For riders new to off-road biking, it is best to start slowly on easier trails before taking on the area’s more challenging routes. The best place to start in mountain biking is on dirt surface roads and trails that are wider and generally harder packed than single-track trails, and allow new riders to gain confidence without too much risk of sliding or riding too close to rocks or trees.
“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.” – H.G. Wells
“The thing about mountain biking is that you need to be smart about how quickly you advance yourself from forest service roads and jeep trails to singletrack trails,” advises Outdoor Chattanooga Executive Director Philip Grymes.
Lower Truck Trail on Lookout Mountain is an old forest service road that is a good place for beginners. The trail can be accessed through the Chattanooga Nature Center at Reflection Riding and near Ruby Falls. Another option for service road mountain biking is at Prentice Cooper State Park on Suck Creek Mountain. “Once you get off of the forest service roads, Harrison Bay State Park has a really easy mountain biking and hiking trail. There’s not big elevation gains, real tight turns or technical features for the beginner to deal with,” Grymes adds.
Looking for off-road starter trails in Chattanooga?Sequatchie Valley Century