Kid friendly trails in Derby (updated)

There’s nothing better than watching the exhilaration on their faces as they give mountain biking a go for the first time. With heaps of trails to choose from, Derby is the perfect place to get the kids hooked! 

bALANCE BIKES, 20 INCH AND 24 INCH WHEELS ARE GREAT ON THE PUMPTRACK

Warm up on the pump track

The pump track is the perfect place to build your kids’ confidence if they’re new to mountain biking. Located in the center of town, just a few minutes cycle from River Cabins Derby, you can pop down anytime for a few laps. Always take a moment or two before they first ride to the pumptrack to ensure your kids understand how the track works. Ensure they are clear on which direction they should ride the track (it helps to watch other kids first!)

This is a great place to ride with your kids and you might even find you have as much fun on the track as the kids ;)

Lake Derby

tHE LOOP AROUND THE MAN MADE LAKE IS A GREAT OPTION FOR YOUNG RIDERS

The easiest trail to start on is the circular route around Lake Derby, located just past the pump track. Head over the 63m suspension bridge which is an adventure in itself for a first-timer kids as it gently bounces as you cross the river below. It’s a very easy, flat and absolutely spectacular route that runs around the old mining hole. The route to the end of the lake can be done in either direction (Rapids is the left trail which will take you to the end of the lake) but we recommend heading right shortly after the suspension bridge to bring you around in an anti-clockwise directions. The start of the trail is two-way so ensure you keep an eye out for others on some corners. You can easily do this trail a few times a day without getting bored - look out for the Floating Sauna and Briseis Beach.

For those feeling a little more confident and adventurous, you can climb to the top of the mountain to get some spectacular views of the town.

Rusty Crusty

IT DOESNT TAKE LONG ON THE TRAILS TO FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DEEP IN THE JUNGLE/FOREST

This is green trail is a great place to introduce kids to the fun of riding some of the more challenging trails in Derby (although it is still definitely a green trail). Starting right at the Derby Trail Head this awesome little trail follows the contours beside the creek before crossing over the water and heading back to the carpark. With a few little berms and flowing sections its a great way for any nervous riders to feel like they are making progress, or for kids to enjoy being outside on the trails.

Derby Tunnel  

Kids absolutely love this ride as not only is there old rusty mining machinery along the way giving some clues to Derby’s mining history past, but there is a dark mysterious tunnel to explore at the end. Don’t forget your torch!

Head up Rusty Crusty, an easy undulating trail that runs parallel to the creek. The tunnel itself is short enough that you can almost see the end from the start but there certainly is a bit in the middle that is almost completely dark!

Its worth bringing a torch or just using the light on your mobile to really enjoy the derby tunnel with kids

To get to the tunnel, come out onto a vehicle track once you’re over the river, heading upstream away from Derby, as the sign markers will take you back to town (Relics and Sawtooth are your best, and easiest, options to get back into town). 

Little Chook

Once they’ve got their confidence on the trails in Derby its time to try out the Little Chook trail which is located in the Blue Tiers area. This stunning, meandering 5.8km trail is a real treat and will take you through Myrtle Beech Forests and along streams and creeks. It will get their adrenaline up a bit, but is green all the way so is the perfect introduction to whet their mountain biking appetites! 

This trail is suitable kids on balance bikes (although you may need to push them up a few little hills), right through to older kids and adults who just want to enjoy some easy riding in a stunning forest.

The trail finishes near The Weldborough pub so why not make a day of it and enjoy a family lunch together before you head back to Derby. 

Story by: Kim Bush-Ellis (All photos and video property of River Cabin Derby owners)