Nicols Creek - Switchback Track aka Switchback Track, Nicols Falls Mountain Bike Trail

The Switchback track at Nicols Creek links Swampy Summit to the Leith Valley. It's designed to be ridden both up and down. In 2013 the entire completed section of track was gravelled. There are several boardwalks and the track is a technically challenging descent. It has steep banks on its edges, so please take care. Always watch out for other riders / walkers when descending. Built by Hamish Seaton (Track Guru) Mountain biking Otago, with assistance from the Corrections Department, it's designed to be ridden both up and down. In 2013 the lower completed section of track was gravelled up to the picnic table. There are several boardwalks and the track is technical so please take care. In 2024 MBO completed graveling 7.5km of it's 8km length. Soon the final connection to Swampy Summit trail will be completed. Coming down from Swampy Ridge most of the walking track is rideable, bar a couple of short carry sections. It gets very muddy and riding will damage the rough walking track. Track Features: Native bush, lots of rocks, heaps of switchbacks, and generally flowing track. Class: Intermediate. Grade: MTB track is graded an easy climb (3-6 degrees), the walking track is steeper.Elevational Drop: 594m – 134m (460m range) Under the wheel: Gravelled track, some rocky / rooty sections.When to ride: Any time, best after a spell of dry weather. When not to ride: After heavy rain.Directions going up: To get to the bottom of the track, ride up the Leith Valley to Nicols Creek (about 300m up the valley from where Islay Street turns off). The Switchback track starts on the high side of Nicols Creek. About half way up there is a big stand of macrocarpas. Continue up the wide walking track then veer left onto the MTB track. At the top of the track you will come to a dug out section where we will build a cork screw, out to a clearing and a fabulous view of Dunedin City. Directions for connecting from Swampy Summit - going down: From the Bullring, ride up the Swampy Summit track (fairly steep). Continue along the ridge down the first descending section. At the top of the next rise, turn right onto the Nicols Creek track. This is marked with a small stake and sign. If you end up descending again, then you've gone too far. Ride down the Nicols Creek track until you come to a junction with some DCC signs (you'll need to carry your bike for a small distance). At the signs, turn LEFT onto the Moon track (sign posted as the Nicols Falls track). Ride down this until you come across the MTB track. The Moon track is well used by walkers and runners, so please take care, and DO NOT SKID. Directions walking up: (if running or going up to help with work parties):Go up the Leith Valley road from the start of the track for 100mTurn left up the shingle dumper track (green dash on map)At the first clearing turn right & go down the mtb track for 20mTurn left and go up the PD line marked with white tape (white dash on map)Follow the white tape up to the third clearingFollow the MTB track to the walking trackTurn right and go up the walking trackThis takes 15-20min to get up to the top of the Macrocarpas. We'll develop this into a downhill line at some stage.