Adventure, health, and the chance to connect with nature can all be found in mountain riding. From beginners to experienced bikers, the United States has various mountain biking tracks that fit all ability levels. In the US, you can find difficult trails that are hard, beautiful rides, and trails that are good for families.
Within this in-depth guide, we will look at several of the best mountain bike tracks in the US, each providing a special experience for riders.
1. Moab, Utah
Trail Highlights: Slickrock Trail, Porcupine Rim, Whole Enchilada
Renowned for its tough courses and distinctive red rock scenery, Moab is an ideal destination for mountain bikers. Offering a 10.5-mile tough riding loop on smooth sandstone, the Slickrock Trail is maybe the most well-known. Experienced riders love this path because it requires accuracy and dexterity.
Another must-ride is the Porcupine Rim, which offers amazing landscapes of the Colorado River mixed with singletrack and double track. The 26.5-mile Whole Enchilada path, which drops over 7,000 feet, links riders from high alpine forests to desert territory for those looking for an adventurous journey.
2. Crested Butte, Colorado
Trail Highlights: 401 Trail, Doctor Park, Trail 403
A mountain biking heaven, Crested Butte boasts a varied mix of routes against the Rocky Mountains. Classic and with rich meadows, wildflowers, and amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains, the 401 Trail begins at more than 10,000 feet, this high-altitude ride offers an exciting downfall.
Another beloved is Doctor Park, which combines river crossings with steep singletrack and flowing parts. For anyone up to the task, Trail 403 is a fulfilling ride because of its difficult hills and breathtaking views.
3. Bentonville, Arkansas
Trail Highlights: Slaughter Pen, Blowing Springs, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
An extensive network of trails and support for the sport by the community have helped Bentonville quickly become a popular place for mountain bikes. An easily available trail system with a range of choices for all ability levels is Slaughter Pen. For those wishing to capture air, it has challenging parts, flowing singletrack, and even some jump lines.
Blowing Springs has picturesque paths combining technical elements like a magnificent suspension bridge with flow. Riders of every ability will find the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, a purpose-built facility with miles of singletrack, downhill courses, and skill-building sections, quite suitable.
4. Sedona, Arizona
Trail Highlights: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock Pathway, Hiline Trail
The red rocks of Sedona make for a beautiful background for mountain riding. The trails range from easy for beginners to very difficult. Popular track with breathtaking vistas and a combination of difficult climbs and pleasant descends is Cathedral Rock.
Families and novices would find the Bell Rock Pathway to be an excellent choice as it offers a somewhat simple ride with amazing views of the nearby rock formations. The Hiline Trail presents an exciting combination of technical obstacles and stunning scenery for more experienced riders.
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Trail Highlights: Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest
Asheville is known for its vibrant outdoor scene, and mountain biking is a big part of it. The Bent Creek Experimental Forest offers a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, with flowy singletrack, technical sections, and beautiful forest scenery.
Pisgah National Forest is a more rugged option, with trails that are known for their technical difficulty and challenging terrain. Dupont State Forest offers a mix of smooth, flowy trails and technical features, with highlights like Bridal Veil Falls and the iconic Big Rock Trail.
6. Kingdom Trails, Vermont
Trail Highlights: Darling Hill, Burke Mountain, Moose Alley
Kingdom Trails in Vermont offers a vast network of trails set against the picturesque backdrop of the Northeast Kingdom. Darling Hill is known for its smooth, flowy trails that wind through meadows and forests, providing a fun and scenic ride.
Burke Mountain offers more challenging terrain, with technical trails and thrilling descents. Moose Alley is a favorite among advanced riders, offering a mix of technical features and flowy sections that make for an exhilarating ride.
7. Park City, Utah
Trail Highlights: Mid Mountain Trail, Wasatch Crest, Armstrong Trail
Park City is a mountain biking destination that offers something for everyone, from beginners to experts. The Mid Mountain Trail is a standout, providing 20 miles of singletrack that weaves through aspen groves and offers stunning views of the Wasatch Range.
The Wasatch Crest is another must-ride, known for its high-altitude riding and breathtaking vistas. Armstrong Trail is a great option for those looking for a less technical ride, offering smooth singletrack and beautiful scenery.
8. Tahoe Rim Trail, California/Nevada
Trail Highlights: Flume Trail, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Hole in the Ground
The Tahoe Rim Trail offers some of the most scenic mountain biking in the country, with trails that provide panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Flume Trail is a standout, known for its incredible vistas and relatively moderate difficulty.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is a more challenging option, offering technical descents and rocky sections that will test even the most skilled riders. Hole in the Ground is another favorite, providing a mix of flowy singletrack and technical challenges.
9. Downieville, California
Trail Highlights: Downieville Downhill, Third Divide, Butcher Ranch
Downieville is famous for its epic descents and challenging terrain, making it a favorite among experienced mountain bikers. The Downieville Downhill is the crown jewel, offering a 15-mile descent that drops over 5,000 feet. It features a mix of technical singletrack, fast flowy sections, and breathtaking scenery.
Third Divide is another standout trail, known for its fast and smooth singletrack that provides a thrilling ride. Butcher Ranch offers technical challenges and beautiful forest scenery, making it a great option for those looking for a mix of difficulty and beauty.
10. Brevard, North Carolina
Trail Highlights: Black Mountain, Kitsuma, Sycamore Cove
Brevard is a hidden gem for mountain biking, offering a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels. Black Mountain is a challenging trail known for its technical descents and beautiful views. It’s a favorite among advanced riders looking for a challenge.
Kitsuma offers a mix of flowy singletrack and technical features, providing a fun and rewarding ride. Sycamore Cove is a great option for beginners and intermediate riders, offering smooth trails and beautiful forest scenery.
Final Thoughts
Mountain biking trails abound throughout the United States, each providing a different riding experience. There’s a path for you whether your search is for the technical challenges of Moab, the picturesque splendor of Sedona, or the rich woods of Asheville.
These paths hardly scratch the amazing mountain riding possibilities found all throughout the nation. So take your bike, start down some of the top mountain biking routes in the US, and find the adventure waiting.
