See Virginia by the Seat of Your Pants: Bike Trails Across the State
One of the most refreshing ways to experience a place, whether your own town or a tourist spot, is on the seat of a bicycle. You see things that are easily missed in a car. You smell the smells. See the people. Learn the little nuances of a place that would be missed if you were zipping by. Riding on a bike trail lets you relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Get out on the bike on one of the many terrific bicycle trails in Virginia to see something new and exciting while you get some exercise. There are a lot of terrific places to experience the thrills of sightseeing by the seat of your plants in Virginia.
The trails across the state offer a lot of wonderful places to bike without having to mix with traffic. Some of bicycle trails in Virginia connect urban destinations like those found in Northern Virginia or Richmond. Others roll through the countryside, like the rail-trail New River Trail in Southwest Virginia. For a historic ride take a spin on the rail-trail Capital to Capital trail connecting Richmond and Williamsburg, both former capitals of the state. It’s sure to please your desire for exploration. Virginia’s rail-trails or rail-to-trail conversions span a great selection of locations and terrain types.
Virginia also has a great selection of mountain bike trails which can be found in beautiful parks across the state. Check out the extensive network of mountain biking trails offered at Pocahontas State Park where something for every skill level is offered. Pocahontas has a nationally recognized IMBA ride center. You can find a wide variety of trails in the park from double track fire roads to single track dirt and rock trails with manmade and natural obstacles. Trails there are operated by Virginia State Parks and are well marked and offer you many choices for multiple skill level riding in their circuit of off-road trails.
Bicycle Trail Surfaces in Virginia
Some cycling trails in Virginia are paved like the Capital to Capital Trail, others are gravel, like the New River Trail or packed cinder, mountain bike trails might just be a simple dirt path. You can find a trail that meets your riding preferences in most regions of the state.
Bicycles Used on Trails in Virginia
People that enjoy riding on bicycle trails in Virginia use all kinds of bikes including road bikes, mountain bikes, commuter bikes, hybrid bicycles, trikes, and hand-cycles depending on the trail. Check for a trail description online or with local organizations to make sure you have the best type of bike to enjoy the trail. An off road bike offers likely the largest range of options for riding on bicycle trails in Virginia because you can use one easily on both paved and unpaved trail types. Next time you need some adventure, relaxation or exercise strike out on a trail near you or take a trip across the Commonwealth to explore by bike. Bike trails are great places for people to exercise or relax. They make wonderful places to introduce kids to the joys and adventure of bicycling.
If you enjoyed reading this article you can find more of my writing and information on trails in Virginia at www.ibikeva.com.