more stats
1,430 ft
Distance
113 ft
Climb
-91 ft
Descent
00:05:47
Avg time
21 ft
Altitude change
203 ft
Altitude min
313 ft
Altitude max
203 ft
Altitude start
226 ft
Altitude end
1.5%
Grade
-60.8%
Grade max
34.8%
Grade min
837 ft
Distance climb
499 ft
Distance down
92 ft
Distance flat
00:05:47
Avg time

Black Marlin Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
  • Riding Area
    Smithfield
    Cairns
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    65 in Mountain Biking heatmap [+]
    • 70 in E-Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #76618 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #40136 in E-Biking
  • National Ranking
    #3,692 in Mountain Biking · Australia [+]
    • #2,832 in E-Biking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    One Direction[+]
    Popular Direction Shown
    • One Direction for E-Biking
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Drop, Ladder Bridge, Rock Garden

Black Marlin is one of the original hand cut Smithfield Trails. Known for it's technical ascent up to an old benchline from quarry days. The descent starts with a steep bermed corner into plenty of roots, rocks and line choices to make your way down. Links with Blue Marlin to exit onto Downhill Access Road.

Tags
BermsDropsRock gardensSkinnies

Local Trail Association

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 13 miles average
6 Months
  • 17 rides
  • 8 miles avg distance
All
  • 158 rides
  • Last: Nov 14, 2026
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update trails status or condition

Black Marlin Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 17, 2026 @ 7:33am (Australia/Brisbane)
May 16, 2026
 reporter Trails clear - take caution in the wet Recent rain and wind may cause vine and debris down
Mar 1, 2026 @ 6:39pm (Australia/Brisbane)
Mar 1, 2026
 reporter
Dec 31, 2025 @ 8:50am (Australia/Brisbane)
Dec 30, 2025
 reporter
Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:33am
Mar 19, 2025
 Very wet and muddy on climb and transverse, past bridge especially. Big hole at end of bridge ( middle to left ) rocks have been placed. Stay far...
Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:33am
Mar 19, 2025
 Very wet and muddy on climb and transverse, past bridge especially. Big hole at end of bridge ( middle to left ) rocks have been placed. Stay far...
more »
Status:
on May 17, 2026
Variable
Avg: 4.11 (2 votes)
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to black-marlin trailhead (-16.813690, 145.681270)
      View on Discover Map 3D Tour

      Photos

      1 more »
      mtb
      656 |
      Dec 21, 2015 @ 11:26pm
      Dec 21, 2015

      Videos

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      4.5 ★★★★★
      2 Ratings
      5 ★ 50%
      4 ★ 50%
      3 ★
      2 ★
      1 ★

      1 Review & Comments

      DamianSHKIK
      Tree and canopy down towards end of track. Transverse section at top very wet and muddy.

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      Nearby Trails

      Smithfield

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Black Marlin located?
      Black Marlin is located in Smithfield, Cairns, Australia. It is part of the Smithfield trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -16.81369, 145.68127.
      ▼ How hard is Black Marlin?
      Black Marlin is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 1.5%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Black Marlin?
      Black Marlin has 113 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 91 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 203 ft to 313 ft.
      ▼ Is Black Marlin a point to point trail?
      Yes, Black Marlin is a point to point trail. The direction is One Direction. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Black Marlin?
      Black Marlin is 1,430 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Black Marlin?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Black Marlin. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Black Marlin?
      Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride Black Marlin are:
      • August (16 activities)
      • July (9 activities)
      • October (9 activities)
      Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
      ▼ How do I access Black Marlin? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Black Marlin are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Black Marlin?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 6 minutes to ride Black Marlin. The trail is 1,430 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Black Marlin?
      Black Marlin is a moderately popular trail. There have been 1,470 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 1,442 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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