Things To Do on an eBike in Brown County, IN
Brown County is Indiana mountain bike country. Indiana DNR allows Class 1 e-bikes on its designated mountain bike trails, which puts Brown County State Park's 30-plus miles of singletrack and the Crooked Creek Loop in Yellowwood State Forest within reach of a pedal-assist bike.
Class 2 and 3 riders are limited to roads and hard surface trails on DNR land, so check your class before you ride.
Where to ride in Brown County
Ride Brown County State Park first, then add Yellowwood State Forest if you want a harder backcountry loop. Both need a DNR Off-Road Cycling permit on trails rated above beginner.
1. Brown County State Park mountain bike trails
Brown County Mountain Biking lists more than 30 miles of trails in Brown County State Park, from flowy singletrack such as Green Valley and Weedpatch to the directional jump trails Hobbs Hollow and Gnawbone and technical trails such as Schooner Trace and Walnut. The park has restrooms, water, an inn, cabins and camping. A state park entrance permit is required, and riders on trails rated above beginner need a DNR Off-Road Cycling permit.
2. Crooked Creek Loop, Yellowwood State Forest
Brown County Mountain Biking describes the Crooked Creek Loop as a 6-mile black diamond trail in Yellowwood State Forest with rock gardens, steep exposure, limited amenities and spotty cell coverage. Reach it from Brown County State Park on the 10 O'Clock Line connector trail, or park at Crooked Creek Lake via a gravel road off SR 46. The area is hunted, so wear bright colors in season.
3. DNR property roads and hard surface trails
Indiana DNR told the Natural Resources Commission in March 2025 that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may use paved multiuse trails, unless otherwise restricted, and public roads within DNR properties. That gives Class 2 riders a way to see the state park without riding its singletrack.
Indiana eBike laws and route permission
State rule 312 IAC 8-2-8(j) lets a person operate a Class 1 e-bike on a trail the DNR designates as a mountain bike trail. In the same response, DNR said Class 1 e-bikes and regular bikes are allowed on natural surface trails where mountain bikes are permitted, and it listed Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest among the properties with designated bike trails that include e-bikes.
The DNR Off-Road Cycling permit costs $5 a day or $20 a year and can be bought at property offices, gate houses or online, according to Brown County Mountain Biking.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Buy your entrance and Off-Road Cycling permits at the gate, then ride Green Valley and Weedpatch in Brown County State Park on a Class 1 e-bike.
Full day: Ride the state park trails, then take the 10 O'Clock Line to the Crooked Creek Loop in Yellowwood only if you are ready for black diamond terrain and limited cell coverage.
What not to ride in Brown County
Singletrack on a Class 2 or 3 e-bike. DNR allows only Class 1 on natural surface trails.
Hoosier National Forest non-motorized trails. Brown County Mountain Biking points riders to Hoosier National Forest trails such as Nebo Ridge and Hickory Ridge, which need a forest trail permit. The Forest Service says e-bikes are allowed on its motorized trails and roads, and new e-bike use on non-motorized trails needs a local designation, so check with the forest before taking an e-bike there.
When to ride Brown County
Yellowwood State Forest is hunted, so wear bright colors during hunting season. Skip the trails after heavy rain and check trail conditions before you drive.
eBike shop hubs
The directory lists two bike shops in Nashville: Brown County Bikes on South Jefferson Street and Q's Bikes on Valley Branch Road. Call to ask about e-bike rentals and service.
Other local service contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride an e-bike at Brown County State Park?
Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on DNR-designated mountain bike trails under 312 IAC 8-2-8(j), and DNR lists Brown County State Park among its properties with designated bike trails that include e-bikes.
Can I ride a Class 2 e-bike on Brown County trails?
Not on singletrack. DNR says Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may use paved multiuse trails, unless otherwise restricted, and public roads within DNR properties.
Do I need a permit to mountain bike in Brown County?
Yes. Brown County State Park needs an entrance permit, and trails rated above beginner in the park and Yellowwood State Forest need a DNR Off-Road Cycling permit, $5 a day or $20 a year.
How many miles of trail are in Brown County State Park?
Brown County Mountain Biking lists more than 30 miles of trails in the park.
What is the Crooked Creek Loop?
A 6-mile black diamond trail in Yellowwood State Forest, linked to the state park by the 10 O'Clock Line connector trail.
Where can I get an e-bike serviced in Brown County?
The directory lists Brown County Bikes and Q's Bikes, both in Nashville.
All eBike shops in Brown County
See the Brown County eBike shops and repair contacts page for the full directory, and our Indiana eBike laws guide for state rules.