The best MTB trails around New River

The New River region offers a diverse range of terrain for mountain biking. You'll find everything from smooth, flowy singletrack to more technical rocky sections and steep descents. The area's mountainous geography, carved by the ancient New River, provides varied elevation changes and a mix of forest paths and open ridgelines.

Yes, New River has trails suitable for beginners. Approximately half of the routes in the area are rated as easy. For instance, the Sidewinder Trail loop from Desert Hills is an easy 11.8 km path, and the Go John Trail Loop is another easy option, often completed in under an hour.

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is rich in natural beauty. You can expect breathtaking landscapes, including the dramatic New River Gorge itself, and views of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Trails often pass through lush old-growth forests, and you might encounter features like the Nuttall Sandstone cliffs or even historic mine sites. Many routes lead to stunning overlooks, such as those found on the Long Point Trail, offering panoramic views of the gorge and river.

Yes, the New River region offers several family-friendly mountain biking options, particularly those designed for beginners. The Arrowhead Trails System, for example, includes easier, smooth, and twisty loops like the Clovis trail, which are great for families. Many of the 17 easy routes available in the area are suitable for riders of varying skill levels, making them ideal for family outings.

Parking is available at various trailheads throughout the New River area. A popular starting point and hub for mountain bikers is the Arrowhead Bike Farm, which offers convenient access to the Arrowhead Trails System. For routes like the Apache Wash Trail – Sidewinder Trail loop, specific horse trailer parking is also indicated, suggesting ample space for vehicles.

The mountain bike trails in New River are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, which offers a good mix of challenges and flow, as well as the stunning natural scenery of the gorge and surrounding forests. The variety of trails, from easy to difficult, is also a common highlight.

Yes, the Arrowhead Trails System is specifically designed for mountain biking, offering over 13 miles of singletrack. It features stacked loops like the Clovis, Adena, and Dalton trails, providing varied experiences from smooth and twisty to more technical and rocky. The Fayetteville Trail System also offers a comprehensive network connecting forests, ridgelines, and river views.

Absolutely. The New River Gorge is rich in history, particularly its coal-mining past. Trails like the Headhouse Trail lead to the historic Nuttal coal mine, and the Kaymoor Trail runs through the gorge to historic mine sites. You can find remnants of the coal boom era along various trails, offering a unique blend of outdoor activity and historical exploration.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Badger Sidewinder Ocotillo Loop is a moderate 30.7 km trail that takes nearly 3 hours to complete, featuring varied singletrack and rolling terrain. Another substantial option is the Apache Wash Trail – Sidewinder Trail loop, which is 32.2 km long and includes significant elevation changes.

Yes, the area around New River features several natural monuments and points of interest. You can explore areas like the Deem Hills Recreation Area, the Jewel of the Creek, and the Desert Enclave Preserve. These locations offer additional opportunities to experience the region's unique natural environment.

The New River region offers vibrant blooms in spring and colorful foliage in the fall, making these seasons particularly scenic for mountain biking. While specific trail conditions vary, the diverse ecosystems and varied topography ensure a beautiful experience across much of the year. It's always advisable to check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Many trails in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offer stunning views of the New River. The Thurmond-Southside Trail, an old railway route, runs directly along the river, providing continuous scenic views. The Long Point Trail also leads to a spectacular overlook of the gorge, the New River, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.