Mountain Bike Trails at Union University

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

The Trail is conveniently located about two miles north of I-40. Take Vann Drive toward Union University (there are big streets signs for Union U).

Park across the street at Union University. Be careful crossing the very busy road. There is a trail map near the trailhead. The trails are pretty well marked. If by chance you get lost, stop and listen for direction of traffic.

Fun place to ride. It is a moderate level trail but challenging enough, especially if you push a fast pace. A blessing to have this trail right in the middle of north Jackson.

NOTE: this trail does tend to get muddy if it rains. Please avoid riding the trail if it's wet.

Because the trail is in town, there are plenty of things to do nearby. There are many places to eat within a couple of miles of the trail, including at least three coffee shops. Additionally, there are many nice hotels nearby. So it would be a great place to stop and ride while traveling through on I-40. Please let the local businesses know that you appreciate the bike trails.

Park at Union University—Taylor Circle is ideal parking but if unavailable take Dement Drive left or right for plenty of parking. From Union, you cross over Pleasant Plains Extension and the trail is at the top of the grassy hill. There is a bike stand with bike tools and a couple of benches. Go straight past the bike repair station and you'll find the trail map. Might be good to snap a picture to use when navigating the trail. It's not too hard to follow the main trail but it's made up of several sections and can be a little confusing to new riders. This also give many choices of how to ride the trail.

Riders that are wanting a bit more challenging ride will not want to skip any sections. The trail is not very technical but much of it is tight and twisting. It has a lot of climbs and descents though they are pretty short. It has quite a few roots. If it seems too easy, try to beat the KOM on Strava without shortcuts. Beating King Georg will make the trail really tough.

Thanks to the Union U Engineering Dept, there is a small skills course at the top with some wooden obstacles and a couple of boulders to ride over. To find this go to the top of grassy hill turn right. Go past the bike station and the section will be on the left before going into the main trail.

When I take my children, we skip some of the harder sections. I take them on Timber Loop, Twister Loop and Snaky Loop only. Unfortunately this does skip the pond section, which is kind a pretty and great for chilling in hammocks.

If at anytime you feel lost, stop and listen for traffic. Though the traffic is not obvious when you are riding, it can be heard if you pay attention. You could shortcut back to the main roads if required.

The trails are part of Union University. The University offers Mountain Bike classes and utilizes the trails.