Sparrow Hill trail information

NOVEMBER 12 2011

The underpass is connected & we have MTB access into Sparrow Hill again.  There are 6 and a 20km marked loops at the moment.  They're very new and signage isn't perfect - as at 12th November follow red arrows or if none, orange tape.  BIKES MUST USE THE UNDERPASS – DO NOT CROSS OVER THE ROAD – OR WE MAY LOSE ACCESS

Trail features (November 2011)

Trail type: Exclusively XC 

Summary: mainly hardpack singletrack connected by some firetrails.  Minor obstacles for complete novices, short but fast flowing loop for experts 

Novice score: 8/10

Climbs: Some sustained but shallow climbs.  No steep climbing.  Shallow grade hardpack singletrack or firetrails

Descents: All shallow grade hardpack singletrack, some coastable sections.

Tricky bits: A handful of short rocky sections to be aware of.

There are no facilities at Sparrow Hill so stock up on the way through Queanbeyan or Bungendore if coming the other way.

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November 2011.

It's important to bear the date above in mind when talking about Sparrow Hill, but let me start by saying that Sparrow Hill is still well worth a visit if you're in Canberra and want to try a few trails.

Whilst the location is a well known mountain biking destination, the area is currently subject to re-work that that will build the trail network over the next few months.There is a short loop of about 6km, and a longer 20km route right now, comprising new track connecting a surprisingly large amount of the original trail network.  There is very little firetrail - 90%+ of the routes are singletrack.  

The trees have been thinned out, leaving a more open forest and some completely felled sections.  There is now a great view stop about 2/3 of the way round the main loop.

But first, history. Sparrow Hill had at one time up to 80km of sweet flowing singletrack, including the legendary Bobsled, punctuated by the odd firetrail link. Until March 2010 the standard long loop was 35km of continuous, non-repeating singletrack that you could punch out in less than 2 hours, or pootle around with a beginner for a whole day, depending on how you felt. Sparrow Hill has been the venue for a number of MONT 24 hour events, club races and countless awesome social rides.

The drawback is that Sparrow Hill, like many Australian trail networks, is in a working pine forest, subject to both the realities of forestry operational needs and the whims of Government. What does this mean?

Two things have recently happened at Sparrow Hill. Firstly, the forest has undergone tree thinning. This means that much of the existing trail system has been rolled over by heavy logging equipment.  It also means the forest is more open than before, which is actually cool as bird life has room to move within the forest rather than above it.  There are also a few compartments that have been completely cleared, which will look a bit spooky until new growth springs up.

Secondly, and not as bad as it sounds, a 4 lane highway is being built through the plantation. Fortunately the concerns of mountain bikers have been well considered and the road has a large underpass to allow riders entry into the good stuff.  MAKE SURE YOU USE THE UNDERPASS AND DO NOT CROSS THE ROAD.

As at early November '11 there are a 6km and 20km loops recently built, which will develop over time.  Both trails are easy to find - just pop over the gate at the car park, head alongside the gravel road to the new highway, pop through the underpass and follow the arrows.  Note that if you can't see an arrow at a junction with a firetrail, if you keep riding in the direction the singletrack meets the firetrail at, you should find the next bit of the trail easily enough.  Having said that, this information may change before this writer can update this page, so make sure you check trail status updates before you go.

Can I ride Sparrow Hill today?
A number of mountain bike events and, whilst it holds up better than most trails under rain, even weather, can affect the rideability of some of Sparrow Hill's tracks throughout the year. So before you pack the car to head out to Sparrow Hill, check out the following links:

• Rider trail status updates.
• Check The Berm Events page to see if any big events will affect your day at Sparrow Hill.
• Whatever logging and construction work we're told that's happening at Sparrow Hill will appear either here or in the Trail Advocacy group.

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How do I get there?

Sparrow Hill is on the King's Highway, the road that takes you from Queanbeyan eventually to Bateman's Bay, or Canberra-On-Sea. About 10km from Queanbeyan you'll come to a bend and see the gleam of light reflecting off the cars parked in Sparrow Hill's main car parking area, a dirt area off the main road. While construction work is going on you'll avoid unwanted panel beating bills by parking well away from the gate that leads into the plantation..

If you miss the car park for any reason (you won't) the safest corrective manoeuvre is to head another 2km up the road and turn around at the HQJOC roundabout.

Here's the ubiquitous Google map:

  Because of the recent upheavals there is currently no trail map for Sparrow Hill.  However for the historians out there, here's the traditionally referenced trail map from CORC. Please note that this trail network no longer exists, though if you've a mind to you can of course play "Which bit of the old trail network am I riding on?" when you're next at Sparrow.

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