But what about rainy weather and wet trails? First, ride dirt trails, not mud trails. The dirt at Baker Creek tends to be mostly clay and when the weather is cool, doesn’t drain well and tends to hold onto water for quite a while. If you ride muddy trails, you’re likely to leave a rut that then holds onto water even longer and causes more damage. The trails in Knoxville are maintained by volunteers and the Appalachian Mountain Biking Club (affectionately known as AMBC), which is mostly funded by members and volunteers. The point being, the locals keep the trails nice, please be conscientious. We know it can be a bummer to drive a long distance to find muddy trails or dampen an organized race. The volunteers would ask that you please not ride muddy trails. But, I drove hundreds of miles, what should I do? We’re glad you asked.
Baker Creek Wet Weather Riding
First, check the AMBC Baker Creek website for trail conditions and note that the gates for the downhill trails may actually be closed and locked. Just look at the top of the page for trail status and refresh the page if it isn’t showing a recent date. If the downhill trails are closed, you still have options. You can even ride some at Baker Creek. The asphalt bike parks are always open. The Knoxville Urban Wilderness Gateway Park at the entrance to Baker has some gravelly trails that are fun and always open.
Year Round Get Down & The Drop Inn
If you’re an intermediate to advanced rider, you can park at Baker and take Red Bud Crest uphill to Marie Meyers park and the famous Year Round Get Down, which has been hardened and can be ridden almost any time. See the link above for some great trail descriptions. The fantastic folks at the Drop Inn Campground recently added even more all weather trails to the Marie Meyers system and they are amazing. Note that the big rocks that comprise the berms can still be slippery, so take care right after a recent rain.
If you’re willing to drive about 15 minutes from Baker, Sharp’s Ridge in Knoxville is a bit higher elevation and tends to shed rain faster than Baker Creek’s trails. Another local favorite about 45 minutes away is the Loyston Point trail system, especially the Mill Creek Loop trail. These trails tend to drain very quickly and can typically be ridden right after a rain. They are mostly cross country style trails, but Mill Creek has some fun berms and rollers that add an additional pop of fun. This is a spectacular trail system through beautiful forests along a lake.