Words by Candice 

I recently watched a Pinkbike video reviewing mountain biking trails in Louisiana, and was surprised to hear there was a mountain biking scene down south. Being from New Orleans and a mountain biker, I knew I had to explore this area.

The trails are located at the Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton, Louisiana, just 90 minutes outside New Orleans. The state park offers camping for RV’s, Glamping, Primitive, and cost $3 per person to enter for a day visit.

The trails are built by an IMBA chapter, NORBA (Northshore Off-Road Bicycling Association), and you can become a member or donate to NORBA at www.norbatrails.org to help support Bogue Chitto MTB and the growth of their trail systems.

The Bogue Chitto Trails offer fun rides for all types of riders, and best part is the elevation is only 200 feet or so.
I had the best time exploring the trails, and even ran into a local shredder Michael Perschall, that guided me around and talked in length about all the MTB events and future goals for the trails. 

The iconic Trek wall ride is located on Cortez Coaster and is a fun DH line with sandy terrain, tall pines, and a few rock features. The plan is to chip and seal this trail to prevent constant erosion and will lower the maintenance. In October, the Bogue Chitto host their two-day MTB festival, Roller Coaster of Love filled with Enduro races, XC Time Trials, Pump Track Time Trials, and a Jump Contest. The Women’s MTB Network is hoping to make it to this event in the future!

 All in all, I was so impressed with the trails and wished I had more time to ride, but plan to return soon.
Y’all don’t be fooled, Louisiana’s MTB Scene is growing and something to explore!

Thank you to Michael Perschall for pausing his ride to give me a fun bike tour, and talk with me about all the Bogue Chitto trails have to offer. 

Head to Instagram @boguechittomtb to get updates on events and trail maintenance days.
For more info, visit the link below for Bogue Chitto State Park, and head to NORBA link to get info on all things Louisiana MTB. 

Bogue Chitto 

NORBA Trails