East Coast MTB Road Trip - Trail Recommendations

jchek779
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jchek779
Hey Fellas,

I'm putting together a quick road trip starting July 6 from Charlotte NC through Harrisonburg, VA and then into New Hampshire and Vermont, ending up at the Southwick National on July 10. The plan is to drive some, ride some, relax a little, and then do it again the next day.

I was wondering if you folks had some local recommendations on trails/trail systems to ride while in and around those areas? I've looked at MTB Project and read a few articles on rides, but would love to hear where the locals suggest riding.
I have no towns/destinations laid out just yet - I wanted to figure out where to ride first then make my accommodations after that.

I appreciate any and all help in advance.

Jay
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DoctorJD
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DoctorJD 6/11/2021 7:07pm
6/11/2021 7:07pm
If you can make your way over to western NC, you're pretty much mtb heaven with Pisgah, DuPont, and now Kanuga Bike Park.
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Nairb#70
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Nairb#70 6/11/2021 7:09pm
6/11/2021 7:09pm Edited Date/Time 6/11/2021 7:11pm
Rockland park in Madison, CT has been called the best in New England but that might be a stretch. Definitely could be best in CT. No mountain tops but hilly, rocky and rooty even by New England standards. Hammonasset beach State Park with camping 15 min. away. Google Rockland Preserve.
seth505
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seth505 6/12/2021 7:53am
6/12/2021 7:53am
Highland in NH is awesome (dh trails with lift system). Are you looking for more just open trail riding? Kingdom trails in VT.
Nighttrain
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Nighttrain 6/12/2021 12:03pm
6/12/2021 12:03pm
DoctorJD wrote:
If you can make your way over to western NC, you're pretty much mtb heaven with Pisgah, DuPont, and now Kanuga Bike Park.
It’s been way too long since I’ve ridden in Nantahala. Love the Tsali trails.

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DoctorJD
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DoctorJD 6/12/2021 12:17pm
6/12/2021 12:17pm
DoctorJD wrote:
If you can make your way over to western NC, you're pretty much mtb heaven with Pisgah, DuPont, and now Kanuga Bike Park.
Nighttrain wrote:
It’s been way too long since I’ve ridden in Nantahala. Love the Tsali trails.
Yea, I didn't even include Tsali on my recommendations. Still a favorite of mine. I think I rode there the first time back in 2000.
murph783
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murph783 6/12/2021 12:54pm
6/12/2021 12:54pm
Nairb#70 wrote:
Rockland park in Madison, CT has been called the best in New England but that might be a stretch. Definitely could be best in CT. No...
Rockland park in Madison, CT has been called the best in New England but that might be a stretch. Definitely could be best in CT. No mountain tops but hilly, rocky and rooty even by New England standards. Hammonasset beach State Park with camping 15 min. away. Google Rockland Preserve.
Up in East Granby, CT we’ve got cowles park, pretty damn solid. It’s my local spot, and we’re maybe 30 minutes from southwick. If you wanna check it out I’d be happy to play trail guide, or find it on strava or your app of choice
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murph783
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murph783 6/12/2021 12:57pm
6/12/2021 12:57pm
Also around here we’ve got penwood park in Bloomfield, CT that’s slower, more techy and climbing, and I’ve been thinking of checking out Thunder Mountain bike park for some more downhill action
jchek779
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jchek779 6/13/2021 2:58pm
6/13/2021 2:58pm
DoctorJD wrote:
If you can make your way over to western NC, you're pretty much mtb heaven with Pisgah, DuPont, and now Kanuga Bike Park.
Thanks - I'm over in Asheville about once/month currently so I do get over there to enjoy those trails.
jchek779
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jchek779 6/13/2021 3:00pm
6/13/2021 3:00pm
seth505 wrote:
Highland in NH is awesome (dh trails with lift system). Are you looking for more just open trail riding? Kingdom trails in VT.
I'm looking for good trails to pedal/ride. I've read good things about Kingdom. Thanks for the reply!
alphado
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alphado 6/14/2021 6:49am
6/14/2021 6:49am
Jake's Rocks in Warren, PA.
early
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early 6/14/2021 7:38am
6/14/2021 7:38am
Raystown lake PA
Homey55
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Homey55 6/14/2021 10:37am
6/14/2021 10:37am
Snowshoe WV is a nice resort town with lift access and established trail system.
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Nairb#70
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Nairb#70 6/14/2021 5:42pm
6/14/2021 5:42pm
Nairb#70 wrote:
Rockland park in Madison, CT has been called the best in New England but that might be a stretch. Definitely could be best in CT. No...
Rockland park in Madison, CT has been called the best in New England but that might be a stretch. Definitely could be best in CT. No mountain tops but hilly, rocky and rooty even by New England standards. Hammonasset beach State Park with camping 15 min. away. Google Rockland Preserve.
murph783 wrote:
Up in East Granby, CT we’ve got cowles park, pretty damn solid. It’s my local spot, and we’re maybe 30 minutes from southwick. If you wanna...
Up in East Granby, CT we’ve got cowles park, pretty damn solid. It’s my local spot, and we’re maybe 30 minutes from southwick. If you wanna check it out I’d be happy to play trail guide, or find it on strava or your app of choice
I'm bikeless at the moment and sidelined with torn rotator cuffs and bicep. But thanx and I'll keep it in mind. Is that the dirt jump place?
jchek779
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jchek779 6/16/2021 6:31am
6/16/2021 6:31am
early wrote:
Raystown lake PA
Yep - I rode there 2 years ago on a similar trip and really enjoyed the trail system/area there. Thanks!
jchek779
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jchek779 6/16/2021 6:32am
6/16/2021 6:32am
Homey55 wrote:
Snowshoe WV is a nice resort town with lift access and established trail system.
I hit up Snowshoe 2 years ago on a HT 29er.....glad I rented a full face helmet for the day.

It is a really cool place with great views. Rent a decent bike if you don't have a FS bike.
jchek779
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jchek779 6/16/2021 6:45am
6/16/2021 6:45am
alphado wrote:
Jake's Rocks in Warren, PA.
That place looks very cool.

Would you prefer the ride at Jake's Rocks or the IMBA Epic in Ellicottville, NY?
alphado
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alphado 6/16/2021 7:22am
6/16/2021 7:22am
Jakes is my favorite place to ride. There are several combinations of trails to hit to make it different every time you go.
Cygrace74
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Cygrace74 6/16/2021 10:44am
6/16/2021 10:44am
Pocahontas state park in richmond VA is awesome

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