Mountain biking has exploded in popularity in the U.S., thanks to the pandemic, renewed interest among younger generations and the rise of enthusiasm for outdoor recreation. Sales of front-end suspension bicycles were up 150 percent in June 2022 as more people took to the trail. And the industry is expected to grow by 10 percent through 2027. Increased demand for mountain biking has led to a boom in what’s known as mountain biking tourism.
Millions of people are strapping their bikes to the back of their cars and hitting the road in search of exciting hills and terrain to explore. Downhill biking tends to be particularly popular among riders, especially younger athletes with a need for speed. You don’t need to climb the tallest peak to find a great downhill trail. Most parks come with bike-friendly chairlifts that will take you right to the top so you can focus all your energy on getting to the bottom.
Pack up your mountain biking gear and use this list of the best downhill mountain bike parks to find steep trails in your neck of the woods that are sure to get your heart pumping.
How to Prepare for Downhill Mountain Biking
Traveling downhill dramatically increases your speed, which makes it harder to control the bike. This can throw some riders for a loop in the heat of the moment. You need to have a clear path to the bottom of the hill. Most designated downhill biking parks try to clear away obstacles, but some biking trails are too remote to maintain. Strong winds can knock down trees and excess rain can lead to mudslides that can put riders at risk. Take a moment to surveil the path as you make your way to the top of the mountain.
You’ll need to get used to braking while riding. Slowly press on the brakes based on your speed. Avoid braking too fast or the bike could skid on the rocks. The wind can also affect your balance at high speeds, causing you to drift to one side. Use these downhill biking tips to practice for the big day. Start with smaller inclines to get your bearings as you work your way up to steeper summits.
What to Pack for Downhill Mountain Biking
Whether you’re traveling across the country or sticking close to home, you’ll need to bring your own mountain biking gear or rent it from a vendor at the park. That includes a reliable off-road bike designed for downhill riding. It should have strong brakes with fresh pads to help you control your speed on the descent.
In terms of safety gear, you’ll need a full-face helmet with a visor to shield your face from flying rocks and other debris. Cover your arms and legs in a moisture-wicking fabric that can stand up to scrapes and dirt. Wear gloves with padded knuckles to protect your hands and shoes that click into the pedals of the bike. Steep hills can increase the risk of injury, so add knee, shoulder and elbow pads to cushion the fall.
Use a bike helmet with Bluetooth to keep in touch with your companions during the drop. It connects automatically when in range, so you can share tips with each other in real-time without taking your hands off the handlebars. Most parks won’t have this equipment, so you’ll need to bring your own.
Don’t forget to pack some first aid essentials for the trip, including sunscreen, bug spray, gauze, bandages and disinfectant, to treat scrapes and cuts onsite.
The Best Downhill Mountain Bike Parks in The US: Our Top Picks
Alyeska Bike Park – Alaska
Elevation: 1,348 ft.
Length of Trails: 14 miles
Rentals Available
Sunrise Bike Park – Arizona
Elevation: 1,325 ft.
Length of Trails: 17 miles
Rentals Available
Lake Leatherwood Gravity Project – Arkansas
Elevation: 372 ft.
Length of Trails: 6 miles
NO Rentals Available
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park – California
Elevation: 5,936 ft.
Length of Trails: 80 miles
Rentals Available
Crested Butte Bike Park – Colorado
Elevation: 971 ft.
Length of Trails: 30 miles
Rentals Available
Powder Ridge Mountain Bike Park – Connecticut
Elevation: 419 ft.
Length of Trails: 7 miles
Rentals Available
Jarrod’s Place – Georgia
Elevation: 745 ft.
Length of Trails: 6 miles
Rentals Available
Bogus Basin Bike Park – Idaho
Elevation: 633 ft.
Length of Trails: 20 miles
Rentals Available
Farside Bike Park at chestnut Mountain Resort – Illinois
Elevation: 475 ft.
Length of Trails: 2 miles
Rentals Available
Mt. Abram Bike Park – Maine
Elevation: 415 ft.
Length of Trails: 19 miles
Rentals Available
Thunder Mountain Bike Park – Massachusetts
Elevation: 965 ft.
Length of Trails: 25 miles
Rentals Available
The Highlands Bike Park – Michigan
Elevation: 507 ft.
Length of Trails: 22 miles
Rentals Available
Giants Ridge Bike Park – Minnesota
Elevation: 478 ft.
Length of Trails: 10 miles
Rentals Available
Howler Bike Park – Missouri
Elevation: 365 ft.
Length of Trails: 4 miles
Rentals Available but Limited
Big Sky Bike Park – Montana
Elevation: 1,646 ft.
Length of Trails: 50 miles
Rentals Available
Mount Sunapee Bike Park – New Hampshire
Elevation: 374 ft.
Length of Trails: 5 miles
Rentals Available
Mountain Creek Bike Park – New Jersey
Elevation: 846 ft.
Length of Trails: 40 miles
Rentals Available
Angel Fire Bike Park – New Mexico
Elevation: 2,066 ft.
Length of Trails: 60 miles
Rentals Available
Gore Mountain Bike Park – New York
Elevation: 1,700 ft.
Length of Trails: 7 miles
NO Rentals Available
Beech Mountain Bike Park – North Carolina
Elevation: 744 ft.
Length of Trails: 6 miles
Rentals Available
Horns Hill Bike Park – Ohio
Elevation: 251 ft.
Length of Trails: 8 miles
NO Rentals Available
Mt. Bachelor Bike Park – Oregon
Elevation: 1,361 ft.
Length of Trails: 13 miles
Rentals Available
Blue Mountain Bike Park – Pennsylvania
Elevation: 1,072 ft.
Length of Trails: 12 miles
Rentals Available
Windrock Bike Park – Tennessee
Elevation: 1,040 ft.
Length of Trails: 13 miles
Rentals Available
Spider Mountain Bike Park – Texas
Elevation: 351 ft.
Length of Trails: 6 miles
Rentals Available
Deer Valley Bike Park – Utah
Elevation: 1,397 ft.
Length of Trails: 70 miles
Rentals Available
Bolton Valley Bike Park – Vermont
Elevation: 961 ft.
Length of Trails: 28 miles
Rentals Available
The Summit Bike Park @ Snoqualmie – Washington
Elevation: 1,026 ft.
Length of Trails: 8 miles
Rentals Available
Grand Targhee Bike Park – Wyoming
Elevation: 1,532 ft.
Length of Trails: 70 miles
Rentals Available
These sites are popular with thrill-seekers all over the world. Make your way to one of these stunning mountain bike parks to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
