Almost Heaven is a playground for thrill-seeking mountain bikers, and if you’re one of them, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to blaze down some epic trails. Snowshoe Mountain Resort is in the heart of Pocahontas County, which is famous for its hills and thrills.
To experience one of the best two-wheeled adventures out there, explore this mountain biker’s guide and plan your next ride at this West Virginia gem.
Get to Know Appalachia’s Mountain Bike Capital 🚵
Snowshoe Mountain Resort is the epitome of world-class mountain biking as it hosted numerous UCI Mountain Bike World Cups, earning mentions from Bike Magazine and other major publications. This mountain bike park has nearly everything when it comes to terrain and scenery, beginners and experts alike can enjoy an exciting journey. Blaze your mountain bike on more than 40 trails, some of which boast 1,500 feet of vertical drop.
Try the 1.1-mile Enchanted Forest trail, which is full of mossy rocks, roots, and native growth that follows a remote ridge. Airport is a 0.7-mile trail located on the backside of the Silver Creek area, this hike serves up some wild and wonderful panoramic views of Snowshoe, Slatyfork and beyond. Keep in mind that several of these trails are connected, and you can create your own loop based on how far you’d like to go!
Snowshoe also offers new riders to learn tips and tricks in West Virginia’s own International Mountain Biking Silver Level Association Ride Center.
Choose Your Path 🚴
Snowshoe Mountain will make your decision worthwhile, no matter how you wish to configure your mountain biking adventure. Opt for the Bike Park Season Pass, which grants you access to the park all season long and even gives you a discount on lodging, retail and dining experiences. You can also purchase day lift tickets for downhill mountain biking fun if you plan to be here briefly.
Bike rentals are also available if you don’t have your own. Choose from full-suspension Enduro and Downhill mountain bikes and nimble, light Freeride models.
What to Bring ✅
Before you hit the dirt, bringing all the equipment (and adrenaline) that will make your mountain biking trip the best one yet is essential. Here’s what we recommend for serious mountain bikers:
Gear
- Mountain bike (or rent one)
- Sturdy bike rack/hitch
- Helmet
- Bike gloves
- Eye protection
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Bike pedal footwear
- Padded shorts
- Stowaway rain/wind jacket
- Insulation layers (cool at high elevations)
- Bike lock
- LED headlight and taillight
- Compass
- Emergency whistle
- Saddle/handlebar bag
Personal Items
- Insect reppelant
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Water/performance drinks
- Small quick-dry towels
- Chafing cream
- First aid kit
Repair Tools
- Pressure Guage
- Chain lubricant
- Spare nuts and bolts
- Spoke wrench
- General multi-purpose tool
- Tire patch kit
- Duct tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Bicycle pump
- Spare inner tube and tire
Where to Gear Up and Do a Little TLC 🔧
It’s easy to forget an item on your list before your big adventure. Located on the ground floor of Allegheny Springs in the Village, Mountain Adventure Center (MAC) is a one-stop shop that offers mountain bike apparel, gear, tools, tires, repair kits and much more. For more casual bike apparel and goods, 4848 is another store worth browsing.
Snowshoe also has plenty of self-repair stations throughout the mountainous trails for more peace of mind while taking your bike across all terrains. There is also a bike washing station located by The Junction Ale House in the Village to wash away the mud.
Fuel Up 🍽️
After burning those quads all day, you’ll want to relax and replenish your energy. Grab a fresh pizza at Cheat Mountain Pizza or some casual American classics at Hoots Bar and Grill. Village Pub offers trendy soups, sushi, salads, sandwiches, and much more for the health-conscious. Head to 10 Prime and treat yourself to a tender steak and wine. No matter what you go with, you’ll be happy to rest your legs and enjoy refueling.
Rest and Recover 😴
Snowshoe Mountain has 37 comfortable lodges for you to rest your head. Allegheny Springs offers the resort’s best luxury experience, located directly in the Village Central – just a few feet from the Ballhooter Lift. Enjoy amenities such as 3-room condos, a heated outdoor swimming pool, ski storage, saunas, a fitness center and much more. Black Bear Crossing is another excellent option with its large townhouses on the village stone pathway and adjacent to the Powderidge Lift.
Rent a log townhome at Loggers Run, each with a single-car garage, a large main bedroom, a spa tub, a gas fireplace and many other amenities. Another great option is Mountain Lodge, which includes private parking, incredible mountain views, full kitchens and a short walk to the village.
Looking for more trails to explore? You are never short of options with the help of our free West Virginia Vacation Guide!
More Mountain Biking AdventuresIt’s Going Down(hill) in #AlmostHeaven 🚵
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