Brown County and Nashville, Indiana, is where Midwest nice collides with southern charm in this quaint, outdoorsy, artsy, and bike-forward town. What makes it such a special place to visit and ride mountain bikes? A dedicated bike shop, a fantastic place to stay, purpose-built trails, a new pump track, and a recent designation as an IMBA Trail Town.
Plus, when Michigan weather in spring remains stingy, we've found Nashville well ahead on warmer weather, spring flowers, and rideable trails. March and April are great times of year, or really anytime, for a Brown County Road trip. Keep reading for news on the planned Brown County Bike Shop expansion!
Pump Track at Deer Run Park
Besides loads of local trails, the community is now home to a professionally built pump track just a mile from downtown, in Deer Run Park. The pump track officially opened in December 2025, adding another bullet point to the Brown County bike resume. It's unique, built with concrete surfaces rather than dirt or asphalt for durability. It's the first of its kind, a certified progression skills park sanctioned by BICP (Bicycle Instructor Certification Program). The track features multiple lines, skill paths, and progressive jumps to improve bike handling and jumping. The plan is to continue to grow the track and add other features and connected trails in the future.
Pump Track at Deer Run Park (Nashville, IN)
Brown County Barn Burner
For any bike destination, the foundation is a sweet spot to stay, for rest, refueling, and relaxation when not in adrenaline mode. The Brown County Barn Burner is just that, nestled in the heart of Nashville, next door to Brown County Bikes and a bevy of bars and restaurants. Perfect for large groups, bikers, and families, there are four separate rentals that are all interconnected and, when combined, can accommodate up to 29 guests. Plus, the rooftop patio and event space are next-level spaces for lounging by the fire pit, grilling, and socializing.
The owners have a distinct sense of style, so you'll notice thoughtful touches and amenities throughout the stay. The bedding is plush and comfortable, the kitchens are modern and well-stocked, and the décor highlights a deft combination of cozy and historic. We visit annually and only stay at the Burner. If you need tips on things to do, where to dine, and events, check out Kara's blog, for plenty of local ideas.
For your upcoming visit, follow this link to receive a booking discount!
Brown County Barn Burner, rental units
Brown County Bikes
More than a bike shop, it's the community rallying center for getting outside, promoting healthy activities for kids, and serving as a resource for locals and visitors on all things happening on two wheels. Owners, CROs (Chief Ride Officers), and ambassadors of fun, meet Danielle and Kate Nolan. They make Brown County Bikes roll, and BCB should be your first stop when you arrive. Their team can cover bike service needs, private coaching, rentals (Transition or Kona e-bike and regular), and will organize guided or shuttle rides in the park.
I'd also recommend checking out the latest merchandise like logo flannels, jerseys, gloves, helmets, hats, and a bevy of bike accessories. In my experience, this is the absolute best shop for women's specific riding gear. While you shop, don't be surprised if they hand you a local Pineapple IPA on tap at the retail counter.
Brown County State Park Trails
A big part of why we return year after year is the quality of trails paired with some serious vert in southern Indiana. There are many shredding opportunities with 1,200 feet of elevation and over 40 miles of trail. Josh and I rode a greatest hits loop on our first day, starting at the classic vista and trail, Hesitation Point. We quickly jumped to Westgate and took a romp down Weed Patch's rollers and back up to Hoosier's Nest in the state park. It's convenient to have state park amenities nearby, such as restrooms and water stations. We continued rolling on the flowy Limekiln loop, which popped us out at the Walnut trail start. Walnut is a black, with plenty of roots, features, and technical tight spots. Plus, there's a new bridge and some skinnies to practice on if that's your roll.
After a short snack break back at Hesitation point, we agreed it was time to tackle the newer downhill, Gnaw Bone. The steep, rock-armored drop-in is a bit intimidating, so I had Josh ride it for me first to see the line. I dropped in and survived, following Josh around corners, over rock drops, and around the sculpted berms. As the younger-than-me riders say, this trail is sick! It's 1.2 miles of adrenaline and air ops, so it's worth repeating even with a climb back to the top.
Riding Gnaw Bone trail in Brown County State Park
Brown County Bikes, Expansion Plans
Luckily, Danielle and Kate had time for a group ride and a gab on all things Brown County, including big news on a planned expansion of their bike shop to a NEW downtown location! Before a romp around more state park trails, North Tower to Green Valley, we stopped at the new location on 160 E. Main Street, just a few blocks from their existing space.
Groundbreaking is slated to start soon (April/May), with an opening projected near the end of 2026. In just over 6 years, they've outgrown their current space. In a serendipitous sequence of events, plus a call to their bank, which owns the parking lot, plans are now moving forward on BCB 2.0. The new shop will more than double the space to 2700 sq ft of retail, service, and rental bikes. Adjacent to the shop will be 2: two-bedroom/two-bath rental units with private balconies and secure bike storage. Each rental will sleep up to 6 shredders. This location is an easy, short pedal to the new pump track and just 2 miles to the south entrance of Brown County State Park.
The Brown County Bike Shop expansion will create a biker's community hub and hangout with a fire pit, lounge seating, and outdoor screens set up for event watch parties. The outdoor area will include a bike wash station, plus a small pump track and skills area for test-riding new or rental bikes.
It's official, bigger and better is in the works. Consider this your official invitation to follow along as the Brown County Bikes expansion unfolds this year.
Danielle
Brown County, Upcoming Events
If you need more incentive to add Brown County and Nashville, Indiana to your bike destination list, some upcoming annual events will tip the scales to go time. The Brown Country Enduro is set for May 9 and will be held in the state park. There are youth mountain bike summer camps in June, and the women's-specific clinic, Campside Sessions, will take place Sept. 18-20th.
