Mountain Bike Riding

Mountain bikers rest along the banks of North White Oak Creek.

Chuck Summers

 

Mountain bike riding has become one of the more popular recreational activities enjoyed by visitors to Big South Fork.

Currently at Big South Fork there are several trails which have been designed, built and are maintained by the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club. In addition to bike only trails, mountain bikes are allowed on highway edges, backcountry roads and some horse trails. This combination provides bikers of all skill levels with miles of trail options.

The National Park Service, as approved in its General Management Plan has initiated a shared use of mountain bikes on the Grand Gap Loop hiking trail. The Grand Gap Loop Trail will be open to both hikers and cyclists everyday of the week.

To view the rules of bike use within the park, please view the Superintendents Compendium.

Rules of the Trail

The way you ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance the sport's access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers.

Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain bike trail descriptions are available online or from either of the park's visitor centers. Topographic profiles of each of the mountain bike trails are also available. Riders may also visit our itinerary page to download maps of the most popular routes.

Please take time to familiarize yourself with trailhead and trail markings before heading out on the trail system.

Trail maps illustrating the authorized trail system, featuring nine detailed maps of all trail uses.

Bicycles, but not electric bikes, are allowed on the following trails:

• Grand Gap Loop Trail
• John Muir Trail from Rock Creek Loop to John Muir Overlook
• Sheltowee Trace from Rock Creek Loop Trail intersection to Park Boundary at state line where the Sheltowee Trace enters Daniel Boone National Forest.
• Rock Creek Loop Trail from trail head at Hattie Blevins Cemetery north to intersection with Sheltowee Trace.
• Kentucky Trail

 

Electric Bikes

Electric bikes are only permitted on multi-use trails, public roads, and parking lots.