Beautiful Sawtell
Mountain Biking
The Sawtell region and The Coffs Coast boasts a diverse range of biking and cycling courses for every age and ability. Our community of local bike enthusiasts can share their knowledge of track difficulty ratings, distance, elevations, and scenic landmarks, to help you get the most out of your cycle experience.
Cows With Guns
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TRAIL DETAILS
TOWN: BONVILLE
ZONE: PINE CREEK STATE FORREST
TRAIL: COWS WITH GUNS
DISTANCE: 14KM
ELEVATION: 115M
TIME : 1 LAP 40 TO 80 MINUTES
DIFFICULTY RATING: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
Cows With Guns is situated in Pine Creek State Forest, a short drive south of Coffs Harbour, near Bonville.
There are approximately 14km of trails in Cows With Guns with most trails being two-directional, so keep your heads up for oncoming riders.
There is a map at the trailhead showing the popular trails, all of which start and finish at the car park. This is a great introductory track which offers basically flat, flowing single and double track hugging the banks of Pine Creek. The faster you go the harder it gets.
Pine Creek State Forest is home to the two official bike parks on the Coffs Coast. ‘Cows’ is on the south side of Pine Creek and is the venue for most of the Coffs Harbour mountain bike club events.
Whilst the area is generally flat there is enough undulation in the track to create some good flow and clever track building has enhanced every metre.
The riding is typical of this area with minimal rocks but lots of roots and loamy soil. Apart from a few boundary forest roads, the area is entirely made up of hand built single track and various man-made features.
Sidewinder Trail is a classic example of this work featuring a downhill berm run with some pump rollers and tabletops in between. The trails follow the edge of the creek and weaves through tight forest. It gives you the sensation that you are traveling a lot faster than you actually are.
Zarzoff through to Creek Trail twists and turns and absorbs you in the moment. If you are after some real local flavour, check out ‘Back of Bourke’ Trail. Here you will know you’re in the subtropics as the canopy closes in and the dark soil is interrupted by a frenzy of roots and tight tree lines.
There are some great trails in this zone and the forest can become so thick you feel like you could get lost. However, they all spill you out onto a major intersection so navigation is not a problem. Whilst the main loop is 14km you can easily double this by running loops in both directions and creating your own mix of trails.
The Sawmill
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TRAIL DETAILS
TOWN: BONVILLE
ZONE: PINE CREEK STATE FORREST
TRAIL: SAWMILL
DISTANCE: 12KM
TIME : 1 TO 2 HOURS FULL LOOP
DIFFICULTY RATING: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED
Sawmill is situated in Pine Creek State Forest, just a 30 minute drive south of Coffs Harbour.
Situated on the north side of Pine Creek it is a slightly more challenging trail network compared to Cows With Guns.
Here you will find a number of more advanced features such as log rides and raised ramps. All features have a secondary “B” line for less advanced riders.
Only some of the trails around Sawmill are marked with arrows and numerous motorbike trails crisscross the ride. It is recommended that you are accompanied by an experienced rider who is familiar with the trails.
The Coffs Harbour Mountain Bike Club facebook page is a great way to find out about organised rides in the area.
The Sawmill loop is a favourite amongst Coffs Harbour locals and for good reason. This trail network exemplifies flow and whilst the elevation does not vary greatly, every effort has been made to maximize the value of every vertical metre.
The local trail fairies have toiled out here for years to complete the 12 km loop and today it stands as a testament to their hard work. Banked turns and roller coaster style single track with short pinchy climbs are a feature of the trail. With names such as ‘Tip It In’, ‘Dirt Luge’, ‘Gunnit’ and ‘Toaster’ you get a fair idea of what you are in for.
It is easy to get lost in the moment as you glide through the dense forest over dark loamy soil and the hand sculptured berms and rollers create a truly memorable ride. Just to keep things interesting some old growth logs have been converted into log rides and one, in particular, spans a creek. There are plenty of opportunities to get some air, however, “B” lines allow less skilled riders to enjoy this incredible trail network.
This is not the place to come to take in the views as the trails snake through the gullies and the thick canopy wraps itself over you. And that is just the point. The Sawmill is all about the ride and after one loop you will be craving more.
It is possible, via a bridge, to link The Sawmill and Cows With Guns and ride both trail networks in one big loop.
Sawmill needs some time to dry out after heavy rains but it drains well and is rarely dusty.
Get the adrenalin pumping, surrounded by natural beauty of Sawtell...
Simply Perfect.