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Trail Love, Maintenance & Care

Written by Finch Hatton MTB Crew
10 November 2025

Out here in the rainforest, the trails don’t just appear. Every smooth corner, perfect berm, and grippy climb has a story behind it, one that involves shovels, sweat, and a whole lot of love. The Finch Hatton MTB Crew isn’t just a name on a sign.

It’s a growing community of riders, locals, and visitors who care about keeping this place wild, rideable, and ready for the next adventure.

Trail Maintenance as a Shared Culture

Trail maintenance isn’t a side job. It’s part of the ride culture itself. Every rider who helps clear a fallen branch, smooths out a drainage rut, or simply respects the trail conditions becomes part of the story that keeps Finch Hatton alive. There’s something special about shaping the trail you ride, carving a drainage line one day and railing it the next.

It connects you to the terrain in a way that only dirt, sweat, and teamwork can.

Reporting Trail Damage

If you do spot an issue like a fallen tree, an eroded section, or a blocked drain, let us know. Reporting trail damage helps us act fast before small problems turn into big ones. It might seem minor, but that quick message through our socials or website can save hours of work and keep the network running safely for everyone.

Find our contact details here or DM us through our socials!

Practising Low Impact Riding

Being part of the crew doesn’t always mean picking up tools. Sometimes it’s as simple as the way you ride. Practising low impact habits makes an enormous difference. When the trails are damp, ease off the brakes on descents to stop ruts from forming.

Stay on the main line instead of creating shortcuts, and avoid riding after heavy rain when the surface is most vulnerable. These small choices add up to big results, keeping the trails flowing and protecting the delicate rainforest floor that makes Finch Hatton so unique.

We know it’s easy to get caught up in the moment when the adrenaline is pumping. But being aware of how your tyres interact with the trail is part of what makes a great rider, someone who knows when to push and when to preserve. It’s all about leaving the trail in better shape than you found it.

Adopting a “Leave No Trace” Mindset

Then there’s the mindset: Leave No Trace. It’s simple but powerful. Take out what you bring in.

Avoid skidding or cutting new lines. Keep to marked trails and give wildlife their space. The rainforest around Finch Hatton MTB is home to an incredible array of species, and every rider has a role in protecting it. The more we all respect the environment, the more sustainable and authentic this destination will remain.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Trail care is about more than maintenance. It’s about connection to the land, to your mates, and to the kind of riding culture that lasts. We ride because it makes us feel alive, but we maintain it because it keeps that feeling going. When you take a moment to clear a branch, slow down for a soft section, or report an issue, you’re not just helping us. You’re shaping the experience for every rider who rolls through after you.

So next time you’re out here chasing flow, remember that you’re already part of the Finch Hatton MTB Crew. The trails give us so much joy, challenge, and freedom, and all they ask for in return is a little care. Together, we can keep Finch Hatton’s trails wild, sustainable, and ready for the next ride.

Mackay Regional Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Mackay Region the Yuwi, Widi, Barada Barna and Birriah peoples, and the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their custodianship and connection with land, waters, and communities.

We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.

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