Colorado’s Northern Front Range includes lots of mountain bike trails that can be fun for everyone from beginners to experts. The following are trails we have documented with each ranked by difficulty within its region. Continue reading
Cascades Trail and recreation area in Pembroke, Virginia is a little over 20 miles northwest of Blacksburg. Drive on US 460W for 13 miles, take a right turn onto SR 623/Cascade Drive, and drive for four miles to the parking lot. Continue reading
Mt. Aire is located in Mill Creek Canyon. Drive to the trailhead by following Mill Creek Canyon Road about six miles and look for a small parking area on your left. A park fee or prepaid pass is required upon exiting the canyon. Continue reading
The Sugar Bottom Recreation Area is located east of North Liberty, Iowa and near the eastern shoreline of Coralville Lake. Directions from I-80: take I-380 N to exit 4 (North Liberty), from the exit ramp turn right onto 250th St, turn left onto N Front St, take the first right turn after crossing Mehaffey Bridge, and turn left into the disc golf/beach parking area. The parking lot is large and free, but donations are appreciated to support trail maintenance. Continue reading
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is located within the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area in North Liberty, Iowa. Directions: follow signs leading into Sugar Bottom and then look for one of three marked parking areas on the right side of the road. Parking for this trail is free but does not include water or restrooms, both of which can be found near the disc golf course and beach. Hiking, dog walking, and hunting for mushrooms are popular activities on this trail. Mountain biking and horseback riding are not allowed. Cell phone service can be limited in this area. Continue reading
The Willow Creek and Clear Creek Trails are located on the west side of Iowa City, Iowa. Free parking can be found in two places: east of Kiwanis Park and along the road near the Willow Creek playground. Running, biking, and leashed dog walking are popular recreation activities on these trails. In warm months, the shelter near the Willow Creek playground offers water and restrooms. Cell phone service should be strong throughout. Continue reading
Porcupine Creek Trail is in Big Sky, Montana. We stayed at the Big Sky Resort so for us it was a 35 minute drive to the trail. We rented snowshoes from Grizzly Outfitters Ski & Backcountry Sports and from there it is only 15 minutes to the trail. Continue reading
F.W. Kent Park is located west of Iowa City, Iowa. Directions: take US-6 about 4.5 miles west of I-380 and look for the park on the right side of the road. Parking is free with several trailheads and numerous locations with restrooms. In warm weather, activities in the park include walking, hiking, running, biking, and fishing. In cold weather, the trails are open for cross country skiing. Cell phone service was strong for me in the park.
Continue reading
The Tailwater West Campground and Devonian Fossil Gorge are north of Iowa City, Iowa. Directions from I-80: take exit 244 for Dubuque St toward Coralville Lake, turn right onto N Dubuque St, turn right onto West Overlook Rd NE, and turn right into the Devonian Fossil Gorge parking lot. Continue reading
Woodpecker Nature Trail is 15 minutes north of downtown Iowa City, Iowa. From I-80: take exit 244 for Dubuque St north toward Coralville Lake, turn right onto W Overlook Road, and look for the trailhead on the left. Parking is free and includes a restroom but no water fountain. Continue reading
Beverly Park is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Directions from I-80: take I-380 N to exit 17 for 33rd Ave SW toward Hawkeye Downs, turn left onto 33rd Ave SW, turn left onto 21st St SW, and take the 1st right onto 37th Ave SW. Parking is free but limited. Continue reading
