Mountain Biking Parks

Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) offers outdoor enthusiasts an exhilarating playground of rugged terrain, scenic vistas, and adrenaline-pumping mountain biking trails. Renowned for its pristine beauty and diverse ecosystems, CVI beckons riders of all skill levels to embark on a journey of adventure and exploration amidst the stunning landscapes of the Canaan Valley region.

Canaan Valley State Park is a year-round vacation destination, having a wide range of warm and cold weather activities to offer. During the winter, the park runs a ski resort and rents cabins from which you can step out onto miles of snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails. In the warmer months, you can stay at the campground, lodge, or cabins and hike or bike the 18 miles of trails on the premises or venture further out into the million-acre Monongahela National Forest which surrounds the park. In addition, the park also has a golf course, tennis courts, and various other activities.

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the second largest municipal park in the country. Within its 12,700 acres are opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, boating, fishing, and canoeing.  Canoes and paddleboats are available for rent at the Boat Dock offices for use on the picturesque 800 acre lake. A large picnic area overlooking the lake is located at the Boat Dock.

The trail network at Cedarville State Forest is a perfect location for beginner mountain bikers to hone their skills. The trails are mostly wide, smooth single track or double track trails with occasional narrow sections and rocky / rooty areas. They wind their way through serene forests, around a fishing pond, and past a portion of the Zekiah Swamp.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park stretches 184 miles from Washington DC, through Maryland, and West Virginia, eventually ending in Cumberland, Maryland. The towpath is a wide, smooth multi-use trail that follows the Potomac River. Some of the original lift locks that raised the canal from sea level at Georgetown to 610 feet at Cumberland, MD are still in existence.

Situated along a beautiful, rocky section of the Potomac River, Great Falls Tavern is one of the 6 visitor centers along the C&O National Historic Park. This section contains about 14 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Billy Goat Trail. As its name implies, the Billy Goat Trail is part hike, part rock-scramble along a cliff face. It has fantastic views of Mather Gorge and the Potomac River.

Chippokes Plantation State Park is one of the oldest working farms in the United States, having been in operation since the 1600's. It is a living history museum, located rural Surry County along the James River. The park includes several historic buildings and a farm and a forestry museum with antique farming equipment.
Activities available include picnicking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. Also, the park has a beach with access at the visitor center.

Nestled in the scenic countryside of northern New Jersey, the Columbia Rail Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. Stretching along the path of a former railroad line, this picturesque trail winds through lush woodlands, alongside babbling brooks, and past historic landmarks, providing a peaceful oasis for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.

Conway Robinson State Forest, a 450 acre park, located in Gainesville, Virginia is a scenic wooded forest with about 7 miles of beginner to intermediate single track and double track. The trails are multi-use, seeing hikers, equestrians, geocachers and mountain bikers. Most of the trails are flat and smooth, great for beginner mountain bikers. A couple of the trails have log piles and rock gardens where the intermediate rider can hone their technical skills.

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park stands as a testament to both natural splendor and significant historical importance. Spanning the borders of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, this expansive park offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. From awe-inspiring hiking trails to poignant reminders of America's past, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park beckons adventurers and history buffs alike to embark on a journey of discovery.