You don’t have to go to the most popular mountain biking trails to have fun. There are plenty of off-the-radar trails around the country that offer both challenges and fun. The trails span several states, including ones in Kentucky, Arkansas, and North Carolina. Let’s take a closer look at the ones worth checking out.
Skullbuster Trail System in Lexington, KY
Located in Lexington, KY, the Skullbuster Trail System is a trail network built by volunteers with a technical singletrack and active MTB clubs nearby. The trail is described as a tight intermediate trail with copious roots and rocks to keep you focused. The system spans about 11.7 miles with a 842′ low elevation and a 1,006′ high elevation. The average grade is about 3%, and the max grade is 14%. It features a good mix of intermediate and beginner terrain.
Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville, AR
This mountain biking trail system is growing quickly with NWA’s push to become one of the top mountain biking destinations. It’s a top destination for locals to get out into the middle of nowhere while still only being a few miles out of town. Some recommended routes include the Kessler Beginner’s Loop and the Kessler Loop via Trent Trail. The first route is actually considered intermediate level, while the second one is between intermediate and difficult.
Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, NC
Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina offers world-class riding with an underdog spirit. The area offers 482 miles of trail, including 26 easy routes, 93 intermediate trails, and 70 difficult trails. The trails are located in different parts of the forest. For example, Bent Creek Experimental Forest has 43 trails, while Avery Creek has 27. Some of the lesser-known areas include Black Balsam and the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, which both have one trail. The Black Mountain Trail is the highest-rated trail on the MTB Project.
Coldwater Mountain in AL
The Coldwater Mountain trail system is professionally built, but boasts a relatively quiet flow. It has a cult following, however. The trail system offers something for everyone, including red-dirt trails in the backcountry and scenic beginner trails. The primary trail type is all-mountain and downhill. There are about 35-40 miles of singletrack with routes ranging from easy to difficult. You can access the main trailhead off Coldwater Road in Anniston, AL.
Mission Creek and Piedmont Trails in Duluth, MN
These trails are gaining traction for scenic and challenging rides that make some serious elevation. Both are in roughly the same area, and some have views of the St. Louis River. Mission Creek trails are known for a more even flow of long climbs and descents, while the Piedmont trails are known for rocks and challenging terrain. Mission Creek is a 23-mile network of trails. The Piedmont area is generally not a beginner’s system with plenty of jumps, rocks, and drops for advanced riders.
Brown County, IN
About an hour from Columbus, IN, the trails here have top-rated singletrack systems that are often overshadowed by national parks. Brown County covers nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills and foggy ridges. There are about 17 mountain bike trails here and 23 e-bike trails. Some of the trails here have fairly high difficulty, like Hesitation Point and Limekiln West. Sometimes the trails get extremely muddy and have to be closed.