Emerald Creek Ride

The Emerald Creek Ride is a scenic mixed-surface adventure from Mareeba to Emerald Creek Falls on the northern Atherton Tablelands. Covering approximately 32 km one way, the route leaves Mareeba on sealed roads before winding through rural residential areas and farmland, eventually transitioning onto forested dirt roads as you make your way towards the falls. Rated around beginner to moderate for fitness, this is less about technical mountain biking and more about enjoying a longer gravel and backroad adventure through the changing landscapes surrounding Mareeba. The reward at the end is Emerald Creek Falls in Dinden West Forest Reserve, where Emerald Creek tumbles from the rainforest-clad Lamb Range through open eucalypt woodland and across huge granite boulders. Once at the day-use area, it's worth swapping the bike for walking shoes and exploring the falls. A 1.9 km return Grade 3 walking track leads to a lookout with views across the falls, valley and northern Atherton Tableland, while a more challenging 1.6 km return track heads towards the bottom of the falls. RTS Tip: Remember, the published route is 32 km one way, so if you're riding out and back you're looking at roughly 64 km for the day. Carry plenty of water and supplies and be prepared for the unsealed forest-road sections. Give yourself some extra time at Emerald Creek too — the falls and surrounding granite country are well worth exploring before you point the bike back towards Mareeba.