Best MTB spots in the Adelaide Hills
The Best MTB spots in the Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills is a mountain biker’s dream, packed with awesome trails for every type of rider. Whether you’re just starting out and looking for a scenic ride or a hardcore shredder chasing technical descents, there’s something for everyone. With the stunning natural landscapes, great facilities, and well-maintained trails, it’s no wonder the region is a favorite among local and visiting riders alike. Here are some of the best spots to hit the trails in the Adelaide Hills.
1. Fox Creek Bike Park
Fox Creek, also known as Cudlee Creek, is one of South Australia’s top mountain biking destinations. With a mix of flow trails, cross-country loops, and gnarly downhill tracks, it’s a must-visit. After the bushfires in 2020, the park was rebuilt with fresh new trails and better facilities, making it even more epic. The terrain here offers something for everyone, from gentle beginner tracks to challenging descents with berms, jumps, and rock gardens that will keep even the most experienced riders on their toes. It is the best place for shuttling and downhill, with new flow trails such as B-Rad accessible to all. At Escapegoat Adventures, we also offer shuttle services at Fox Creek on the weekends, and can provide hire bikes too, making it easier for riders to maximize their downhill runs without the long climbs back up.
2.Belair National Park
If you’re after a more chilled-out mountain biking experience, Belair National Park is the place to be. The shared-use trails wind through beautiful bushland, making it perfect for beginners or those who just want a relaxed ride in nature. The park’s peaceful surroundings, abundant wildlife, and scenic routes make it a great place for a more laid-back adventure. There are also plenty of picnic spots, so you can take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery after your ride. Plus, if you need a bike, Escapegoat Adventures offers both bike hire and e-bike rentals here, making it easy for anyone to get out and explore, and our little Goat Shed cafe is open Wednesday-Sunday for coffee, cakes and bike hire.
3. Craigburn Farm/ Sturt Gorge
Craigburn Farm, part of the Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, is an awesome place to ride if you love smooth, flowy singletrack with great views. The trails are well-kept and have a nice mix of easy, intermediate, and advanced routes—so there’s something for everyone. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills, creeks, and a variety of terrain that ensures each ride is an adventure. For those who love a bit of a challenge, there are some steeper sections and rockier trails that will keep things exciting. If you don’t have your own bike, Escapegoat Adventures offers bike hire and even e-bike rentals in nearby Belair, making it easy to explore the area, and can even provide GPS with suggested rides. Incorporating nearby Shepherds Hill Rec Park and Mitcham/Lynton trails and you have over 150km of trails to explore, and the Sturt Gorge Loop is a classic.
4. Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Cobbler Creek is great for cross-country fans who enjoy a mix of natural terrain and fun man-made features. The well-marked trails give you a perfect balance of challenging climbs and speedy descents—ideal for an all-around ride. With flowing singletrack, tight switchbacks, and great variation in elevation, Cobbler Creek provides a satisfying mix of endurance riding and thrilling descents. It’s also a great place for family-friendly rides, with some easier trails that are accessible for younger or less experienced riders.
5. Kersbrook Trails
Kersbrook is Fox creek’s younger sibling, being forestry land that has had a series of short downhill trails built by volunteers over the last few years. It’s a lot more quiet, but with some really awesome short trails with some awesome features such as road-gaps. Definitely a good place to follow a local down the hill to judge the jumps! Shuttles are possible here too, and private shuttles can be arranged through Escapegoat here too.
6. Eagle Mountain Bike Park
Just 12km from Adelaide’s CBD, Eagle MTB Park is perfect if you want a quick but thrilling ride. It’s got everything from beginner-friendly tracks to full-on downhill runs and rocky technical sections. Since it’s so close to the city, it’s a go-to spot for many riders, although as it’s a race venue it can be quite intimidating, and doesn’t get the best maintenance, so can be a dust bowl. The trails here offer a fantastic mix of flow, jumps, and technical features, making it an excellent place to hone your skills. Plus, the elevated sections provide some incredible panoramic views over the city and surrounding hills.
Bonus Spot: Mount Lofty Trails
For those who love a mix of technical and scenic riding, the Mount Lofty trails are a fantastic option, and basically surround Eagle MTB park, making a longer ride a great option. The trails here provide a variety of terrains, with some steep climbs and thrilling downhill sections. The area also offers some of the best views in the Adelaide Hills, making it well worth the effort, and dropping down to the Piccadilly Valley for some wine tasting is a great option. Escapegoat offer self-guided ebike tours up into this area as well as their popular beginner friendly 20km Lofty Descent Downhill tour back to Adelaide. Some great options!
Conclusion
The Adelaide Hills is packed with incredible mountain biking trails, from high-speed downhill runs to scenic cross-country routes. Whether you’re a local rider or just visiting, these spots are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable ride. With so many fantastic locations to explore, you’ll never run out of trails to conquer.
So, grab your bike, hit the trails, and enjoy the amazing mountain biking the Adelaide Hills has to offer! Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline rush or just want to soak in the beautiful surroundings, there’s no better place to ride.
