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You want to know what the best problem in the world is? We could NEVER list every world class trail within 2 hours of Johnson City! Hundreds of miles of some of the best riding blankets the mountains in every direction. While we can't list them all, below are some of the most epic to get you started.
We highly recommend using MTB Project online and on your phone when riding in our area. The free app is not only a great way to get to know your new favorite trail, but also allows you to download your routes ahead of time, read reviews, get trail conditions, and of course map your route along the way.
DuPont State Forest - Brevard, NC
Easily one of our favorite places to ride...EVER, these routes include some of the best DuPont has to offer. You'll have to work at it with the climbs throughout, however the world class views and leg burning elevation makes it all worth it and then some...in short, you get to put miles on one of the most impressive trail systems in the states.
Pisgah National Forest - West NC
How could we possibly sum up one of the highest-rated mountain bike trail destinations in the US in one trail (turns out...we can't)???? You could spend a week riding trails here and still have a cheesy grin on your face...with miles left to ride. But if you are looking for "the Pisgah experience" filled with some serious challenges, you have to check these epic routes off your list.
Lake James State Park - Nebo, NC
While new-school in design, the trails at Lake James State Park provide a back-country experience with an open feel and solid mileage for any level of rider. These trails are closed by the park staff when impacted by weather. If it has rained within 24 hours, be sure to check the trail status at the top of the Lake James State Park website before you go.
Rocky Knob Bike Park - Boone, NC
Rocky Knob Park (RKP) is a 185-acre county park located just east of the town of Boone, NC. With over nine miles of trail (including four skills areas), Rocky Knob contains some of the most beautiful, unique, destination-quality MTB terrain around.
Warriors Creek (Kerr Scott) - Wilkesboro, NC
Kerr Scott represents the evolution of over ten years of purpose-built MTB trailbuilding. Along the way there are rock gardens, bridges, tons of in-sloped turns, and great lake views. Often it's more than JUST BERMS; Warrior creek also contains several "super-stacks" of berms and banked turns that are likely to provide the most memorable part of your ride.
Knoxville Urban Wilderness - Knoxville, TN
Trails....in Knoxville? You bet, and they are so freaking fun! This is the shortest version of the Urban Wilderness loop in Knoxville, TN. This loop gives a taste of the over 30 miles of trails in the system. All trails are only 2-4 miles from downtown Knoxville.
The trails offer something for everyone. There are rock gardens, buff singletrack, paved greenways, and gravel doubletrack.
The trails offer something for everyone. There are rock gardens, buff singletrack, paved greenways, and gravel doubletrack.
Tsali Recreational Area - Almond, NC
Tsali Left Loop and Tsali Right Loop are combined to produce this 24 mile ride. Mountain bikers have been visiting Tsali Recreation Area for years to experience all of what these trails have to offer: amazing singletrack and beautiful views of Fontana Lake and the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. Be prepared to enjoy the views for a bit...trust us on this one, it's a keeper.
Flag Rock - Norton, VA
Flag Rock Recreation Area is located three miles above downtown Norton on the lower slopes of High Knob. The thousand-acre park includes 25 developed acres and a variety of outdoor adventures. The parks main feature is the Flag Rock overlook which offers a spectacular view of Flag Rock and the city below. The park also has several picnic shelters and camping areas.
Fire Mountain - Cherokee, NC
This is a new trail system built by Trail Dynamics, sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It has excellent flow and most switchbacks are bermed to keep speed and momentum with super radius and curvatures. Most trails are easy to intermediate with one "Advanced" segment.
Bent Creek Experimental Forest - Asheville, NC
Just outside of Asheville, Bent Creek has a ton of trails to offer...this route is the SORBA beginners loop that has everything a beginner rider needs to be introduced to, such as roots, rocks, off-camber, jumps, berms, and creek crossings. A great place to progress your skills, and of course hit up all that Asheville has to offer on the way home!
Paint Mountain - Greenville, TN
Steep, technical and remote. Located on the North Carolina, Tennessee border this is a true gem that is starting to get more recognition as a riding destination for mountain bikers from the Knoxville, Tn and Asheville, NC looking for a more remote trail experience. A mix of mostly steep, narrow singletrack that hangs on the side of the mountain with a more technical mix of rock strewn trail on the east side of Lone Pine Gap. Highly recommended for more experienced riders who love true old style, rugged singletrack.
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