Biking Safety

Bicyclist are a common sight on the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway.

NPS / Matt Switzer

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A bike trip to Little River Canyon National Preserve can be a fun-filled day as long as you ride safe.

With over 20 miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking in the Wildlife Management Area (backcountry) and 25 miles of paved roads for road biking, Little River Canyon offers variety of distance, terrain, and difficulty for bicyclist to enjoy. Here are some tips on how you can safely enjoy your ride at the Preserve.

Yield Appropriately

Some trails and all roads in the Wildlife Management Area (backcountry) are multi-use for hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Paved roads are shared by bicyclists, motorcycles, and automobiles.

Be aware that you may encounter other trail or road users travelling at a variety of speeds. Please adjust your own speed to maximize the safety and respect of yourself and others. Do your utmost to let your fellow trail and road users know you're coming - a friendly greeting is a good method. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users. Bicyclists travelling downhill should yield to those heading uphill.

Safety Tips:

• Plan ahead - local weather conditions can change quickly. Click here for the National Weather Service forecast for Little River Canyon.
• Wear a helmet.
• Carry a small first aid kit with bandages for cuts and abrasions.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Stay on trails and/or roads.
• Control your speed - there may be obstacles on the roads or trails. Unpaved roads and trails can experience heavy erosion after severe weather and trails and both paved and unpaved roads often have trees or large branches fall across them during severe weather.
• In case of emergency call 9-1-1.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.
• Hunting is permitted in the Wildlife Management Area - blaze orange clothing is recommended during hunting season.
• After biking on trails or in the backcountry, check for ticks.
• Be considerate of other trail users - bicyclists on trails and unpaved roads must yield to horseback riders and hikers.
• When riding on the paved roads, be aware of motor vehicle traffic. Many roads in the park have blind hills and curves and offer no shoulder.