A mountain biker navigates a rocky trail surrounded by trees, with dust kicking up behind them as they ride downhill. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, emphasizing the adventurous nature of the sport. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.

We didn't expect Ohio to make our list of the best MTB destinations in the midwest, but here we are

From the rolling hills of Appalachia to Columbus' backyard, Ohio's mountain bike trail scene has exploded — and these five systems prove the Buckeye State is one of the most exciting places to ride in the Midwest right now.

by Greg Heil

A cyclist dressed in a blue shirt and black shorts rides a gravel path surrounded by lush green trees. The trail is dusty and the scene is illuminated by soft, natural light filtering through the foliage.

Latest News

A winding dirt trail curves through a forested area, surrounded by trees and lush undergrowth. The path is freshly cleared, with dark soil and some exposed roots visible along the edges.

New Zealand

A $500,000 investment just transformed one of New Zealand's most popular 'Great Rides.' Here's what changed.

Close-up image of a bicycle's rear derailleur and gear cassette, showcasing the intricate mechanics and dirt accumulation. The background features blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting, possibly a trail.

Drivetrain

My 8-year-old hardtail now has wireless electronic shifting thanks to Shimano Deore Di2

Three mountain bikers are gathered around a bicycle on a rocky trail. Two of them are inspecting the bike, while one is holding tools and working on it. All three are wearing helmets and appropriate biking gear, surrounded by dry grass and dirt.

Tires All

Bike skills practice is important, but practicing this could actually save your ride

A winding dirt path cuts through a dry, grassy landscape with rolling hills in the background, featuring patches of green vegetation and a clear blue sky. The scene is framed by distant mountains, creating a tranquil outdoor setting.

California

This part of California is unfriendly to MTB: only 1.5 miles of singletrack is bike-legal. A new flow trail could finally change that.

A cyclist wearing a black helmet and sunglasses is about to take a bite of a snack bar while standing outdoors. He is dressed in a blue shirt and has on bright yellow gloves. The background is nature, suggesting he is taking a break during a ride.

Nutrition

Portable tamales can take the place of energy waffles and bars on the trail

Mountain biker riding along a dirt trail in a hilly landscape, with dry grass and shrubs surrounding the path and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

MTB Tips

This trail building technique takes almost twice as long, but the results are worth it

A mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail surrounded by dense greenery and tall trees in a forested area. The biker is wearing a helmet and is captured from an overhead angle, highlighting the trail's curves and the lush foliage.

Washington

Washington state slashed millions of dollars in maintenance funding. Your favorite trails will pay the price.

Suspension

Is your mountain bike suspension electronic?

Four small, colorful plastic pieces in yellow and orange are scattered on a wooden surface. The pieces have angular shapes with circular holes, resembling components that could be used in a game or tool. The rustic texture of the wood contrasts with the bright colors of the plastic.

Tools

Crankbrothers has a new solution to a common tubeless tire problem

Today’s Best MTB Deals

New MTB Trail Builds & Developments

A panoramic view from a mountain ridge showcasing a winding dirt path that curves through grassy terrain, rocky outcrops, and a small pond, with rolling hills and valleys in the distance under a clear blue sky.

New Zealand

Coronet Peak has just completed the first of 15 new MTB trails

Work is underway on a massive trail expansion that will reshape Queenstown, New Zealand's mountain bike scene.

A mountain biker in a red shirt and yellow helmet is jumping off a rocky ledge on a dirt trail surrounded by dry grass and panoramic views of a valley and distant mountains.

Nevada

Reno's Peavine Mountain MTB trail system is expanding to 70 miles of singletrack

Reno's Peavine Mountain trail network is on its way to 70 miles of singletrack, with new flow trails and connections to underserved neighborhoods already in progress.

A scenic view of mountains under a clear blue sky, featuring rolling hills and sparse vegetation in the foreground, with a faded fence line adding depth to the landscape.

Arizona

How the Arizona Trail Association's tribal-first approach flipped the script on trail design

A new trail-building approach on the Arizona Trail puts indigenous consultation first — and the results are reshaping how singletrack gets built on ancestral lands.

A scenic view of rolling hills covered with shrubs and trees, featuring a winding dirt path. In the background, expansive valleys and distant mountains are visible under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape showcases a mix of greenery and earth tones, exemplifying a natural outdoor setting.

Arizona

The Verde Valley Circle Trail will be a 180-mile bikepacking loop in Arizona

Put this bikepacking epic on your bucket list! A 180-mile all-singletrack loop around Arizona's Verde Valley is currently under construction.

Aerial view of a winding dirt pathway meandering through a dense green landscape, surrounded by various types of foliage and trees. In the distance, there are structures partially visible among the trees, suggesting a natural or recreational area.

Texas

Rock Solid is attempting its 'most ambitious project ever for a single season'

Rock Solid Trail Contracting is building 25-30 miles of singletrack at a new Texas state natural area — the most ambitious single-season project in the company's history.

A group of mountain bikers gathered on a scenic overlook, enjoying the view of snow-capped mountains and a colorful sunset. Lush greenery and rocky terrain are visible in the foreground, while the mountains rise majestically in the background.

California

Chico, California's new Humboldt Drop trail offers 5 miles of must-ride downhill flow

The new Humboldt Drop trail is already drawing riders from across the region — and it's just one piece of a massive new trail system taking shape in the Lassen National Forest.

Three people standing near a lake, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. One person is sitting on a rock, while the others are engaged in conversation. The landscape features a serene body of water with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Maine

New Pleasant Pond trail system will bring 18 miles of MTB trails to Island Falls, Maine

Construction on the 18-mile trail system near Pleasant Pond will hopefully kick off later this year, with plans to build everything from green flow trails to double-black technical descents.

A scenic view of a hiking trail winding through golden grass and rocky terrain, with a backdrop of green hills and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.

Arizona

Arizona Trail reroutes dirt road sections onto new singletrack as side-by-side traffic explodes

With a slew of recent reroutes to get the Arizona Trail off of dirt roads, this epic 800-mile point-to-point trail is getting closer to 100% singletrack.

A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by tall trees and greenery. The biker is airborne, showcasing a dynamic action shot in a forested area.

Alberta

Baseline Mountain's historic Canada Cup downhill race track gets a $115,000 makeover

The Baseline Mountain Biking Club in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, hired professional trail builders to restore the steep, technical trail that hosted the Canada Cup DH series in the mid-90s.

Mountain Biker Buyers Guides