Mill Creek, Alta, Wyoming
This is a new entrant onto my personal wish list based on inputs from my fellow Singletracks riders (and readers). Starting on the south flank of the Grand Targhee ski area, this is a relatively short downhill at a mere 1,600 vertical feet. However, it is reputed to max out the quality if not the quantity of descending. With little in the way of serious technical challenge, it is another quality option for groups of mixed ability. As a big fan of bottomless powder, I loved Grand Targhee in the winter, but it now seems I must check it out in the summer as well.
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Chestnut Mountain, Bozeman, Montana
In an area besieged by constant threat of, and actual loss of mountain bike access, a couple relatively recent plus-ups shine through, including the downhill-oriented Leverich Canyon loop and one of my personal favorites, the longer, more adventurous Chestnut Mountain. Whether ridden as an out-and-back it, or looped with a combination of roads and ATV track, the fast and furious singletrack descent of almost 3k verts will have your eyes watering and your brakes squealing. Just be careful the lower you go as there are more hikers near the bottom and a few blind curves.
Bomb Dog, Coldwater Mountain, Anniston, Alabama
While the Appalachians may not have the vertical of the Rockies, that doesn’t mean the East is devoid of rad descents. The folks in Alabama have built a few classic trail systems making the most of available terrain to create some wicked fun downhills as well.
“This is one of the first trails built at Coldwater and it’s an instant classic! The descent is steep and rocky at the top and mellows toward the bottom where you can really rip. Bermed turns, rollers, and good sight lines make this an excellent flow trail.” –Jeff Barber
Black Mountain, Brevard, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest is the undisputed king of eastern riding. It is filled with grueling climbs, relentless gnar, and yes, fantastic descents. Many are tied among the top tier, but first among equals is the challenging and uber-fun Black Mountain.
This is a totally awesome, super gnarly descent! Water bars, roots, and rocks abound, with so many opportunities to get some air! Of course, in order to earn this descent, you’ve really got to pay for it on the way up with a steep, steep hike-a-bike. This is Pisgah at it’s finest! –Greg Heil
Mountaintown Creek Segment, Pinhoti Trail, Ellijay, Georgia
At 330 miles, the Pinhoti Trail is one of our nation’s great long distance routes. 168 of those miles lie in Georgia, and the best descent in the group is on the Mountaintown Creek Segment between Chatsworth and Blue Ridge.
My new favorite trail in Georgia! It’s a long slog to get to the top, but the long descent is worth it. The top starts off swoopy and smooth, then transitions into steep and rocky with plenty of stream crossings. Hard to find another descent this long in Georgia. Spring scenery is excellent. –Jeff Barber
Gallinero Trail, Benasque, Spain
If you have the opportunity to hop the pond, you’ll find plenty of great descents in Europe. While the Alps may seem like the obvious destination, the much less well known mountains of the Spanish Pyrenees offer equally excellent opportunities to shred the downward plane.
Gallinero was probably the single coolest trail I rode while in Spain! Starting way above treeline, the singletrack begins by traversing a formidable mountain side with absolutely jaw-dropping views, before plummeting towards the valley floor below through technical, entertaining singletrack. A must-do! –Greg Heil
Your turn: Add your comments below to tell us what descents you love the most, or are looking forward to ripping in 2017.
