Review
Intro
Enterprise South Nature Park is located off Volkswagen Drive near the Volkswagen plant, only 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. The park offers hiking, trail running, road biking, and mountain biking. There are 3 trails open for mountain biking, totaling about 10 miles.
What Makes It Great
Mountain bikes are only allowed on the Black Forest, TNT, and Log Rhythm trails. Black Forest Trail is a great beginner loop that is fast and flowy with little elevation change and no technical obstacles. TNT offers more elevation change, lots of grade reversals (rollers and "whoop-de-doos"), and some rocky, rooty sections. A small pump track is also accessible off of TNT. Both Black Forest and TNT are directional depending on the day, so follow the signs at each intersection. Log Rhythm Trail is one way all the time, beginning with a steep climb that leads to an extended rolling downhill. It also, as the name implies, has optional log rides and bridges for a more technical ride.
All three trails are directional, with the direction of traffic alternating by day. This is clearly signed at all trail junctions, and is great for newer riders as you won't run the risk of coming around a blind corner to find another mountain biker heading right toward you.
Who is Going to Love It
ESNP is great for riders of all skill levels, and is especially friendly for kids and beginners. More advanced riders can still enjoy these trails, as the whole system is fast ...everyone loves going fast, right?
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
After entering the park, drive straight through the stop sign along the one-way road. Follow this road until you reach a large gravel parking lot on the right. Both ends of the mountain bike loop start at the far right end of the lot.
No water is available at the trailhead, so fill up at the Visitor's Center. There is a pit toilet located in the large, paved parking lot. Watch for lots of wildlife and other trail users.
Rangers patrol the park and are adamant about traffic laws and visitors exiting the park on time. Closing times change by season, so check in at the Visitor's Center for a map and for park hours before riding.
The trails are easily accessible and are busy during non-business hours (weekends, weeknights after 5 p.m.).
