My family recently went on our first ever mountain bike adventure with all five of us riding the trails! We chose to take this adventure in Brown County, Indiana, on a recent road trip to this beautiful destination.
Does this sound like something you’ve always wanted to do with your family? You can — and I recommend doing it in gorgeous Brown County. Here, I share my own experience so you can make the best plan for your family.
(Want more info about taking a family road trip to Brown County, Indiana? Visit our full road trip City Guide and find out how to get there, where to stay and what to do and eat, plus some spooky haunts to experience and some fun art activities to try with your kids.)
What is mountain biking in Brown County like?
It was awesome. But only because we found the best guide to help us out.
Kate Nolan of Brown County Bikes set my family up with the right equipment and gear, then she took us to a large, shady spot in the park and gave us a solid dose of group instruction that simultaneously kept the advanced bikers (my husband and teenager) and the less-certain bikers (me) engaged.
When we finally hit the trails, she led us on one adventure my family will never forget.
How to prepare for family mountain biking fun
A family mountain biking adventure in Brown County is fun and easy with the right preparation. Of course, we suggest starting at Brown County Bikes to rent equipment, secure a mountain bike, or hire a guide for instruction.
Pro Tip: Hire the guide! It will give everyone enough confidence that they can settle into the ride and fully enjoy it.
Located at 185 S. Jefferson St., Nashville, Ind., this shop provides family-friendly bikes and expert advice to ensure a smooth start. For more details, call (812) 200-1115 or visit their website. Here’s some more information to get you started.
Top 3 mountain bike trails for families in Brown County State Park
1. Pine Loop Trail
- Mileage: 1.2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great: The Pine Loop Trail is perfect for younger riders or beginners. It features a smooth path through an aromatic pine forest. Families will love this peaceful ride over a soft bed of pine needles.
- Trail map: Pine Loop Trail
2. North Tower Loop
- Mileage: 3.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why it’s great: The North Tower Loop trail is the perfect ride for those looking for a good marriage of climbing and fast descents. The climbs are manageable and the ascents are very gradual. A few roots, rocks, and logs can either add a technical challenge or an opportunity to bike around the hard parts. Either way, the views on this ride are incredible, especially in the fall.
- Trail Map: North Tower Loop
3. Green Valley Trail
- Mileage: 5.0 miles
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Why it’s great: For older children and teens with more biking experience, the Green Valley Trail offers riders a fast, flowy rush through the woods. It’s a great way to push skills and enjoy a longer ride. It’s one of the park’s most popular trails, because its twists and turns are exhilarating.
- Trail Map: Green Valley Trail
Fun mountain bike events in Brown County
Brown County hosts several exciting mountain biking events throughout the year.
The Brown County Mountain Bike Festival (also known as the Brown County Epic) is held annually in mid-October at Brown County State Park. It offers family-friendly rides, workshops, and activities.
Brown County Bikes hosts two weekly community events: a Wednesday evening coed ride and a Friday evening women’s only ride.
Tips for parents on the mountain biking trails
- Check equipment: Make sure that bikes are in good working condition before heading out. Helmets and safety gear are also essential for everyone (no matter what your kids tell you).
- Pack essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. It’s important to stay hydrated and energized during the ride.
- Set a comfortable pace: Choose trails that match the skill levels of all riders. It’s better to go slowly and enjoy the experience than to rush and risk fatigue, accidents or discouraged riders.
- Know the trail: Familiarize yourself with the trail map and any potential hazards before starting. This helps in planning the ride and ensures safety. (A guide is perfect for this!)
Mountain biking in Brown County will turn regular families into mountain biking adventurer families. Can you just imagine the epic holiday photos from this kind of adventure?!
Get more tips for family fun on a road trip to Brown County. See our full City Guide and learn:
- How to get to Brown County, where to stay and what to eat
- How to experience some truly spooky history here
- How to take part in some wonderful, immersive art experiences with your kids
Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Learn more at buyfordnow.com. Find more road trip guides and full city guides at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
