Mountain Bike Trails in the Ozarks

Howler Bike Park

South of Springfield off U.S. 65, Walnut Shade
Trail type: Single-track/downhill
Payoff: Adventure cycling, dining/amenities, shuttles
This single and multi-day fee-based downhill trail park has a great base camp with retail, dining, coffee, mechanical support, firepit, shuttles and more. The family-owned park features seven miles of professionally built downhill trails with flow, jumps, drops, tabletops, berms and more that cater to intermediate and advanced riders, although there is a beginner-friendly descent for a slight thrill.

Two Rivers Bike Park

Southwest of Nixa near Highlandville
Trail type: Single-track
Payoff: River views, scenic forests, trail variety
This purpose-built park 30 minutes south of Springfield near the confluence of the James and Finley Rivers offers something for every skill level. With roughly 14 miles of trails designated green, blue or black, riders enjoy low-elevation rides with fun stunt amenities and downhill intermediate or advanced trails with thrilling climbs, drops and rocky features.

Dirt 66 Trails at Fellows Lake

North of Springfield off U.S. 65
Trail type: Single-track
Payoff: Fast and flowy, lake views, hardwood forest
More than 25 miles of machine-built interconnecting trails on 800 acres feature consistent flow for most skill levels including novice riders. Riders will find plenty of berms, rollers and jumps for exhilarating rides that feel like a swooping roller-coaster in spots. With several parking areas around the lake, riders can try all the trails.

Sac River Mountain Bike Trail

Northwest Springfield off Missouri 13
Trail type: Single-track
Payoff: Old-school ride, Little Sac River, rural scenery
Springfield’s OG mountain bike trail system is a favorite for many. Its 14 miles of interconnecting moderately rugged trails on 300 remote acres were built in 1996 by volunteers. Interesting features include the Little Sac River, small stream crossings and an abandoned silo. With little elevation, there are no tough climbs but there are plenty of challenges for advanced riders.

White River Valley Trail System

Table Rock State Park, Branson
Trail type: Single-track
Payoff: Hardwood forest, lake views, scenic areas, other activities
This network of looping trails with diverse natural scenery including small waterfalls and some lake views will please intermediate and advanced riders. While a few sections are novice-friendly, most feature moderate climbs, descents and tight turns. The Red Trail features a couple of technically challenging lines with obstacles, tight switchbacks and steep descents.

Busiek State Forest Trails

Off U.S. 65 in Highlandville
Trail type: Single-track/double-track
Payoff: Steep and challenging, rugged scenery, rock gardens
For advanced riders who like a challenging, rocky-rooty ride with elevation and rock gardens, try Busiek State Forest. While most trails are used for hiking and some include old roads, mountain biking is allowed on some. These are not flow trails; expect to encounter hikers or horseback riders. The Purple, Blue and Red Little Loop are three popular trail options for those wanting to mountain bike.

Stockton Lake Trails

Stockton Lake State Park, Stockton
Trail type: Single-track
Payoff: Lake views, hardwood forest, other activities
Two mountain bike trails at Stockton Lake State Park are hidden gems. Easy to find, the trailhead isn’t far from the main parking lot. Following the lakeshore, the hand-cut trails provide about 10 miles of riding entertainment with a mix of terrain and obstacles. While the trails have little elevation change, riders will enjoy their fast, flowy design with a natural feel.