Derby Trails
Confidently navigate the Derby trail network by knowing exactly what level and skill you need to safely enjoy your ride.
Choosing the right trail
Ride Derby on a trail that suits your skills
Derby has become a world renown Mountain biking mecca, attracting mountain bikers from all over the world and hosting big events such as the World Enduro Series. This success has been because of the amazing factors that contribute to the ride experience: trail type, terrain, landscape and the dirt; and this quirky town in beautiful Northern Tasmania.
Trails Rated on Rider Ability
All the trails at Derby are rated on rider ability. Because Derby is world renown, most trails have been designed to suit experienced riders.
Whether they are in the main Derby network or on longer adventure type trails, most are blue (intermediate) or black (advanced) trails. These trails have technical features which are not suitable for anyone with little experience. They have obstacles such as rocky outcrops, drops, rock gardens, steep technical sections and jumps. They are also in places where phone service can be limited or non-existent and are not easily accessible should you have an accident.
You need to be able to confidently navigate these trails knowing exactly what you are doing.
Trail Ratings >
- Easy Ride – Beginners to mountain biking
- Intermediate – Experienced riders
- Very Difficult – Advanced riders only
Ride Derby on Easy Green Trails
Derby has a varied selection of trails that start with simple and fun single track from green (beginner) to ‘light blue’ (novice) at incremental rider levels.
Easy Ride Adventure Builder
Simply choose your dates, shuttle tickets, add your bikes and you’ll be on a shuttle with our friendly driver providing encouraging tips and advice before you head off down the trail.
Newcomers to MTB
We suggest you start your first day with something that gives you the blue Derby experience, without the technical features to get your confidence, such as Branxholm Shuttle, Single Hazy Days Uplift
Option to add an Easy Ride bike.
- Easy Ride Trails
Easy Ride Trails >
Accessible from Derby township:
- Branxholm Shuttle
- Lake Derby (self ride)
- Single Hazy Days uplift
Moderate Green Trails >
Accessible from main Derby MTB trailhead:
Derby’s Intermediate & Advanced Trails – Blue/Black
Derby’s Intermediate Trails are varied in technical features, distance, ride style and terrain. They are not suitable for anyone with little experience. They are also in places where phone service can be limited or non-existent and are not easily accessible should you have an accident.
Intermediate trails are both in the main Derby network, and the longer Adventure trails. Longer Adventure trails traverse through remote Tasmanian wilderness starting from Mountain ranges a considerable distance from Derby.
You need to be able to confidently navigate this level of trail knowing exactly what you are doing.
- Intermediate Trails
- Advanced Trails
Trail Locations >
Blue Derby Network Trails
Looped single track, short-moderate trails, one way.
Blue Tier Trails
Point to point, Intermediate+, one way, Adventure, start accessible only by vehicle.
Bay of Fires Trails
Point to point, Intermediate+, one way, Adventure, start accessible only by vehicle.
FAQ's
You need to be well prepared, fit and able to ride blue intermediate features for a number of hours.
Hire an e-bike if you are an experienced rider but not used to riding for a number of hours on climbing and descending trails.
All trails, whether in the network – or on longer Adventure trails – are not easily accessible to emergency vehicles. Be aware that getting an injured rider out may involve a number of hours via Police rescue by air extraction if they are unable to walk out.
You need to understand this risk when taking children on remote trails. Everyone should ride within their ability on remote trails.
Mobile phone (Telstra is the only reliable service here) with adequate battery, and the Blue Derby app, Trail forks app, Emergency app; Bring a PLB if you have one. Trails are remote and in heavy forested areas.
Prepare for changes in weather, cold/wet conditions, particularly when starting on the Blue Tier. Bay of Fires trail also has very hot, exposed conditions on the coastal half of the trail.
Carry plenty of water (min 3 Litres), along with trail snacks/gels etc.
Carry tools and first aid in case of mechanicals or injuries. You will be riding through remote Tasmanian mountain areas with limited or no easy access should you have an injury.
Branxholm Shuttle is the only shuttle in Derby suitable for anyone new to Mountain biking or who just wants an enjoyable ride on a gently descending trail through some beautiful terrain. It is also available as a shuttle ticket to anyone on our main booking page. There are may great rides from Derby trailhead which are easy rides. Check in with our crew in the Vertigo shop for information on what to ride next.
Trails may be deemed a safety risk and be closed on days that are Extreme Fire Danger/Total Fire Ban deemed by the Tasmanian Fire Service.
Trails may be closed by the council due to heavy rain and flooding, causing damage to trails and potential safety risk to riders from trail conditions and riding watercourses.
Not if you are staying in Derby and within riding distance and there is secure bike storage area, you may keep it until your last day of hire when it will be required to be returned by 4pm. However, If you are staying further away and can’t ride it there, please return it before we close and we will store it for you for you to collect the following day.
Not if you are staying in Derby and within riding distance and there is secure bike storage area, you may keep it until your last day of hire when it will be required to be returned by 4pm. However, If you are staying further away and can’t ride it there, please return it before we close and we will store it for you for you to collect the following day.
This is the trickiest question to answer. Best to ride together on trail that’s at everyones level. Experienced riders can join in on the beginner Branxholm shuttle departing at 10am and still have time to peel off and jump on our intermediate level Black Stump afternoon session. These are both available via our main booking page.
Other trails which may be good to ride, depending on ability are: Lake Derby, Rusty Crusty to Derby Tunnel, Route 1 onto Turbo Chook to Derby Tunnel. These can be found on Trail forks and Blue Derby app.