Looking to explore pristine, untouched trails on two wheels? Whether you are into single speed, downhill, or cross country rides, pack your bags and get ready for the ride of your life on the mountain biking trails in Smyth County, Virginia.
Smyth County provides a great base camp for mountain biking, putting you within 45 minutes of multiple trail systems that include numerous ride options that can give the whole family an entry-level ride or occupy you all day long. We’ve consulted our local mountain biking enthusiasts for the inside scoop on some of the best single-track trails the eastern United States has to offer. Add each of these trails to your bucket list, and be prepared to come back again and again.
State Park Biking Trails for Beginners and Beyond:
First-time riders to Smyth County will find plenty of options for their biking adventures at Hungry Mother State Park. Containing more than 12 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails, beginners will want to start on the half-mile Clyburn Hollow Trail, rated as easy. This established trail travels through the cool shady forest along the creek’s edge, which it occasionally crosses. More experienced riders will love the challenge of riding this loop along with the Clyburn Ridge Loop as a figure 8 with this trail as a connector. Offering a beautiful lake lookout along the way with tough climbs and plenty of rollers, this hard packed surface trail will be sure to make any rider smile. Once you’ve conquered this ride, be sure to come back and experience the other trails this park has to offer.
Locals Love This Mountain Biking Trail:
Explore the more rugged terrain in the mountains of Virginia for an exhilarating experience aboard a mountain bike in Smyth County. The next featured trail ride is a closely guarded secret the locals want to keep to themselves, and will have you splashing through creeks in an untouched forest. The Bear Creek to Crawfish ride is located in Atkins, VA, and local enthusiast Tom Graham says of the ride: “It’s like you’re creating your own trail on this Old Forest Service path. There’s a little bit of everything!” You’ll cross over the Appalachian Trail on this steady climb up, dropping back down for a fun out and back spur. With creek crossings over a dozen times, don’t expect to leave this ride with dry feet!
Dont’ Miss this Technical Trail with a Swimming Hole:
Every pedal stroke of this next ride will leave you feeling on top of the world. Satisfy your need for technical features on the single-track trail of Rowland Falls to Jerry’s Creek. The ride begins with a relentless climb, but you’ll be rewarded along the way with a 100-foot cascading waterfall with an awesome swimming hole about a mile in. Strap your helmet back on after enjoying the break, and finish the highly technical climb. The last 4.5 miles of this 12.5 mile ride will have you rolling downhill to a satisfying finish after taking in the beauty of untouched forest and water crossings.
Cross Country Road Biking in Smyth County:
Road bikes can come along for the ride in Smyth County too! Locally referred to as the Old Route 76 trail, you’ll find a ride full of gorgeous scenery from Sugar Grove to Rural Retreat. Established in 1982 as an original U.S. Bicycle Route, this east-west route stretches 555 miles from Yorktown to Breaks Interstate Park. It is a part of the TransAmerica Trail, and you’ll have the chance to pass over the Appalachian and Virginia Creeper Trails on this cross-country ride.
Smyth County Mountain Biking Resources:
Dean’s Bikes, offering service and bike repair from an old school pro with hometown hospitality: (276) 783-5760
White Blaze Outdoors, trail guide and shuttle service, now offering bike repair and rentals in Marion: https://whiteblazeoutdoors.com/
