Our Home Trails
From flowy ribbons of singletrack to technically-challenging masterpieces, Brown County has it all.
Ride Areas
-
Brown County State Park
The premier mountain bike destination in Indiana, possibly the Midwest. Over 30 miles of trails that include something for every level of rider. From fast and flowy singletrack masterpieces like Green Valley and Weedpatch, to purpose-built directional jump trails like Hobbs Hollow and Gnawbone and hard-core technical challenges like Schooner Trace and Walnut. The State Park includes amenities like a restrooms, water sources, an inn, cabins, camping areas, and a pool to cool off in.
Permits Required: State Park entrance permit and DNR Off-Road cycling permit. See details below.
Trailforks
MTB Project
Google Maps
PDF Map -
Yellowwood State Forest
A volunteer-built, rough and rowdy, hand-cut legend of a trail known as Crooked Creek Loop is located within the beautiful Yellowwood State Forest. This trail is connected to Brown County State Park through the 10 O’Clock Line connector trail, or riders can park at Crooked Creek Lake via a gravel access road off of SR 46. This 6-mile black diamond trail has more of a backcountry vibe than Brown County and is a local favorite. Be ready for challenging rock gardens, steep exposure, limited amenities and spotty cell coverage.
Permit Required: DNR Off-Road cycling permit. See details below.
This area is hunted. Wear bright colors during hunting season.
Trailforks
MTB Project
Google Maps -
Hoosier National Forest
Looking for a longer cross-country rides and backcountry adventures? The expansive Hoosier National Forest includes over 100 miles of multi-use trails well-suited for a cross-country riding style. Standout trails include Nebo Ridge and Hickory Ridge Trail 16. Come prepared for scenic ridge lines, steep climbs, rough descents, spotty cell coverage, and limited amenities.
Permits Required: Hoosier National Forest Trails Permit. See details below.
This area is hunted. Wear bright colors during hunting season.
Trailforks
MTB Project
Google Maps -
Featured Routes
Check out one of our suggested routes to view a taste of what Brown County can bring. Select routes are marked on trail signs with different color stickers to provide easy navigation as you learn the trails.
Trail Conditions
State Park Entrance Permit
Required for: Brown County State Park
A State Park entrance permit is required to enter Brown County State Park.
Daily Permit: $7 for Indiana residents, $9 for out-of-state
Annual Permit: $50 for Indiana residents, $70 for out-of-state
Where to Purchase: At the Brown County State Park gate houses
Permits
DNR Off-Road Cycling Permit
Required for: Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest
A Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Off-Road Cycling permit is required to ride any mountain bike trail in Brown County State Park or Yellowwood State Forest that is rated above a Beginner / Green level. Trail riders must carry their permits with them while riding and be able to produce their permits if asked to do so.
Annual permit: $20
Daily permit: $5
Where to purchase: Permits may be purchased at all state park, reservoir and forestry property offices and or gate houses during regular business hours. They can also be purchased online here.
Hoosier National Forest Trail Permit
Required for: Hoosier National Forest
Trail use permits are required when using a bicycle on a Hoosier National Forest trail designated for that use, at trailheads, or within campgrounds.
Annual permit: $35
Daily permit: $5
Where to purchase: Online at Recreation.gov, or in-person at National Forest offices and local vendors.
“Fast, Flowy Descents and Backcountry Singletrack for Miles.
Brown County State Park in Indiana serves up some of the best mountain biking in the Lower Midwest. Get the inside line on visiting this MTB destination.”
— Singletracks.com
Trail FAQs
-
See something wrong on one of the trails? For example, say you come across a downed tree blocking the trail. Simply take a photo of the tree (with your bike in the photo as a reference for the size), as well a screenshot of Trailforks or MTB Project showing where you are on the trail. Then post the images and a description on our Facebook page. This is super helpful for our trail workers and sawyers.
-
Mountain bikers going downhill should always yield the right-of-way to riders going uphill. On narrow trails, this often involves coming to a complete stop and allowing the other rider to pass.
Mountain bikers should also yield to horses and hikers. Again, this often involves stopping completely to allow the other trail users to pass, especially when you encounter riders on horseback. Please be courteous, as most of our trails are shared and the future of our trails depend on us working well with all the user groups. -
Check the Trailforks status, Facebook page, and rainfall totals.
There are many factors that go into determining if the trail is okay to ride during periods of rain or the thaw seasons. If you’re leaving tracks, it’s too muddy to ride. Always be prepared to ride on gravel or pavement instead. Riding during wet conditions leads to a lot of unnecessary trail repairs by our volunteers. -
Yes.