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An introduction to what Brown County State Park has to offer.


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Map Key

7.2

Miles

11.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

867' 264 m

High

653' 199 m

Low

505' 154 m

Up

505' 154 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Riding hours are from 7:00am until 11:00pm.
Trails are two-way and multiuse. Please be courteous to oncoming riders and walkers.

Please yield to uphill riders and walkers.

Overview

For riders who are new to mountain biking, or who have a limited amount of time, this ride is a good option. All trails are rated easy from a technical standpoint, but there are some climbs here that will tax new riders. Be sure to pack plenty of water. Carrying a snack is also a good idea if you are unsure of your fitness level.

This ride offers plenty of flowy descents as a reward for all that climbing. While technical obstacles are kept to a minimum and are usually optional, there are some areas with exposed roots that will pose a challenge to beginners.

Need to Know

This ride has a good bit of climbing and some ripping fast descents. When you are climbing, watch and listen for downhill riders. Some areas have poor sight lines and they might not be aware of you. When you are riding downhill, do your best to watch for climbing riders. They have the right-of-way. Slow down when you approach blind corners. That way, you can better avoid a crash if you do encounter a climbing rider there.

Description

The trailhead is at a low point. You'll start out by climbing. The grades on Pine Loop are gentle, so starting there is a kinder introduction to the trail. Once you join the North Gate Connector near the shelter, you'll continue climbing until you join the North Tower Loop. There's a nice log here that's perfect for catching your breath.

Follow North Tower Loop in a clockwise direction. There will be a small amount of climbing before you begin your first long descent of the ride. Near the top of the climb is a bailout point to the road with a small parking area. When you begin the downhill, keep your bike under control. It's easy to overcook the turns and you don't want to crash into any hikers or uphill riders. They will not be happy with you.

After this long descent, you'll have three shorter climbs ahead of you before another fairly long descent that will take you to the intersection with Aynes Loop. This is the lowest point of the ride. It might be tempting to stop here and talk about how much fun that section of trail was, but you'll probably think twice of that in the warmer months. It can get rather buggy down there, so you'll probably want to move along. Keep to the right to stay on the North Tower Loop.

The remaining part of North Tower Loop will be another big climb. Fear not, you have one more descent waiting for you to finish. Once you've made it this far, you don't really have any other options to return to the trailhead. You've gotta climb out of the valley. Stick it out, because the final downhill is a fun one. At the top of the climb, you should recognize this spot. You were here earlier. Catch your breath on that inviting log. Chat up your buddies.

When you're done, take the North Gate Connector all the way back to the north trailhead. When you reach the intersection with the Pine Loop, keep going straight and cross the wooden bridge. Just before the shelter, the trail bends left and continues downhill. If you're lucky, you won't have to pedal again until you reach your car.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nate Hawkins with improvements by Ed Strobel and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 26 votes

#599

Overall
  4.6 from 26 votes
5 Star
62%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Indiana

#599

Overall
31 Views Last Month
13,461 Since Sep 17, 2013
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

35%
4%
54%
0%
8%
0%

Photos

A short downhill headed north on the North Gate Connector Trail.
Sep 17, 2013 near Nashville, IN
North Tower Connector at Brown County State Park
Jan 27, 2016 near Nashville, IN
Brown County State Park
Mar 12, 2018 near Nashville, IN
Log skinny on North Tower Loop.
Sep 17, 2013 near Nashville, IN
Brown County State Park easy loop about half way through the 7.2 mile loop. Dry conditions and an amazing ride.
Sep 23, 2023 near Nashville, IN
CK crosses the stream.
Dec 22, 2017 near Nashville, IN
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