Massachusetts: Cutler Park
The trail network at Cutler Park weaves around a large marshland, which means there’s little elevation change to deter new riders. This is a fairly popular ride due to its proximity to Boston, so newbies should have no problem finding a friend to guide them through this sometimes confusing network.
Michigan: DTE Energy Foundation Trail
The DTE Energy Foundation trail is slated to feature 20 miles of singletrack upon completion, sometime around the year 2020. Fortunately for beginning riders, the first 5 miles of easy, smooth (and sustainable!) trail is already open for business.
Minnesota: Minnesota River Bottoms
The Minnesota River Bottoms trails are generally flat and smooth–perfect for new riders who are just getting comfortable with riding off road. Many of the trails are not officially marked, so newbies may want to go along with a friend who knows their way around. Also known as Bloomington Ferry.
Mississippi: Bethel Bike Trails
Singletracks readers agree: the Bethel Bike Trails are great for beginners. With more than 20 miles of trails and little elevation change, these smooth woodland trails offer a great place to give mountain biking a try.
Missouri: Creve Couer Park
The Bootlegger’s Run Trail at Creve Couer Park is officially rated intermediate, but Singletracks members peg this trail as more of a beginner-friendly affair. The trails here are smooth and mostly devoid of technical features, similar in nature to the trails at SIUE (our pick for Illinois).
Montana: Homestake To Pipestone Pass
When it comes to mountain bike trails in Montana, the word “easy” can be relative. Still, for beginners who don’t mind working a little, Homestake to Pipestone Pass is a scenic climb on technically-easy trails. One ride on this trail and newbies will understand the meaning of the word “flow.”
Nebraska: Tranquility
With a name like Tranquility, you know this trail is going to be a good choice for new riders! Much of the trail system features smooth, rolling trails and very little climbing.
Nevada: Flume Trail
The Flume Trail at Lake Tahoe is one of those rare trails that is both iconic AND beginner-friendly. This trail is scenic, buff, and it’s even possible to book a shuttle to minimize the climb. Everyone, from beginners to experts, will enjoy this trail!
New Hampshire: Curtisville and Batchelder Mills Road Trails & Gyro
We had a difficult time nailing down one good choice for beginners in New Hampshire, so we chose two trails: Curtisville and Gyro. The Curtisville and Batchelder Mills Road Trails are fairly short and low key, but we’re told they are a good choice for beginners. Gyro is an even shorter trail–just two miles long–but it appears to offer both smooth tread AND minimal elevation change.
New Jersey: Allaire State Park
The Jersey Off Road Bike Association (JORBA) hosts Tuesday night beginner rides spring through fall at Allaire State Park, making it the perfect place for newbies to get a feel for singletrack riding!
