EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKING AT MASSANUTTEN RESORTS AND WINTERGREEN, VA
With world-class skiing all winter and thrilling mountain biking in the warmer months at Wintergreen, VA, outdoor recreation is a year-round affair at the resort just seven miles down the road from our Blue Ridge Parkway cabin rentals. Get acquainted with the local landscape on the trails spread throughout our property, and then branch out to the diverse rideable slopes at Wintergreen Resort. And on a different day, plan an outing to the 800 acres of manicured Western Slope trails at Massanutten Resort, just a 1-hour drive north and well worth the trip to explore their 15+ miles of interconnected trails.
Wintergreen, VA – Mountain Fun From Winter Into Summer
Wintergreen Resort sits high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, rising to 3,084 feet at its summit, with excellent snow in the winter and a unique alpine terrain for hiking and biking in the summer. From the Adventure Center, centrally located at the resort, the Wintergreen mountain biking trail map consists of a few main interchangeable routes, which share their names (Cliffhanger Challenge, Big A, Dobie Down, etc.) with what are favorite ski runs throughout the winter. Drac-Ulala is the longest route, winding downhill over a mile, with 300 feet of descent and varied topography.
Before your visit, check the Wintergreen page on TrailForks, a mountain-biking forum where riders post updates from recent trips, including any lingering snow or muddy conditions. When trails are clearer in early spring and fall, ask us about the Wintergreen route to Nellysford route. You need to plan for a shuttle to ride this local’s secret descent.
Western Slope at Massanutten
The 15 miles of expertly-constructed trails on the Western Slope at Massanutten Resort – just 47 miles north of Love Ridge – are some of the best in the state, the result of over a decade of volunteers carving out the trail network. The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, a non-profit grassroots organization promoting bike culture and trail construction/maintenance in the area, maintains the trails. A day pass is $10 (pay either at the kiosk on-site or using an app), which grants full access to the extensive trail system with routes suitable for all ages and abilities.
The lower sections of the Western Slope are more leisurely and moderate, while the upper trails have more rocky and challenging parts, so the thoughtful layout is perfect for choosing your difficulty level. For an intermediate loop with a bit of everything, link up Virginia ‘54 to Leighton’s, Ravine, and Homestead, with over 1,000 feet of ascent and descent spread over nine smooth-flowing miles.
On the way back to your Blue Ridge Parkway cabins, glamping room, or campsite after an exciting day of riding at the Western Slope, take 33 east from Massanutten to Shenandoah National Park, and drive the southern section of Skyline Drive, often called one of the most beautiful drives in any national park. There are outlooks every few miles – Swift Run, Bacon Hollow, and Rockytop are just a few of the dozens you’ll see – where it’s worth pulling off and taking in the sweeping vistas of the Shenandoah Valley.
Biking in the Love Ridge Area – Other Things to Note
Should you need any biking accessories or gear during your stay at Love Ridge, the closest bike shop is Rockfish Gap Outfitters. In addition to bike repairs they have a rental fleet to choose from and easily incorporated into your trip to Massanutten. It’s locally owned and a great source for trail tips and bike maintenance.
There are several group rides in the area, including the free Monday night women’s ride organized by the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition – it’s an hour-long casual pace ride and starts at 5:30 pm at the Western Slope trailhead.
After an extended planning and approval process, a new mountain biking trail system is currently under construction at Sunset Park in neighboring Waynesboro (just 17 miles up the road from Love Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway), so check for updates before your visit about its current status.
Reserve your Love Ridge lodging and explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains by bike!
