What are flow trails?
Flow trails are specially designed downhill paths that allow for smooth, rhythmic riding without constant braking. Instead of rocky obstacles and steep descents, flow trails offer profiled berms (banked turns), rollers (waves), tabletops (safe jumps) and smooth surface.
Flow trails are the perfect option for intermediate riders who want to develop technique, build confidence and enjoy speed – without the extreme risk of downhill trails. This is the most "fun" style of MTB riding!
🔄 Difference: Flow Trail vs Downhill
🌊 Flow Trail
Characteristics: Smooth, rhythmic descents without constant braking. Berms, rollers, tabletops, smooth surface.
Difficulty level: Medium (blue/red). Perfect for riders with basic technique.
Bike: Trail/All-Mountain (120-150mm) or Enduro (140-160mm). Lighter than DH.
Example parks: Słotwiny Arena, Kasina, Tiger Airlines, Palenica, Mosorny Groń.
🏁 Downhill
Characteristics: Extreme descents with rocks, roots, big jumps and drops. High speed, high risk.
Difficulty level: High (red/black). Requires extensive experience.
Bike: Downhill (180-200mm). Heavy, stable, only for descents.
Example parks: Czarna Góra, Kasina, Joy Ride Kluszkowce, Szczyrk Mountain Resort.
🏆 Best Bikeparks with Flow Trails in Poland
Here are 4 best bikeparks in Poland with beautiful flow trails:
Bike Park Czarna Góra
Jeden z największych w PL. Milky Way (zielona) po Żmiję (PRO). Dwie koleje linowe, serwis, noclegi.
Bike Park Mosorny Groń (Zawoja)
Naturalne, techniczne sekcje, kładki i odcinki North Shore — miejscami bardzo stromo.
PKL Bike Park Palenica (Szczawnica)
Szybkie sekcje z pięknymi widokami Pienin, do wyboru linie flow i bardziej strome odcinki DH.
Zieleniec Sport Arena – Bike Park
Family flow i łagodne linie pod Orlickimi: świetne na start przygody z MTB.
🎯 Flow trail riding techniques
1️⃣ Pumping
Pumping is a key technique on flow trails – you pump rollers and waves, accelerating without pedaling. You push the bike down at the top of the wave and unweight at the bottom – like on a scooter.
2️⃣ Riding through berms (banked turns)
Berms are banked turns that allow for fast passage without braking. The key is leaning the bike and body into the turn, pushing the outside leg and maintaining speed.
3️⃣ Choosing the riding line
Flow trails usually have several riding lines – main (easier) and alternative (harder, with bigger jumps). Choose a line appropriate to your skills – you don't have to jump everything!
4️⃣ Minimal braking
The secret of flow trails is braking only before obstacles, not during them. Release the brakes on rollers, berms and jumps – that's when you achieve flow and speed.
5️⃣ Tabletops (safe jumps)
Flow trails have tabletops – jumps with filled tops, so even if you don't make it, the landing is safe. Start with small jumps, gradually increase speed.
🚴 What bike for flow trails?
🥇 Trail / All-Mountain
Travel: 120-150mm | Weight: 12-14kg
Best choice for flow trails! Light, agile, versatile. Also works on XC and light enduro trails. Perfect balance between efficiency and suspension.
🥈 Enduro
Travel: 140-170mm | Weight: 13-15kg
Great for more demanding flow trails with bigger jumps. More stable at speed, but heavier on climbs.
🥉 Dirt Jump / Slopestyle
Travel: 100-120mm | Weight: 11-13kg
If the flow trail has lots of jumps and you want to practice tricks – dirt jump can be a great option. Light, nimble, but less comfortable on longer descents.
🚀 Tips for beginners on flow trails
✅ Start with green/blue trails
First rides always on easier trails. Learn the basics: pumping, berms, line choice.
✅ Don't brake unnecessarily
Flow = smoothness. Brake only before obstacles, not during them. Release brakes on rollers and berms.
✅ Practice pumping on a pumptrack
Before you hit a flow trail, practice pumping on a pumptrack. It's the best way to learn rhythm and technique.
✅ Watch experienced riders
See how experienced riders choose lines, how they go through berms and jumps. Learn from the best!