Lismore Forest is an operational pine forest 20km north of Whanganui on SH4, with a small network of mountain bike trails focused on downhill and enduro riding. Six trails run Grade 3 through to Grade 4+ — more technical and sustained than the other Whanganui area parks — making it a destination for riders already comfortable with steep, loose, and demanding descents. Access is more restricted than most public riding areas: forest roads are open on weekends, with full access on the first Sunday of each month. Some trails are periodically closed for forest operations, so checking current status with the Whanganui Mountain Bike Club before making the 20km drive is essential.
Practical Information
| Location | 20km north of Whanganui on SH4 — turn onto Lismore/Mangaone Road |
| Parking | Picnic area on the left before the main locked gate |
| Access | Mangaone and Airstrip Roads open most weekends; full forest access first Sunday of each month |
| Trail count | 6 trails |
| Difficulty | Grade 3 to Grade 4+ — intermediate to experienced riders |
| Focus | Downhill and enduro |
| Facilities | Picnic area at car park; no toilets on site |
| Cost | Free |
About the Trails
The Lismore Forest trails are primarily downhill and enduro in character — longer descents with more sustained technical sections than Whanganui’s urban parks. Trails include Humpty Dumped Me (Grade 3+, 700m), a rolling descent that steepens to Grade 4 near the bottom; Troopers (Grade 4+, 2.2km), the longest and most demanding trail in the system; and Koru (Grade 3, 1300m), a shorter loop connecting two of the main lines. All trails converge at the bottom, from where riders climb back up via the access roads.
Because Lismore is an operational forest, trail availability changes throughout the year. Some tracks close for logging or maintenance. The Whanganui Mountain Bike Club updates trail status on their website — checking before the 20km drive is always worthwhile, particularly outside summer. On the first Sunday of each month, cyclists get access to the full forest road network that is otherwise locked during the week.
The terrain is steeper and more exposed than Hylton Park or Araheke. Loose gravel on descents, tight corners, and sustained sections make Lismore better suited to riders with solid experience who are comfortable managing speed and technique on technical ground. Beginners should start at Araheke or Hylton Park first.
Where to Learn More
Whanganui Mountain Bike Club — Lismore — current trail status, access schedule, and descriptions of all tracks. Check here before visiting — some trails are periodically closed for forest operations.
Trailforks — Lismore Forest — trail maps, grades, user reviews, and current reported conditions for the Lismore network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lismore Forest MTB?
20km north of Whanganui on SH4. Turn onto Lismore/Mangaone Road and park at the picnic area before the main locked gate.
When can I ride at Lismore Forest?
Mangaone and Airstrip Roads are generally open on weekends. Full forest road access is on the first Sunday of each month. Always check the Whanganui MTB Club website before visiting — some individual trails may be closed.
What grade are the Lismore Forest trails?
Grade 3 to Grade 4+. These are more technical than Hylton Park or Araheke, with sustained downhill sections and loose surfaces.
Is Lismore Forest suitable for beginners?
Not really. The Grade 3+ trails require solid bike handling. Beginners are better starting at Araheke MTB Park or Hylton Park before progressing to Lismore.
Are there facilities at Lismore Forest?
A picnic area at the car park. No toilets on site.
What bike do I need for Lismore?
A full-suspension mountain bike is recommended for the Grade 4+ trails. A hardtail works on the Grade 3 tracks but the steeper descents will be more demanding.
See all cycling options in the region at Cycling Tracks in Whanganui. For less technical riding, Hylton Park MTB Trails are closer to the city and more beginner-friendly.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.