pool on the right. Shaded parking areas with restroom facilities are located at the Lower and Upper Shelter areas nearby. There is trail access (advanced skill level) near the West Gate at Hesitation Point. Near the campground there is trail access just off the Rally Campground parking lot near the Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve trailhead. Guests of the Abe Martin Lodge and Cabins can access the trail across the road from the North Lookout Tower. There are two trail access points with limited parking at Walnut Shelter and at Hoosiers Nest.

Trails and Details

Over twenty-five miles of pristine, winding singletrack trail.

Easiest Trails:
Limekiln Trail (Hoosiers Nest to Campgrounds), Pine Loop (North Gate Parking Lot to North Tower Connector Trail)
More Difficult Trails:
North Gate Trail (North Gate Parking Lot to North Tower Loop), North Tower Loop, Aynes Loop, Hesitation Point Trail (Hesitation Point to Aynes Loop), Green Valley Loop (Connects to Aynes Loop and North Tower Loop)
Most Difficult Trails:
Walnut Trail (Hesitation Point to Hoosiers Nest)
Extreme Difficulty Trails:
Schooner Trace (Walnut Trail near Hesitation Point to Walnut Trail near Hoosiers Nest)

All the trails are shared with hikers and trail runners.

Please know and follow IMBA's Rules of The Trail.

The trail system is open year round.

The park is open from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. (EDT)

Night riding is allowed until the park closes.

Caution: All of the locals know to roll "Sub-9"™. If you use the North Gate Entrance, you must go through a covered bridge with a clearance of nine feet. Tall vehicles or cars with bikes on top may not clear. If your vehicle is too tall, you will need to use the West Gate entrance located west of Nashville on Highway 46. The Horseman's Camp entrance on the south side of the park cannot be used to enter or exit. It is for the horse camp only.