Mountain biking has been around since the end of the 19th century. But it didn’t become popular until the early 1970s when a group of daredevils modified their bikes to ride up and down Mt. Tamalpais in California. Their stunts made them famous and the rest is history!
Mountain biking is very much an American sport and the US has some of the best mountain biking trails. So you’re googling, “mountain biking near me” and you’re in the US, you have lots of choices.
Narrowing down which mountain biking national parks and where to go mountain biking is the tricky part. Lucky for you, this is a list of all the top trails so you can start your search here.
1. Ridgeline Trail in DuPont State Forest, North Carolina
DuPont might not be a national park, but this state park boasts over 100 miles of prime biking trails. It’s everything you could want in a lush, forest setting for mountain biking.
Be mindful that there are lots of waterfalls and rivers in this state park so stick close to the trails! And if your bike does need a tune-up after taking a beating, source aftermarket parts for dirt bikes. You can often get better parts for lower prices.
2. Torry Ridge in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia aren’t exactly a secret. But the Torry Ridge is one of the lesser-explored parts. This is one of the best mountain biking trails if you love punishing climbs with scenic downhill rewards.
3. 401 in Crested Butte, Colorado
On sheer volume alone, Colorado is one of the best states for mountain bike trails. The 401 trail in Crested Butte is something special though. It offers snowy mountain views and daring drops in altitude.
4. Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont
The Kingdom Trails in Vermont isn’t only one trail but a plethora of interconnecting paths. It’s one of the few mountain biking areas that cater to riders of all abilities.
5. Broken Arrow in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is famous for its mystical energy, great weather, and awe-inspiring red rocks. But it’s also a phenomenal mountain biking destination. The Broken Arrow trail might be short at 1.5 miles but it’s easy to follow different paths to keep riding all day.
6. Downieville Classic in Downieville, California
California is the birthplace of mountain biking so it had to be somewhere on this list of best mountain biking trails. The Downieville Classic trail is a classic for a reason. Here you can enjoy riding along rocky cliff edges and through thick pine forests.
Which of the Best Mountain Biking Trails Will You Race Down First?
There is no state or national park in the US that is home to all the best mountain biking trails. They are all over the country! So no matter where you live or where you want to travel, there is a world-class mountain biking trail for you to enjoy.
Mixing exercise with adventure is a winning combination. There are tons of other ways you can stay fit on the road! Browse our health and travel articles for ideas and advice.
