Texas is a top-notch place to ride your mountain bike. You can enjoy the outdoors in many different ways, including hiking, camping, and horseback riding. But if you want to get off the beaten path and explore new trails on your bike, then it’s time to go mountain biking.
Numerous biking trails throughout Texas offer some serious fun! From Dallas to Austin to San Antonio, there are plenty of great options for riders of all levels. This article will introduce you to a few of our favorite trails. So, get your gear ready and let’s go ride!
Best Mountain Biking Trails in Texas for All Levels
If you’re a thrill seeker and enjoy the occasional adrenaline rush, you’ll want to check out the best mountain biking trails in Texas. Each trail offers a unique and challenging experience, so research before hitting the pavement.
But first, ensure you have the proper gear and enough water supply before embarking on your journey. And most importantly, always remember to stay safe while mountain biking on these top trails!
1. North Shore Trail
Just north of Houston, the North Shore Trail offers riders of all skill levels a challenging and thrilling ride. The trail starts easy enough, with a few small hills and curves to warm you up. But before long, the trail becomes more difficult, with rocky terrain and steep drop-offs.
This is the trail for you if you’re looking for a challenge. With plenty of twists and turns and beautiful views of the surrounding forest, the North Shore Trail is one of the best mountain biking trails in Texas.
2. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park has the second-largest canyon in the United States and is a great place to go mountain biking. It’s located in the Texas Panhandle, which has some of the best trails in Texas.
These trails are popular with riders because they’re steep and twisty, making them perfect for an adrenaline rush while riding fast downhill or climbing up hills on your bike!
The Lighthouse Trail and Rock Garden Trail are the most popular trails here. Plenty of camping sites are available at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, as well as nice picnic areas with grills that visitors can use during their stay.
3. The Popular Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a great option if you’re looking for a mountain biking trail popular with locals. With its tight, technical trails and fast-flowing creek crossings, this 7.5-mile trail system is a favorite for riders of all levels.
To access this trail system, take MoPac Expressway (Loop 1) south to Highway 290 West. Exit at Mansfield Dam and follow the signs to the trails. The Greenbelt is located in southwest Austin, just minutes from downtown. Check the weather before you go; this trail can get pretty slick when it rains!
4. Lost Maples State Natural Area
This state park in the Hill Country of Texas is located about an hour west of San Antonio. It is known for its beautiful maple trees, which turn brilliant shades of red and gold in the fall. The park has several trails that wind through the scenic Hill Country landscape, including several that are suitable for mountain biking.
Trails, such as the East Trail and West Trail, are wide and well-maintained, making them good choices for mountain biking. Other trails, like the Maple Trail and Fern Trail, are narrower, more rugged, and may be more challenging for mountain biking.
Overall, the trails at Lost Maples State Natural Area offer a variety of scenic routes through the Hill Country landscape and are suitable for a range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.
5. McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls State Park is located in southeast Austin, Texas. The park has over 1,000 acres of biking and hiking trails along Lake Buchanan and Horseshoe Bay. You’ll also find fishing spots on Onion Creek.
McKinney Falls State Park features more than 9 miles of trails. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, offering a mix of natural surfaces, including dirt, rocks, and roots. Homestead Trail, a 3.5-mile loop, takes you through the park’s natural areas and past historic structures.
The park also has a 2.5-mile mountain bike-only trail called the Rock Garden, which is more challenging and features a mix of rock formations and tight turns.
6. Government Canyon State Natural Area
Government Canyon State Natural Area is a 12,000-acre protected area in northwest Bexar County, Texas. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna and an extensive network of trails.
The Government Canyon State Natural Area trails range in difficulty and length, making them suitable for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Popular trails include the Cibolo Nature Trail, a 2.9-mile loop through various habitats; the Hill Country Trail, a 7.9-mile loop that offers views of the surrounding landscape; and the 1.5-mile Wildflower Trail.
The trails at Government Canyon State Natural Area are also popular for hiking and horseback riding. The best part about visiting this area is its accessibility: you’ll only drive for less than 15 minutes from Austin, TX!
7. Reveille Peak Ranch
Reveille Peak Ranch is home to over 50 miles of trails open to the public for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Some of the popular trails include the Rock Garden Trail, a challenging mountain biking trail that features technical rock sections.
The Hill Country Trail is another popular trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The ranch also has several shorter trails suitable for beginners and advanced mountain bikers.
In addition to the trails, the ranch features an elevated pump track modeled after the famed Whistler pump track created by the DirtWrx mountain bike crew. The track contains six berms, catering to advanced riders and those looking to improve their skills.
8. Devil’s River State Natural Area
The Devil’s River State Natural Area trail is about six miles long and runs through a wooded area with many trees that provide shade for the riders as they bike along. It’s not too far from downtown Houston either!
The trail offers some beautiful scenery and challenging sections where you will bike uphill or downhill to an overlook overlooking Lake Travis. You can also see waterfalls along this section, where it meets up with Onion Creek, which flows into Onion Creek Reservoir near Austin City Limits Park (ACL).
9. Flat Rock Ranch
You forget any troubles when you plan a getaway to Flat Rock Ranch. The ranch has 28 miles of single track. Exposed to typical hill country terrain such as rocks, it also offers a variety of features, including strong hills with spectacular views, time-consuming long downhill trails, and a single technical track. The property also has several creek crossings.
Flat Rock Ranch is the perfect place for mountain biking in Texas. You’ll find four miles of world-class cross-country flowing singletrack with 27+ switchbacks through some of the most scenic landscapes in the area.
Final Thoughts
These trails in Texas have everything from rocky terrain to steep climbs. Some places also offer camping facilities and lodging options, making them ideal for overnight excursions. So pack your gear and get ready to hit these amazing trails!