Raccoon Mountain Biking First Time Experience

Have you been mountain biking before? I’ve done so little that I would just keep it simple and answer no to this question. However, there’s plenty of great Raccoon Mountain biking trails for anyone of all skill levels. Here’s how my first experience went.

The Raccoon Mountain Biking Trails

First things first, it’s best to take a look at the trail map to see what all Raccoon Mountain biking offers. Trails range from beginner to advanced. So there’s something for everyone here.

My dad and I started from the Laurel Point parking lot. We went a short ways down the paved loop past the restrooms. Right as the trail curves left, there’s a gravel trail to the right. This is the start of the River Gorge Trail. We rode this all the way to the bottom of the reservoir, had lunch, and turned around. On the way back we took the connector trail back towards the parking lot. I continued to the parking lot and rode up the street back to the car. My dad on the other hand rode back via Electric Avenue 2 and River Gorge to come back out where we had started. Most of the trails we rode are rated as intermediate.

My Raccoon Mountain Biking Experience

Now, I’m a confident bike rider…on paved surfaces. I grew up riding my bike around our small neighborhood with the other neighboring kids. And even into my adult years I’ll ride on the Tennessee Riverwalk from time to time. But mountain biking is truly a different beast.

First off, my bike isn’t exactly a mountain bike, but it’s still completely usable as one. Next comes the confidence part. This particular bike has been there for me through a lot over the years. Including a struggling ride at Stringer’s Ridge years ago. (If you’re not a mountain biker, I do not recommend. Stringer’s Ridge is challenging with numerous climbs, curved banks, and jumps built in.)

But going off road brings a whole new dynamic to the situation. I can’t tell you how many times I got off my bike and navigated on foot. Around rocks, boulders, and tree roots, there are new obstacles around every corner. And some places were so steep my bike would scrape.

Tips for Your Raccoon Mountain Biking Trip

Now, I’m not sharing all this to scare you out of trying Raccoon Mountain biking for yourself. It really was a fun experience and I honestly would do it again. But let me share a few tips so you’re better prepared for a trip like this.

Plan Ahead

Pack plenty of water. The trails may appear to be easier than they are. There’s plenty of inclines and obstacles to navigate. You’ll be getting a work-out for sure so be sure to stay hydrated.

Check the weather ahead of time. Trails are not opened to bikes if they’re wet because riding on wet trails can cause damage. If the trails are too soft and causing your bike to leave tire ruts, it’s too wet too ride.

Plan your route before you go. Get familiar with the map of the trails you wish to ride and the ones that meet up with them. It can be easy to get lost with the numerous trails that intertwine. Plan to also bring a copy of the map on your phone and utilize your phone’s GPS to pinpoint your location at any time. For the trail map, click HERE.

Know Your Limits

Most importantly, know your limits so you can stay safe. Before our ride, my dad was telling me the results of a study he found online. They discovered that bike riders who wear helmets are more likely to crash than those who don’t. Yes, you read that right, and no, I’m not encouraging you to ride helmetless. The conclusion drawn from this statistic is that wearing a helmet gives you a false sense of security and therefore your likelihood of taking risks is higher. So, with this in mind, remember to play it safe, know your limits, and don’t take risks on these trails. You’ll make it out alive and unscathed if you do. It’s not shameful to walk your bike through areas you’re uncomfortable riding through. I did this countless times and because of this, I never fell.

What’s Next

I wish I knew which trails were true beginner trails before we went. I want to go back now and try Electric Avenue 1 and East Rim. I didn’t realize they were some of the beginner trails until we were leaving. And at this point we were way to tired to give them a try!

For better visuals of Raccoon Mountain biking, click HERE, to watch the video of my experience.

For less daunting bike rides around Chattanooga, check out the Tennessee Riverwalk (HERE) or Enterprise South Nature Park (HERE). Let me know in the comments below, have you tried Raccoon Mountain biking? If so, what trails did you ride and what did you think? I can’t wait to see what your thoughts are. Until next week, enjoy Exploring Chatt!

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