The Roanoke Region of Virginia is the Mountain Bike Capital of the East Coast … and for good reason. The caliber of riding is hard to match and local riders, businesses, governments, economic developers, and tourism folks are taking notice.
“Carvins Cove might be the best trail system in the East, and it is just the tip of the iceberg for Roanoke mountain biking. The riding in Roanoke compares well to the most famous trails in the U.S.” — Steve Powers, local rider, trail builder, and college professor
Want to get in on the action? Here’s how our region has not only embraced the mountain biking culture, but is actively working to make it even better.
The region is home to multiple trail systems — Mill Mountain Park, Explore Park, Douthat State Park, Poverty Creek, and Carvins Cove to name a few — that include multiple ride options that can give you a short half-hour ride or occupy you all day long. Add each of these areas to your bucket list, check them off one at a time, and be prepared to come back again and again.
And we’re not ashamed to say the region is home to a few stand-alone epic trails for more experienced riders. Try Patterson Mountain, Arcadia Up and Over, Dragon’s Back, and Dody Ridge for starters. (These classic rides are not for the faint at heart.) Note that some are one-way rides, so consider a shuttle and plan in advance.
The best way to keep up with mountain biking events is to check the calendar. (And if you host an event, listings are free!)
One that you might want to try is the Thursday Night Special, a social ride that happens twice each month, starting at Roanoke Mountain Adventures and ending with a cold beverage on the patio. The leaves from RMA at 5:30, heads to Mill Mountain via the Greenway and then to the Star. All ability levels welcome, but keep in mind Mill Mountain is mostly intermediate trail. Riders will be back at the shop around 7 p.m., feel free to bring refreshments if you’d like to hang out post ride! Call in advance at 540-525-8295 if you need to rent a bike.
Mountain biking only looks intimidating, but it’s not! Berm Peak Express has a great video guide (below) that answers all of the questions you are too embarrassed to ask. (Give it a watch; you’ll probably learn something new.)
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