Choose your own adventure with these rugged paths to pedal. These trails—acclaimed by the International Mountain Biking Association—are in the backyard of major cities, and they’re for riders of any skill level.
Here is the top 10 list
1. Bootleg Canyon Trails
Boulder City, Nevada (20 minutes outside Las Vegas)
Miles of trails: 36
Admission: free, but donations appreciated
What you’ll find: A network of interconnecting trails—with clever names such as “Girl Scout” and “Kevorkian” (you can guess which is tougher)—gives riders a choice of difficulty or length. A shuttle takes you to the top if downhill riding is more your speed.
Contact: (702) 293-3472
2. South Mountain Park Trails
Phoenix, Arizona
Miles of trails: 60
Admission: free
What you’ll find: Without gaining too much elevation, you’ll ride a rollercoaster on best-known trails Desert Classic (moderate) and National (advanced). Take in the scenic saguaro cacti, but beware the rattlesnakes.
Contact: (602) 495-0222
3. Bull Mountain Trail Network
Dahlonega, Georgia (one hour from Atlanta)
Miles of trails: 50
Admission: $2 parking fee
What you’ll find: The Bull Mountain Trail itself is an 11-mile loop that connects to other trails at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. You’ll cross streams, ride over red clay, and roll over long hills.
Contact: (800) 231-5543
4. The Womble Trail, Ouachita National Forest
Hot Springs, Arkansas (2 hours from Little Rock)
Miles of trails: 39
Admission: free
What you’ll find: The challenging Womble Trail follows the Ouachita River through forests with steep hills and sharp turns. Pastoral views show off the river, its valleys, and miles of farmland. Novice riders might want to train on the Charlton Trail.
Contact: (870) 867-2101
5. Levis/Trow Mound Trail Network
Neillsville, Wisconsin (2 1/2 hours northwest of Madison)
Miles of trails: 30
Admission: $3 for adults, $2 for students and children
What you’ll find: Remnants of glacier formations make these winding, forested trails up to 300-foot sandstone bluffs unique. You’re likely to spot a deer or turkey on your ride, whether you choose an easy or an advanced trail.
Contact: (715) 743-5140
6. Ridge to Rivers Trail System
Boise, Idaho
Miles of trails: 85
Admission: free
What you’ll find: From the city, climb the grassy slopes of the Boise Foothills along single- and double-track trails. Trails for all skill levels are embedded in the forests, but Ridge to Rivers offers the best views of the city and beyond.
Contact: (208) 384-4240
7. Ringwood State Park Trails
Ringwood, New Jersey (40 miles from New York City)
Miles of trails: 30
Admission: Memorial Day to Labor Day, weekdays $5 and weekends $10 per car, $50 for a year pass
What you’ll find: This park offers so many trails that you can pedal all day and not run out of tracks. Rest up at the 96-acre botanical garden when you’re tired of pedaling.
Contact: (973) 962-7031
8. North Umpqua Trail—Tioga Segment
Roseburg, Oregon (3 hours from Portland)
Miles of trails: 16
Admission: free
What you’ll find: See if you can keep up with the jumping steelhead and salmon as you ride parallel to streams flowing from the Cascade Mountains. Don’t miss the Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock trees—some more than six feet in diameter.
Contact: (541) 440-4930
9. Alafia River Trails, Alafia River State Park
Brandon, Florida (one hour from Tampa)
Miles of Trails: 14
Admission: parking fee $3 (1 person) or $4 (2-8 people)
What you’ll find: This park sits on an old phosphate mine and has some of the most radical elevation changes in Florida. Even experienced riders may walk up some of the steep inclines. Watch for deer, herons, and even gators (from a safe distance) along the way.
Contact: (813) 672-5320
10. The Southern Traverse, Shenandoah Mountain Trail
Harrisonburg, Virginia (2 hours from Washington, D.C.)
Miles of trails: 30-mile loop or 17 miles one way
Admission: free
What you’ll find: The trail is contoured, eliminating steep drops and climbs, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s an easy ride. Sharp curves challenge you as you wind through the hardwood forest on a mossy track bordered by wildflowers and ferns.
Contact: (540) 434-2087
No comments:
Post a Comment