Trail News: January 2026

Snowy and icy trail in Knoxville, TN.

Winter Trail Conditions

It’s finally feeling like winter, which means the trails are freezing and thawing almost daily. As the trails get wet, freeze, and then begin to thaw, it creates terrible conditions for trail use. If you want to ride locally in these conditions, please stick to:

  • Loyston Point
  • Sharps Ridge
  • Year Round Get Down

Please be a good trail steward and avoid other trails, as they are not able to dry out (esp. Baker Creek jump trails) — and always avoid riding mud trails. Check on Trail Status, which is updated regularly at AMBCKnox.org/Trails (though you may need to clear your cache for updates).

Here’s your reminder that it’s important to use extra caution on bridges! Bridges are subject to the weather just like any outdoor structure, and they get slick, icy, and unpredictable traction regularly. We are doing our best to build quality bridges and eliminate unnecessary ones.

Flow Trail Update

This icy weather is affecting our rebuild of Flow Trail at Ijams Nature Center. We’ll work around temperature swings to avoid damaging finished sections and attempt to do hand-work when the dirt is dry and workable. We should still be on track to have the trail finished and open sometime in February depending on the weather. We’ll let you know once it’s ready!

And More…

In other news, Legacy Park’s and the City of Knoxville’s SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk project has begun, starting with railroad track removal in January. We’re excited to see this project develop and add a great bike-friendly connection from Ijams Nature Center to Kern’s Bakery.

AMBC and SORBA still serve on the Halls Top Trail Project, and the team is making progress on the permitting and environmental review for this 90 mile multi-use trail network in the Cherokee National Forest.

Have questions, updates, or feedback? Let us know at [email protected].

Catalyst Sports Adaptive MTB Ride

We’re gearing up for our first adaptive mountain bike ride of 2026 and can’t wait to hit the trails together. Inclusive, supportive, and all about fun—everyone belongs on a bike. Note the new date for 2026 (the 4th Saturday of the month) and our new winter months afternoon start time.

Looking for a great way to volunteer and have some fun in 2026? Join us for any of our events! No experience needed, just bring yourself, your bike, and readiness to have some fun.

📅 Date: 1/24/26 (Weather Permitting)
⏳️Time: 12:15pm – 3pm
📍Location: Baker Creek Preserve (look for trailer in the bottom parking lot)

More info + registration here.


Little Bellas Fall 2026 Registration Opens

Girls 7-13 are invited to participate in Little Bellas mountain biking programs in Knoxville! Registration opens at 9 am on March 11 for their fall 2026 season – find more info here. Financial assistance is available on their website.

“Little Bellas creates opportunities for girls to experience success using mountain biking as the platform and pathway to personal growth, building community, and competency.”

Knoxville Weekly (Ages 7-10) – PLAY

Knoxville Weekly (Ages 11-13) – EXPLORE

Fall 2026 dates:

  • 9/20
  • 9/27
  • 10/4
  • 10/11
  • 10/18
  • 10/25
  • Rain Date: 11/1

Knox Bike Racing – Wednesday Series

Knox Bike Racing‘s Wednesday Night MTB Race Series features 10 cross-country mountain bike races held across multiple trail systems in the Knoxville, TN area. Race categories start a few minutes apart, and scoring is handled through Webscorer, providing live results and individual lap times. This series is not USAC-sanctioned, so no racing license is required.

Find race details, cost, and other info here. Keep an eye on their website for schedule changes and rain dates. Be sure to sign up in advance for a discounted race fee.

RACE TIMES: All categories must be staged at the start line by 6:10 PM. Expert racers will start at 6:15 PM, with remaining categories released at intervals of a few minutes to spread out the field.

2026 Event Schedule:

  • 4/1: Baker Creek Preserve 1 CW
  • 4/8: Fort Dickerson
  • 4/15: Sharp’s Ridge Firebreak
  • 4/22: Mead’s Quarry – Hickory Loop
  • 4/29: IC King – North Side
  • 5/6: Baker Creek Preserve 2 CCW
  • 5/13: Concord Park – Ball Fields
  • 5/20: Mead’s Quarry– Ross Marble Loop
  • 6/3: Sharp’s Ridge Independence
  • 6/10: Baker Creek Preserve 3 CW

The # of laps required for each category is listed below:

  • Juniors 11 & Under – 1 lap
  • Juniors 12-14 – 1 lap (Baker Creek will be 2 laps)
  • Juniors 15-18 and Beginner – 2 laps (Baker Creek will be 3 laps)
  • E-Bike, Single Speed, Sport Men and Women – 3 laps (Baker Creek will be 4 laps)
  • Expert – 4 laps (Baker Creek will be 5 laps)

Trail Blazers – Ready, Set, Register!

Trail Blazers Spring 2026 registration is officially open! You can register your child (3rd-5th grade) now through February 24, or until spots are filled. We’re offering the program at Baker Creek and Concord, and we expect to have full programs at both locations — so be sure to sign up ASAP!

Want to get $15 off Trail Blazers registration? Get an AMBC Family Membership at AMBCKnox.org/Join, and be sure to download the SORBA app to access all member benefits including our Trail Blazers discount.

*We still need volunteers, especially for our Concord location! Sign up to volunteer here