On a sunny afternoon along Chattanooga’s Riverwalk, a bike skills course runs in a straight line parallel to the sidewalk, the ramps, rollers and balance beams spaced far enough apart to let riders try one or tackle them all. A boy in sneakers and a dinosaur-print shirt wobbles onto the first ramp, his tires thumping as he coasts down the other side. A few minutes later, a cyclist in a bright shirt and helmet rolls confidently over the same ramp, the gentle rise and dip providing just enough thrill to make them grin.
It’s not a pop-up concert stage or an art installation – it’s the city’s newest way to make mountain biking accessible to everyone.
A playground for pedals
Thanks to a collaboration between Hamilton County Parks & Recreation, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association Chattanooga, Outdoor Chattanooga and Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors, the Riverwalk near the Hubert Fry Center now sports a “pop-up bike park.” The modular skills features – which look like wooden ramps but are actually made from a durable composite material – are designed to help riders of all ages and skill levels get comfortable handling a bike in a safe, open space.
“Chattanooga has an incredible network of trail systems, but the leap from sidewalk to singletrack can be intimidating,” says Sunshine Loveless, SORBA Chattanooga’s executive director. “Pop-up skills parks help bridge that gap – meeting people where they are and building excitement for future investments like a permanent pump track and bike skills park.”
An outdoor city at heart
The park is arriving in a place that’s already primed for it. In 2025, Chattanooga became the first city in the U.S. to be recognized as a National Park City – a global movement honoring communities that weave nature, recreation and sustainability into everyday life. Here, hiking, paddling and cycling aren’t just weekend hobbies; they’re woven into the local identity.
The Riverwalk itself is a centerpiece of that culture, a 16-mile greenway linking neighborhoods, parks and the downtown waterfront. Placing a bike park along this well-loved corridor means it’s not hidden away – it’s right where people already stroll, ride and gather.
The setup invites riders to start slow and build their skills: roll over a gentle hump, try balancing on a narrow platform, maybe even pedal up a short incline. There’s no pressure, just encouragement.
And there’s a purpose behind every wobble. Each feature is designed to build the skills riders will need for more challenging trails across Hamilton County. Once they’ve found their balance here, they might be ready to explore the twisting singletrack at Enterprise South Nature Park, with its blend of beginner-friendly and intermediate loops or tackle Stringers Ridge, where the main overlook delivers a sweeping view of downtown.
“Our hope is that these modular features make it easier and more fun for people to try mountain biking in a safe, welcoming space,” says Brenna Kelly, trails manager for Hamilton County Parks & Recreation. “It’s an opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and connect with the county’s expansive parks and trail systems.”
Mark your calendar
The bike park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, but those looking for a little extra fanfare can join SORBA Chattanooga and Outdoor Chattanooga for upcoming “activation nights.”
These events feature free ride time, loaner bikes and helmets, games and introductory classes. The next sessions will take place Friday, Sept. 19 and Friday, Oct. 10 from 5-8 p.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark near the Hubert Fry Center (4301 Amnicola Highway).
The project will expand to Chester Frost Park later this year, providing campers and families with a dedicated space for bike play and skill development.
Trails to try after the riverwalk
Riders who sharpen their skills at the pop-up park can eventually explore some of the region’s most popular mountain biking destinations.
Enterprise South Nature Park offers more than 10 miles of beginner-to-intermediate trails, while Stringers Ridge provides close-to-downtown dirt paths with “punchy climbs,” Loveless says. For a greater challenge, Raccoon Mountain boasts over 30 miles of varied terrain – but its fast, flowing tracks and rocky, technical sections are best suited for seasoned riders.
“I don’t want folks to think they can leap straight from the pop-up skills to Raccoon,” Loveless cautions. “It absolutely requires more advanced skills to navigate.”
Loveless calls the project “a fantastic example” of how modular infrastructure can spark new recreation opportunities. Judging from the laughter and the occasional triumphant “Woo!” from a successful ride, it’s already a win.