Choose your adventure

Whether you’re here to chase technical descents, get in a scenic XC ride, hike with family, or explore the new trails at Shepherd Mountain Lake, there’s a place to start at Shepherd Mountain. The rugged terrain that put us on the map is still here — now with even more ways to ride, hike, and spend the day outdoors.

Trails for Bikes

Downhill Bike Park (Shuttle-Served)

XC Trail (Bike + Hike)

Intro Gravity Trails

Trails for Hiking

Lourwood Trail (Shepherd Mountain Lake)

XC Trail (Bike + Hike)

Coolio's Climb, Original Hiking Trail, Lake Access Trail...

Stay for the Weekend

Beyond the trails, the area offers state parks, local dining, history, festivals, and outdoor recreation that make Shepherd Mountain a great home base for an Ozarks getaway.

Finally, a true mountain biking challenge in the Midwest that’s all about you. Trade in those “dirt sidewalks” for legit descents, rock gardens, and heart-pounding drops that push your skills to the next level. At Shepherd Mountain, from green to black, it's all about progression – if you can ride here, you can ride anywhere – and we’ll make sure you have a blast doing it.

You didn’t buy a mountain bike to ride flat, predictable “dirt sidewalks,” and pedaling uphill for one short descent gets old fast. Real downhill and technical terrain are hard to find in the Midwest. Come to SMBP to level up your skills on natural terrain and maximize your ride time with shuttle service.

Rugged Trails, Real Adventure

Ride Hard

• Shepherd Mountain is a shuttle-served bike park built by riders who wanted something harder, steeper, and more real.

• Natural rock, raw terrain, and trails that reward skill and progression.

• Supportive staff, shuttle access, and a welcoming basecamp vibe.

Ride Real Terrain

• Steep chutes, rock gardens, drops, and raw lines sourced on-site.

• Trails designed to promote progression, not boredom.

Ride More, Climb Less

• Shuttle service gets you to the top fast.

• More laps, less fatigue, more fun.

• By the time you get to the bottom, there is usually a shuttle waiting.

Shepherd Mountain is known for rugged, technical riding — and that’s still the heart of the park. With XC, Intro Gravity Zone, a new green trail, hiking at Shepherd Mountain Lake, scenic overlooks, and nearby Arcadia Valley attractions, there are more ways than ever for families, new riders, and visitors to enjoy the mountain.

More Than a Bike Park

Amazing place the vibe is soo good. What they have done here is soo unreal. Can't wait to go back. It is my top 3 place to MTB and I drove 13 hours to get here!!

-Rafael R.

★★★★★

Find Us

Shepherd Mountain Bike Park in Ironton, Missouri, rises out of the Arcadia Valley, carved into the rugged, rock-heavy hills of the Ozarks.

Location

1462 MO-21, Ironton, MO 63650

Hours

Park is open sunrise to sunset

Shuttles run seasonally, March-November, 10-5

FAQs

Who can ride here?

We welcome all skill levels, with trails from green to black and an XC loop designed to build confidence. New riders should be comfortable handling their bike on XC trails before tackling downhill runs.

What gear do I need?

While a full-suspension mountain bike isn't required, it's beneficial, along with protective gear for rocky terrain. Helmets are required, full face recommended.

Are there beginner trails?

Yes. Beginner riders can build confidence on our XC trail and intro Green and Blue downhill trails at Shepherd Mountain Lake. At the mountain, Trolley Track and a second Green downhill trail opening in 2026, are next to support progression.

Is shuttle service available?

Yes, our shuttle lifts you to the top of Shepherd Mountain—no pedaling uphill required. Operating seasonally March - November.

Shuttle is not needed at Shepherd Mountain Lake.

What else can I do?

Try hiking trails and enjoy scenic overlooks around the park, plus 3 state parks, delicious restaurants/coffee shops...if you're bored here, it's not our fault.

Are there events or races here?

We host Missouri Enduro Series, Midwest Downhill Series, and other big mountain races.

What if I don't want to shuttle?

You're welcome to ride/hike sunrise to sunset, as weather and trail conditions permit, free of charge.