Great Places to Ride Your Bike in the Mid-Atlantic

As you will see in this article the mid-atlantic states offer some of the best cycling in all of the country. If you happen to live near these trails be sure to check them out. If you travel with your bike plan a family vacation around some of these fantastic trails.

Hartwood Acres, just outside of Pittsburg has a little something for everyone. Experienced bikers will enjoy the quick switchbacks, downhill slopes, tough climbs and lots of root and log jumps. Hartwood Acres has over fifteen miles of trails including beautiful rock gardens and an unbelievable Tudor mansion to explore. The trails are free but there is a nominal fee for checking out the estate.

A stone's throw from Waverly City, OH is the Scioto Trail State Forest. With over 26 miles of gravel and dirt trails, there are plenty to choose from. The skill levels range from beginners to experienced, but the trails are shared with pedestrians and horseback riders. Be sure to come prepared with water!

The Freedom Park near Williamsburg, Virginia has three loops that total about 5 miles. There are a number of short, steep hills and a fairly long straight downhill section. There are a few log obstacles and even some bridges to cross, but not too many roots. Beginners might find it a little daunting, but it can be done by a novice if you're up for it!

The Kennison Mountain Trail near Richwood, West Virginia is a great place to practice technical skills. It is an eight-mile loop that is chock full of rocky singletrack, tough downhill spots, and lots of mud. Advanced riders will find it challenging and great practice, and novice riders will find it a great place to get better in a hurry!

North Carolina is no stranger to biking trails. There are many areas of the state that seem dedicated to the sport. Bryson City is no exception. Among some of the best are Thompson Loop and Mouse Branch. There are a few things to be aware of here. Bikes are only welcomed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and there is a fee to ride these trails. If you are a regular, you can get a season pass for fifteen bucks. Thompson Loop is a throwback to the kind of bike riding you did as a kid. With steep climbs and smooth banked curves, you can relive the days when helmets were not legalized. Thompson Loop is just shy of 8 miles long and sure to give you your money's worth.

Mouse Branch is a 6.5-mile loop with lots of fast descents and fewer climbs. Watch for a nice overlook as a great resting spot! The Southside Trail near Spartanburg, South Carolina is a nine-mile loop that used to be called Tour De Dump. It has been completely redone and is now better than ever! It offers a lot of variety and is now more accessible to beginners. It's a lightly used area that is a great place to practice and hone your skills.

Don't miss an opportunity! The mid-atlantic states are a great place to bike, especially with the family. It is a fun, healthy and inexpensive way to take in some beautiful sites and bond with the kids.