Mountain biking near Roanoke and New Castle
Where to ride near Wilderness Adventure, from our own trails and skill park to Carvins Cove, Explore Park and the national forest's gravel roads.
Roanoke likes to call itself a mountain biking town, and it has earned it. Within an hour of Wilderness Adventure there are rocky ridge trails, long gravel forest roads and purpose-built bike parks. Here's where to ride, starting on our own property and working outward.
Drive times are rough estimates from our address at 11176 Peaceful Valley Road, New Castle. Trail networks, passes and parking rules change, so check the official pages linked at the bottom before you go.
On the property: trails and a skill park
You can ride from your door. Our 500 acres have more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus a mountain bike skill park with wooden ramps, jumps, berms and other features for riders of mixed ability. It's a good place to warm up, practice cornering or let younger riders build confidence before a bigger day out.
No bike? Rent one. Half-day and full-day mountain bike rentals come with a helmet, and prices are on our activities and rentals page.
Carvins Cove: the big one
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, on the north side of Roanoke, is the trail system most local riders mean when they talk about mountain biking here. The City of Roanoke describes more than 12,000 acres of forest around a reservoir, with roughly 60 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. You'll find cross-country singletrack, free-ride downhill trails and long gravel fire roads.
A few things to know before you go:
- You need a pass. Roanoke Parks and Recreation sells daily and yearly vehicle passes, and passes are required for anyone over 16.
- Pick your parking lot. There are several lots, including Bennett Springs and Timberview Road, each with its own opening hours.
- Allow about 45 minutes to drive there from us, depending on which lot you use.
Explore Park: purpose-built trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Roanoke County's Explore Park sits at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, on the far side of Roanoke and about an hour from us. Visit Roanoke lists more than 14 miles of walking and mountain biking trails there, all open to the public at no charge. It's a friendly place for newer riders and families, with plenty of shorter loops.
Forest roads and gravel in the Jefferson National Forest
The Jefferson National Forest starts on our doorstep, and its forest roads are made for gravel riding. The Forest Service allows bikes on open forest roads, on roads that are gated to keep cars out, and on more than 1,100 miles of trails across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. A few rules are worth knowing:
- No bikes in Wilderness areas. Bikes count as mechanical transport, so designated Wilderness Areas are off limits.
- Stay on authorized routes. Many trails are shared with hikers and horse riders.
- E-bikes have their own rules. On national forest land they're only allowed where motor vehicles are allowed, so check before you take one onto a trail.
The climbs are serious. Our own gravel and mountain bike event, The Appalachian Mountaineer, takes riders on forest roads and ridgelines above 4,000 feet, including Bald Knob, with a dedicated 40-mile mountain bike route. Bring low gears, plenty of water and a layer for the descents.
Mountain biking at summer camp
For ages 13 to 17 who love to ride, our Mountain Biking Camp is a week on two wheels. Campers start on Base Camp trails with coaching on braking, body position, cornering and choosing a line, then head out to singletrack in the Blue Ridge. They learn trailside repairs too. Bikes and helmets are available, so they don't need to own a mountain bike. Bike mechanics and rides are also part of Outdoor Engineering.
Before you ride
- Check the trail status. Trails can close after heavy rain or storms, and riding wet trails damages them.
- Carry a repair kit. A spare tube, a pump and a multi-tool will save a long walk out.
- Take water and a map. Cell service is patchy in the mountains, so don't rely on your phone.
- Watch for ticks and poison ivy. Check yourself after every ride in summer.
- Be kind on shared trails. Slow down for hikers, and give horses plenty of room.
Want to mix riding with a hike? Our guide to hikes and rivers near Wilderness Adventure covers Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob and more.
