Andy Sowell of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association uses a mini excavator as he works on the new mountain biking trail at the Enterprise South Nature Park. The pink flags show the route of the trail.The cycling community in Chattanooga is always looking for new trails to ride, so they’ll be happy to know six new miles of trail at Enterprise South are being completed.
Lee Charmichael, president of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, which is partnering with Hamilton County’s Parks and Recreation Department for the trail, says it should open around mid-April.
He hopes it won’t be the only new trail at the park.
“We’re definitely looking to expand even further,” says Charmichael, though there isn’t anything concrete in the works just yet. “It’s our responsibility to provide a place for people to build their skill.”
The new trail is expected to be more difficult than the trails already at Enterprise South, he says, offering a “tighter, narrow and more challenging ride.” SORBA is also looking into adding some man-made features that will give riders the ability to practice with obstacles.
“Our philosophy is to create a bridge to other trail systems,” Charmichael says. There is a steep increase in the difficulty of other local trails, such as the trails on Raccoon Mountain, as compared to those at Enterprise South, he explains.
SORBA and the Parks and Rec Department say they’re looking for the new trail to help introduce newer riders to a more intermediate course.
“The trail will provide additional opportunities for park users, allowing for more users without crowding the trails,” adds Tom Lamb, head of the Parks and Rec Department.
SORBA has volunteer opportunities available for those who wish to contribute to finishing the new trail system. None of the work requires experience with trails, and Charmichael says it will give people the opportunity to see what goes into the creation of a bike trail. Contact SORBA’s directors at bod@sorbachattanooga.org or volunteer@sorbachattanooga.com for volunteer opportunities.
“Everyone is excited for the trail’s opening,” Charmichael says. “Once shovels are in the dirt, it kind of becomes real for us.”
For more information about SORBA, visit sorbachattanooga.org.