Bike Riding in the Great Mid-Atlantic States

The mid-Atlantic states are known for being fairly hilly and rocky. This makes for some really fun and challenging bike trails. Here are some of the finest in the area.

The bike trails of Hartwood Acres near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania have something for everyone. The experienced biker will have lots of fun on the technical climbs, switch backs, fast downhill slopes, and lots of log/root crossings. There are approximately 15 miles of trails including rock gardens that lead up to a gorgeous Tudor mansion available for exploration. There is a charge for touring the estate, but the trails are free of charge.

The Scioto Trail State Forest near Waverly City, Ohio has a number of long climbs with mainly gravel or dirt trails. There are many trails to choose from amounting to about 26 miles. Experienced bikers will find the technical trails a challenge. Be on the alert during your ride for hikers and horseback riders, as they also have access to these trails.

Freedom Park in Williamsburg,VA has 3 beautiful loop trails totaling about 5 miles in length. This particular bike trail is great for families. The trails are not especially difficult and there are so many historical sites to explore. Williamsburg is well known for the Revolutionary War reenactments which evokes a sense of colonial adventure. The bike paths have some historical obstacles and cool bridges to give the family the full experience.

Richwood, West Virginia has the Kennison Mountain Trail which is the perfect place to practice technical skills. Kennison Mountain Trail has an eight mile loop that is loaded with tough downhills, rocky singletrack, and slippery mud. Beginners can survive Kennison Mountain but they will need to give maximum effort. Intermediate riders will have a blast on their way to becoming experts along these fun eight miles.

Bryson City, North Carolina has quite a few biking trails, Thompson Loop and Mouse Branch are among the mid-atlantic's best. There is a small fee to ride either of these trails but a yearly pass is available for only fifteen dollars. Be careful when you arrive however, because bikes are only allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Thompson Loop is almost 8 miles with lots of logginf roads and some steep climbs. You'll be rewarded for the effort with a mile long descent that has some cool banked curves. You haven't had this much fun since you were ten years old.

Mouse Branch is almost 7 miles long and has fewer climbs but some pretty fast downhills. There is a scenic overlook that makes a great resting spot. The southside trail used to be called Tour de Dump but is now redone and winning biker over everyday. It is lightly used so it's a great place to practice and is nice and simple for beginners.

These trails are just the tip of the iceberg of the biking that the mid-atlantic states have to offer. If you are planning to do some cheaper traveling this year, these trails, and many others in the mid-atlantic region await you and your bike. Enjoy them.

PJ is the net's authority on helping people to find their first bike. She opened thecomfortbikeshop.com to help beginners find great cruiser bikes. She has come to develop the webs best selection of comfort bikes including a great inventory of cruiser bikes.

Tags: bikes, Cycling, fitness, recreation