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MTB trails
France
Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Saint-Étienne

Marlhes

The best MTB trails around Marlhes

4.4

(375)

2,064

riders

254

rides

Mountain bike trails Marlhes are set within the scenic Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, characterized by its diverse mountainous terrain. The area features notable natural landmarks such as the Crêt de Chaussître, offering expansive vistas of surrounding peaks and plateaus. Several dams, including Barrage du Gouffre d'Enfer, Barrage du Pas-du-Riot, and Barrage du Sapt, contribute to the picturesque scenery and provide routes around their perimeters. The varied topography includes challenging technical sections with large stones as well as easier, albeit steep,…

Last updated: June 29, 2026

4.4

(8)

45

riders

#1.

Crêt de Chaussître – Pilat Mountain Bike Tour loop from Réserve biologique dirigée de Chaussitre et Gimel

26.1km

02:42

670m

670m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Hard
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Christophe
July 7, 2025, Barrage du Sap

avoid the black track area under the dam (diversion loop)

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Nice path between trees and moss, which allows you to avoid the path full of nasty stones.

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Crêt de Chaussître is located at the southern end of Pilat. It offers a beautiful panorama of the Monts du Velay, Mont Mezenc, the Yssingeaux juices and the high plateaus of Forez.

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Do not miss the waterfall at the foot of the dam to take a cool break

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Max
November 20, 2022, Crêt de Chaussître

By mountain bike, the northern accesses are difficult, large stones, very technical. Access by chemin du Teil easier but steep and partly paved. My favorite access is through the east in the woods from Prélager (before arriving at the picnic area, take the small grassy path on the left which descends slightly)

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Private castle of medieval origin, inhabited by the same family since the 14th century.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Marlhes?

Marlhes offers a wide variety of mountain biking experiences, with over 230 routes available. This includes 23 easy, 176 moderate, and 36 difficult trails, catering to different skill levels.

What are the general difficulty levels of mountain bike trails in Marlhes?

The mountain bike trails around Marlhes offer a good mix of difficulties. You'll find 23 easy routes, 176 moderate routes, and 36 challenging routes. This varied terrain includes technical sections with large stones as well as easier, albeit steep, paths.

What natural landmarks or viewpoints can I expect to see while mountain biking in Marlhes?

Marlhes is rich in natural beauty and offers stunning panoramic views. You can ride towards the Crêt de Chaussître for expansive vistas of the Monts du Velay and Mont Mezenc. Another notable viewpoint is the Chaubouret Cross, which provides almost 360-degree panoramas of the Alps, the Rhône valley, and the Monts du Vivarais.

Are there any scenic water features or dams along the mountain bike trails?

Yes, several picturesque dams and water features are integral to the scenery around Marlhes. You can explore trails around the Gouffre d'Enfer Dam, known for its waterfalls, or the Pas-du-Riot Dam. The impressive Les Plats Dam (also known as Barrage du Sapt) is also a prominent feature on routes like the Les Plats Dam – View from the Crêt de Chaussitre loop from Marlhes.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Marlhes?

The mountain bike trails in Marlhes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse mountainous terrain, the scenic dams, and the rewarding panoramic viewpoints. Over 2000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the area's varied landscapes.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Marlhes?

Yes, Marlhes offers 23 easy mountain bike routes, perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. An example of an easy route is the Pilat Mountain Bike Tour loop from Saint-Genest-Malifaux, which covers 17.1 km with moderate elevation gain.

Are there challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Marlhes has 36 difficult mountain bike trails. A demanding option is the Cotatay Dam Waterfall – Jonzieux Church loop from Jonzieux, a 49.3 km route with significant elevation changes, offering varied terrain and scenic views.

What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Marlhes?

Given its mountainous terrain and scenic beauty, the best time for mountain biking in Marlhes is typically from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally more favorable for outdoor activities, allowing riders to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes and panoramic views.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Marlhes?

Many of the mountain bike trails in Marlhes are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, the Les Plats Dam – View from the Crêt de Chaussitre loop from Marlhes is a popular moderate circular route, and the Jonzieux Church – Top Malz virgin Cartaire loop from Jonzieux provides another great option.

What is the typical duration for mountain bike trails in Marlhes?

Trail durations vary significantly based on difficulty and length. Easy routes like the Pilat Mountain Bike Tour loop from Saint-Genest-Malifaux can be completed in under 2 hours. Moderate trails, such as the Jonzieux Church – Top Malz virgin Cartaire loop from Jonzieux, typically take around 2 hours and 19 minutes. Longer, difficult routes, like the Jonzieux Church – Les Plats Dam loop from Jonzieux, can take over 4 hours and 50 minutes.

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