AEDC MTB Trails

As a result of much hard work by several Highland Rim Bicycle Club members, Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) opened several mountain bike trails in 2006. There are approximately 13,5 miles of singletracks and fire roads. The AEDC Trail Maptrail map shows numbered route points (1-25) with numerous connectors and exit points. Most of the trail is relatively flat, and fast. However, the second half is more twisty and has more climbs. Keep in mind the trails are closed to bikes until 12pm on spring turkey hunting days.

The following article appeared in the local Tullahoma newspaper announcing the opening of the new mountain bike trail system.

Trails open to mountain bikers starting Monday

By 1st Lt. J.T. Stamm
AEDC Public Affairs

Mountain bicycling (non-motorized) will be allowed on designated trails within a new 1,000-acre mountain bike area on AEDC property starting June 12.

This area, located just north of Northshore Road near the AEDC FAMCAMP, consists of approximately 13 miles of existing trails that will be available for use by the general public.

To provide the bicycling enthusiasts with as much opportunity as possible, the mountain bike area will be closed to small-game hunting. However, mountain bicycling will be closed during all scheduled AEDC Wildlife Management Area big-game hunting

dates. The area will also be posted with boundary signs and each access point will have signs depicting installation regulations concerning the use of the area.Those who choose to take advantage of outdoor activities should always do so safely and mindful of their surroundings. Because Arnold AFB encompasses Camp Forrest, which was an Army training camp from 1940-1946, some areas could contain small arms ammunition, anti-personnel mines, mortars, artillery rounds and other explosives.

During World War II, there were 13 training ranges used for conducting various explosive operations to include such items as live grenades, mortars and rocket

launchers. While these munitions have remained dormant for 50 years, they still pose the potential for explosion and should not be picked up, kicked or moved.”In the event someone finds a suspicious-looking man-made device or object, they should use extreme caution and do not attempt to move the device and, if possible, mark the area,” said AEDC Conservation Manager Mark Moran. “Then, immediately report the find to the AEDC security forces office at (931) 454-5662.”

For more information on the use of Arnold AFB for public outdoor recreation activities, please contact Mark Moran at (931) 454-4066 or Rick McWhite at (931) 454-5086.

Please note: The AEDC mountain biking trails are closed during all big game hunts including fall turkey.

The dates of closure are as follows:

  • November 25-27
  • December 2-4
  • December 9-11
  • December 12-18

The trails will be open only after 12 noon during spring turkey hunts. No biking prior to 12 noon on spring turkey hunts.

For more detailed information see this excerpt from the TWRA Hunting and Trapping Guide. The mountain biking trails are in Unit 3.

If you have any questions, contact Michael “Chris” Elkins, Natural Resources Manager, (931) 454-5466.