South Dakota: Kiwanis
The 4-mile Kiwanis trails in Mitchell, South Dakota are flow trails beginners and intermediate riders alike will enjoy. This all-ages trail system appears to be well-marked and maintained.
Tennessee: Brush Creek
True story: I once took a group of 20 Boy Scouts, many of whom had never been mountain biking, on this trail, and they all crushed it. Well, one kid had a really hard time, but fortunately we rode Brush Creek as an out-and-back, so the group picked up him on the way back. Still, seeing those kids, many of whom were riding extremely clapped-out bikes, complete this trail with ease is a great endorsement! Plus, the scenery and backcountry feel make this a real first MTB ride.
Texas: Harry Moss Park
Unlike other large western states, less than 1.5% of the land in Texas is owned by the Federal government, which tends to limit public mountain biking opportunities in the state. Fortunately residents of Dallas don’t have to go very far to find family-friendly bike trails at Harry Moss Park. Not surprisingly, the trails at Harry Moss are flat and short–perfect for new riders.
Utah: Dead Horse Point State Park
At some point, most mountain bikers get the itch to experience mountain bike Mecca: Moab, UT. But don’t think you have to work up to expert status before making the trip! According to Singletracks contributor John Fisch, Dead Horse Point State Park’s Intrepid Trail System offers mostly flat, smooth singletrack, with incredible views of the Utah desert.
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Vermont: Mud Pond Loop
If you’ve been following along for the whole list, you might have noticed a pattern: many great beginner MTB trails are located along the edges of lakes and rivers. This generally allows trails to follow a gentle contour, while often minimizing obstacles like rocks. The Mud Pond Loop in Vermont is another lakefront loop that’s well-suited to beginning riders, particularly the lower half of this short trail.
Virginia: Meadowood
Meadowood is a fairly new trail system, and as such it’s been designed and constructed to be accessible (and fun!) for riders of all abilities. There are conflicting reports about the quality of signage at Meadowood, but we think it’s safe to say beginners will have a good experience here.
Washington: Lake Sawyer
Lake Sawyer seems to offer a mixed bag. On the one hand, there aren’t any long, difficult climbs and the trails are generally smooth. On the other hand, route finding can be difficult, and challenging, manmade obstacles dot the trail. Still, many Singletracks reviewers say these trails are easy and offer a good place to introduce newbies to the sport.
West Virginia: Two Lick Trail
While West Virginia may be the Mountain State, there are still places for new (and not-yet-in-shape riders) to give mountain biking a try. The 5-mile Two Lick loop is just such a place, where beginners can get a taste of true mountain biking without feeling too overwhelmed.
Wisconsin: CAMBA Hayward Cluster
Officially the CAMBA Hayward Cluster trails are rated intermediate, but it’s safe to say most beginners can handle these trails, particularly the fun, flowy Hatchery Creek trail. And yet, if Hatchery Creek is too difficult, there are miles of cross country ski trails here that are open to bikes in the summer.
Wyoming: Tyler Draw
This short, 5.5-mile trail is smooth and flowy without a lot of elevation change along its length. There isn’t a lot of tree cover either, so new riders should be sure to hit this one early in the day during summer months!
But wait, there’s more! Click below to see two beginner-friendly Canada picks!
