Outdoor Adventures
written by olivia miller
A Mountain Biking Movement west virginia ’ s best trails
Photo by Snowshoe Mountain .
With prime topography in the mountains of Appalachia , mountain biking is growing exponentially in West Virginia as it becomes an international destination for the sport . There are miles of trails throughout the state and new ones continuously popping up to meet the increasing demand . The diverse mountain biking trails allow novices and experts alike to find their perfect ride . Compiled here are some of the best trail systems in the state .
Situated within the 6,000-plus acres of Cacapon Resort State Park in West Virginia ’ s Eastern Panhandle are 30 miles of mountain biking trails that are quickly becoming known as one of the top mountain biking destinations on the East Coast .
The park itself is marked by unique elevation changes and sandstonebedded trails sought after by mountain bikers for their high level of grip , even in wet conditions . The entrance of the park sits at 800 feet and the highest peak measures 2,400 feet , offering opportunities for gravity trails and great views of the surrounding area .
The Rock & Roll trail is a National Interscholastic Cycling Association ( NICA ) racecourse that forms a 2.2-mile , figure-eight trail with the very short connector trail , Crossroad . The trail is built so beginners can ride , enjoy and progress their skills while simultaneously being fun for advanced riders .
Thanks to a new $ 3.5 million U . S . Economic Development Administration grant , Cacapon Resort State Park will see another 30 miles of trails built in the next four years .
The growth and large investment in mountain biking trails are being seen in other parts of the state too , mostly spearheaded by grassroots groups of dedicated mountain bikers . The Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance in
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