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Biking

Bicycles are allowed on open forest roads, roads that are gated to prevent motor vehicle travel, and on more than 1,100 miles of trails on the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Many trails are open to allow multiple non-motorized uses and are shared by hikers, horse riders, and bicyclists.  Bicycles must remain on authorized roads and trails; off-trail travel is not permitted.  Bicycles are a form of mechanical transport and are thus not allowed in designated Wilderness Areas.  Information on allowed trail uses is available on trailhead signs and the National Geographic-Trails Illustrated map for the area, or by contacting the nearest Ranger District office.  Please use trail etiquette by yielding to horses and hikers. 

E-Biking

Emerging technologies such as e-bikes are changing the way people enjoy their visits to national forests and grasslands. Today, more than 60,000 miles of trails and thousands of miles of roads on national forests and grasslands are currently open to e-bike use. As use trends change with time and new technologies, the way we manage lands to ensure their long-term health and resilience must change as well. This is why we have clarified our policy on e-bikes and are encouraging local Forest Service decision makers to expand access to recreation opportunities on our forests and grasslands in ways that meet user needs while continuing to protect forest resources.

Mountain Biking

Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon ride or a challenging chain-breaking opportunity, tour national forests are the go-to place for mountain biking. Just remember, many of these trails are used by hikers and horseback riders so please make sure to think of your safety and the safety of others as you travel.

  • Wear protective gear when riding your mountain bike: helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes.
  • Plan on taking food, water, sunscreen and a basic tool kit on all of your outings.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on your national forests. View the wildlife and the scenery.
  • Keep in mind that the forests and meadows are fragile lands, so please practice low impact, tread lightly techniques.

Road Cycling

Cycling is a great way to travel through National Forest System lands. Our national forests offer remote, winding roads and mountain passes, ideal for slowly absorbing the natural beauty of the diverse landscapes.

Search for Biking Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 30 results

Beartree Recreation Area

Site Closed
Picnicking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Biking
All campgrounds in Beartree Recreation Area are closed for the 2025 season. Picnicking is available after May 16th with no day use fee. Restrooms at the beach are closed and water is not…

Boley Field Group Campground

Site Open
Biking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This large, open field is good for groups that wish to picnic and tent camp together but require few amenities. It is located at the base of Brush Mountain and the surrounding forest provides shade.…

Braley Pond Day Use Area

Site Open
Picnicking Biking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Braley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this area for picnicking, fishing, or camping overnight in…

Brandywine Recreation Area

Site Closed
Picnicking Water Activities Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking
Located on the 10-acre Brandywine Lake, this wooded recreation area affords access to multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, a swimming beach, and a campground with an onsite host.

Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area

Site Closed
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Biking
Camp Roosevelt Campground is the site of the first Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in the Nation. Follow the path through the CCC camp and view the foundations where the actual buildings once stood.…

Comers Rock Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Biking Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Located on top of Iron Mountain at 3800 feet, a small primitive campground and historic picnic area await the true outdoor enthusiast. The log picnic shelter with large stone fireplace was built by…

Confederate Breastworks Interpretive Site

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Biking
A popular scenic viewing area for fall foliage, this winding 0.5 mile interpretive trail meanders along the top of Shenandoah Mountain. Relive the events of April 1862 through the letters of Captain…

Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area

Site Open
Biking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area offers forested trails, campsites and open grassy picnic areas along the tranquil Passage Creek. Enjoy hiking the Pig Iron and Charcoal trail and learn how iron was…

Green Cove Station Visitor Center

Site Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning Biking Hiking Scenic Drives
Green Cove Station was built by the Norfolk and Western Railroad in 1914, and positioned on a stretch of track between Abingdon, Virginia and West Jefferson, North Carolina.  The train and the line,…

Last updated March 13th, 2025