Charlottesville is a biking mecca, thanks to being near the mountains. Numerous locations in the city, and destinations a bit further away make this an ideal Virginia Blue Ridge biking base.
Follow along as we highlight a few of these incredible biking locations.
PREDDY CREEK
Located in Albemarle County, this multi-use trails system consists of an outer loop with trails weaving through the center. More than eight miles of rocky, technical, and flowing trail await your wheels.
There are a few things to consider when biking Preddy Creek. E-bikes are not allowed, a lift service is not available, there are no restrooms, and drinking water is not offered.
WHETSTONE RIDGE TRAIL
For those bikers with advanced skills and well-formed technical skills, looking for a more challenging place to ride, this trail up by the Blue Ridge Parkway sections of Nelson and Rockbridge Counties is just for you.
This incredibly powerful trail system offers many unmarked trails, so a guide may be of service here.
GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST
George Washington National Forest is the crème de la crème of mountain biking in Virginia. At least that is what this national forest is called by the Charlottesville Area Mountain Biking Club.
Some intense, well sought-after trails found in the national forest and spread across five ranger stations include,Lookout Loop, Camp Todd, and Tearjacket Trail.
North River Ranger District includes Brandywine Recreation Area, which houses Brandywine Lake. Along with a jam-packed adventure area, a host of hiking and mountain biking trails are available.
Over in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is Beartree Recreation Area. This peaceful domain provides solace, rest, and recreation to all that visit. After you hit the trails, enjoy lunch in the picnic area or cool off at the beach.
Families will love spending the day hiking along the Pig Iron Trail, learning how iron was made. Put on your helmets and cruise along any of the trails that you encounter with the kids. When your biking adventures are done for the day, learn about some history as you find your way across a swinging bridge to check out the cabin full of history.
Pandapas Pond Day Use Area in the Eastern Divide Ranger District gives bikers 17-miles along the Poverty Creek System to enjoy all day long. Difficulty levels range from easy to most difficult and are anywhere from .3 tenths of a mile, Woods & Fields to 7.2 miles, Poverty Creek.
WALNUT CREEK
Hit the trails at one of the gems located in Albemarle County, Walnut Creek. Fifteen miles are friendly and multi-use for mountain bikes and bikes. Spread throughout the area are single tracks, with fast climbs for the intermediate to advanced skill level riders.
Be extra careful when utilizing these trails as rocks become loose, and roots add more edge to this already tricky climb.
Trails can be combined, so extending out your rides are an option. Come for an intense ride and finish with an easy one.