Mountain Biking
Beechworth and the surrounding hills are full of mountain biking trails. The key marked and mapped trails are Flame Trees and the Beechworth Mountain Bike Park, however there are many fire trails that can be explored in the nearby native forests and pine plantations.
A quick spin down the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail towards Everton and Wangaratta finds you at the beginning of the Flame Trees loop project. The Beechworth Chain Gang, Beechworth's mountain biking club, have completed 10 km of what is hoped to eventually be a 40 km continuous single track loop.
Suitable for the entry level rider, the combination of rocks and multiple gradient changes pose a challenge for the more accomplished rider. Multiple short but technical descents into the shaded gullies beside the rail trail are followed by snaking switchbacked climbs.
There’s a small carpark where Diffey Rd crosses the Rail Trail marking the trailhead – from there watch for the bollards that direct you on and off the rail trail on the left as you descend. There are no toilets or drinking water facilities so come prepared.
The Beechworth Mountain Bike Park is on Alma Road, approximately 2 km from the Beechworth town centre. It consists of a cross country singletrack, a short course downhill, a jumps area and a beginners cross country loop.
The park is set on a modest hill, but don't be fooled, there's a heap of great, fun trails packed in there. It's the perfect place for riders of all skill levels; there is an excellent mix of short pinch climbs, tight switchbacks, and technically challenging sections - all housed within singletracks that loop to/from a single trailhead.
The downhill crew will also get their fill with a short, fast and technical track that is easily shuttled for endless runs. The trails are well signposted but please take care and ride to your ability level.
For families with mountain bikes, a ride around the Beechworth Gorge Scenic Drive is close to town and well marked. Suitable for kids 8+ (due to a decent hill climb) it finishes at the Newtown Bridge a short distance from town. The reward of a hot chocolate or milkshake will entice the kids up the final climb.
