10 Best North American Mountain Bike Destinations

This guide is your ultimate ticket to epic cycling journeys across the Americas. You’ll discover 200 celebrated routes, from challenging mountain trails in Canada to scenic road rides in Colombia, all beautifully captured with stunning photography. Each ride comes with essential practical details, including maps, start/finish points, accommodation suggestions, and travel tips, making trip planning a breeze.

While the book covers a vast geographical area, some specific trail conditions might require further research. Nevertheless, for anyone dreaming of epic bike adventures from Baja to Patagonia, this is an inspiring and highly practical resource. It’s perfect for intermediate to advanced cyclists looking for their next big challenge.

This is the definitive guide for mountain bikers exploring the Carolina mountains and upstate South Carolina. You’ll find over 105 recommended bike routes, from highly technical trails to beginner-friendly paths, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The guide features detailed full-color maps and concise directions, covering renowned destinations like Pisgah, DuPont, and Paris Mountain.

While the maps are excellent, some riders might wish for more GPS coordinate integration for pinpoint accuracy on the trail. However, as the most current guidebook for the region, it offers unparalleled insight into the Southeast’s premier mountain biking destinations. It’s a must-have for anyone riding in North or South Carolina.

This comprehensive guide covers over 160 of the best cycling routes in Northern California, from the iconic San Francisco Bay Area to the majestic peaks of Tahoe and Yosemite. You’ll find detailed information for both road and mountain biking, with options to customize routes by extending or shortening them. The guide includes essential tools like elevation charts, route maps, and local resources such as bike shops and clubs.

While the book is incredibly thorough, its publication date is from 2012, meaning some trail conditions or shop information might be outdated. However, for a deep dive into Northern California’s diverse cycling landscapes, this guide remains a valuable resource. It’s ideal for dedicated cyclists planning an extended trip in the region.

Discover the picturesque beauty of New England with this guide to 30 diverse bike routes. You’ll find options ranging from coastal rides in Connecticut to scenic mountain paths in New Hampshire, catering to all skill levels from beginner to experienced cyclists. Each route is presented with detailed directions, annotated maps, charming photography, and elevation profiles, plus suggestions for local dining and entertainment.

While the guide offers a fantastic overview, some riders might desire more in-depth technical trail details for advanced mountain biking. However, for anyone looking to experience the quintessential New England charm on two wheels, this book is an excellent, up-to-date resource. It’s perfect for tourists and locals alike seeking enjoyable day trips.

This guide is packed with information for mountain bikers in North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, featuring 128 routes covering over 1200 miles. You’ll find essential details including full-color maps, photos, GPS coordinates, and driving directions to trailheads. It covers popular areas like the Atlanta and Chattanooga metro regions, making it a comprehensive resource for local riding.

While the GPS coordinates are a great addition, some riders might appreciate more detailed topographical information within the maps themselves. Nevertheless, this guide provides excellent coverage and practical details for exploring the mountain bike trails of North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. It’s a strong choice for riders in this specific region.

This revised deck offers a fantastic and convenient way to explore the San Francisco Bay Area’s cycling scene. You get 50 updated ride cards, featuring a mix of mountain, road, and casual routes suitable for every level of rider. The cards are designed for practicality, being lightweight, durable, and pocket-sized, making them easy to carry on your rides.

While the card format is highly portable, some users might prefer a bound book for easier overview planning before a ride. However, for convenient, on-the-go navigation and discovering hidden gems in the Bay Area, this deck is incredibly useful. It’s perfect for locals and visitors wanting to explore diverse terrains.

This guide is your essential resource for exploring the stunning Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains by bike. You’ll find 27 carefully selected backroad routes suitable for both touring and mountain bikes, covering a beautiful stretch from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. The descriptions detail scenic and historic tours, from valley floors to exhilarating ridgetop rides, including iconic areas like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

While the book offers great variety, some of the trail systems mentioned, like Tsali and Bent Creek, have evolved significantly since its 2004 publication. However, for cyclists specifically targeting the Southern Appalachians’ unique charm, this guide provides a solid foundation for discovering both well-traveled and lesser-known paths. It’s a great pick for regional explorers.

This guide is your go-to for exploring the diverse mountain biking terrain of Northern New Mexico. It details over 40 of the region’s greatest adventures, from scenic forest roads to challenging singletrack around Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos. You’ll find high-quality, digitally designed maps and accurate route profiles, along with detailed directions to get you to the trailheads without getting lost.

While the maps are good, some riders might find the mile-by-mile directional cues could be more granular for complex sections. However, for those seeking to experience Northern New Mexico by mountain bike, this guide offers comprehensive coverage and essential information for rides catering to all skill levels. It’s a solid choice for regional exploration.

This guide highlights 100 of the best mountain biking trails across Northern California, from the coastal ranges near Santa Cruz to the high Sierra near Lake Tahoe. It focuses on exploring the region’s backcountry trails and dirt roads, offering a comprehensive look at fat-tire routes. The book promises numerous new trails described for the first time, making it a valuable resource for discovering less-traveled paths.

Given its publication date, some trail information might be outdated, and newer, more technical trails may not be included. However, for riders seeking to explore the classic Northern California backcountry and discover established routes, this guide remains a solid choice. It’s best suited for intermediate to advanced riders familiar with the area.

You’ll find this atlas an indispensable companion for planning your next cycling adventure across North America. It meticulously details 350 of the most beautiful cycling trips spanning the US, Canada, and Mexico, leveraging Strava’s user-sourced mapping technology for unparalleled route selection. The book balances scenic beauty with practical details, including maps, technical information, and tourist tips, ensuring you discover both iconic sites and hidden gems.

While the sheer volume of routes is impressive, some users might find the regional organization a bit dense. However, for cyclists seeking a comprehensive and visually inspiring guide to diverse terrains and experiences, this atlas offers exceptional value. It’s ideal for those who love detailed planning and want to explore the continent’s most picturesque cycling paths.