Eastern and Central States
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You might think of mountain biking as a young sport — it hasn't been around that long and many of its most avid adherents are high-school and college age — but some of the sport's most satisfying rides have an element of history about them.
Old mining roads, abandoned logging routes, and dismantled railway grades have been converted into some classic rides that shouldn't be missed, especially when there's some singletrack thrown in here and there. In our ongoing search for the best places for fat-tire fanatics, we've discovered some delightful examples of areas especially rich in history that we'd like to share.
Photo Credit: Paul Gallaher
Back east, you won't find territory more inviting than that around Slatyfork, West Virginia. The deep green forests, ridges, and valleys of the Allegheny Mountains here are all part of the Monongahela National Forest, a biker-friendly place just bursting with singletrack. The riding here is varied, too, making it an ideal destination for families or groups of riders with varying levels of expertise. Folks looking for scenic views without all of the climbing can avail themselves of shuttle services, or they can try the popular Greenbrier River Trail, a path converted from an old rail grade.
Trails originally traveled by gold-rush-era miners twist all through the haunting Black Hills of South Dakota, and bikers are beginning to rediscover these scenic and challenging trails. The opportunities for exploring are especially rich around Custer, a small town in the Black Hills National Forest that's also within easy driving distance of Custer State Park. Here you'll find history — teepee rings, petroglyphs, arrowhead-making sites, ghost mines, and ghost towns — intermingled with the natural beauty of dramatic granite spires and towering pines.
Though they're quite different from the jagged, rocky peaks of Colorado, the Green Mountains of Vermont offer their own special mellow magic to visiting cyclists. Here you'll find yourself on old mill roads through hardwood forests, which can be especially spectacular in fall when the leaves practically burst with bright colors. And when the day of riding is over, make your home base at a quaint village inn, amongst rustic
homes and covered bridges.
Each of these places has a unique mix of characteristics that make it especially inviting to bikers, but all share a couple of elements — an abundance of trail-rich public land and an active and friendly mountain-biking community. Remember, however, that controversies often arise as places begin to become more popular with bikers, especially when local trails are also used by hikers and horseback riders. So take care to obey rules of trail courtesy, and help ensure that bikers continue to be welcomed with open arms in these emerging hot spots.
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