The best MTB trails in Herberton Range State Forest

Herberton Range State Forest, particularly within the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park, features an extensive network of trails. The park alone boasts 17 purpose-built, single-track trails covering 54 kilometers. Overall, komoot lists 8 mountain bike routes in the region, offering a variety of experiences.

The trails cater to a wide range of skill levels. You'll find easy, intermediate, and even challenging 'black' sections, particularly within the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park. Komoot's routes include 1 easy, 5 moderate, and 2 difficult options, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Yes, there are options suitable for families. The Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park includes trails designed for various skill levels, including easier sections. For a specific easy route, consider the Mountainbike loop from Mount Baldy, which is 9.3 km long and takes about 51 minutes to complete through open forest.

You'll experience diverse landscapes, from open forests characterized by gums, bloodwoods, and she-oaks, to sections winding through former experimental forestry plots of teak and blackbutt. Higher elevations also feature wet, high-altitude rainforest. The region is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, offering unique natural beauty.

Yes, many of the routes in Herberton Range State Forest are designed as loops. For example, the Link Trail (Atherton Forest) – Leasider Lookout loop from Atherton is a moderate 20.7 km trail, and the Leasider Lookout – Medium Gradient Gravel loop from Mount Baldy offers a 12.0 km moderate ride.

The trails offer opportunities to see diverse forest ecosystems and panoramic views. Mount Baldy, at over 1100m, provides expansive views across the Atherton Tableland. You might also encounter unique features like The Waterfall Trail Feature. Many routes, such as the Link Trail (Atherton Forest) – Leasider Lookout loop from Atherton, lead to scenic viewpoints.

Primary entry points for the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park include the Atherton Trailhead and Skills Park or the Herberton Range State Forest Trailhead. These locations typically offer parking facilities. You can find the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park Trailhead as a key access point.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 9 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse forest scenery, the well-maintained purpose-built trails, and the variety of difficulty levels available, from easy to challenging sections.

Yes, e-bikes are permitted on several trails within the Herberton Range State Forest, allowing more riders to enjoy the extensive network and diverse terrain.

One of the more challenging and extensive routes is the Leasider Lookout – Stone Bench With Valley View loop from Herberton, which is a difficult 102.4 km trail with significant elevation gain, offering a full day's adventure for experienced riders.

Generally, permits are not required for mountain biking on designated trails within the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park or other public access areas. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website for the latest regulations and any specific requirements for certain activities or areas within the State Forest. You can find more information on the Herberton Range State Forest page.

The diverse habitats of Herberton Range State Forest support a wide array of wildlife. You might spot species endemic to the Wet Tropics, such as the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo and the golden bowerbird. Always ride responsibly and be mindful of local wildlife.