Plenty Gorge MTB

Plenty Gorge MTB Trails, in Plenty Gorge Park in Melbourne’s north-east, offer a huge network of old-school cross-country mountain biking along the steep-sided Plenty River gorge. The local Plenty Gorge MTB Club describes more than 130 km of trails spread across the 1,350-hectare park, with the riding characterised by tight natural singletrack, roots, rocks, logs, creek crossings, short punchy climbs and technical descents. The gorge provides far more elevation than you might expect this close to suburban Melbourne, making Plenty Gorge a favourite for XC and trail riders who enjoy natural, technical terrain. The network stretches for roughly 11 km along the Plenty River, with trails weaving through grassy woodland, river flats, gullies and rocky ridgelines. Popular riding areas are concentrated around Yellow Gum Recreation Area and Goldsworthy Lane, with longer routes taking riders towards Blue Lake and through the wider Plenty Gorge Park. Rather than neatly defined bike-park loops, there are countless interconnected lines, making it possible to build anything from a quick after-work ride to a challenging 20 km-plus MTB loop. Plenty Gorge is best suited to intermediate and advanced riders. The local club specifically notes that there are no green trails in the Gorge, with typical riding involving roots, rocks, logs and steep sections. Even relatively short rides can accumulate plenty of climbing because the trails repeatedly drop into and climb out of the gorge — as the locals put it, there aren't many flat trails here. An important change is underway at Plenty Gorge. Much of the network has historically consisted of informal trails, but Plenty Gorge MTB Club and Parks Victoria are working together to formalise a sustainable MTB network. The current project is focused around the area known as “The Tank” on Goldsworthy Lane, with funding secured for approximately 21 km of formal mountain bike trails that will ultimately be assessed, signposted and maintained. RTS Tip: Plenty Gorge is famous for being a maze, so downloading a current trail map before you ride is highly recommended. Better still, the Plenty Gorge MTB Club runs regular social rides with experienced local ride leaders — a great way to learn the network. Start around Yellow Gum/Goldsworthy Lane, expect plenty of short climbing and technical natural singletrack, and carry water and basic repair gear. With the formalisation project continuing, stick to recognised trails and check current access information rather than relying on an old GPS route.