The best MTB trails around Lyons

The Catamount Trail Loop in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, offers a fantastic cross-country mountain biking experience through ancient forests. You'll enjoy a dynamic ride on its four-mile singletrack, winding mostly downhill over hardpack and pine needles, with roots and occasional rocks. Look out for optional features like stump kickers and berms, but don't worry, aggressive sections always have go-arounds, making it enjoyable for various skill levels.

To access this trail, you'll need a state park pass for Silver Falls State Park. The route is well-signed, ensuring easy navigation, and it connects to the Newt Loop if you're looking to extend your ride. While the trail is blue-rated and generally easy, the uppermost section is designated for downhill-only riding, so plan your approach accordingly.

This modern cross-country trail is a highlight within Silver Falls State Park, known for its beautiful scenery and well-maintained routes. The park itself is a popular destination, so arriving earlier in the day can help you secure parking and enjoy a quieter ride. It's a great option for those seeking a rewarding mountain biking adventure without extreme technical challenges.

The Buck Mountain and Smith Creek Loop offers a rewarding mountain biking experience through the dense, verdant forests of Oregon. You'll navigate primarily doubletrack trails, winding through lush landscapes where the terrain can vary from firm to seasonally muddy, occasionally presenting a steep, loose root line to keep things interesting. This moderate 10.7-mile (17.2 km) ride, with its 1292 feet (394 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for intermediate riders seeking a good workout and a scenic forest immersion, typically taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit means being ready for a multi-use trail environment, so expect to share the path with other outdoor enthusiasts, including potential equestrian traffic. If you're bringing a furry friend, dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. While specific parking information for this combined loop isn't detailed, general access points in the Silver Falls State Park area are typically well-marked, making for an easy start to your adventure.

This loop is situated in a region known for its extensive network of trails, with the broader Silver Falls State Park boasting over 35 miles of backcountry options for mountain biking. While this specific route focuses on the Buck Mountain and Smith Creek trails, the area's reputation for dense forests and varied terrain makes it a prime spot for exploring. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Marion County, offering a taste of the diverse riding opportunities available.

The Shellburg Falls Recreation Area loop offers a fantastic mountain biking experience, winding through lush Pacific Northwest forests filled with towering trees. You'll encounter a mix of singletrack, from flowing sections with berms to more technical rocky and rooty terrain, all while enjoying the natural beauty. The highlight is undoubtedly riding past the impressive 100-foot Shellburg Falls, a truly scenic reward for your efforts.

This easy 5.2-mile (8.4 km) route involves about 919 feet (280 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick ride that most can complete in around 58 minutes. The area caters to various skill levels, but even on this easy loop, you'll find engaging features. It's a great option for a morning or afternoon ride when you want to immerse yourself in nature without a full-day commitment.

What makes this area stand out is its unique geology, which naturally forms exciting rock gardens and root sections, particularly on trails like "Bobblehead." The landscape also bears the marks of post-2020 forest fires, with charred tree trunks alongside regenerating undergrowth, offering a poignant backdrop. This blend of natural beauty and purpose-built mountain bike features makes Shellburg Falls a memorable destination.

The Newt Loop Trail – Smith Creek Village loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience through the ancient, misty forests of Silver Falls State Park. You'll navigate smooth, hardpack dirt and gravel paths, enjoying mellow climbs and descents that are largely non-technical, making it a fantastic option for a wide range of riders. The route is a moderate 16.5-mile (26.5 km) journey with 1860 feet (567 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 39 minutes, and includes a scenic pass through Smith Creek Village.

To plan your ride, aim for the period between March and October for the best conditions. Remember that a parking pass is required at the 214 Trailhead, your starting point. This is a multi-use trail, so be prepared to share the path with others, and consider riding it counter-clockwise as often recommended. The Big Leaf Coffeehouse & Grill in Smith Creek Village provides a convenient stop for refreshments or a warm-up.

This route stands out as the most popular mountain bike trail in Marion County, celebrated for its accessibility and family-friendly nature. It's an excellent entry point for beginners, offering a chance to ride through beautiful scenery and even access a dedicated mountain bike skills station. Keep an eye out for unique "nursery stumps" as you ride, adding a touch of natural intrigue to your journey.