Emma Long Metropolitan Park loop from Pennybacker Bridge

The Emma Long Metropolitan Park loop from Pennybacker Bridge is one of those mountain biking routes that will test your technical skills, even though it's rated easy. This 12.6-mile (20.3 km) loop features 695 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it a compact but challenging ride for experienced mountain bikers looking for a proving ground.

What to expect on Emma Long Metropolitan Park loop from Pennybacker Bridge

Don't let the "easy" rating fool you; this trail is renowned for its technical difficulty, often referred to as a black diamond route. You'll navigate rugged, rocky limestone terrain with exposed boulders, shelves, and numerous ledges, requiring strong bike-handling skills. The route winds under a canopy of live oaks and junipers, offering peaceful pockets and potential wildlife sightings like deer. Expect a constant series of ups and downs, lefts and rights, with some sections so demanding that even experienced riders might find themselves dismounting. This trail is best suited for advanced riders seeking a true technical challenge.

Planning your visit

The Emma Long Metropolitan Park is a multi-use area, so be aware that you'll be sharing the trails with dirt bikes and motocross riders; always yield to motos. A sign at the first ascent warns that if you're uncomfortable with that initial hill, you won't enjoy the main loop, so consider it a good litmus test. After your ride, the nearby Ski Shores Restaurant offers food and cold drinks, and Lake Austin is perfect for cooling off, especially during hot Texas summers.

Trail details

• Distance: 12.6 miles (20.3 km)
• Elevation gain: 695 feet (212 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 29 minutes