Pilchers Hill

Pilchers Hill MTB Trails, Pilchers Hill Reserve, at Geilston Bay on Hobart’s eastern shore, Tasmania, offers natural mountain biking through 165 hectares of grassy forest and woodland in the Middle Meehan Range. The reserve contains a network of shared-use bush tracks and MTB trails ranging from easy to intermediate, with a mixture of flowing singletrack, fire trails, rocky sections and short climbs and descents. Its location only a short distance from central Hobart makes Pilchers Hill a handy option for a quick trail ride or as part of a much bigger eastern-shore MTB loop. The main Pilchers Hill Reserve Track is around 2.5 km, while riders can also use the Pilchers Hill Loop to climb towards the summit. Importantly, the walking-track section of the loop is designated as a one-way climb for mountain bikers, with riders able to return via the dedicated descending MTB track. A short side trip near the summit leads towards the reservoir and provides excellent views across the River Derwent and surrounding Hobart landscape. Pilchers Hill can also be incorporated into longer rides through the Meehan Range and Geilston Bay area. The nearby Geilston Gully Circuit Track and connections towards Caves Hill and Risdon Vale allow adventurous riders to create much larger loops, with local route guides linking Pilchers Hill with Caves Hill, Risdon Vale and Government Hills. The reserve is also valuable native habitat, with riders potentially encountering wallabies, wombats, bettongs, bandicoots, potoroos and abundant birdlife while exploring the trails. It’s a more natural and low-key riding experience than Hobart’s larger purpose-built MTB parks, making it particularly appealing to XC and trail riders who enjoy exploring local bushland. RTS Tip: For your first visit, use the Pilchers Hill Loop as your climb and the designated MTB descent for the return, then explore the connecting trails once you have your bearings. Parking is limited on Geilston Creek Road, and there is no parking directly at the reserve entrance, so use the roadside parking areas and follow the Geilston Creek Track into the reserve. Remember that many tracks are shared with walkers, and keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly around dawn and dusk.