Mountain bike riding on Mt Coot-tha

Mt Coot-tha Forest offers an extensive network of diverse tracks and trails to cater for nature-based recreation activities. There are 31 kilometres of shared-use trails which are shared by bush walkers, horse riders and cyclists, a further 18.5 kilometres of walking tracks specifically for pedestrians and 24.8 kilometres of mountain bike trails specifically for cyclists.

Walking tracks are for pedestrian use only, and mountain bike trails are for off-road cycling use only. Remember to take care and give way to others on the trail.

Visit the Mt Coot-tha Forest page for walking track information and to view the track map.

Trail difficulty rating

The mountain bike trails at Mt Coot-tha Forest have been graded using the International Mountain Bike Association rating system. Grading legend is:

• easy: width 900 millimetres or more, gentle climbs, easier obstacles 50 millimetres tall or less
• more difficult: width 600 millimetres or more, challenging slopes, tighter turns, larger obstacles 200 millimetres or more
• very difficult: width 300 millimetres or more, difficult climbs and descents, loose or rough sections, tight turns and obstacles over 380 millimetres tall.

The shared-use trails are the easiest to ride, however many of them are steep and loose. Pay special attention when riding over the erosion control banks (water bars) which have been the downfall of many a novice rider. Some small sections may exceed the overall grade of the trail.

Popular mountain bike trails

Rocket Frog Trail (2.5 kilometres)

This contour trail is popular for the beginner or novice mountain bike rider. It requires basic bike handling skills and will provide a challenge to those new to riding in natural areas. 

Grade: easy

Gillian’s Circuit (2.3 kilometres)

This short circuit ride links with multi-use trails and is popular as a warm-up ride.

Grade: more difficult

Cubberla Creek Trail (0.75 kilometres)

This trail follows the creek and contains some constructed rock features providing challenges for more experienced riders. It can be linked with the Echidna Trail to extend your ride.

Grade: more difficult

Pipeline Trail (0.85 kilometres)

This is the most difficult trail in the park and should only be ridden by riders experienced in difficult trail features such as 180 degree wall-ride berm, log rollovers and large drop-offs. Inspect all challenges before attempting them and don’t overestimate your skill level.

Grade: very difficult

For a safer and more improved riding experience, the Pipeline Trail is now a one way, downhill track. Riders can access Death Adder and the start of Pipeline by using the South Boundary Road and the Boscombe Road Trail.

Council will investigate opportunities for other suitable mountain bike single track climbs in this part of the forest.

Mountain bike rider code of conduct

To maximise your mountain bike riding experience you should take note of the following guidelines.

• be courteous and respect others
• pass with care. Let others know of your presence well in advance by using your bike bell
• always give way to horses, walkers, runners and others on the trail
• give way, slow down and move to the side of the trail but be sure not to leave the track
• cyclists riding downhill must give way to cyclists riding uphill
• slow down approaching corners and other blind spots
• keep left and apply the standard road rules where possible
• always wear a helmet and use your bike bell
• control your speed. Speed should be determined by the terrain and your skills
• carry water, food and a first aid kit
• take a repair kit and know how to use it
• tell someone where you are going
• maintain your bicycle to avoid breakdowns
• if riding a new trail, don’t forget a map
• avoid wet and muddy areas to prevent trail damage.

Emergencies

In the case of an emergency, phone triple zero (000) for fire, police or ambulance at any time, 24 hours a day.

Advise the operator that all trails in Mt Coot-tha Reserve require a four-wheel drive ambulance to traverse.

Mobile phones

For users of mobile services that use GSM technology, the emergency call service may be accessed by dialling 112. However, this access is subject to the caller being within the coverage area of the provider.

Trail care

The Mount Coot-tha Trail Care program is a community-based program that unites passionate volunteers in monitoring, caring for and maintaining Brisbane's authorised single-track mountain bike network. Get involved by completing an online expression of interest application. No experience is required.

For more information, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.