17 Best Mountain Bike Towns in the US + Camping Guide

Where to Rent Bikes in Salida, CO

• Subculture Cyclery is the main rental shop in town (Absolute has stopped renting bikes)

Where to Camp

• Shavano Wildlife Management area

Salida is Best Known For

• The mind-blowing trails surrounding Salida really put this mountain bike town on the map.  Monarch Crest trail IMBA epic is one of Colorado’s classic mountain bike rides (which makes it one of the U.S.’s classic mountain bike rides)
• Arkansas River rafting
• Basecamp for climbing 14ers

Other Outdoor Activities around Salida, CO

• Rafting the Arkansas river – world renowned rapids!
• Check out our Salida Destination Guide and our Salida Adventure Itinerary!
• Climb 14ers – Mt. Shavano, Mt. Yale are the closest. This area offers one of the highest density of peaks over 14000 ft
• Visit Princeton Hot Springs for a soak after all of your outdoor adventures.

Best Time to Visit

• June – October. Err on the later side if you want to ride the Monarch Crest trail to make sure it is clear of snow. In some years, it is not clear of snow until mid-July

Duluth, MN

Duluth, MN is an up and coming mountain bike destination in the Midwest.  Duluth was recently voted Outside Magazine’s Best Town Ever.   It’s an outdoor mecca surrounded by the pristine Lake Superior and the iconic Northwoods.  With 6,834 acres of city parkland, 178 miles of wooded trails, plus Lake Superior, there’s not much you can’t do when you are outside in Duluth.  Minnesota’s “City on a Hill” overlooking Lake Superior has some of the best mountain biking in the Midwest.  There’s over 150 miles (and growing fast) of bike trails, and Duluth is one of only 5 places in the world with the “Gold Level Ride Center” designation by IMBA.

Must Ride Mountain Biking Trails in Duluth, MN

• There are 150+ miles of riding in Duluth, MN and the tough hardy MN folks ride all year long, even through the brutal winters thanks to fat bikes
• The Duluth Traverse (all levels) is an 85-mile point to point featured ride that is 75% singletrack that rides all the way across town with multiple bailout options for riding just a few sections
• Spirit Mountain downhill trails (Intermediate/Advanced) are Duluth’s only lift-serviced trails.  The trails are short but fun!

Duluth is Best Known For

• Breweries, Minnesota nice community, plaid shirts, and the North Woods.
• Duluth is a relative newcomer on the best mountain bike town list, but the city is expanding trails rapidly and this Midwest town is making a name for itself within the mountain bike community!

Where to Rent Bikes

There is pretty much only one great mountain bike rental shop in town, Continental Bikes

Where to Camp for Free

Unfortunately, there aren’t any free camping areas right in Duluth, but it is Minnesota nice. Check out Boondockers Welcome, it’s like couch surfing for your RV in hosts’ driveways. Requires an annual membership fee but it’s free to camp

Other Outdoor Activities in Duluth

Visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to paddle to your hearts content pristine lakes and wilderness of northern Minnesota

Best Time to Visit

• Summer is a perfect time of the year but BRING BUG SPRAY. The MN mosquitoes don’t eff around..
• Late summer (end Aug/early Sept) can also be a really great time. Temperatures are a bit cooler, but that also means that the worst of the mosquito season is gone!

Northern California: Downieville, North Tahoe, and Truckee CA

Downieville is a charming and colorful adventure town along the Yuba River in Northern California. It began as a gold mining mecca in the 1800s, and has now transitioned into a hub for outdoor adventure. It is well known as a mountain biking mecca, and the renowned Downieville Downhill is the most popular (albeit advanced rated) trail.  Overall, Downieville is a more advanced trail system tailored to intermediate and advanced riders, with technical features, and a few hike-a-bike sections.

Truckee is a charming town perched just north of Lake Tahoe that has it’s fair share of fantastic outdoor adventure.  From biking the infamous Flume Trail to paddling the crystal clear Lake Tahoe, Truckee makes a great Northern California getaway.

Must Ride Trails

• The Flume Trail (Intermediate to Advanced)
  • An obvious pick, but popular for a reason. The rim trail offers incredible views of Lake Tahoe
• Downieville Downhill (Intermediate to Advanced)
  • This renowned 14 mi. shuttle ride features northern California’s classic Sierra mountains riding. It is difficult rated, flowing singletrack with fast, rocky, technical features, and impressive drops. Dropping 5,000 vertical feet in 15 miles, it hosts the longest and most demanding mountain bike race in the country – the Downieville Classic. It’s all about the speed, tight turns, creek crossings, and rock gardens.   The ride requires a 2-car shuttle, leaving one car at the top of the ride – or you can take a shuttle from one of the local companies in Downieville and ride back to your car.
• Northstar Bike Park (all abilities)
  • From the mellow Easy Rider trail to the steep and rocky Karpiel trail, Northstar has trails for all levels of riders.  If you’re looking for flow, check out Livewire and Speed Control.  For jumps, drops and technical features head to Boondocks and Gypsy (strong intermediate to advanced).

Best Known For

• Views of Lake Tahoe from Truckee area trails, paddling on the lake and the IMBA Epic Tahoe Rim Trail
• Downieville Classic bike race

Where to Rent Bikes

Truckee & Northstar

• Riding low-key trails or the paved path? Go with Bike Truckee
• Rent at the renowned Northstar bike park with Northstar Performance Demo

Downieville

• Book online with Downieville Outfitters, you can also book a shuttle with your bike rental!

Where to Camp

• In Truckee: Sagehen campground, it’s free but it’s a bit far and no cell service. Also, lack of bike trails to ride right from the trail system
• In Downieville: Ramshorn Campground (Forest Service campground, $20-25/night) is one of the closest to town (5.6 miles) and is located right on the river

Other Outdoor Activities in Truckee

• Paddling Lake Tahoe, umm, of course, you have to!  This crystal clear lake is on the top of everyone’s paddling list, whether you prefer a kayak or an SUP
• Hiking around Lake Tahoe, if you’re out of trails to ride. So, after you’ve been there for 5-6 months or if the bike is in the shop.  Or if you have family/friends with that don’t ride..

Best Time to Visit Truckee and Tahoe

Tahoe and Truckee are popular year round.  For warm weather adventures, there are less crowds earlier in the summer (May/June/Sept/Oct) and the weather is still great.  If you’re looking to ride higher elevation trails such as the Flume trail or Downieville classic, it’s best to hit these trails in late summer or fall to make sure they’re open.

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Mammoth Lakes may be best known for its ski resort, but summer adventures abound around this town in the high Sierras.  The Mammoth bike park (nominated one of our 10 best downhill parks!) caters to mountain bike adventures while hiking and backpacking the nearby John Muir trail is a rite of passage for many.  Convict Lake has stellar paddling opportunities, and camping options in the area come with spectacular Sierra views and natural hot springs.

Must Ride Trails in Mammoth Lakes

• • Intermediate to advanced – Double high five Y
  • Intermediate and beginner-friendly – Uptown Downtown
  • Chairlift access and something for everyone – Mammoth mountain bike park

Mammoth Lakes is Best Known For

• Closest big mountain to LA area. One of the most scenic drives and areas in the country (highway 395)
• In addition to being a top mountain bike town, Mammoth is also known for its phenomenal winter skiing and snowboarding.

Where to Rent Bikes in Mammoth

There are very limited ‘’good’’ options for premium mountain bike rentals. Mammoth mountain is your best bet, Footloose Sports also has pricey but high-end bikes, no online booking.

Where to Camp

• Off of Hot Creek Hatchery Spur Rd
• Glass Creek Campground

Other Outdoor Activities in Mammoth Lakes

• There’s an abundance of incredible hiking in the High Sierra – join a guided trip to see the best of the best!
• Soak in natural hot springs
• Paddle Convict Lake at sunset
• Day trip to Yosemite National Park (hiking and climbing galore)
• Skiing/snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain in winter

Best Time to Visit Mammoth Lakes

• June through October for warm weather adventures
• Winter for great skiing/snowboarding

Sedona, AZ

Sedona is considered by many one of the most beautiful places in America to visit. Geographically, Sedona rests in a transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and Upper Sonoran Desert. This sacred and powerful place is home to several spiritual energy vortexes, as well as an extensive trail system with unparalleled options for mountain biking and hiking.  Sedona offers astounding red rock vistas and is a perfect destination for the off-season months when the rest of the country’s trails are covered in snow.

Must Ride Trails in Sedona

Sedona has SO many incredible trails – mainly Intermediate/Advanced, but some beginner-friendly options exist.  For more information on trails, check out our 6 best intermediate rides in Sedona article.

Sedona is Best Known For

Off-season riding. When it’s too cold for the rest of the country, head down to Sedona.  Sedona is probably the best known mountain bike town in Arizona… for good reason.

Where to Rent Bikes in Sedona

• There are several bike shops in Sedona, AZ that each offer a great line up of mountain bike rentals.  Rentals range from $40 to $100 per day.
  • Thunder Mountain carries the hottest line up of mountain bikes from several amazing brands like Evil, Ibis, Revel, Santa Cruz, Intense and more.  Their location downtown Sedona is convenient to the Western Gateway, Dry Creek and Carroll Canyon trail networks.
  • Sedona Bike and Bean rents bikes right in Oak Creek Village and grab a latte from them pre-ride
  • Or take the guesswork out of where to go and join a guided mountain bike tour, plus get some tips to improve your riding with the experts at Sedona Mountain Bike Academy!

Where to Camp

The options for free camping have dwindled lately, due to overcrowding, abuse and lack of LNT.  Road 525 is the closest to town, and still has some options but they are limited.  Make sure it stays open by sticking to one of the established parking/camping spots and practicing Leave No Trace principles!

Other Outdoor Activities in Sedona

• Hiking opportunities are endless, and the views are spectacular no matter where you go.  Book a guided hike to explore the best spots with a local expert.
• Cool off with a kayak tour or rental and paddle the desert oasis of the Verde River

Best Time to Visit Sedona

• Spring and fall are the best times to visit, it’s very hot in the summer
• Winter can be a great time to ride too, temps are usually in the 50s in Dec/Jan and up to the 60s by February – it’s also the best time to save money on hotels and other accommodation

Wydaho – Victor and Driggs, ID + Alta, Wyoming

The quieter western side of the Tetons is home to some of the best mountain biking, hiking and paddling in the area.  Even better, the crowds dissipate once you cross the pass from Jackson.  Summer opens up the incredible lift-served biking trails at Grand Targhee resort.  Victor is known as the ‘wild west’ of mountain biking, with trails that start near town and stretch into the Big Hole mountains.  The Big Holes offer a ton of varied riding opportunities and are known for their wild, rugged nature.

Must Ride Trails 

• Grand Targhee trails – (All skill levels)
  • Lift serviced downhill runs plus great cross-country trails in Alta, WY on the west side of the Tetons
  • Ride: all of them. For a great XC ride, get to 38 special and ride it up to Peaked and come back down. The views up 38 special are pretty dang magnificent
  • Chairlift access, trails for all ability levels and lots of XC riding options
• Phillips Ridge to Phillips Canyon loop (Intermediate to Advanced riders only)
  • This is a gnarly loop that offers gorgeous views in the Victor/Wilson area. A nice long climb ascending 2300’ with some technical descending areas thrown in.
• Horseshoe Canyon trails in Driggs (Intermediate)
  • Flowy trails in the Big Hole mountains to the west of Driggs

Wydaho is Best Known For

• These towns that straddle the border of Wyoming and Idaho are some of the best mountain bike towns around.
• Remote riding that is easily accessible but please do know that you’re in grizzly country, check out this article to make sure you’re prepared and aware

Where to Rent Bikes

• On the mountain – Grand Targhee at the Habitat Bike Shop

Where to Camp

• Grand Targhee Resort – It’s not free, it’s $20 to camp in their lot, but it’s ride in/ride out!  We recommend calling ahead to make a reservation.
• The Big Eddie Campground
  • Free campground on the Teton River outside of Driggs
  • If you camp here, consider riding the Horse Shoe area trails if you have ridden all the other great stuff
  • This is a prime moose habitat, respect their space and enjoy these majestic animals

Other Outdoor Activities

• Visit Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park
• Rafting the renowned Snake River
• Paddling the Teton River
• Hiking the Tabletop mountain, it’s an incredible hike that gets you close to the Tetons from the backside
• Skiing/snowboarding at Targhee in winter is unbelievable!

Best Vime to Visit

June to late-September (check snow conditions at Targhee if riding in May)

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Sun Valley / Ketchum, ID

Pros	Cons
Lots of free camping options	You’ll want to move to Idaho
Off the beaten path	Your family will never come to visit you because they think Idaho is just potatoes
Many miles of incredible riding in Sun Valley	Hard to get to
Lift serviced trails at Sun Valley resort
The views…

 

Sun Valley is the perfect adventure spot for mountain bikers of all abilities! Whether it’s your first time trying it or you’re an experienced rider, Sun Valley has a trail for you! The best time to visit Sun Valley for mountain biking is absolutely during the summer months – summer is trail time.

Must Ride Trails in Sun Valley

• Bald Mountain DH park (Intermediate to advanced)
  • Chairlift access
• Adams Gulch (Options range beginner to intermediate/advanced)
  • Can ride straight out from town
• See our Sun Valley Mountain Bike Trail Guide
• Other Sun Valley considerations:
  • If you have time, head up to Galena Lodge and ride the Galena Grinder IMBA epic system there, it’s amazing! Lots of flowy trails and some backcountry feel options as well
  • If you have even more time, head further up to Stanley, ID. Ohh, and hit Fisher Creek Loop on the way

Sun Valley / Ketchum is Best Known For

• Remote trails with few people
• Sun Valley mountain resort
• Great rafting, hiking, hot springs, and more biking just north in Stanley, Idaho

Where to Rent Bikes

This town has a bunch of bike shop options, we recommend Elephant’s Perch and Backwoods Mountain Sports

Where to Camp

Were do we begin… there are so many options:

• Lake Creek Road – closest to town and unbeatable scenery: farther up the road is 16-day free camping
• Trail Creek Rd
• Warm Springs Canyon

Other Outdoor Activities in Sun Valley

• Paddling Redfish Lake – it’s touristy but worth it
• Rafting the Salmon River in Stanley, ID
• Hiking options abound in the wilderness surrounding Ketchum

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Bellingham, WA

Pros	Cons
One mountain, all the trails that you need	”Perfect” riding season is short
Great PNW riding conditions in the summer	Wet most of the year
Visiting PNW bike brands like Kona and Transition that let you rent a bike for the day!	Lack of free camping options

 

Bellingham has a world class mountain biking destination with over 65 miles of singletrack – Galbraith Mountain.  Take a guided mountain bike tour from local experts, Dig Deep Tours, to ensure you hit the best trails during your stay!

Must Ride Trails in Bellingham

Galbraith Mountain

• All of the trails. Yes… all of them! They are incredible.  Mostly Intermediate/Advanced trails

Bellingham is Best Known For

The trails in Bellingham are known for their technical features built into the awesome PNW dirt. Lots of ladder bridges, rock drops, but enough trail for anyone to enjoy regardless of rider ability. Best suited for intermediate for advanced riders however.

Renting Bikes & Guided Adventures

• Transition Bikes – the company headquarters. Go visit them and tell Blake we said hello. The whole crew here is awesome, you get to ride their latest bikes and the money goes to local trail systems.
• We highly recommend you make the most of your time and take a guided mountain bike tour from local experts, Dig Deep Tours

Where to Camp

The Dollar Lot just outside of Galbraith Mtn.  Find out if you can still camp here before you show up with your rig (we heard it may have changed since we were there). It’s at the base of the Galbraith mountain and when we visited, it was $10/night and there is nothing better than riding out of camp to hit the Galbraith trails. If you get in trouble, we didn’t tell you about this.

Other Outdoor Activities in Bellingham

• Paddle boarding in Puget Sound – SUP tours and lessons for beginners and experts alike!
• Visit Canada, heck, you’re close enough to Vancouver and even Whistler downhill park (one of our 10 best downhill parks!)

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Bend, OR

Pros	Cons
Ride right out of town	More city than a town
Camp right off the trail network	Trails can be dusty without the right moisture, high desert conditions
Downhill options at Mt. Bachelor
Breweries and awesome food options

 

Bend is no longer a secret… but that certainly doesn’t mean that it should be overlooked.  In fact, it’s one of the best mountain biking destinations out there!  Plus, it’s an amazing location along the Deschutes River on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range make it a prime destination for paddling, hiking, skiing, and more.  It’s also known for its many tasty microbreweries – so finish off your ride with a cold one!

Must Ride Trails in Bend

• Phils Trail System
  • So much to choose from here, for all levels – beginner to advanced
• Our Bend Mountain Bike Trail Guide details all of our favorite rides!

Where to Camp

Forest Road 300 Deschutes National Forest – you are camped practically on top of the mountain bike trails – Ride on/ Ride off!

Where to Rent Bikes

Project Bike is one of the coolest bike shops as they are a full on demo shop

Bend is Best Known For

Although it is not as small as some of the other towns on our list and could technically be on a ‘city’ list, (it does have a Whole Foods after all), Bend is one of the most outdoorsy towns in the country. In addition to hundreds of miles of fantastic riding close to town, Bend has tons of great microbreweries, restaurants and the Deschutes River running right through town.

Other Outdoor Activities in Bend

• Paddling the Deschutes River
• Visiting Newberry National Monument

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North Georgia: Ellijay, GA / Blue Ridge, GA / Dahlonega, GA

Pros	Cons
Much less crowded than popular trails out west	Hot and humid summers
Some of the best XC trails in the country. Yes, we said it	Limited free camping options
Long riding season, anytime from March to November or early December	Slippery when wet and can be wet often. Lots of roots and rocks

 

North Georgia has some pretty sick singletrack – rolling hills, thick forests and long ridges make it a premier mountain biking destination in the Southeast.  There are fantastic trail options right in the heart of Atlanta and all the way north through the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching through North Carolina and Tennessee.

Must Ride Trails in North Georgia

• Ellijay, GA
  • Pinhoti 1, 2 and 3: Intermediate riding through classic north Georgia scenery
• Blue Ridge, GA
  • Aska trail system: 17 miles of more great intermediate/advanced riding with up to 3200 feet of climbing (that’s a lot for Georgia!)
    • Green Mountain Loop or Flat creek loop – fantastic Intermediate trail options at Aska
    • Stanley Gap – Advanced
      • This is a tough climb that doesn’t give any breaks until you’re at the top, which makes for an incredibly rewarding downhill as well
• Dahlonega, GA
  • Bull and Jake Mountain IMBA Epic – Intermediate trails with great flow, scenic vistas over the north Georgia mountains and ripping downhills

North Georgia is Best Known For

These are the best mountain bike towns in North Georgia, and are easy 2-3 hour drives from the capital of Atlanta.  They feature great cross country and trail riding, lots of roots and rocks, stream crossings and beautiful dense forests. Be prepared for humid summers!

Where to Rent Bikes

Cartecay Bikes in Ellijay

Where to Camp

• Ellijay: Mulberry gap is your best bet. It caters to mountain bikers camping, is right near the trail network, and you’ll be surrounded by riders!
• Blue Ridge: Morgantown Point Campground
• Dahlonega: Jake Mountain parking lot (free!) has a few camping spots, not in the main parking, take the road to the right of the parking lot

Other Outdoor Activities in North Georgia

• Whitewater rafting at the Ocoee River
• Paddling Lake Blue Ridge
• Incredible hiking – especially when the leaves change in the fall!

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are perfect in the South. Summer is hot, but the trails are very shaded so if you are used to the heat, it’s manageable.  The fall colors in the southeast are a big attraction but know that pine needles and leaves can make the trails slippery at times. But you got this!

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Bentonville/Bella Vista Arkansas

Pros	Cons
Quaint town with world class microbreweries, restaurants, boutiques and miles upon miles of singletrack	Arkansas can be off-the-beaten path for outdoor enthusiasts
Year-round riding	Limited free camping options
Singletrack trails less than a 2 minute pedal from town	Not really a “mountain town”
Thoughtfully planned trails that make use of space extremely well

 

Bentonville is now known for more than just Walmart.  It’s award-winning mountain bike trails are attracting more and more riders every year.  This small Arkansas city has some of the best singletrack in the country now. Several members of the Walton family are passionate mountain bikers, and their Foundation helped to build the fantastic trail network.

Best Biking Trails in Bentonville/Bella Vista

The great thing about the various sections of purpose-built singletrack in the Bentonville area is that there are trails for all levels.

• The Back 40 Loop (Intermediate):  The nearby town of Bella Vista has 40 total miles of “back country” singletrack and it’s famous for its long climbs and descents.  Twenty miles of the Back 40 singletrack makes up the Back 40 loop. It can be ridden either way and is family-friendly and great for kids.  Counter-clockwise is the best option for more advanced riders due to the exposure and technical riding on The Ledges section. The rest of the ride is mostly cross-country with some rollers, berms and flow as well as a “hanging bridge”, waterfall and other scenery.
• The Coler Network (All Levels): 17 miles of well designed trails with a variety of terrain – from green kid-friendly trails to black diamond rated rocky, technical runs.  All of the trails start from a central trailhead and connect back to the bottom, making it a great place for groups of varying levels to ride.  Rock Solid is a rocky, technical trail to test out your demo bike… and your skills.
• The Slaughter Pen (All Levels): these are some of the legendary, original trails in the Bentonville area.  Start with the beginner-friendly All-American trail – a fun and flowy trail features optional ladder bridges, rollers and berms and is a great intro to the area. Trails available for all levels of riders.

Where to Rent Bikes

Visit Phat Tire Bike Shop for your Bentonville biking trip. With a collection ranging from mountain bikes to cruiser bikes starting at $38, Phat Tike Bike Shop has got you covered. They also have an incredible 4.9 star Google rating because of their awesome customer service.

Bentonville is Best Known For

• The home of Walmart
• The many different organizations that came together to build these fantastic mountain bike trails in record time

Where to Camp in Bentonville

Blowing Springs Campground – it’s ride in/ride out to the Back 40 trails!

Other Outdoor Things to Do in Bentonville

• Exploring the Crystal Bridges art trail – ½ mile dog-friendly walk with outdoor sculptures and native plants
• Arkansas road trip to explore the singletrack at 53 state parks that are developing mountain bike trails throughout Arkansas
• Hiking Tanyard Creek Nature Trail

Best Time to Visit Bentonville

You can ride here year-round!  Spring is the busiest season, and summer brings cooler temperatures than some other well known biking destinations, so is a great time to visit if you aren’t a fan of the heat.

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Asheville & Brevard, North Carolina

Pros	Cons
Asheville is home to more breweries per capital than any city in the US!	Tourism traffic in summer
Asheville is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, with some of the best biking, paddling, rafting, hiking, backpacking and climbing on the east coast.	Not much free camping, but tons of paid camping spots
We love Asheville’s funky hipster vibe and it’s arts district.

 

Asheville is a truly incredible gem of the Southeast.  It’s outdoor recreation can’t be beat – it’s surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, many National Forests and opportunities for almost every outdoor activity you can imagine.  The city itself has a very artsy vibe and is filled with great restaurants, cocktail bars, eclectic shopping, art galleries and microbreweries.

Asheville is quickly gaining traction in the MTB scene thanks to its plethora of incredible trails that bring bikers to it’s lush green forests, flowy singletrack and scenic Blue Ridge views.  Popular mountain bike networks such as Pisgah and DuPont are located just 15 minutes away from downtown Asheville.

Best Biking Trails in Asheville

• Pisgah National Forest – Pisgah is known for its advanced, technical riding with plenty of roots, rocks and gnarly stuff.  This National Forest covers 500,000 acres with 3 trailheads: Bent Creek, Mills River and Davidson River.
  • Bent Creek is the closest to Asheville and it’s a great place to start a trip to Pisgah to get a feel for the trails before continuing further into the more remote sections.  There isn’t a ton of beginner trails in Pisgah, but most are located near the Bent Creek trailhead.  Advanced riders will also find various trails with climbs and some technical features.
  • Mills River is south of Bent Creek and has the most trails of any section of Pisgah.  We highly recommend 2 different loops here: Fletcher Creek and Laurel Mountain. These trails have more of a backcountry feel to them because the area is less developed.
  • Davidson River is the most popular recreation area in Pisgah.  The trails closest to the main highway are the busiest, and the farther you venture, the more solitude you will find.  You will find a variety of singletrack and doubletrack here that is technical, rocky and steep. In this section you can ride to and explore Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock.
• Dupont State Forest features almost 100 miles of trails for all levels across the 10,000 acre forest.  One of the most unique features of Dupont is the opportunity for slickrock riding. Not many trails can boast slickrock outside of Moab, but Dupont has a fantastic network of trails where riders can bike over and across these large granite rock domes, visit 4 beautiful waterfalls and ride through the dense Southeast foliage.

Asheville is Best Known For

• Biltmore
• Pisgah National Forest
• Mountains-to-Sea Trail
• Blue Ridge Mountains

Where to Rent Bikes

For repairs and rentals, stop by Asheville Bike Company.

If you want to rent closer to the riding destinations, you’re better off renting in Brevard from The Hub or Sycamore Cycles

For a guided adventure or lessons, you can also check out The Bike Farm, bonus…they have camping options as well.

Where to Camp

• There are a few dispersed sites in the Mills River area of the Pisgah National Forest – make sure they are the designated sites, camping is not allowed anywhere!
• Davidson River campground or Bent Creek campground are great places to set up camp and explore the nearby trails

Other Outdoor Activities in Asheville

• Kayaking, canoeing, tubing, SUP and whitewater rafting one of the country’s oldest rivers, the French Broad
• Guided hiking, backpacking and camping opportunities galore in the Blue Ridge Mountains including Pisgah and Dupont

Best Time to Visit Asheville

Asheville blooms from March to May. The mild temperatures around these months are ideal for outdoor activities. May is also Asheville’s festival month. Summer is also a great time to take a reprieve from the South’s hot summer days in the cooler mountains surrounding Asheville – but it’s definitely busier.

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Copper Harbor, Michigan

Pros	Cons
Copper Harbor trail network is an IMBA designated Silver Level Ride Center	Can be off the beaten path (but this may be a Pro too!)
Western-like riding experience dubbed “the BC of the Midwest”	Not a ton of true beginner terrain (but they are adding more)
Rugged Lake Superior shoreline riding and views

 

Copper Harbor is Michigan’s northernmost community, a small village that sits on a protruding peninsula deep into the clear blue waters of Lake Superior.  It has world famous mountain biking and sea kayaking, and is the takeoff point for a trip to Isle Royale National Park, an archipelago of wilderness in Lake Superior.

The Best Biking Trails in Copper Harbor

• The majority of the trails at Copper Harbor are rated intermediate – check out the popular Garden Brook (3 miles) and Woopidy Woo (2.5 miles) trails, or the longer Keweenaw Point trail (5.5 miles)
• For experienced riders, hit up Overflow and Flying Squirrel.  Or try out the more technical trails like Red Trail and Paul’s Plunge.

Copper Harbor  is Best Known For

• It’s beautiful location on a rugged peninsula jutting out into Lake Superior
• Gateway to Isle Royale National Park
• Mountain biking mecca
• Year-round outdoor activities

Where to Rent Bikes

Keweenaw Adventure Company is a highly rated outfitter that provides mountain biking rentals and tours.  They also offer sea kayaking tours and rentals on Lake Superior and Isle Royale National Park.

Where to Camp

• Trails End Campground – rates start at $10 a night. Just 2 minutes away from downtown.
• Fort Wilkins Historic State Park – nightly rate starts at $30. The park is only 2 minutes away from Copper Harbor city center.

Other Outdoor Activities in Copper Harbor

• Sea kayaking on Lake Superior
• Isle Royale National Park – backcountry hiking, camping, swimming

Best Time to Visit Copper Harbor

The weather from June to September is the perfect season for biking, hiking and camping.  Winter months offer great skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking opportunities!

Map of Top Mountain Biking Towns

Leave No Trace Mountain Biking

No matter which awesome mountain biking town you choose, make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles, and recreate responsibly outdoors to ensure our wild areas stay pristine for generations to come.