West Virginia, known for its stunning mountains and rolling hills, boasts a rich history of coal mining and logging. As tourism flourishes, the state offers various outdoor activities—from skiing and whitewater rafting to fishing and hiking. Recently, mountain biking has emerged as a booming attraction, drawing enthusiasts eager to explore its rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes.

Bike Races

For some background, the Marathon Mountain Bike World Championship will be held at Snowshoe Mountain in September 2024. It will be the first time the event has been held in the United States since its debut in 2003. The best mountain bikers in the world will race across a 65-mile course through the Monongahela National Forest. This course features over 6,500 feet of ascent.

Also to be noted, two of Team USA’s mountain biking athletes who recently competed in the Paris Olympics will be racing in the event.

For you roadies out there, the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championship was held in West Virginia in May of this year. 2024 was the first year the championship was held in West Virginia. Not only that but it is set to remain in Charleston until 2028.

In a press release announcing the venue for the Pro Road National Championship will be held in Charleston rather than Knoxville, where it has historically been. USA Cycling said that athletes will vie for gold on the the formidable roads and picturesque landscapes of Charleston and its surrounding areas. Providing the best-in-class racing while showcasing West Virginia’s natural beauty. That’s a powerful statement that gives West Virginia the respect it deserves.

Hopefully, these two major events are just the start of West Virginia becoming a biking hub. After all, they have over 12 million acres of forest that any mountain biker would be thrilled to explore. Mountain biking courses are also popping up all over the state, including here in the eastern panhandle.

Trail Expansion

In August, it was announced that Cacapon State Park would undergo a $3.5 million trail expansion for mountain biking. This will add 35 more miles to the park’s current 25 miles of trails. It will be the largest trail expansion in state history. Construction for the expansion is already underway, and officials expect the project to be complete in 2026.

With places such as the C&O Canal and the WV Route 9 Bike Path at their doorstep, there is no better time than now to get out there. As the leaves turn into a magnificent array of colors and the sweltering heat dissipates, we hope to see more people enjoying the hidden gem that is West Virginia.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Singletracks Mountain Biking (@singletracks)

advertisement