Things To Do on an eBike in Owen County, IN
Owen County e-bike riding centers on the Owen-Putnam State Forest mountain bike trail north of Spencer and on the MYPath network in town. Indiana DNR told the Natural Resources Commission in March 2025 that Class 1 e-bikes may use designated mountain bike trails, including Owen-Putnam, and that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may use paved multiuse trails and public roads on DNR property.
The directory lists Pengin Cycle Werks in Gosport.
Where to ride in Owen County
Start with Owen-Putnam if you ride a Class 1 e-bike and want forest singletrack, then use MYPath for an easier Spencer connector. Keep McCormick's Creek for park roads, not hiking trails.
1. Owen-Putnam State Forest mountain bike trail
Indiana DNR's Owen-Putnam bike map describes an about 14-mile moderately difficult mountain bike trail on the marked Blue Horse Trail north of Atkinsonville Road. Mountain bikes are only permitted on the marked bike sections. Bikers share the trail with horseback riders and must yield to horses. Trailhead parking (6 to 8 cars) is on the north side of Atkinsonville Road about 3/4 mile west of County Road 400 West (Fish Creek Road), about 5 miles north of State Road 46. The property office is at 2153 Fishcreek Road, Spencer, (812) 829-2462. There is no fee to use the trail. The printed map still says only non-motorized bicycles are permitted, so call the forest office to confirm Class 1 access before you ride.
DNR's March 2025 report to the Natural Resources Commission lists Owen-Putnam State Forest among properties with specifically designated bike trails, including e-bikes, and states that Class 1 e-bikes may operate on all designated mountain bike trails under 312 IAC 8-2-8(j).
2. MYPath Trail System (Spencer)
Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District describes MYPath as a network of safe sidewalks and multi-use trails connecting the YMCA on the west side of Spencer with McCormick's Creek State Park on the east. Owen County Community Foundation says the system began in 2016 as a walking and biking connection between the Family YMCA and the state park, and that it now mixes shared sidewalks through town with a natural-surface trail along the White River. Confirm e-bike class on the natural-surface segment before you ride it.
3. McCormick's Creek State Park roads
McCormick's Creek State Park sits on the east end of the MYPath corridor. Indiana DNR's March 2025 guidance allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved multiuse trails and public roads within DNR properties. Stay on park roads. Do not take an e-bike on the park's hiking trails.
Indiana eBike laws and DNR permission
The March 2025 NRC item restates that a Class 1 electric bicycle assists only while pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph (IC 9-13-2-26.6), a Class 2 may propel the bicycle without pedaling and stops at 20 mph (IC 9-13-2-26.7), and a Class 3 assists while pedaling to 28 mph (IC 9-13-2-26.8). Under 312 IAC 8-2-8(j), a person may operate a Class 1 electric bicycle on a trail designated by DNR as a mountain bike trail. DNR also allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved multiuse trails unless otherwise restricted, and on public roads within DNR properties.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride MYPath from the Spencer YMCA side toward McCormick's Creek and turn around before your battery reserve gets thin.
Full day: After confirming Class 1 access with the Owen-Putnam office, ride the marked Blue Horse bike loop in the morning, then recover on MYPath sidewalks in Spencer.
What not to ride in Owen County
McCormick's Creek hiking trails. Keep bikes on park roads and MYPath connectors.
Unmarked forest trails at Owen-Putnam. The map allows mountain bikes only on marked Blue Horse bike sections.
Class 2 or 3 on designated mountain bike singletrack. 312 IAC 8-2-8(j) names Class 1 for those trails.
Out-of-county Monon South and Columbus People Trail day trips. Those are not Owen County rides.
When to ride Owen County
The Owen-Putnam map asks riders to avoid the trail after saturating rains or snowmelt. Wear orange in hunting season. Spring and fall are the steadiest forest months; summer rides work early.
eBike shop hubs
Pengin Cycle Werks on East Main Street in Gosport is the directory's Owen County bike shop. Call about repairs before you drive.
Other local service contacts
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Owen-Putnam mountain bike trail?
Indiana DNR's bike map describes an about 14-mile moderately difficult ride on the marked Blue Horse Trail.
Can I ride a Class 1 e-bike on Owen-Putnam's mountain bike trail?
DNR's March 2025 NRC report lists Owen-Putnam among designated bike trails including e-bikes and cites 312 IAC 8-2-8(j) for Class 1 on designated mountain bike trails. The printed map still says non-motorized only, so call the forest office to confirm before you ride.
What is MYPath?
Owen County SWCD and the Community Foundation describe MYPath as sidewalks and multi-use trails connecting the Spencer YMCA area with McCormick's Creek State Park.
Can I ride an e-bike on McCormick's Creek hiking trails?
No. Use park roads and MYPath connectors. DNR allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved multiuse trails and public roads within DNR properties.
Where is the Owen-Putnam bike trailhead?
Parking is on the north side of Atkinsonville Road about 3/4 mile west of Fish Creek Road / County Road 400 West, about 5 miles north of State Road 46.
Where can I get a bike serviced in Owen County?
The directory lists Pengin Cycle Werks on East Main Street in Gosport.
All eBike shops in Owen County
See the Owen County eBike shops and repair contacts page for the full directory, and our Indiana eBike laws guide for state rules.