SORBA Chattanooga Releases New Mountain Bike Trail Guide
The printed guide features 12 regional trail systems located within 30 minutes of downtown Chattanooga.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Hiking
Live Poll
Do you believe local recreational trail guides help improve the economy in your community?
SORBA Chattanooga has released a new regional mountain bike guide covering 12 trail systems across the area. The resource aims to simplify outdoor recreation access for newcomers to the sport.
Why it matters
The guide serves as a foundational model for future outdoor recreation initiatives in Chattanooga while supporting ongoing trail maintenance efforts. It highlights the accessibility of over 190 miles of trails located within a short drive of the city center.
The new printed guide features 12 trail systems and is available for a $10 suggested donation to support maintenance. These regional trails are part of a 190-mile network that generates $483,000 in annual tax revenue for the area.
The players
SORBA Chattanooga
This is a local chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association that focuses on building, maintaining, and advocating for mountain bike trails.
Outdoor Chattanooga
This is a municipal division dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation and improving the quality of life through environmental stewardship.
Lyndhurst Foundation
This is a private philanthropic organization that supports programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the Chattanooga region.
The details
Created in collaboration with Outdoor Chattanooga and the Lyndhurst Foundation, the guide includes QR codes for Trailforks to assist with offline navigation. The initiative targets individuals new to the sport, providing structured information for the region's expansive trail network.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: SORBA Chattanooga announced the official release of the guide.
October 2023: Walden's Ridge Park opened to the public.
2024: The Tennessee outdoor economy generated $15.6 billion.
November 2026: Bike Tennessee will launch statewide mountain bike routes.
Culture Shift
The guide aligns with the 2024 Tennessee outdoor economy's $15.6 billion contribution by professionalizing local trail information for residents and visitors. This move reflects a broader societal push toward structured outdoor accessibility in regional tourism markets.
Residents can pick up the guide for a $10 suggested donation to navigate the 190 miles of trails within 30 minutes of the city. The inclusion of offline QR codes ensures that riders have reliable trail information during their local excursions.
The takeaway
This guide provides a straightforward way for new riders to engage with Chattanooga's extensive trail network while contributing to essential trail maintenance. Visitors and residents should consider utilizing the QR-coded navigation tools to ensure safe and efficient trail usage.
What happens next
Bike Tennessee is scheduled to launch new statewide mountain bike routes in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local trails, visit the Chattanooga Hiking page.
More information
For more details on the regional network, visit the digital mountain bike guide access.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chattanoogan.
Live Poll
Do you believe local recreational trail guides help improve the economy in your community?
