Mountain Bike Trails

Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC)

AEDC Trail Map

As a result of much hard work by several Highland Rim Bicycle Club members, AEDC opened several mountain bike trails in 2006. There are approximately 13.5 miles of singletracks and fire roads. The trail 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 certain times of the year because of deer and turkey hunting. See the trail closure dates below.

Map and directions to the trailhead.

The following article appeared in the local Tullahoma newspaper in 2006 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.

Since this article went to press the contact information for the use of Arnold AFB for public outdoor recreation activities has changed. Please contact Outdoor Recreation at (931) 454-6084 or AEDC Public Affairs at (931) 454-4204.

2022–2023 Closure Dates

AEDC MTB Trail closures due to firearm hunting.

Deer Hunts, no riding — Oct 29–30, 2022; Nov 11–13, 25–27, 2022;  Jan 14–15, 2023
Turkey Hunts, ride at noon — Oct 15–28, 2022; Apr 8–9, 2023; Apr 15–May 28, 2023

For more detailed information see relevant pages of the Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide 2022–2023. (The mountain biking trails are in Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Region II, 201-AEDC and Woods Reservoir Refuge, Unit 3.)

If you have any questions, contact (931) 967-6101.

Tim’s Ford State Park

This singletrack trail starts at the end of the 1-mile paved trail behind the visitor center. The singletrack is configured as an out-and-back trail with a loop on the end. The trail follows the coves on the lake with several short dips at the back of each cove. This course is hilly with narrow sections cutting across the hillside. Several short, steep hills and some fast short drops make this trail tough. Not technical, but a great workout for almost everyone. The Marble Plains loop, Overlook to church and back, is about 2 miles. From Church around the peninsula and back about 10 miles; about 12 miles to ride all the dirt as short as possible; to start at church and ride a complete out and back, which requires reversing at the peninsula divide, is 15 miles.