Nebo Ridge

Really awesome back-country trail that far exceed my expectations. Great flowing downhill sections with short "punchy" climbs that will get your heart racing. Since this is a horse trail I expected a rough and rutted ride, but for the most part it was pretty smooth. Right now the trail has a few fallen trees blocking the path, because is not a technical trail by any stretch of the imagination natural obstacles were fun and welcomed. Can not wait to go back!

Great Trail. I like how this trail is not manicured like brown co. Its real mountain biking. Will definitely come back to this trail.

Admittedly have not riden this trail for several years. Had the opportunity to connect it with a road ride and we used the north trail head as our end spot. I remember the trail being heavily used and well maintained. There was a tremendous amount of over growth, downed trees and washed out sections. Agree with a previous review "do not ride this trail alone". No cell coverage, we did not see a single soul on our ride and minimal signs of use. Additionally there was no traffic at the trail head. Combining this trail with the Combs road will create a loop vs. an out and back. Starting from the north trail head, exit then turn left onto "W Elkinville Rd". Steep climb and descent. At the "T" go left onto "Combs Rd" Follow this road thru the remote section onto county road. Crossing the bridge stay left onto "W County Rd 1000". South trail head will be on your left about a mile. My guess is that prior to Brown County being so well maintained and used that Nebo Ridge was the trail of choice. The additional drive time and limited trail options has made this trail less popular. If you are looking for a change, no crowd riding and dont mind the over growth it is an adventure worth taking.

Singletrack up, but once you are up there are seven saddles that you roll through in the big ring.
If you can keep your momentum high, you will have a really fun ride for about five miles. Well worth the road trip combined with Brown County.

I attempted this trail on 8/11/12. It needs A LOT of work. In the first 3 miles I had to find my way around fallen trees no less than 10 times. When it's clear this trail is one of my favorites though! (normally 5 stars)

click for my GPS file of the trip (PM me if this does not work!): http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1715812* Review edited 6/5/2012

ABOUT THE TRAIL: GO RIDE THIS- it is worth your time! I was a little bummed that it seemed like not a lot of people ride this trail; it needed a lot of maintenance when we were there June 2012. Lots of thick grass, overgrown weeds, and watch out for some overgrowth sticking out that are prickley!

This is definitely a climbing trail; many steep hills and descents. The first 1-2 miles of the trail are straight up hill: have fun, especially on the way back down! Also a lot of thick roots, some areas with rocks, and a few logs are on the trail. It was surprisingly aerobic too, and had me breathing pretty heavy at parts. It wasn't all that technical: just steep and fast. Going from the north trail head to the south trail head was a little more challenging, so enjoy the downhill breaks coming back from the south to the north.

OTHER GENERAL INFORMATION:
- I DO NOT recommend riding this trial alone. It is in a very remote area and we saw absolutely no one close to the trail head or on the trail. The nearest house is probably at least 1-2 miles from the trail head. You also will not have a cell phone signal, so if something happens, consider yourself royally screwed.
-Wear bug spray, and check for ticks! We found a few on us at the end of the ride.
-This area is known for having a high population of rattlesnakes. We did not see any, quite possibly because I said my prayers the night before that we wouldn't. But regardless - be cautious. I googled "what to do if you see a rattlesnake before going" and learned a lot I did not know.
-Trail is marked by blue arrows on trees: follow them! Do not go off the trail to any of the other paths that look like trails: they go nowhere.
-Within the first few miles you see a sign for Combs Road or Nebo Ridge; Follow the trail left towards Nebo.
-You will take this trail about 8.6 miles down to the south parking lot (near W. County road 1000N). You will then have to turn around and take the trail back (17 miles total). You will know you are at the south parking lot because you will see a sign for the Nebo Ridge trail very similar to the one at the north entrance. There was absolutely nothing at the south area other then gravel, and to the right is a paved road.
-My GPS clocked an elevation gain of 1,329 feet. I would say I'm about average in my shape for mountain biking, and it took us about 3 hours to ride the trail (I had my 50 something mother with me, and she rocked it like a beast! So no excuses for you young folks- go ride!)

DIRECTIONS(coming from Indy):
Take I-65 South past columbus all the way to 46W. Take 46W for a few miles. Turn left on 135 (there is a gas station on the left on 46W not far before 135; this is a great place for your last pitt stop!). Follow 135 for about 9 miles towards Story. At one point 135 curves (I believe to the right); follow the curve and signs for 135. This will happen again (135 goes to the left). On the right you will see Story Inn (marked Elkinsville Road). Veer off 135, following the road straight past Story Inn. You will continue on Elkinsville road for 2-3 miles. You will pass a big brown sign for Brown county horse camp and then signs for Gnaw Bone. Keep on going as you pass a few gravel roads on your right. The paved road will at some point turn into a gravel road. You will come to another curve (to the right in the road); go straight (I believe this is where it turned gravel). You will see a bridge to the left just after and soon after cross another bridge. Go 0.3 miles and the north parking area will be on your left. This trail is south of Columbus, just outside of of Nashville; north of Bedford. Part of the Hoosier National Forest.* Review edited 6/5/2012* Review edited 6/5/2012

Great trail and really the grandfather of mtn bike trails in Indiana. It is actually call Nebo Ridge. Knobstone is a hiking only 50+ mile trail. Some tough climbs and some great areas that flow. I ride it every year during the Brown County Breakdown and it is one of my favorite parts of the day.

rode today. the trail conditions were great except the doubletrack which was muddy

Nice marathon ride. Fun going out and challenging going back. Save something for the return trip or bonking could be in your future (I speak from experience).

nice trail.not as technical as i like,but a good workout.the first hill is tough goin out,but sweet coming back.