Regardless of your taste in biking, there is a trail out there for you. The key is to know the trail that is best for your level of riding and the type of trail you prefer. There are several options for you to choose from including trails that are more challenging and those that are easier.
Mississippi River Trail
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a serious bike ride, the Mississippi River Trail is a great destination. This 3,000-plus-mile bike route takes cyclists through the Mississippi Delta and Mississippi River region, and into the Gulf of Mexico.
Cyclists can start at Itasca State Park in Minnesota and follow the Mississippi River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Minnesota’s portion of the trail is more than 800 miles long. The trail links two state trails, 10 state parks, and scenic regional trails.
Bicyclists will also enjoy the Mississippi Coastal Heritage Trail, a 101-mile route that takes cyclists from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula, Mississippi. This scenic trail has several points of interest, including places to see live music, fresh seafood restaurants, and breweries. The trail is also equipped with dedicated bike lanes and shared road spaces.
Rocky Creek trails
Located between Tom’s Place and Paradise, this is one of the most popular mountain bike trails in the Eastern Sierra. It’s a multi-use trail that’s suitable for bicyclists, hikers and motorcyclists. The trails are a combination of singletrack, chunky pavement, and fast, twisty, and technical descents.
The trail follows Rock Creek closely, making it the perfect location for a mountain biker. The trail also follows the Tualatin River, which makes it ideal for walkers and runners. The trail is also multi-directional, allowing cyclists to travel both ways.
The trail is also a great destination for hikers, with many opportunities to see osprey and other wildlife. It’s also important to note that the trail is surrounded by a large area designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. This is because of the diversity of wildlife that inhabits the area.
Silver Mountain Bike Park
Located in the Bitter Root Mountains in Idaho, Silver Mountain has over 30 singletrack trails. This mountain bike park has been voted the top bike park in the Northwest for four years in a row. This bike park is great for novice and experienced riders.
The Silver Mountain trail crew has been working on improving existing trails. They are currently working on a new progression trail that will be one of a kind in the area. These trails will be built with multiple options for riders of different skill levels. It will be similar to the “Crank It Up” trail at Whistler.
Silver Mountain has over 3400 vertical feet of downhill mountain bike trails. The gondola is one of the longest in North America and gives riders access to the mountain.
Kadletz-Hayden trails
Located about 45 minutes from Sun Valley, Idaho, the Sun Valley Ridgeline Trail is an 11+/- mile point-to-point ride of varying difficulty levels. The trail is a mix of paved and dirt road with plenty of room for your two wheeled friends. Generally, the trails are open from late May through early December. The trails are maintained by the Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association (CIMBA).
While you’re at it, don’t forget to stop by the Mountain Bike Center, a bike shop and bike park that features a bevy of trails and gadgets. Among the many trails is the Kadletz-Hayden, the best of the bunch. The trail boasts a respectable 2+/- miles of single track and is well maintained. The trail is not as technical as it might sound.
Medicine Bow Rail-Trail
Located in southern Wyoming, the Medicine Bow Rail-Trail is a 21 mile, non-motorized pathway that winds through Medicine Bow National Forest. This trail offers a beautiful forested landscape that is suitable for mountain biking and hiking.
The trail passes by a number of lakes and ponds and skirts dozens of swamps and meadows. It has an average width of 10 feet, and a gentle incline/decline. It is considered to be one of the best rail-trail adventures in the U.S. During the summer months, the trail is open to hiking and cycling, but is closed during the fall and winter.
The trail is mostly dry, single track, and is ideal for both mountain and cycle-cross bikes. It is best to wear a drop seat post to keep the saddle out of the way when descending.
Powerhouse Gulch
Located in Salmon, Idaho, the Williams Creek Trail System offers 15 parking areas for mountain bikers. The trail is well-maintained and has some short, steep sections.
The Lower Log Jammin trail is one of the more challenging routes at Silver Mountain. It includes a road gap, wooden jumps, and a ladder bridge. The trail is also known for its sweeping, machine-groomered switchbacks.
The Meadow Loop is an easy 2.1 mile ride. It connects to the Waterline Trail, a short downhill section. It also has a number of other benefits, including some nice views. The trail also has a couple of creek crossings.
The Kadletz-Hayden trail is not a technical route, but it is also not a smooth ride. It also has the largest number of switchbacks of any trail in the area. The trail connects Kadletz Creek to Hayden Creek.