New Chattanooga Mountain Bike Guide Now Available
The guide helps area cyclists access 12 local trail systems for improved outdoor recreation and fitness.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Hiking
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SORBA Chattanooga has released a new printed guide featuring 12 mountain bike trail systems within 30 minutes of downtown. The guide includes QR codes for Trailforks navigation to help both new and experienced riders access the more than 190 miles of trails available in the area.
Why it matters
Outdoor recreation contributes $6.9 million to the local economy annually, and the guide aims to improve trail access and support ongoing maintenance. It provides a structured resource for residents and visitors to explore local trail systems, including popular sites like Walden's Ridge Park.
A regional mountain bike study found that trail systems in Hamilton County see 44,089 annual visits, while Walden's Ridge Park recorded 31,262 visits in its first year. The broader impact of the outdoor economy in Tennessee reached $15.6 billion in 2024, though the long-term usage trends for these specific local trails remain under observation.
The players
SORBA Chattanooga
A local cycling organization focused on mountain bike trail advocacy, construction, and maintenance.
Outdoor Chattanooga
A city-run agency that promotes outdoor recreation opportunities and education for area residents.
Lyndhurst Foundation
A regional philanthropic organization that supports community development and environmental initiatives.
Bike Tennessee
A state-level cycling organization working to connect mountain bike routes across Tennessee.
The details
The guide functions by integrating printed information with digital tools, utilizing QR codes that link directly to Trailforks for real-time, offline navigation. This collaborative effort between SORBA Chattanooga, Outdoor Chattanooga, and the Lyndhurst Foundation aims to lower the barrier to entry for beginners. By centralizing information on 12 distinct systems, the guide supports the physical maintenance and trail-building projects that sustain the region's 190 miles of accessible riding.
Timeline
October 2023: Walden's Ridge Park opened to the public.
2024: The Tennessee outdoor economy generated $15.6 billion in value.
October 9, 2026: SORBA Chattanooga officially announced the release of the mountain bike guide.
November 2026: Bike Tennessee will launch statewide mountain bike routes.
Health Landscape
This guide initiative aligns with the substantial growth of the $15.6 billion Tennessee outdoor economy, reflecting a shift toward professionalizing regional recreation access. It represents a localized effort to translate broader outdoor participation trends into actionable community health resources.
The new guide provides a structured way to incorporate mountain biking into your weekly exercise routine by clearly mapping out nearby trails. For those new to the sport, it is worth discussing equipment safety and trail difficulty levels with a local biking expert or your physician.
The takeaway
Mountain biking offers a versatile way to engage in outdoor physical activity, with 190 miles of local trails available for all skill levels. Residents can support these efforts by requesting the new guide in exchange for a $10 donation to help fund trail maintenance and building projects.
What happens next
Bike Tennessee is scheduled to launch statewide mountain bike routes in November 2026.
Further reading
To learn more about exploring regional trails, visit the Hiking resources for Chattanooga.
More information
For access to local trail maps and updates, visit the digital mountain bike guide access.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chattanoogan.
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