New Mt. Airy Bike Skills Course Opens

Cincinnati Parks is thrilled to unveil a new bike skills course giving riders of varying ages and abilities opportunities to improve their skills, and a new way to have fun in Cincinnati Parks. The course represents the first beginner natural surface trail experience within the City of Cincinnati. The project is only possible thanks to a collaboration between the Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance (CORA), the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and other partners.

About the Course

This experience provides bike riders of all skill tiers and age ranges real-world trail and obstacle challenges while maintaining safety standards and aligning with the existing landscape to minimize environmental impact and preserve the natural forest setting of Area 23 at Mt. Airy Forest.

The Bike Skills Course features two main components designed to challenge and inspire riders of all abilities. The first is an open field bike skills course for beginner to advanced riders that includes wooden features, ramps, obstacles, and adaptive elements to support inclusive riding, natural elements like cutbacks, dirt swales, and boulders add to the dynamic experience.

The second component is a 0.4-mile cross-country adaptive mountain bike trail winding through the scenic, hilly terrain of Mt. Airy Forest. The course was expertly designed and prefabricated by the American Ramp Company and installed by local contractor Innovative Dirt Solutions.

The site offers convenient parking, access to popular hiking trails, and a scenic overlook. In addition to the new Bike Skills Course, a second phase of improvements will enhance and restore existing amenities. These include architectural renovations and accessibility upgrades to the currently closed comfort station and minor renovations to the existing scenic overlook structure. Phase 2 will also introduce a new accessible pathway connecting the parking area to a welcoming plaza in front of the comfort station, along with a bike repair and pump station, a picnic area, drinking fountains, updated fencing, and multiple new benches and picnic tables. These enhancements will complete the project, delivering a more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable experience for all visitors.