What makes mountain biking so exciting is that you can ride anywhere in the world and discover that no two trail systems are the same. ‘Course this can also be a little scary too. “Fun” and “safe” don’t always lock arms when it comes to choosing where to ride — especially with kids. Little Bellas programs feature a few “must haves” to achieve safe fun and we figured that if one person asks about the trails for Little Bellas programs, then maybe a few of you have the same question. We wanted to highlight some of our “must have” venue features by shining a spotlight on where we ride. Let’s check out where to go mountain biking with kids in Columbia, Tennessee.
What makes a mountain bike trail great for kids?
Mountain bike skills are learned and earned by everyone — and once you have them, they’re yours for life. It’s crucial to have access to a variety of trails, from beginner to intermediate to advanced, because as young riders level up their mountain bike skills, they tend to seek out more challenging trails to ride. Smooth ribbons of packed dirt help beginners stay upright while they’re rolling along; gravel teaches riders how to manage their power output and braking; and mountain bike trails of all types help riders challenge themselves without huge detours outside their comfort zones.
What makes a great venue for Little Bellas?
Here’s a little secret about Little Bellas programs: while the application process is demanding, the rule of real estate (location, location, location) also applies. Thanks to decades of work by mountain bike advocacy groups and dedicated community members, trail systems have been lovingly established in cities, towns, and villages across the country. In addition to community support, these settings for Little Bellas programs have a few things in common:
- Large grassy field
- Pick up and drop off area
- Miles of beginner trail
- Miles of intermediate trail
- Trailhead access to the easiest riding
- Bathrooms
Beyond these shared elements, many Little Bellas venues have a few bonus features to offer, like this venue:
Chickasaw Trace, Columbia, Tennessee
One of the fastest-growing places in the nation, Columbia has been attracting young families who settle here for its proximity to Nashville yet also maintains that small town feel. The person responsible for bringing Little Bellas to Columbia, Megan Hall, was a beginner mountain biker herself not too long ago. The local trails empowered Megan to confidently build her skills; as a mom, she was selective in choosing trails that she knew Little Bellas could use to develop their own skills.
“Chickasaw Trace has it all!” Megan said. “There are bathrooms, about eight miles of trails, a relatively flat beginner dirt trail along the river with a flat open meadow nearby. There are many points to access the trails, which makes it great to drop in or out of certain sections. There are lots of dirt or gravel areas that can be ridden as well. There is both a playground and creek for some extra fun.”
Bonus features of Chickasaw Trace
Chickasaw Trace also boasts a few bonus features, which make mountain biking with kids in Columbia an easy sell to all ages. Get ready, because there’s a pump track, jump lines, beginner drops, small rollers, large grassy fields, bridges to ride over, wildflowers, picnic pavilions, activity cabin for rent…plus there are lots of other attractions for before/after Little Bellas sessions or for families that want to kill time while Little Bellas is happening, like a radio-controlled car race track, boat ramp, playground; creek for stomping/playing, blackberry bushes, and a remote airplane/drone flying field (whew!)
Chickasaw Trace is just one example of just how magical the right trail system can be for Little Bellas to find their confidence. With its mix of beginner‑friendly terrain, playful features, and plenty of space for exploring, it captures the spirit of what mountain biking with kids in Columbia should be: joyful, skill‑building adventures on two wheels. If you’re looking for a place where kids can grow as mountain riders and have a blast doing it, Chickasaw Trace in Columbia, Tennessee delivers.
