Fun. Fast. Flow.

Three words that describe one of the best-kept secrets of Midwestern mountain biking. However, Brown County won't be a secret for long. It's been designed from scratch by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. With miles and miles of flowing trail, scenic vistas, and amazing terrain Brown County is poised to become a world-class mountain biking destination. Who new that mountain biking could be this fun...in Indiana no less!

In its March, 2008 issue Bike Magazine 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."

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 some of the best singletrack trails around. With two loops and three connector trails already complete, Brown County State Park has almost 20 miles of trail with much more to come.

Brown County has already played host to several very successful mountain bike events including the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Annual Brown County Breakdown Epic Ride, multiple IMBA Trail Care Crew visits, the Midwest Women's Clinic and Expo, The Hesitation Point Challenge, and a DINO race. This year's 2008 schedule will be very busy with a DINO race on Sunday, June 1, the return of the 2008 Midwest Women's Clinic and Expo on Saturday, June 7, and the Brown County Breakdown Epic Ride on Sunday, October 12.

The future holds a lot of promise for mountain biking in Brown County. With the award of a $150,000 Recreational Trails Program Grant additional trails are right now being professionally built by hardworking volunteers and professional trail builders. This is the largest federal grant ever received by a non-profit mountain bike club in the United States. It is an exciting time for mountain bikers in Indiana and the Midwest as Brown County is becoming a well known destination with some of the best built trails in the country.

Getting There

Brown County State Park is located in south-central Indiana between Bloomington and Columbus in Nashville, Indiana.

North Gate Entrance

The North Gate Entrance is located on IN-46/IN-135 East of Nashville. All of the locals know to roll "Sub-9". If you use the North Gate entrance, you must go through a covered bridge over Salt Creek. Vertical clearance is only 9 feet. Large trucks, vans, campers or RV's may not make it through. If you have a roof rack with bikes or gear on top, be aware of the height of your vehicle. If your vehicle will not clear, you will have to use the West Gate Entrance.

West Gate Entrance

The West Gate Entrance is located on IN-46 Southwest of Nashville.

Horseman's Camp Entrance

The Horseman's Camp Entrance is located on IN-135 Southwest of Nashville. It does not provide access to mountain bike trails.

Rules

1. Wear a helmet.

2. The park is open year round from 6am to 11pm. Night riding is permitted until 11pm.

3. Avoid riding when there is standing water and/or your tires are leaving an imprint on the trail surface for a significant stretch.

4. Riders yield to hikers/runners. Faster riders yield to slower riders. Safe passing is achieved through awareness and consideration by both parties.

5. The use of headphones is strongly discouraged.

When To Bike

Trail Conditions

The latest trail conditions are posted on the HMBA Brown County State Park Forum.

Hours

The park opens at 6am and closes at 11pm. Night riding is permitted until 11pm.

Closings

Trail closings are posted on the HMBA Brown County State Park Forum.

Weather

It is a good idea to check the NWS Forecast and NWS Precipitation Analysis before planning a ride. During the winter, the area is subject to freeze-thaw cycles that leave the trail vulnerable during the middle and later parts of the day. The generally accepted rule is to avoid riding the trail when there is standing water and/or your tires are leaving an imprint on the trail surface for a significant stretch.

Wunderground Radar

Camping

Tent and RV camping as well as cabin accomadations are available. Please see the Indiana DNR Brown County State Park website.

Map

View Larger Map

More Information

Brown County Mountain Biking | Indiana DNR Brown County State Park | HMBA Brown County State Park Forum | NWS Forecast | NWS Precipitation Analysis

Local Bike Shops

Rick's Bike Repair | Bikesmiths Bicycle Shop | Bicycle Garage | Revolution Bike and Bean | Bicycle Doctor

Nearby Watering Holes

The Ordinary | The Pine Room Tavern | The Bluebird | Jake's Nightclub | Uncle Fester's