About
Anyone that loves the feel of the bumps and fast-paced turns on a mountain bike will want to check out the trails on Snowshoe Mountain and the rest of the region in West Virginia. Though not every trail allows it, this can be a fantastic experience for those that head out and take advantage of the experience.
Keep in mind that there are some areas of Snowshoe Mountain that are dangerous, and there’s really no route for a beginner because of the mountain’s towering features. On our trip, we found that the trails can be challenging, even for those who have some experience and skill on a bike. Still, if you have that skill, this is a huge experience you have to take!
The best place for mountain biking here is Snowshoe Bike Park. It has the best and largest trail system in the region, and it has a certified IMBA Ride Center. It’s been home to plenty of fantastic events, including where the 2023 Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will take place. My friend and I decided to check it out, and it was an experience like none other.
The Area & Trails
On Snowshoe Mountain, probably the most challenging of all routes is the Western Territories. It’s a route that’s about 2.4 miles long with a singletrack. There’s an 11 percent average grade throughout, with the highest grade reaching 35 percent, which is tough. The western side of the mountain will have you taking on steep technical sections that have a lot of rocks and roots. There are some areas where you’ll be taking on rollers and tables.
To get to this area, you’ll take the lift up to the top, and it quickly becomes a technical route with some pretty tight trees and features. Take the road gap if you’re experienced with tough routes. There are some winding areas, and you’ll definitely have to manage tree roots on your way down. The hillsides are steep, and there are some pretty big trees with lower branches in some areas. You’ll take a number of different paths, including 10 Gallon, Skyline, Judi Chop, and Missing Link. It’s surely a fantastic run.
The other option is Silver Creek Route. It’s part of the Snowshoe Mountain Resort as well, but it’s much easier (though still not beginner level). I recommend this one as a first step if you want to test your skills. It’s a much longer trip spanning about 8 miles, and about 75 percent of it is a singletrack. The highest grade here is 16 percent, but most of it is much lower. It’s a super fun track, and there are some challenging areas that will push your skills, but that’s the point of mountain biking!
The Silver Creek Route starts at the ski slope near an open field. You then move through and descend through some textured and rocky terrain. There are some big rocks along the path and plenty of roots that pop up in front of you. The Upper Beaver Dam and Lower Beaver Dam are among the routes you’ll take. Some areas can be slick because there’s moss growing on them. The pine carpet can be tricky as well, especially when you enter the Enchanted Forest area.
Snowshoe Mountain Bike Rentals
To get into the Snowshoe Bike Park, you will need a bike pass. You’re purchasing one-day lift tickets, though if you live close by, you can also purchase season passes. No matter what you do, you’ll want to spend some time exploring this area. In 2022, we paid about $55 for the day park. Also, there are kids that take on the routes, too. Kid tickets are about $45. Prices differ based on the days.
If your kids are new to mountain biking, you can actually book lessons here. It’s super cool because they work with a certified coach for about an hour and a half to explore the area.
You don’t have to bring your bike with you if you do not want to do so or you find yourself in the area and want to check it out. The Mountain Adventure Center has everything you need. There is a full line of bikes, including the Enduro and Trek Downhill bikes. There are a number of options, including bikes for the kids. It is a good idea to call in advance to reserve your bike because, on a busy day, they can sell out. You also want to buy your ticket in advance.
The bikes we rented were in great shape, and we could check out several different models. The onsite coach even provided us with tips on choosing bikes based on our skills and experience. Everyone there wants you to do well on the route, so be sure to ask all of the questions you have.
