I think this is going to be your answer from what I know of riding in LA. Not sure what age your kid is, but they'll probably have the most fun at somewhere like this that has some "modern" MTB features and flow. Hot Springs AR is probably going to be your closest place that has an extensive "modern" trail network, though the Mena lift-access system will be coming online in a few years.

Also, use Trailforks or MTBProject over Alltrails. Trailforks requires a subscription for their app (you can set your "home state" and get that free, I think), but you can use their web interface for free.

This post was edited on 8/24/26 at 3:21 pm

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Posted by ecb

Member since Jul 2010

10496 posts

Posted on 8/24/26 at 7:30 pm to SaintEB

Kisatchie national forest south of Alexandria

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Posted by DrewTheEngineer

Baton Rouge (Oak Hills)

Member since Jun 2006

1434 posts

Posted on 8/24/26 at 8:12 pm to SaintEB

quote:
Nishiki Colorado

I bought my son one of these when Covid first hit and everybody was buying bikes, but luckily Dick's had some in the store.

It has held up well. Would buy another.

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Posted by buffbraz

Member since Nov 2005

5791 posts

Posted on 8/25/26 at 12:30 pm to DrewTheEngineer

Anyone got an old mountain bike they wanna sell? Need one to get to my hunting stand and back.

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Posted by SaintEB

Member since Jul 2008

23719 posts

Posted on 8/26/26 at 9:46 am to DrewTheEngineer

quote:
I bought my son one of these when Covid first hit and everybody was buying bikes, but luckily Dick's had some in the store.

It has held up well. Would buy another.

This is good to know. Thanks for the input.

I know conventional wisdom says to not upgrade entry level bikes, but I think I'm putting him some entry level hydraulic brakes (I can get Shimano MT200s for like $50) and maybe a more modern 1x drivetrain, if he likes it.

Not trying to turn this into a cheap MTB upgrade thread, so I'll stop at that.

Thanks to everyone for the trail suggestions. I have looked at most of these places (outside of the Hot Springs suggestion) and would like to try to hit them over time.

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Posted by brsa

Baton Rouge, La.

Member since Sep 2007

1365 posts

Posted on 8/26/26 at 11:47 am to SaintEB

The Posse alumni checking in.

Hooper and Comite for local.
Then Clear Springs for an awesome experience.

The Clear Springs Recreation Area near Roxie, Mississippi, features a rugged, scenic mountain biking and hiking trail system set within the Homochitto National Forest.