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Hamilton Creek Mountain Bike Trail
Nashville, Tennessee
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
26 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 10/10/10 by pjcochrane |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 5 miles | Global Rank: #751 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Loop |
| Ridden: 93 | Wishlist: 35 |
| Avg. Speed: 5.31 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 36min |
Directions:
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Description: This trail is deteriorating fast!! The land "donated" to us was shallow at best. The top soil depth in this area is low, therefore, when a great deal of rain falls, the top soil just washes away!! This is not a matter of trail maintenance or riding when the trail conditions are not conducive. This is a matter of poor land!! If you are planning on riding here, plan on a ride that is fairly rough. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way trying to discourage anyone from riding here. I am just merely pointing out that suspension of some kind is highly recommended, especially if you plan on riding the technical side!!
Description: This trail is deteriorating fast!! The land "donated" to us was shallow at best. The top soil depth in this area is low, therefore, when a great deal of rain falls, the top soil just washes away!! This is not a matter of trail maintenance or riding when the trail conditions are not conducive. This is a matter of poor land!! If you are planning on riding here, plan on a ride that is fairly rough. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way trying to discourage anyone from riding here. I am just merely pointing out that suspension of some kind is highly recommended, especially if you plan on riding the technical side!!
added in 2003 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Chickasaw Trace in Columbia
Lock 4 in Gallatin
Montgomery Bell State Park Mtb Trail in White Bluff
Jones Mill in Smyrna
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by iceman41557 on January 19, 2012
Want to learn to ride. These are the trails to learn on. There is something for all here. Just don't think it is a gentle ride. Always wear a helmet, carry enough water and bring a cell phone( Just in Case) . New to the area bring a friend.Don't be afraid to ask for advice . The regular riders are good people. They will answer most of your questions. Ride fun and ride free. If little kids can have fun ,so can you
reviewed by mattcmp on January 1, 2012
Great place to ride and learn ways to navigate tight, rugged terrain. This trail has two personalities! Dry conditions this is a fast ride and allows for much more speed. After rains, the trail dries slow and aggressive tires are a must. Slick rocks on the advanced side make this trail a different animal. All in all, fun trail to ride.
reviewed by guseden on November 25, 2011
The loop listed as the intermediate loop is just that with some very fun rock drop offs but some challenging climbs through rocks as well. The loop listed as Advanced is definitely the most technical riding in Middle Tennessee. If you're new to the sport, or not in great physical shape, I would suggest staying on the Intermediate loop or going to a different trail system in Middle Tennessee altogether. Lock 4 in Gallatin is much smoother and faster and gentler on a beginner, as well as the perimeter loop at Montgomery Bell. Also, this trail is probably in it's most rideable condition during late summer when the weather's consistently hot and dry. The wet leaves of late fall add a significant element of difficulty and surprise.
Similar Trail: Lake Grapevine, DFW Texas
reviewed by inline on April 26, 2011
A sweet boulder field with slick roots to boot. To save your derailer, ride a single speed. Just enough to challenge you on a wet sloppy day and no one to speak of on the trail. If you want more boulders that never stop and keep getting bigger as you go up, try Monte Santo Mountain in Huntsville, Al. This was a lot of fun and will definitely be a must to ride every time I get to Nashville. Awesome!
Similar Trail: Monte Santo Mountain, Huntsville, AL
reviewed by XDWAGGSX on October 21, 2010
People who talk down on this trail I'm assuming had trouble riding it. The way Hammy is set up makes it as easy or difficult as you want to make it. There are place where you can ride so hard and really test your skill. Great jumps and climbs. Peolpe come from all over to ride this trail for a reason it;s one of the best in Tennessee for a reason.
Similar Trail: Lock 4
reviewed by NMEstudios on June 8, 2010
My wife and I rode the trail today and I loved it! We are both beginners, and I made it through the intermediate course, but it was a bit much for my wife. You deff should be prepared for jagged rocks, roots and some decent drop offs. I had a blast and only bit the dirt once...tire pinched hard between two rocks. It is a great place if you like testing your control, but be ready for the loose stuff!
Similar Trail: Not too sure around here
reviewed by golfson21 on May 16, 2010
Best trail in middle tennessee. Technical and if your good you can build speed. Definitely rough on the bike, but overall nothing around compares to the technicallity and challenge of hamilton. If your a beginner or looking for speed, do not try pinnacle.
Similar Trail: Chicksaw has great cardio climbs, but no where near the technical aspect.
reviewed by rivlife51 on April 1, 2010
Great ride, lots of rocks and drops to play on. Don't come here expecting to haul to much ass, the rocks and roots make the climbs a challenge to say the least. The trail is marked pretty well, however the emergency points do not match the map. If you are short on time or short on conditioning there are connector trails that shorten the loop. Trails stays wet through the spring so be ready to carry your bike through the muddy spots. All in all a fun ride, not blazing fast but still a great time.
* Review edited 4/1/2010
Similar Trail: Lock 4, Cage Mountain
reviewed by Trailrider71 on September 11, 2009
This trail is not for the cyclists that are looking for a greenway. It is the most technically challenging trail in the area. There are a lot of people who work on this trail who all love it. It is hypocritical to bash a trail when you don't put any sweat into it's maintenance. This is the only trail in the area that you can never take for granted. This trail is still smoother than a lot of the stuff I've seen in West Virginia. If you're not up to the investment, she'll let you know. I CAN ride all of it in either direction. I don't clean it like I used to. It takes practice that not everybody is willing to do. You can drag your bike over the tough stuff if you want. I like riding every bit of it and playing on the drops as well. Admittedly, the trail is quite rough. It is more fun with more suspension, but it's also very satisfying passing people, who are riding full-suspension rigs, on a hard tail. The short trail is really only a beginner trail due to its short distance. The whole system is very doable in 90 minutes if you have the technique and fitness. Expect quite a bit more as either wanes. This place will teach you how to ride if you're willing to come out and accept the lessons. If you're not willing, it isn't polite to bash something you can't do.
Similar Trail: There really isn't anything like it in the immediate area. The closest would be the trails at St. Andrew's School in Sewanee, up on Monteagle Mtn.
reviewed by theraywatcher on August 31, 2009
rode 8/29/09 - the 'advanced trail' AKA Pinnacle trailhead. It had some tech aspects, but not as bad as anticipated. The advanced runs about 7.1 miles. There was .2 mile where i had to push it up hill over massive rocks. i dont see anyone ever doing that section without walking it up.
reviewed by theraywatcher on August 14, 2009
Rode 8/13/09 after work. The parking lot was filled with SORBA members that ride every Thursday at 5:30. Got on the trail before them and blazed through it. The trail has been worked on this past month and looks great. New routes and signs make it better for riders.
reviewed by theraywatcher on June 22, 2009
Rode 6/20/09 in 90+ heat. Great trail. Not very speedy, but technical with rocks/roots. Closest trail in Nashville - 3rd best after Chickasaw Trace & Lock 4.
* Review edited 7/28/2009
reviewed by lock_4 on May 26, 2009
My favorite trail!Very technical and challenging.Tons and tons of rock.Great drop-offs and jumps!
reviewed by jhckelman on July 25, 2008
I found this trail to be solidly disappointing. It's not for lack of terrain, as there are some gently sloping hills and lots of limestone outcroppings. It's more that whoever designed the layout clearly has a different concept of a fun trail than myself. While there are some decently technical sections with rock drop-offs, it's difficult to sustain momentum. Instead its merely constant up and down with inopportune corners and little to no flow. In short, it gets boring, much like one is performing work. My friend and I joke about punching a time card upon entering. Again, this is too bad, as the terrain has potential.
Similar Trail: Lock 4 is less technical, but has better flow, despite much less interesting terrain.
reviewed by hotma on February 20, 2008
honestly, this trail sucks. the only thing i hear about it is how technical it is. it is full of short runouts to switchbacks, rocks that like to eat your equipment and practically no elevation change. if that is your idea of technical, fine it's technical. I will admit, there is something to be said about going 2 mph around big rocks without ruining your derailleur, but is that fun? i don't think so. i realize we aren't surrounded by mountain that offer long climbs and screaming descents, but look at all the rolling hills. is there no land available to take advantage of them? everywhere i look i think about the trail that could have been. maybe i am being too harsh. technical does comes at all speeds, but what about trails with actual downhills on the side of a huge rock. the ability to take a break on the climb, because the descent is where the energy is taken out of you. how about the occassional jump (no, not rock drop-off). has anyone looked into the idea of a MTB park within the city limits? the only reason i am giving this trail a 2 is the fact that it is close to nashville. keep up the good work boys. maybe one day you will do some actual mountain bike, not riding through the woods on a mountain capable bike. late
Similar Trail: my back yard, stairs, and bad dreams
reviewed by theraywatcher on July 18, 2007
Another great trail. Great location and still a hidden treasure. A lot of tight squeezes and rocks/roots to ride around/over. Great jumps if you aren't too scared to take them. Wish it was a little longer and built for speed.
reviewed by splork on November 5, 2006
I guess you take what you can get around Nashville. This trail is more an obstacle course than anything. Tons of rocks and roots. It's really more about balance, coordination and even upper body strength than lung capacity. Virtually no way to build speed due to the tight switchbacks. Probably by design anyway. Virtually no elevation change. If you are looking for long sustained climbs it ain't here. The beginner side is pretty tough to be considered beginner. Great to work on your handling skills. It will beat you up pretty good too. The advanced side is just more of what the beginner side offers really. The builders did an excellent job with what they had to work with.
reviewed by nisah on July 6, 2006
The best place to ride if you are in the Nashville area. Fairview is lame, and Lock 4 is not technical enough.
reviewed by Hutchman on August 18, 2005
Nice technical singletrack. Take a trail map, it's easy to get lost on the advanced side.
Similar Trail: Lock 4
reviewed by oldmancrash on June 16, 2005
Hamilton creek is what I consider my home track. There are 2 loops a novice loop 2.5 miles. And an advanced loop. You ride the novice loop to the advanced loop. Total trail length for both loops is about 9.5 miles. If you are looking for a complete workout this trail is it. Sweet single track with lots of rock, root and climbs. Just this spring Hamilton Creek has been taken over by a energetic group of mountain bikers and the condition has gone up big time. Lots of water drain issues taken care of and some very nice reroutes. This group has done a lot of hard work in only a couple of months.
reviewed by tn_king_kikapu on June 16, 2005
As others have stated, this trail is a rooty, rockin' trail with fun for everyone. I will say that frequent rides on this challenging trail have improved my skills greatly, and thus enhanced my experience riding off road anywhere. In other words, if you can master this sweet singletrack, you are prepared for all others in Middle Tennessee. Beautiful rock gardens, fast downhills, rough and tough climbs make this trail the gem of Metro Nashville Parks for off road biking enthusists. Granted, the track is deteriorating in some spots. But with a growing grassroots effort to reclaim the trail, and a loyal group of riders, this trail will be around for a long time. Come enjoy Hamilton Creek! Don't be afraid to check out the Advanced trail, just take your time and be careful. Maps available @ the Yahoo group for this trail: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/hamilton_creek Also check out: www.hamcreek.com for more info / photos! Trail maintenance days are scheduled every month for those wishing to get more involved.
reviewed by WBrown729 on March 27, 2005
Fast when land is dry, difficult when muddy. Advnaced trail connected to standard trail; about 15 miles. Advanced trail comes with some nice jumps and is some what technical.
Similar Trail: This trail is unique.
reviewed by yuk22319 on January 18, 2005
Take the trail in off of the parking lot and stay right . the trail consists of two loops the beginner loop which is about two miles and the more advanced loop which will add about 7 more miles to your ride. Be careful after it rains because the trails stay wet. There are a number of places where the trail gets close to the road and you can get out in case you have any problems.
reviewed by Urgeasaurus on October 26, 2004
This is a great trail, easy to get to, and pefect if you don't have a lot of time but want to get a good workout. I moved here from Colorado, so my perspective may be skewed as I don't feel this is all that technical. Yes, it's rocky w/ plenty of roots, but in most cases, there is alway a clear line through it. You will definitely be a better rider anywhere you go if you can get through both loops w/out dabbing. I will say there is a section or two on the advanced loop that is exceptionally technical. Regarding trail conditions, DO NOT RIDE this when it's wet, don't skid your rear tire around (control!!). Both contribute to deteriorating conditions. RE the parking lot issue. First, why doesn't the sanitation company get rid of the porta-potties?? Does anyone use them for their intended purpose? They all have glory holes cut in them and interesting messages scrawled on the walls. I used them once. Now I sneak into the trees if I need to pee. I talked to metro, and while they do patrol it sometimes, it's actually the parks department's responsibility. If you see a ranger there, talk to them about it, because it still seems to be pretty active, even after the busts there.
Similar Trail: Montgomery Bell - The trail builders are doing an awesome job there. Lots of fun and variety.
reviewed by jivedaddy on October 5, 2004
I live right next to this trail (sweet) so I can actually ride to it! The "Easy" trail is only easy if you are somewhat hard corp, the "Advanced" is def. harder, narrower, steeper, more rocky and rooty with lots of logs to jump and streams to ride through. I got turned around a few weeks back on the advanced and ended up doing the whole thing twice, and the second time around I was already out of water, what a trip! If you want to discuss this trail I have a message board for it at my site, jivedaddy.com. Give yourself 1/2 hour for the "Easy", and a good hour (our longer), for the advanced. I also have a map of it I can email you if you're interested, just let me know! :)
Similar Trail: Advance trail in Fairview, Tennessee (outer loop).
reviewed by reh on May 29, 2004
I had trouble finding at first. Look for the opening in the cliff like rocks. This is a very bumpy trail. No epic distance or climbs, but a workout nonetheless. Very easy to follow and very nicely maintain. I am glad to have had my new Manitou Black Elite 120mm travel fork for all these rocks and roots.
Similar Trail: In this area, Lock 4.
