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Raccoon Mountain Trail Network Mountain Bike Trail
Chattanooga, Tennessee
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
44 trail reviews |
|
Status: updated 2/20/11 by wbernest |
Difficulty:  Intermediate |
| Length: 17 miles | Global Rank: #453 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 136 | Wishlist: 72 |
| Avg. Speed: 6.71 mph | Avg. Time: 1hr 16min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,193/-2,172 ft | |
 4 trail check-ins |
Directions:
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Description: The plan is for something close to 50+ miles of trail in the network. This is a stacked loop system with rides available for all skill levels. Excellent views and sweeping new singletrack highlight the ride. It's still a new system, as of May 2007, so I can really describe a "best route". Just say, it's worth the trip if you are within 2-3 hours from Chattanooga. It's a lot like Chicopee Woods in Gainesville, GA, but with MUCH better views.
Description: The plan is for something close to 50+ miles of trail in the network. This is a stacked loop system with rides available for all skill levels. Excellent views and sweeping new singletrack highlight the ride. It's still a new system, as of May 2007, so I can really describe a "best route". Just say, it's worth the trip if you are within 2-3 hours from Chattanooga. It's a lot like Chicopee Woods in Gainesville, GA, but with MUCH better views.
added on May 18, 2007 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Harrison Bay State Park in Chattanooga
Brush Creek in Ocoee
Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by inbody06 on February 9, 2012
This system has it all , make sure you are ready for a challenge. you can avoid the hard stuff if you study the map . it is a tail kickin trail system if you ride all of it. lots of fun . the expert section has some sweet rocks to launch off of its a thrill ride
reviewed by sheanc on January 2, 2012
Outstanding Trail System, something for all beginner to expert. Megawatt, Chunky, Lower Chunky, Small Intestine are all fun to ride.
* Review edited 1/2/2012
Similar Trail: Enterprise South-way less technical but fun Tanasi - is pretty close in ability level Five Points- is close to, and a Blast to ride
reviewed by ghr1231 on November 6, 2011
This is a fun place to ride. You have to try MegaWatt. Now get out and ride!
* Review edited 12/17/2011
Similar Trail: Five Points
reviewed by takit2far on November 5, 2011
1st, I am a novice. This has been my 4th Mountain biking ride this year and th absolute best experience so far. Having 1st rode Pigeon Mountain (Not cleaned up AT ALL!) on a Mongoose (hsss) for 14 or so miles, I though I would give it another try here. Broke the Mongoose, got 5 stitches, and bought a Haro)After my 3rd trip here I have riden every trail, in multiple combinations (Thanks Travis), in every direction. This made me love mountain biking and I can't wait till January. (There adding more trails)
Similar Trail: Pigeon Mountain
reviewed by brownktm19 on November 2, 2011
This is a GREAT trail system. Unfortunately I was in Chatt. on business so I only got to ride a couple hours in the evening, but I will definitely be coming back. Megawatt was awesome. There was some fast stuff, some technical stuff, and some nice climbs. Amazing views, just a great trail system and I hear they are planning on expanding it. I would like to see some more stuff that is more difficult than megawatt, with some jumps and big rocks. I highly recommend this trail.
Similar Trail: Brown County Indiana, White River Valley(Branson, MO)
reviewed by uphillracer on October 24, 2011
Yes, the signage can be a bit of a problem. The map provided here does not have all of the trail names that are on the wooden signs on the trails. I rode all of the trails they had in one go around. I rode it CC and it was great. Parts that I saw would lose their flow going the opposite direction, or so it seems. Megawatt seems to be the most technical, but is easily ridden cautiously by less accomplished riders, like myself! The trails are really, really, great and the views are not oversold by the other reviews. Rock gardens are not overly technical, for the most part. Signage upgrades would be great. The directions to the parking lot leave you guessing a little, but I got there. Well worth the drive from pretty much anywhere. A few leaves on the ground on some of the less ridden trails (read technical) which made them even more difficult. I will definitely ride this one again and again. I have to give it a 4 for not having signage back to the parking lot, but the trails are my current favorite.
* Review edited 10/24/2011
Similar Trail: chicopee
reviewed by agent6 on October 23, 2011
Wish I had more time to spend here while I was in town because didn't have a great experience. Mostly because the signs and trail map are very confusing. I, along with two others, got very turned around, did an expert loop first (we are not experts). The trail was great where we did not have to get off and hike, but we ended up getting turned around and doing the same advanced trail twice. Finally found a road and rode it back to the car. Well maintained, but PLEASE update the signage. If you do not ride them often, I'm sure they are difficult to navigate. If you are able to ride instead of stopping to dig in your pack for the map every twenty minutes, I'm sure they are a blast. If you've never been, try to talk to someone who is there and who has been there before.
reviewed by wbernest on September 11, 2011
Great, great trail network. I like to ride here once or twice a week. The small intestine is one of my favorite patches of pure single track, it is fast and flows great. Megawatt is fun with the drop down the rock wall. The rest is just good old solid single track. The back half does get a bit rocky and can really wear you down.
reviewed by mtbkrbp on June 13, 2011
great experiance once again 2nd trip this year being from clarksville a larger commitment of time is involved however i will return
Similar Trail: combination of montgomery bell,canal loop, lock4
reviewed by Loonytik on October 12, 2010
Drove up from Atlanta early Sunday morning and almost noone was there. Started with Megawatt then down to River Gorge, Laurel Point, and finished up with Small Intestine. Like an earlier poster said, this is most definitely worth the trip. The views here are amazing even if you aren't enjoying the ride. The rock crossings on Megawatt are funky at times so if you're tech skills are a little rusty you may want to dust them off and be ready.
reviewed by nvrenf on October 11, 2010
Definitely worth the drive from Atlanta. CONs: (1)signage is confusing - the map v. wooden signage on trail v. metal signage does not match - a little confusing but doable (get the map at visitor center), (2) two way traffic + high speed = a lot of near misses... PROs: awesome singletrack - tight, narrow, rolling trail with some great downhill sections that make the climbs worth it. Amazing scenery. Rode on a Sunday & it wasn't crowded. Many of the reviews discuss riding CC - I rode CW and thoroughly enjoyed my 11 mile ride. I would not have enjoyed all of the climbing in the opposite direction... I parked at the Visitor Center and started with Grindstone, then East Rim/Switchyard Connector, then South Rim/Electric Avenue, and finished up on the perfectly flat road from Laurel Point back to the Visitor Center. Am heading back next weekend for the same route + Table Rock/Small Intestine. Will be installing new brake pads!
Similar Trail: Fort Yargo
reviewed by rmoon on September 17, 2010
This is destination mountain biking. When you combine the good food, drinks and music of down town Chattanooga jsut being 10 minutes away. You can have a great weekend trip. The trails will hold your interest for several days.
Similar Trail: Oak Mountain in Birmingham DuPont near Brevard NC
reviewed by JackPompanoBeach on September 14, 2010
I live near here and ride often, but I stopped on the way back from Moab yesterday, and these are still extremely fun trails even after that! Great mixture of short climbs and great downhills, some rocky tech sections, excellent views, really fast singletrack. There are plenty of trails here for beginners and experts. All big obstacles are pretty much avoidable if you want with exception of Chunky and Megawatt which are only for experienced riders.Trails are well marked, and graded by level. Maps at the visitor center, which you should visit as well for the views! We all absolutely love this place!!!
Similar Trail: The Tansai in Polk County, it has stuff for all levels as well, but is not as much fun as Raccoon! Chilhowee also near Tansai totally kills, but not for beginners.
reviewed by bikegaucho on September 8, 2010
super fun trails with great tech sections....will go back often!!
Similar Trail: blankets creek
reviewed by gtryder on August 31, 2010
We were up in Chattanooga for the Southern brewers festival from Atlanta. Had been dying to try this trail system. I rode Grindstone Ridge and Table Rock (Small Intestine). Loved the way they flow, can't wait to go back and ride more of the trails.
Similar Trail: Tsali Thompson Loop
reviewed by luv2mtb on June 10, 2010
I was in town for a week of training and had some free time one afternoon so I made the trip over to Raccoon Mnt to see what could be seen. I am an intermediate rider and I think the difficulty level of most of the trails (I rode them all, except the gated "expert area") is over-estimated. But nonetheless, I had a great time. Great, flowing, fast singletrack with enough climbs to get a good workout. I rode the trails clockwise from the visitor's center and the last climb back into the center was difficult-I walked it.
Similar Trail: Fountainhead in Burke, VA
reviewed by rich201 on May 30, 2010
I ride these trails regularly now. Good views of Tennessee river and Chattanooga. Varied levels of trails available. IMO not for a complete beginner, but ok for one that has a few trail rides in. The size and amount of rocks and roots correspond with the difficulty level shown on the map. The maps at East overlook and Laurel point kiosk show the routes difficulty level color coded. There is a gated advanced section with boulder hopping, called Freeride i think, that may not be mapped. It is off the East Rim trail. I find the difficult trails ridable but punishing on a hardtail so I switched to a full susser for more fun(maybe a sign of age). You can park at the gravel area just before East Overlook, East Overlook, Visitors Center, Switch Yard and Laurel Point(restrooms). People from Atlanta, Huntsville, and Nashville said it's worth the drive. Two way traffic and occasional hikers, keep alert and you will be fine.
* Review edited 5/30/2010
Similar Trail: Tanasi or Chilhowee
reviewed by mtb4life on November 1, 2009
Rode the trail for the first time today.One of the best in middle TN.Has great views of the lake and other mountains.Try out the Small Intestine trail and the Grindstone Trail.
Similar Trail: Montgomert Bell
reviewed by ryanherb on September 19, 2009
Did the full loop last week. Little Bit of everything Great Trails. Signage can get abit confusing (pick up a map @ the Visitors center) Dont Be put off by other reviews; although careful not to get ahead of yourself are some challenging areas that get pretty technical. I ride a Hardtail bike (Jamis TrailX 3) and i really enjoyed these trails. Hats off to SORBA for this one. Easiest trail head to find is @ the Visitors center (facing the Center look right) you will see woods and a wall with railing on top @ the end of the railing is the trail head.
* Review edited 9/19/2009
Similar Trail: Bull Mountain, Fort Mountain
reviewed by santacruztestpilot on August 18, 2009
This trail is alot of fun! However, the trail is not easy to follow when it splits with other trail heads. This is NOT a trail for beginners despite what other may say. I had no issues but my novice riding partner walked more than he liked. Very technical rocks are fun but should NOT be tried by in-experienced riders. I rate this a 3 due to the lack of easy to navigate signage and not to easy to locate trail head.
reviewed by Martino0626 on June 21, 2009
From the visitor center parking lot ride back up the road and enter at the black gate on the left which will let you do the down hill section to MegaWatt and from there counterclockwise back to the visitor center where you finish up on the same down hill section you started on...One of the best singletracks I have ever ridden
* Review edited 6/21/2009
Similar Trail: Tanasi Ocoee,TN which is down the street from Raccoon Mountain
reviewed by GoldenGoose on May 25, 2009
Some of the best riding in the SE. This is my personal favorite. The views, the cliffs, the trails, the rock dam...awesome. Well worth the drive from Atlanta. A wide range of trails that vary in difficulty.
Similar Trail: Tanasi
reviewed by danny_mcspadden on December 13, 2008
great trail for people of all skill levels fun drops and down hill
reviewed by flamdrag8 on November 18, 2008
THis trail is fun and relatively technical. The views are outstanding. Overall one of my favorite trails.
Similar Trail: tsali
reviewed by ecp97 on September 21, 2008
Fun trail with great scenery. Started at visitor center and up road a little before I got to entrance for grindstone. Rode the small intestines (aka Tablerock on map). Then east rim through east overlook parking lot then south rim trail. Popped out onto the lake perimeter road and rode back to the visitor center.
reviewed by Taylor510ce on July 11, 2008
East Rim Trail- for beginners to experienced newbies, there is alot of climbing for the first half of the trail. The second mile all the way to the switchyard is really fun, with some jumps and roller coastery turns. Awesome trail! If you really want a workout, turn around and ride this trail from the switchyard back to the beginning of the East Rim. Almost all climbing!
* Review edited 8/8/2008
Similar Trail: Grindstone Ridge Trail (intermediate)
reviewed by Taylor510ce on May 19, 2008
The trail I rode was called the Grind Stone Ridge Trail. It's an intermediate (blue diamond) trail with a small amount of uphill climbs on a 2-2.5 foot trail width. It's roller-coaster like and a ton of fun...great scenery and overlooks...worth the ride. Make sure to stay on Grind Stone if you don't want to get too technical on trails like "megawatt" or "small intestine." this trails zooms!
Similar Trail: For beginners-East Rim Trial at the raccoon mountain trail network.
reviewed by trek7k on November 12, 2007
Incredible! Fast, swoopy singletrack with short tech sections mixed in to keep things interesting. Amazing scenery and diverse trail conditions, add this to your wishlist now!
Similar Trail: Buffalo Creek in Colorado.
reviewed by Rockinr on November 11, 2007
Rode it for the first time today. Since i have only been Mountain biking for a month or so i was left a bit winded but i had a blast. The Small intestine trail was awesome and i would reccomend it to anyone.
* Review edited 11/11/2007
Similar Trail: Brush Creek
reviewed by sandm96 on July 26, 2007
SWEEEEEET!!! Rode it for the first time yesterday. Solo ride, so I took my time. I logged 19.4 miles in a little under 3 hours, I doubled back after I figured out that I passed the section called "Table Rock" and I'm glad that I went back because it turned out to be the flowiest (if that's a word) section of trail. I rode from East overlook Counter Clockwise, with the exception of Table Rock, which I rode Clockwise (seemed better that way). Props to Chattanooga SORBA Chapter for building this trail. It's definitely one of the Best Singletracks in the southeast. I'll be back!!!
Similar Trail: Maybe Oak Mountain (Alabama). Tsali. Tanasi
reviewed by rmurph4 on July 9, 2007
This trail set is a serious gem in the TN/GA area. The singletrack is fantastic, with moderately challenging climbs and great views thrown in there. It's absolutely worth the drive from Atlanta - you won't be disappointed.
reviewed by pyrophly on April 16, 2007
Smooth, flowing single track. Great for beginners. I didn't enjoy the "two" way traffic. Other than that the trail descent.
reviewed by pyrophly on April 15, 2007
FUN!!! This trail is not very long, but a complete blast. Trail flows nicely. There are some climbs, but nothing that will kill you. I took my brother, second time he ever rode a mtn bike, he climbed everything like a champ. Downhill is extremely fun. Open it up!!!
reviewed by stuppie on November 17, 2006
This is part of the Raccoon Mountain Trail network which we are currently constructing. This section goes over slightly rolling hills. The flow could be better in a few of the faster sections which lead into turns that are too sharp to maintain speed, requiring some quick braking (and skidding if you are not careful). Presently we have approximately 10 miles of trail finished and opened for riding. We are hoping to put the finishing touches on an additional section which we hope to open in January, with much more to come. When this trail system is completed it will boast about 35 miles of trail. To view additional details or learn how you can help us build more quality singletrack trails in the Chattanooga area see: http://murl.se/15322
reviewed by stuppie on November 17, 2006
This is part of the Raccoon Mountain Trail network which we are currently constructing. This section is tighter and slightly twisty. It needs to be benched cut in several areas where one tends to slide down the hill now that the leaves have fallen. Presently we have approximately 10 miles of trail finished and opened for riding. We are hoping to put the finishing touches on an additional section which we hope to open in January, with much more to come. When this trail system is completed it will boast about 35 miles of trail. To view additional details or learn how you can help us build more quality singletrack trails in the Chattanooga area see: http://murl.se/15322
reviewed by stuppie on November 17, 2006
This is part of the Raccoon Mountain Trail network which we are currently constructing. This section has a pretty steep climb/decent with a couple of lightly in-sloped turns. Presently we have approximately 10 miles of trail finished and opened for riding. We are hoping to put the finishing touches on an additional section which we hope to open in January, with much more to come. When this trail system is completed it will boast about 35 miles of trail. To view additional details or learn how you can help us build more quality singletrack trails in the Chattanooga area see: http://murl.se/15322
reviewed by stuppie on November 17, 2006
This is part of the Raccoon Mountain Trail network which we are currently constructing. This section has a pretty steep climb/decent. Presently we have approximately 10 miles of trail finished and opened for riding. We are hoping to put the finishing touches on an additional section which we hope to open in January, with much more to come. When this trail system is completed it will boast about 35 miles of trail. To view additional details or learn how you can help us build more quality singletrack trails in the Chattanooga area see: http://murl.se/15322
reviewed by stuppie on November 17, 2006
This is part of the Raccoon Mountain Trail network which we are currently constructing. This is the easiest trail on the mountain, the other sections rank intermediate plus. Presently we have approximately 10 miles of trail finished and opened for riding. We are hoping to put the finishing touches on an additional section which we hope to open in January, with much more to come. When this trail system is completed it will boast about 35 miles of trail. To view additional details or learn how you can help us build more quality singletrack trails in the Chattanooga area see: http://murl.se/15322
reviewed by tcope on October 11, 2006
beginner level trail running along the east rim of the mountain between the East Overlook and the gravel road to the microwave towet
