Willowie Forest Trails

Located just north of Melrose in Mount Remarkable National Park, the Willowie Forest Mountain Bike Trails add a distinctly Flinders Ranges flavour to the wider Melrose riding experience. The purpose-built network was designed and constructed by TrailScapes and features around 17 km of one-way singletrack, using a stacked-loop layout that allows riders to progressively take on more challenging terrain as they move further from the trailhead. The riding here feels a little different to the trails immediately surrounding Melrose. Expect raw, rocky terrain mixed with sections of fast, flowing singletrack, with less of the steep, rolling character of the town trails and more of the rugged landscape you'd expect from the Southern Flinders Ranges. The network caters for beginner through to intermediate riders, with family-friendly options alongside progressively more challenging features for riders wanting to step things up. One of the best things about Willowie is how easily it can be incorporated into a bigger Melrose ride. Rather than driving, riders can reach the network from town via an approximately 9 km cruise along the Southern Flinders Rail Trail, linking two very different riding experiences. Alternatively, there's parking at the dedicated trailhead just off the Horrocks Highway, with toilets, shelters, picnic tables and a bike repair station available. If you're making a few days of it, Melrose makes a great base for exploring Willowie alongside the town trails and wider Mount Remarkable network. Bike-friendly Under the Mount puts you right amongst the action for accommodation, while Beyond the Mount can help with rider and bike transport if you're looking to explore further afield or incorporate Melrose into a bigger Southern Flinders or Mawson Trail adventure. With purpose-built singletrack, rugged Flinders Ranges scenery and easy connections back into Melrose, Willowie Forest is well worth adding to the itinerary rather than treating it as an add-on to the town trails. Trails: Approx. 17–20 km Difficulty: Easy / Green to Intermediate / Blue Style: MTB singletrack, flow, natural & rocky terrain Best for: Beginners, families & intermediate MTB riders Access: Trailhead off Horrocks Highway or approx. 9 km ride from Melrose via the Southern Flinders Rail Trail Location: Willowie Forest, Mount Remarkable National Park, SA