Calling all mountain bikers!
Ready to test your skills? With miles and miles of world-class trails, spectacular scenery, and rugged terrain, Brown County is a mountain biker’s dream.
For some, it’s the variety of trails. Flow. Jump. Sustained climbs. Technical. Brown County has them all! There is a trail for every skill level, whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between. (Check out real-time trail conditions on Flowfeed and know before you go!)
For others, Brown County is the perfect place to get away without going too far. You don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to find award-winning trails that are fast, fun, and challenging—they’re right here in the Midwest!
Riders also love all the amenities readily available in this tried-and-true mountain biking community, from bike shops and bike-friendly restaurants to places to stay specifically designed for mountain bikers.
So, grab your bike and hit the trails in Brown County! Mountain biking here will make your heart pump, your legs burn, and your spirit soar!
Paradise on two wheels
What makes mountain biking in Brown County special?
- More than 50 unique mountain biking trails spanning 79 miles: award-winning, well-maintained, purpose-built for every age and skill level, built BY mountain bikers FOR mountain bikers
- A variety of trails not typically offered in the Midwest: flow (like Green Valley Trail and Weed Patch), jump (like Hobbs Hollow Flow Trail and Gnawbone), sustained climbs (like Aynes Loop), and technical (like Schooner Trace Trail and Walnut Trail)
- Can be enjoyed year-round: mountain bike all four seasons (get a real-time look at the Brown County leaves with our Leaf Cam)
- The Brown County Pump Track at Deer Run Park opened in December 2025: FREE, paved concrete, all skill levels, smooth beginner-friendly rollers, banked turns, advanced jump lines, flyover bridge
- The Brown County Epic Mountain Bike Festival hosted by the Brown County Mountain Biking Association: mountain bikers coming together for a full weekend of riding together, plus bluegrass music, local food, camping, and the vibrant fall colors that southern Indiana is known for
- New mountain biking trails and amenities are being added all the time
No wonder Brown County is the ultimate mountain biking destination!
Internationally known, nationally respected
Mountain biking in Brown County used to be one of the best kept secrets in the U.S. But not anymore!
We’re proud of the numerous awards and accolades we’ve received for being one of the Midwest’s premier mountain biking destinations.
IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center™
Brown County State Park is renowned for its IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center™ designation, a prestigious honor awarded by the International Mountain Bicycling Association to only a few destinations nationwide.
About the IMBA’s Ride Center™ designation:
- The gold standard for mountain biking destinations
- Given to world-class locations that deliver it all: epic variety, unmatched quality, and progression that keeps every rider stoked, whether you’re an advanced shredder chasing flow, a family looking for a weekend getaway, or a first-timer discovering the joy of trails
- Highlights excellence with a dynamic badge system across four trail types:
- Front Country: Trails close to the community that are ideal for an arrival-day lap, a family excursion, or a group ride
- Backcountry: Trails farther from civilization that create an all-day adventure and immersion into that destination’s landscape
- Gravity: Trails built with descending as the focus, with various methods of uplift possible to foster repeated runs
- Bike Park: A contained, skills-based amenity that shines as a second-outing-of-the-day option or a place for youngsters to let off steam and build their abilities
- IMBA Ride Centers have 60+ miles of high-quality trails and at least three badges
IMBA Trail Town
Nashville, Indiana, has been named an official IMBA Trail Town as of April 2026, a national designation recognizing communities that value trails and the people who ride them. It is the first community in Indiana to receive this designation (alongside Versailles).
IMBA Trail Towns demonstrate:
- Strong and accessible trail infrastructure—approximately 25 miles of trails (or more) with a variety of riding styles
- A commitment to long-term trail funding
- An active local trail organization to lead local partnerships
- A sustainable trail stewardship plan (e.g., hosting regular trail maintenance days)
- A culture of community engagement
Other Awards and Accolades
- Bicycling.com
- The Top 6 Secret Mountain Bike Destinations in the U.S.
- Singletracks.com
- 10 of the Best Mountain Bike Descents in the Midwestern USA
- 11 Off-Grid Races You Need to Ride – Gravel Grovel
- Top 10 Best Mountain Bike Destinations East of the Rockies
- Most Popular Mountain Bike Trails in the U.S. and Canada
- Unofficial Mountain Bike Capitals State-by-State
- The 10 Best U.S. Destinations for a Weekend Mountain Bike Getaway
- Top 5 Destinations for Mountain Biking in the Midwest
- Paste Magazine
- Midwest’s Best Mountain Bike Destinations
- Bike Magazine
- Top 33 Best Rides in America
- International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
- Brown County State Park Mountain Biking Trails Designated an Epic Trail System
Featured Blogs
Why Brown County Is Indiana’s Premier Mountain Biking Destination
If you haven’t experienced mountain biking in Brown County, you’re in for an exhilarating surprise. Tucked away in southern Indiana’s scenic hills, Brown County has become the go-to destination for riders of all levels. With epic trails, small-town charm, and an...
Gear Up for Thrills: Mountain Bike Races & Rides in Brown County
Are you ready to take your mountain biking skills to the next level? Brown County, nestled in the heart of Indiana, offers an adrenaline-pumping playground with nearly 30 miles of trails designed for riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned experts. With 400...
Exotic Indiana: Mountain Biking Guest Blog
We love it when people visit Brown County and enjoy it so much they decide to write about it! Check out this guest blog post on Brown County mountain biking from author & adventure traveler, Laura Holmes. Guest blog post & photography by Laura Holmes, July...
Geared up to welcome riders
Mountain bikers don’t just love our top-tier trails. They also love our top-notch amenities!
Looking for bike rentals, repairs, gear, or guided rides? Stop by one of the two bike shops in town: Brown County Bikes and Q’s Bikes.
Ready to refuel post-ride? Listen to live music as you enjoy pizza, burgers, beer, and bourbon at one of our bike-friendly downtown restaurants.
Need a place to stay for the night, so you can ride again tomorrow? (Staying all weekend is a must with so many mountain biking trails to conquer!)
- Book a cozy cabin near the trailheads—some are even specifically designed for mountain bikers with amenities like bike washing stations, secure storage, bike tools, and more.
- You can rest up at Abe Martin Lodge right in the middle of Brown County State Park.
- Or you can find overnight accommodations in Downtown Nashville and be right by all the action after your ride.
And be sure to stop by the Visitors Center, so you can pick up our FREE Getaway Guide, and our team can share our favorite tips and recommendations while you are here!
Mountain Biking Guide
Singletrack minds are always welcome in Brown County!
Simply fill out the form below to download your FREE Mountain Biking Guide and discover why Brown County is the perfect hub for your next mountain biking adventure!
You’ll also be the first to know when we have MTB news to share, including new resources (like our new MTB guide in the works) as well as events, trails, infrastructure, parks, and features.
FAQs
What kind of mountain biking trails does Brown County offer?
What International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) honors has Brown County received?
Brown County State Park received the IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center™ designation—the gold standard for mountain biking destinations with epic variety, unmatched quality, and progression that keeps every rider stoked, including 60+ miles of high-quality trails.
In addition, Nashville, Indiana, was named an official IMBA Trail Town, a national designation recognizing communities that demonstrate strong and accessible trail infrastructure (25+ miles of trails with a variety of riding styles), a commitment to long-term trail funding, an active local trail organization to lead local partnerships, a sustainable trail stewardship plan (e.g., hosting regular trail maintenance days), and a culture of community engagement.
Is the Brown County Pump Track free?
What can I do after mountain biking in Brown County?
Banner Photo ©Zach Dobson Photography










