High Country Life

Virginia’s High Country provides plenty of mountain biking trails for riders seeking thrilling experiences, from steep Appalachian ridges to trail-filled local parks.

Bell Rock Trail in Sedona offers riders an exciting intermediate-level trail, full of berms, turns, and fun lunges that keep riders coming back for more.

1. Hogsback

Hogsback provides a thrilling ride and breathtaking views of Durango with an intermediate trail set within Overend Mountain Park trails system. Beginning with a short climb on pavement and ending in an exhilarating descent. Riders will navigate 40-ft sandstone ledges and slopes as well as some short yet tough climbing.

Hogsback Mountain provides stunning panoramic views of Marquette County’s rugged terrain, and on clear days Lake Superior can even be seen faraway. However, its steep trails require adequate preparation as reaching the summit may take at least 90 minutes; plan accordingly!

The trail begins from the GHT/Rifle Arch parking lot off of Hwy 13 about 7 miles north of Rifle and winds its way past desert terrain such as juniper, pinion pine, cacti and sagebrush. Gradually climbing with some steeper sections, once at the top you will be treated to an epic downhill ride that boasts plenty of berms and airtime for even experienced riders to experience!

Shark Bait is a progressive flow trail offering technical rock gardens as well as large berms and drops for all to enjoy! Established in 2024, this ride promises to deliver plenty of excitement!

2. Horse Gulch

Horse Gulch mountain bike trails provide an exciting, intermediate level trail experience with fast flowing single track and more technical terrain, such as switchbacks and rock gardens. One of Durango’s most beloved trails systems, this system of tracks offers something suitable for riders of any ability level.

Horse Gulch offers an expansive network of interconnected trails that spans miles. Here, mountain biking enthusiasts will discover an unforgettable experience on alpine summits, river valleys and meadows alike – not to mention views that take your breath away at every vantage point along these scenic routes!

Local riders have designed an expansive trail network that has something for all skill levels, from beginners using pump tracks to experienced trail riders who require advanced expert levels of riding. Set within a pristine high desert environment full of pine, spruce and fir trees as well as various species of cacti; fragrant air is filled with the scent of freshly cut pine needles and wildflowers while sounds from hummingbirds, hawks and other small birds can be heard in the background; wildlife such as elk, mule deer, and black bear have also been seen here!

This ride offers the ideal solution for those wanting a thrilling day ride without venturing too far from civilization. Starting from Horse Gulch Trailhead and riding several miles up towards Sale Barn Trailhead and Grandview Ridge or staying closer to town by exploring Engineer Mountain are both viable options.

Horse Gulch Trail System provides an ideal pre-brunch ride, ideal for beginners or those seeking a little challenge. Relax while taking in stunning mountain vistas – and spend quality time with friends or family on this fantastic ride in the High Country – you won’t be sorry you did! Come on down! You’ll be glad you came!

3. Heaven’s Bench

With its cool temperatures, refreshing breezes, and bike-friendly communities, the High Country is an idyllic mountain biking destination. Home to trails suitable for riders of all skill levels – beginners to experts – its outstanding trail systems continue to expand each year and draw more people to this idyllic area.

The Kerr Scott trail system offers intricate yet thrilling circuits that weave around Occoquan Reservoir. Although these trails require considerable endurance and skill to traverse them, they also present an opportunity to see this part of the High Country from an entirely new angle.

Kingdom Trails Park in East Burke boasts some truly outstanding mountain bike trails that attract riders from around the globe. Locals love Heaven’s Bench for its gorgeous open fields with views of Willoughby Gap; black diamond classic Sidewinder offers thrilling drops and turns; while all together these trails can make any mountain biker’s heart race.

Riders from across the nation come to this area year-round to ride, with riders flocking in during summer to experience its incredible trails. Autumns offer some relief as crowds thin out and Mother Nature puts on her autumn foliage display.

The Kingdom Trails are open and free for all users, however a day pass can be purchased at their headquarters in Darling Hill to access all lift-accessed trails at Burke Mountain Resort as well as Kerr Scott Trail System – giving access to 19 downhill lift-accessed trails!

4. Rim

If you’re in search of an engaging ride to test both your skill and stamina, this trail could be perfect for you. With its challenging climbs that test your leg power over rock surfaces and steep inclines, reaching the summit will put your skills through their paces before taking a short rest under shady pine trees before hitting downhill with well packed singletrack rocky terrain to challenge yourself further on your ride back home.

Near Harrisonburg is one of the region’s premier mountain biking trails – one beloved by freeriders who come here for its natural bowls and grippy sandstone surfaces that allow them to test out their best jumps.

However, this trail presents a fun challenge to all riders as its terrain varies significantly. The swooping trail has singletrack, doubletrack and slickrock terrain which can be navigated either direction; its slickrock terrain provides beginners with an opportunity to hone their skills before progressing onto more difficult trails.

The final section down to the river can be more challenging and is frequently used for competitions. At times this stretch can feel very exposed; therefore it is crucial that trail markers be listened for as falls here could prove fatal – remaining mindful and attentive of your surroundings is paramount here.

For optimal mountain biking enjoyment, an enduro bike with plenty of travel capability and solid suspension should be the ultimate mountain bike. These bikes feature longer wheelbases than XC/trail bikes as well as more relaxed headtube angles for added stability; their wider tires also increase contact patch coverage at speed for better control at high speeds; many models even come equipped with tubeless tires to increase air pressure for increased contact surface control and have boost spacing to enable riders to run bigger tires.