In Virginia State Parks, you’ll find
- More than 55 miles of biking and mountain biking trails.
- About 138 miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Around 256 miles of multiuse trails for bikers, hikers and horseback riders.
From relaxing rides with the kids on training wheels to hand-cycle friendly routes to challenging trails for your full suspension mountain bike, Virginia State Parks have the right bike trails for you.
See information on the allowed use of some types of e-bikes (PDF).
Challenging mountain bike trails
- Millstone Trail – A 5-mile, singletrack, black diamond trail with two wood skinnies and several rock gardens. The trail, which follows the terrain of Pocahontas State Park, has several steep climbs and downhills.
- Morel Ravine – Also in Pocahontas, along with Box Turtle, Little West Virginia and Tall Oaks, this is part of the Morgan Trail System. The 2.1-mile trail uses ravines to create several halfpipes. It’s packed with log overs, optional rock gardens, steep climbs and skinnies. Ride the entire Morgan Trail System for maximum challenge.
- Marl Ravine Trail – The 6-mile, singletrack trail in York River State Park is for advanced riders only. Twists and turns follow steep ravines cut into ancient shell deposits from the Tertiary Period when the entire area was underwater. The trail is occasionally steep and narrow with some overhanging obstructions. Riders should familiarize themselves with trail etiquette and rules of the road before attempting Marl Ravine Trail. Helmets are required.
- Sand Ridge Trail – This is a trek through untouched remote beach on the edge of the continent. False Cape State Park offers beaches, dunes, wooded swamps and marshes. Sand Ridge Trial is a 6.2-mile ride across sand. It’s not for beginners. Carry water; there are no water fountains. Trails are closed Nov. 1 – March 31.
- River Bank Trail – The 8.5-mile trail is hilly and difficult. Expect to share this multiuse trail with hikers and horses. The trail runs along Buggs Island Lake, the Dan River and the Staunton River, which gives the park its name. The views make the ride.
Moderate mountain bike trails include
- Allen’s Mountain Trail and Campbell’s Jump Trail – Stay on Allen’s Mountain for a challenging 3.2-mile ride or take Campbell’s Jump Trail to cut the ride down to a moderate 2.4-mile loop. Shenandoah River State Park has 24 miles of trails, of which more than 14 miles are multiuse.
- Cape Henry Trail – The only mountain bike trail at First Landing State Park, this trail is a great for introducing the family to biking, and then head over to the beach for a swim. At 6.1 miles, the trail is wide, flat, easily accessible and mostly shaded. Some sections are sandy so it still offers an occasional challenge.
- Gold Hill Trail – With 12 trails totaling more than 15 miles, Lake Anna State Park is popular. All but four of the trails are multiuse, wide and fairly easy for both narrow and knobby tires. At 3 miles, Gold Hill is the park’s longest trail and is a moderate ride to begin your day.
Easy trails offer miles of relaxing fun
- High Bridge Trail and New River Trail state parks are easy, family friendly, have little elevation change and a smooth gravel surface. With easy parking at multiple access points, each park is a wonderful place to casually enjoy an easy bike ride.
- Mason Neck has 3 miles of paved multiuse trails and rents bikes at the visitor center.
Know Before You Go
- RIDE SMART.
- Control your speed. Stay in control.
- Ride a trail several times to learn the features and check out your bike until you are confident to push your limits.
- Know your limits.
- Be aware of surroundings, especially on multiuse trails where you will encounter hikers and horseback riders. Hikers and equestrians have the right of way. Communicate your presence when approaching from behind. Pass with permission when it is safe to do so.
Parks with camping will make an area available for touring bicycle campers when regular campsites are sold out. Reservations for a full featured site are recommended, but bicyclists will not be turned away when campgrounds are full. This is the official policy (PDF).
