Bike Noob has always focused primarily on the recreational road biker. But it’s always a good idea to break out of the routine. If that break out involves travel, guest poster Maeyahn Aguilar suggests some mountain biking destinations.
As a cyclist, you probably prefer spending your biking days exploring little known trails. But how do you find them? We’ll make it easier for you. Here are five of the top areas that you should definitely try.
1. Park City, Utah
Park City provides you with breathtaking scenery. Its trail is 8000 feet above sea level along a 20 mile radius. And it has up to a 3000 foot altitude change! We suggest that you take Sweeny North or Sweeney South until you reach mid-mountain.
2. East Burke, Vermont
At first glance, it seems to be in the middle of nowhere but if you look closely at the map, you will see that it is a two hour drive from Montreal and Burlington. This trail is definitely worth the drive. In fact, East Burke is on the map because of the Mecca Kingdom Trails which consists of 100 miles of non-motorized trails.
East Burke has abundant and beautiful landscape. Beginner and experienced cyclists will definitely find this trail worth trying. It is one of a kind.
3. Fruita, Colorado
Fruita provides cyclists with hundreds of miles of thrills! The uphill and wide open views of the Grand Valley Basin provide breathless views of nature. The descents are tight, but worth it as you fly down the mountain.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Located between the Appalachian Mountains and Blue Ridge, Asheville is surrounded by natural and lush attractions amidst the western North Carolina mountains. Note: If you want “grippy” granite or “sandy” soil, then proceed to the DuPont State Forest.
5. Pontiac Lake, Michigan
Pontiac Lake is actually a recreation area but its 11 mile trail consists of challenging climbs that lure cyclists of all kinds. Imagine a trail that will make your lungs scream, legs burn and mind completely focused while navigating roots, rocks and sharp turns.
Pontiac Lake is divided into three sections. It changes as the rider goes downhill and along the rooty sections. And even though heavy use of the trail has led to some erosion, it is definitely a must ride for amateur and experienced cyclists alike.
So those are my recommendations. You might disagree with me as favorite trails are like fingerprints – everyone’s are different!
Have any trails you’d like to share? Shoot me an email – Maeyahn@ndparks.com.
Maeyahn writes for NDParks.com, the site that reviews camp grounds and all sorts of camping equipment, from family camping cots to the best folding camping chairs. You can read her latest post on camping with kids.
Not sure how #5 creeps on w/ only 11 miles of trails?
I’d actually travel to the other places mentioned just to bike – but I wouldn’t go very far just for that. Surely there’s room for places like Moab, Utah above that?
Check out http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/best_trails.php or trails.com for some more suggestions.