Indigo Epic Trail

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The Victoria High Country is one of my favourite parts of the world. So many cycling options, beautiful scenery in and out of valleys, and great places to stop for a drink and bite to eat are just some of the highlights. Whether your thing is road, gravel or mountain biking, there is something for you.

The Indigo Epic Trail is 56km of mostly single track cross-country trail. Yes, CyclingGravel does mountain bike, although strictly what can be biked on a XC-bike (OK, I suppose that is most things. I try to avoid black runs). Whilst rated blue, the Epic Trail is reasonably benign – I agree it is not green but it is also nothing like a blue run at Falls Creek!

Yackandandah to Beechworth

Heading out of town, it becomes apparent that the trail is a relatively gentle meander through the forest, interspersed with some modest climbs. In parts it seems that the trail’s routing is an attempt to follow the hill contours, in others it seems to take advantage of following what I suspect is old gold-mining water races. Gold-mining heritage is a significant feature of the trail, including warnings in parts to not leave the trail due to old mine shafts.

Overall the trail has a good design, and is easy to ride. Not always solely forest views, the trail also includes valley views, creek crossings and (on approaching Beechworth) farm views. But it is a solid work out to make it to Beechworth, albeit with a tremendous 6km flowey single track descent to Lake Sambell.

Great trail design – such as these bridges

Whilst you are in Beechworth it is definitely worth considering a visit to Bridge Road Brewery and/or Billson’s.

Beechworth to Yackandandah

Gravel road and track heading out of Beechworth

Heading out of Beechworth, there is a gentle 10km climb back to the top of the descent to Yackandandah, but it is mostly on gravel road or fire trail – a much quicker run than most other up-hill parts of the trail. To top out the climb, there is a short stretch where you re-ride the track into town. But this is worth it. The descent is amazing.

Comprising mostly lovely flow through the forest, this trail is just fantastic. There is a small pinchy climb in the middle, and some very occasional minor technical bits (where it gets a little steep), but this is really fun. Suffice to say I was having so much fun I didn’t stop to take too many photos, but this video (between 06:45 and 08:45) gives you a decent idea.

Details of this ride

Travel guidance and suggestions

We parked at the trail head, a few kilometres outside of Yackandandah. It is also totally ok to leave from Yack itself – there is a quiet road or single track from town.
If I was going regularly, I would be very tempted to take the rail trail to Beechworth (or one of the many gravel backroads), and then do the Epic trail back to grab the downhill flow. It certainly would be achievable in a lot less time, and delivers on the most fun part of the trail. I have ridden the rail trail – see the last part of Day 3 of this route.
As mentioned above, Bridge Road and Billson’s are great places to stop in Beechworth. I also really like Two Pot Brewing in Yackandandah, which is inside the Star Hotel.
Whilst we were down, we embraced mountain biking heaven at Falls Creek (above) and Mount Beauty – Big Hill Mountain Bike Park (below). I was surprised by how much fun I had at Falls – it is great. Also check-out the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail if you have time.