Hoosier National Forest Loops - Mountain Bike Trail

Riding through Hoosier National Forest Loops is the best way to get the classic experience of the famous forest. It is ideal for intermediate and expert riders as it has lots of technical features and a bit of fun, flowy sections.

The Hoosier National Forest Loops run through a suburb. You will pass a few houses on the trail and some have dog warning signs on their yards. The trail has different surfaces including; gravel, singletrack, and a bit of pavement. The loops consists two popular trails; Hickory ridge trail 18, and Nebo ridge trail. You will also go through the historic town; Elkinsville. 

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Hoosier National Forest Loops biking route begins at the Nebo Ridge trailhead. From the parking lot, ride on the Nebo ridge trail, which is an easily flowing singletrack. Ride up to the Southern trailhead then turn right onto W. County. Rd 1000. Cross the bridge on the South Fork of Salt Creek then turn left onto W. County Rd. 1190 W. Ride past the intersection with the N. County Rd. 1200 W. You will see a house with a dog warning sign and a Maumee Scout camp sign. Keep riding on the road downhill, then uphill until you reach the trailhead for trail 21.

Trail 21 ends at a junction of three roads; Horse Camp Rd, N. CR 1200 W., and N. CR 1290 W. Take Horse Camp Rd which is a short gravel trail that stretches up to trail 3. Turn right onto trail 3 and ride west. Trail 3 has an intersection of Horse Camp Rd and Hickory Grove Rd on its end. Cross the intersection and ride on for a few kilometers up to where it intersects with trail 1 and trail 10. Take a right turn on trail 10 then ride west.

You will come by the Hickory Grove Church and a small spur trail leading to its cemetery. Ride until you get to trail 4 and trail 2 intersection. Turn right onto trail 4 and ride for about 1 mile before jumping onto trail 18 on your right. Ride trail 18 till the end then get on trail 20 on your right.

At the end of trail 20 turn left onto N. County Rd. 1200 W then ride past the house with dog warning before turning left onto Maumee on N. County Rd. 1190 W. Keep riding on your right then cross the combs creek bridge and go past a few houses and buildings. You will come by the gate with the sign showing the closure of a part of Combs Rd. Keep left onto Combs Rd, which has a technical climb.

Right before the end of the Combs Rd climb, is a connector that will take you directly back to the trailhead. You can also visit the Elkinsville, which we highly recommend.  Ride on to the end of the summit then descend, turn west, and ride past a canoe livery and a few buildings. The Combs Rd. ends at Elkensville Rd. Turn right and ride into the old town. Stop at the memorial and cemetery then ride on Elekensville Rd back to the start.

Additional Trail Features

•       Residential houses.
•       An Inn (Story Inn)
•       A scout camp.
•       A bridge (Combs creek).
•       Hickory grove church.
•       Elkinsville town memorial.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

The highlight of the Hoosier National Forest Loops is Elkinsville town. Once you are on Elkinsville road, turn right to ride into the old town. You can stop at the memorial and take in the town’s history. You will enjoy the tranquil, green environment and stunning creek views on the trail.

Recommendations/precautions

•       Beware of the dogs in the homes with warning signs.
•       You can get refreshments from Story Inn on your way back.