There are 7.5 miles of mountain biking trials at John Bryan State Park.  The trails were built and are maintained by the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association in partnership with John Bryan State Park.  They are the only trails in the park that are open to bicycles.  The first trail, Power Line, opened in April 2002.  The other two trails, Abracadabra and Great Scott, opened in April 2003.  More trail was added early in 2004 and 2005.  They are all accessible from the Arboretum Trail which is maintained by the park and is also open to hikers.

Power Line  is 1.5 miles of tight, twisty turns and long runs, some creek crossings and one small ramp.  Power Line is located on the outside of the Arboretum trail.  It is perfect for honing bike balance and turning skills.  Abracadabra is 2.5 miles of flat and fun riding.  It has one medium-sized ramp (with a bypass around it), a boardwalk and small creek crossings.  Abracadabra is located inside the Arboretum trail loop.  Great Scott is the longest trail at 3.5 miles and has some small climbs, creek crossings, several boardwalks and the biggest ramp (with a bypass around it).  It consists of Upper Great Scott (from the entrance, located across from the Abracadabra exit, to the big ramp), Lower Great Scott (from the big ramp to the bridge) and the Great Scott Loop (from the big creek out to the end and back to the big creek).  All trails have some log jumps and the creek crossings may be wet or dry, depending on the weather.

All trails are clearly marked with signs.  Watch for arrows showing the recommended route at intersections.  The recommended route is to start on Power Line, continue on Abracadabra and then finish on Great Scott.  The map shows all trails.  A ride of all the trails is a total of about 7.5 miles.

Please help us track trail usage by signing the Trail User Log located at the Arboretum Trailhead Kiosk.  Here you will also find trial maps and other park information.

Rules for Using the Mountain Bike Trails

These trails were built for mountain biking but are open to hikers as well.  Bikers should always yield to hikers!

The following guidelines are adopted from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA):

1. Ride on OPEN trails only.  This means no riding on wet or muddy trails.  You leave ruts that hold water.  Please allow 2 full days after a good rain for the trail to dry out.

2. Leave no trace.  Pack out all of your trash and DON'T RUT THE TRAIL!

3. Control your bike.  Ride within your limits so you don't endanger yourself or others.

4. Always yield trail.  Bikes must yield to hikers and walkers.

5. Never scare animals.

6. Plan ahead.  Try to anticipate what will happen next.

7. ALWAYS wear a helmet.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT KIND OF BIKES CAN I USE ON THE TRAILS?  Any hybrid, mountain or cross bike can be used.  Road bikes are not advised because of their smaller tires.  Any bike with suspension and/or bigger tires will work best for absorbing bumps and jumps on the trail.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?  Dress for the weather.  Helmets are required.  Padded shorts, glasses and gloves are recommended.  Bring a water bottle or hydration system.  During the summer months you may want bug spray or poison ivy protection.

WHEN CAN I RIDE?  The trails are open during normal park hours, from half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset.  The trails are open year round.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS?  The latest trail conditions are posted on the Ohio Mountain Bike Association website.

ARE THERE SPECIAL TRAIL ACTIVITIES?  Group rides, races and trail building activities are posted on the trailhead kiosk, on the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association (MVMBA) site and forum on the Ohio Mountain Bike Association website.

    For more information on the bike trail contact the Park Office at (937) 767-1274.  For more information about volunteering on this on-going project visit the Ohio Mountain Bike Association website.

This page last updated on: Friday, January 26, 2007