Visit Richmond for your next mountain biking trip

Richmond

Virginia

Urban trails and riverfront rides! Explore 66 miles of trails surrounding a historic, vibrant town.

Richmond is the capital of Virginia, a city with a rich history, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a growing outdoor recreation scene. The city offers a mix of urban amenities and access to the James River and surrounding parks. The area is popular for kayaking, hiking, and exploring historical sites.

The area has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The best time for mountain biking is generally spring and fall, when the weather is more pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, so it's important to stay hydrated. Check trail conditions before riding, as they can vary depending on the weather.

Featured MTB Trails

Richmond and the surrounding area offer 66 miles of a variety of mountain biking trails, ranging from urban trails along the James River to more challenging, technical rides in the nearby forests. The terrain includes a mix of flowy singletrack, rocky sections, and urban environments.

  • IMBA Ride Center: Richmond, Virginia, is recognized as an IMBA Bronze-Level Ride Center, a testament to its unique and vibrant mountain biking scene. This designation highlights the incredible James River Park System, which offers an extensive network of surprisingly rugged and technical singletrack woven directly through the city's urban landscape.

  • James River Park System (JRPS): This is the jewel of Richmond mountain biking, located right in the heart of the city. It offers surprisingly rugged and technical urban singletrack along the banks of the James River, with rocks, roots, and short, punchy climbs. Popular trails include Buttermilk Trail, North Bank Trail, Belle Isle, and Dogwood Dell.

  • Pocahontas State Park (Chesterfield, approx. 20-30 mins drive): Features an extensive network (over 25 miles) of machine-built, flowy trails designed with mountain biking in mind. It caters to all skill levels with beginner, intermediate, and advanced loops, including the popular Swift Creek Trail System.

  • Poor Farm Park (Ashland, approx. 20-30 mins drive north): Offers several miles of fun, twisty singletrack, good for intermediate riders.

  • Leakes Mill Park (Goochland, approx. 30-40 mins drive west): A newer system with well-built, flowy trails.

More mountain biking towns in Virginia