OUR HISTORY
Since the organizations inception in 2003, SORBA Chattanooga has focused on improving and maintaining trail access opportunities for mountain bikers. In 2004, SORBA Chattanooga developed the Singletrack Mind Initiative and set out to increase access from 7 miles of mountain bike accessible trails to a total of 100 miles within the greater Chattanooga area, a lofty goal indeed.
Over the years, SORBA Chattanooga and area land managers have worked hard to complete that goal and at the end of 2023 the total mileage of mountain bike accessible trails reached 167 within 30 minutes of downtown Chattanooga!
In addition to expanding area trails, SORBA Chattanooga contributes thousands of volunteer hours each year to maintaining trails.
Due to all this effort, Chattanooga is recognized as a premier mountain biking destination in the Southeast, driving significant tourism dollars into our area and helping generate economic growth.
SORBA Chattanooga has approximately 400 members who help drive our mission forward. We also have a dedicated volunteer network who help to create and maintain our expansive trail networks. Our members love a variety of trails styles from green to black, so we employ IMBA's trail building practices to ensure that our trails are sustainable and accessible for all of our members and visitors to enjoy. The best riding in the Southeast can be found on the trails maintained by our volunteers.
SORBA
In 1988 the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) was founded by a group of California mountain bike clubs concerned about the closure of trails to cyclists. Since then, their mission has been to protect, create, and enhance quality trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide.
The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) was established and incorporated in 1989, starting as a volunteer group in the Atlanta area focused on creating and protecting mountain biking trails and access in the Southeastern US. SORBA assists 48 regional chapters like SORBA Chattanooga in working with land managers in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to create trails and trail systems for mountain bikers and other users to enjoy.
Through advocacy, education, and recreational opportunities, SORBA carries out its mission to promote land access, trail preservation, and new trail development in order to enhance mountain bike touring, racing, fun, and fellowship for all mountain bicyclists in the southeastern United States. Check out our 2022 Economic Impact Report.
OUR MISSION
SORBA Chattanooga champions equitable access to sustainable, multi-use trails through advocacy, stewardship, education, and collaboration—building community and strengthening Chattanooga’s reputation as a top-tier trail destination.
OUR VISION
We envision Chattanooga as a national model for how trails transform communities—fueling health, economic vitality, and connection. Together we’re building a sustainable trail community that welcomes everyone, strengthens neighborhoods, and supports outdoor recreation and wellness for generations.
