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MTB
Best mountain biking trails of America's East Coast
Pack your bags and discover the best mountain biking on the East Coast.
It doesn't get as much buzz as the top international mountain bike destinations, but America's Northeast is an outdoor playground for mountain bikers. If "Life Behind Bars" has inspired you, it's comforting to know that you never have to travel too far to discover exciting trails that put novices and more seasoned riders through their paces.
You also won't want to miss two of our top web series, "MTB Raw" and "Rob Warner's Wild Rides," which can give you some inspiration for your own trail treks.
In no particular order, check out some of the best mountain biking trails on the East Coast.
01
Kingdom Trails: East Burke, Vermont
Enjoy flowing machine-built descents, rooty technical climbs, and classic singletrack at Kingdom Trails. The hard-packed riverbank trails of this trail system are perfect for beginners. There are also more challenging sections for experienced riders around the lift access for Burke Mountain Bike Park. Stop to admire the mountain views at the top of Darling Hill.
Unlike many trails in this part of the country that close when summer is over, some Kingdom Trails sections stay open all year round. Purchase your one- to three-day, month-long, or annual Kingdom Trails Association membership for ride privileges.
- Difficulty: Trails for all experience levels
- Length: 110 miles
02
Perry Hill: Waterbury, Vermont
Another Vermont gem, Perry Hill is a rewarding 15-mile trail network for anyone skilled enough to take it on. There are three looped trails with a total climb of around 3,000 feet, so make sure to pack plenty of water if you want to try them all. All of the twists and tight sections make riding here a blast. Experienced riders will enjoy the technical climb and lightning-fast descent. Another bonus: Riding Perry Hill is free.
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Length: 15 miles
03
Allegrippis Trails: Hesston, Pennsylvania
Allegrippis Trails is a trail network consisting of three stacked singletrack loops above Raystown Lake. Each loop has color-coded trails based on difficulty (ranked as either easiest, moderate, or most difficult), though you should have at least intermediate skills to take them on.
All of the trails are wide with excellent flow and a good number of rollers and mounds to keep things interesting, though the tracks are a little smoother on the north side. The trails are open to hunters, so you should wear orange during the fall. Access is free, and Allegrippis Trails stays open all year round, although it may occasionally close during inclement weather.
Close by in Snowshoe, West Virginia is the exciting UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Length: 30 miles
04
Rothrock State Forest: State College, Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, you'll also find Rothrock State Forest, home to 290 miles of trails made for riders of all skill levels. Beginners will love the gently sloping forest sections. If you're more confident on two wheels, push yourself to the limit on the rocky ridge-top trails and treacherously steep side-hill climbs. The picturesque forest around you will help you keep your cool when you're tackling these tough tracks. There's no entry fee for Rothrock State Forest.
- Difficulty: Trails for all experience levels
- Length: 290 miles
05
Wissahickon Valley Park: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wissahickon Valley Park is one of the Northeast's best urban trail networks. It's a multi-use area with close to 50 miles to play with. There are numerous trails to pick from with less than two miles and the main loop runs 17.6 miles. The park's rock gardens, jumps, and up and downhill sections suit intermediate and experienced riders. Anyone can ride on Forbidden Drive, but you'll need a City of Philadelphia Natural Surface Trail Permit for the upper trails.
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Length: 50 miles
06
Bear Brook State Park: Allenstown, New Hampshire
Bear Brook State Park has around 40 miles of singletrack and double-track mountain biking trails for intermediate riders spread over 10,000 acres. It's so enormous that even though it's the state's best trail system, you can visit on Saturdays without seeing a soul.
The long climb up the Torne is strenuous, but it's worth it for 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain as well as the fast descent afterward. Pay for your trail pass at the Podunk Road booth or ahead of time online. Trail fees aren't collected during the winter off-season, but there's no staff during this time, so you'll have to ride at your own risk.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Length: 40 miles
07
Highland Mountain Bike Park: Tilton, New Hampshire
If you prefer lift-accessed mountain biking, give Highland Mountain Bike Park a try. It has around 14 miles of singletrack trails along with two dirt jump parks and a learn-to-ride zone. Learn-to-ride coaches help beginners improve their MTB skills before hitting the trails.
Carson Storch rides at Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield, NH
© Brian Nevins/Red Bull Content Pool
The trails themselves suit intermediate and advanced riders. There are freeride trails with halfpipes, jumps, and jump-on features and technical trails with natural obstacles like rocks, roots, and potholes. Trail labels note the degree of difficulty to make sure that riders don't take on anything they can't handle. Day passes and season passes are available online.
- Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
- Length: 14 miles
08
Franklin Falls: Franklin, New Hampshire
While you're in New Hampshire, don't miss Franklin Falls. Named for the 1,740-foot wide dam on the site, Franklin Falls has around 13 miles of biking tracks. There isn't a lot of technical riding here, so it's one of the best places for mountain biking for new riders to gain confidence after watching How to MTB. There are a few roots, some log obstacles, and a small plank crossing the river, but nothing too daunting.
Make sure you take the 1.5-mile paved road right up to the dam, which controls flooding in the Merrimack River Basin. Access to the trails and Franklin Falls Dam is free.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Length: 13 miles
09
Six Mile Run: Franklin Township, New Jersey
Intermediate riders will also have fun at Six Mile Run. Its name is a little misleading because this singletrack loop trail actually measures over 13 miles. It's well-maintained by the Jersey Off-Road Bicycling Association and a local bike shop. However, some drainage issues make it very muddy after rain. You should be careful around the exposed roots near the start, but the trail is fairly smooth once you get going. Access to Six Mile Run is free.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Length: Over 13 miles
10
Gurney Lane Mountain Bike Trails: Queensbury, New York
The Gurney Lane Mountain Bike Trails network has 13 miles of singletrack and doubletrack trails over 152 acres of land. Easy, intermediate, and difficult signs steer riders toward the best trail for their skills. They offer great variety, from technical rocky passages to wider bench cut trails with rollers, berms, and plenty of flow.
Wilderness Property Management built the trails in 2014, and they refine them regularly to keep fans coming back. Gurney Lane hosts "Ride On!" each May and the Churney Gurney Mountain Bike Festival in August. Access is free.
- Difficulty: Trails for all experience levels
- Length: 13 miles
11
Planning Your East Coast Mountain Biking Adventure: Tips and Advice
Timing is everything when it comes to an epic ride. Spring and fall are prime seasons, offering cooler temps, killer views, and dry, fast trails for the best mountain biking on the East Coast. Summer can be great for higher-elevation spots like Vermont and New Hampshire, but expect some serious heat and humidity further south. If you're hitting the trails in fall, be mindful of hunting season — bright colors aren’t just stylish. And for the hardcore riders, winter biking will push your limits, but always check conditions before packing up your gear.
When it comes to bike park accommodations, options range from campgrounds near trail networks to lodges and hotels in biking-friendly towns. Camping is an affordable and convenient choice, especially in state parks and forests with bike-friendly amenities. Lodges and vacation rentals cater to riders looking for comfort and proximity to the trails, while hotels are the best bet for urban networks like Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia. No matter what, book early during peak seasons because these biking hotspots fill up fast.
A little planning goes a long way for a smooth ride. Give your bike a once-over before heading out and bring essentials like a multi-tool, spare tubes, and a hydration pack. Some trails require passes or permits, so do your homework ahead of time to experience the full benefits of mountain biking. Trail apps like Trailforks are lifesavers for navigation, and a small first aid kit never hurts. Finally, check the forecast, dress in layers, and always let someone know your ride plan because the only surprises you want on the trail are the good kind. Now get out there and shred on the best places to mountain bike.
While you're daydreaming about your next mountain biking adventure, check out our mountain biking videos for tips and tricks you can use on the trails. Be sure to download the free Red Bull TV app and catch the all mountain biking action on all your devices! Get the app here.
