Singletrack Guide
West Virginia Mountain Biking Trails
From lift-served downhill laps at Snowshoe to 78 miles of crushed-limestone rail trail, West Virginia has quietly become one of the East's best mountain biking destinations. Add rugged national forest singletrack and new purpose-built trail systems, and there is a ride here for every skill level.
Quick Info
- Best For
- Downhill riders, cross-country pedalers, rail-trail cruising, families
- Best Season
- Bike park late May–October; rail trails April–November; high country July–September
- Difficulty
- Paved and gravel paths to expert downhill jump lines and rock gardens
- Fees/Permits
- Rail trails free; Snowshoe Bike Park requires a lift ticket; some systems day-use fee
- Where
- Snowshoe, Pocahontas County, North Bend, Big Bear Lake, Monongahela National Forest
Snowshoe Bike Park: Lift-Served Downhill
Snowshoe Mountain hosts the biggest lift-served bike park in the Southeast, with more than 25 miles of purpose-built downhill and cross-country trails. The park has everything from flowy green runs like Easy Street to black-diamond lines loaded with rock gardens, drops, and wooden features. A high-speed lift gets you back to the top quickly, and full-suspension rentals, a bike shop, and coaching are available at the base. The season runs roughly from Memorial Day through early October, with the Snowshoe Grind and other events drawing riders from across the region.
- Green flow trails — wide, tabletops, perfect for new park riders.
- Technical black runs — roots, rock drops and steep chutes.
- Cross-country loops — pedal from the village onto forest singletrack.
- Rentals & lessons — full-suspension bikes and coaching at the base area.
The Greenbrier River Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile crushed-limestone rail trail stretching from North Caldwell to Cass, following the Greenbrier River through Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties. With a gentle grade, a dozen primitive campsites, and trestles over the river, it is ideal for loaded bike touring, family rides, and gravel grinding. Towns like Marlinton, Seebert, and Cass make good resupply and overnight stops, and the trail connects to the Cass Scenic Railroad for a truly unique shuttle. Most riders tackle it in two to four days; day-trippers can do the flat 10-mile stretch around Marlinton or Seebert.
North Bend & Big Bear Lake
North Bend State Park near Cairo has a growing network of machine-built and hand-cut trails suited to intermediate riders, with lakeside views and rolling ridges. Just to the north, the Big Bear Lake Trail Center in Preston County is a 1,000-plus-acre purpose-built riding area with flow trails, technical descents, and rock features for all ability levels. Both areas are community-maintained and inexpensive, making them great options for riders based in Morgantown or Clarksburg. Big Bear also hosts races and skills clinics through the season.
Dolly Sods, Spruce Knob & Backcountry Riding
Some of the most memorable rides in the state happen on the rugged forest roads and old logging grades of the Monongahela National Forest. The Dolly Sods plateau rewards strong riders with technical rock sections and sweeping views, though trails are faint and navigation is tough. The Spruce Knob area offers gravel grinds on the Highland Scenic Highway and singletrack on the Huckleberry Trail, and the Cranberry Wilderness backcountry has long loops for the adventurous. These are wild, remote rides — go with a buddy, carry tools and water, and expect to get your feet wet.
Trail Etiquette & Gear
Yield & Ride in Control
Yield to hikers and horses, announce yourself on shared trails, and ride only trails open to bikes. Many wilderness areas do not allow bikes.
Carry Spares
Bring a tube, plugs, pump, multi-tool, and chain link. Cell service is unreliable, so a repair kit and map beat a phone call.
Check Conditions
High-country trails stay wet and rooty long after rain. Avoid riding muddy singletrack to prevent erosion, and check park or trail status before you go.
Top mountain biking spots in West Virginia
Snowshoe Bike Park
25+ miles of lift-served downhill and cross-country trails.
Greenbrier River Trail
78 flat miles of rail trail from North Caldwell to Cass.
Pipestem & Bluestone
State park singletrack and a rail grade along the Bluestone.
Dolly Sods
Rugged high-country riding for strong, self-sufficient riders.
New River Gorge
Rim trails, former rail grades and growing singletrack near Fayetteville.
Monongahela Forest
Gravel roads and remote backcountry loops across the highlands.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I rent a mountain bike in West Virginia?
Snowshoe Bike Park rents full-suspension downhill and trail bikes, and shops around Fayetteville, Morgantown, and Davis rent cross-country bikes. Reserve ahead on summer weekends.
Is the Greenbrier River Trail good for beginners?
Yes. The crushed-limestone surface and gentle grade make it one of the friendliest long rides in the East, and the Marlinton area has easy day-trip options for families.
Are bikes allowed in wilderness areas?
No. Bicycles are prohibited in designated federal wilderness areas such as the Cranberry Wilderness. Ride only on trails and roads where bikes are permitted.
When does the Snowshoe Bike Park open?
The bike park typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and runs through early October, weather permitting. Check Snowshoe's site for exact dates and lift hours before you drive up.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel guide to West Virginia's mountains, rivers, towns, and hidden corners. We publish practical, locally researched guides — from New River Gorge trails to Hatfield-McCoy ATV routes — so you can plan a better trip.
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