Mountain Biking Parks

Elizabeth Furnace is located about an hour west of Washington DC, making it an easily accessible weekend destination. The trails have numerous panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley from Signal Knob, but all of this beauty comes with the price of extremely steep and rocky single track.

Sherando Lake is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western Virginia, just south of Shenandoah National Park. A 25-acre spring-fed lake is at the center of the Sherando Lake Recreation Area, which offers camping, water activities, hiking and mountain biking.

Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this is a great hike if you want to escape the masses at more visited trails such as Humpback Rocks. The 2 1/5 mile hike leads down to the White Rock Creek and a small picturesque waterfall. On the climb back up to the Parkway, you will be treated to glimpses of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Northeast. The trail can easily be combined with other trails to make for a longer hike. For instance, to create a 5 mile loop, combine it with the Slacks Overlook Trail on the other side of the Parkway.

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a scenic trail that winds through the majestic landscapes of Pennsylvania and Maryland, offering a unique experience for bikers and history enthusiasts alike. Spanning approximately 150 miles, the GAP trail stretches from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland, forming a vital link in the expansive network of rail-trails in the United States.

Great Falls National Park, located only 15 miles from Washington, is a haven for the DC crowd. One of the most visited national parks in the country, it can get crowded, especially on summer weekends. Hiking trails afford views of the beautiful Mather Gorge and the Potomac. In addition to the hiking trails, about 5 miles of multi-use double track trails are accessible to equestrians and mountain bikers.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center offers mountain biking enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of off-road cycling. With a diverse network of trails, stunning scenery, and top-notch amenities, Great Glen Trails is a premier destination for riders of all skill levels seeking adventure in the great outdoors.

Located within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cades Cove is a picturesque valley surrounded by the rugged mountains of the park. It is one of the most popular destinations within the Smokies and is an excellent place to view wildlife. Among the creatures that can be spotted are elk, coyote, turkey, deer, raccoons, skunks, and, of course, the park's most iconic creatures, black bears.

Nestled in the heart of the Mountain State, the Greenbrier River Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts an unparalleled adventure through some of West Virginia's most breathtaking landscapes. Stretching for 78 miles along the scenic Greenbrier River, this iconic trail promises an unforgettable experience for mountain bikers seeking adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty.

Nestled amid the picturesque scenery of western Maryland, Greenbrier State Park stands as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of recreational activities and natural beauty. Situated near Boonsboro, the park encompasses a sprawling 1,100 acres, featuring a pristine 42-acre freshwater lake as its centerpiece. Greenbrier Lake provides a scenic backdrop for a variety of water-based activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming during the summer months. The park's sandy beach invites families and sun-seekers to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Harwood Mills is a great place for a beginner to cut their teeth on easy single track. The trails labeled as Intermediate and Expert are both fairly easy and smooth with just a few log obstacles to negotiate. In addition to the single track, there are miles of forest roads both north and south of Denbigh Blvd.