10 Mountain Unicycle/Mountain Bike Trails You Have to Ride (Part One)

One of the great things about unicycling is that, on top of the fact that it’s low impact and a great workout, it can make you a better cyclist in general.

Good news for those that love to mountain bike and love muni riding, or “mountain unicycle” riding.

And, as it turns out, mountain bikers and muni riders can enjoy many of the same trails, too.

We put our heads together, thought back on some of the best trails we’ve ever ridden, and came up with 10 trails around the country that you simply must experience, whether you prefer one wheel or two.

Gear up the mountain unicycle or bike and don’t forget to pack the mountain bike tools before you hit the road, because here’s the first installment.

1. The Whole Enchilada - Moab, UT

This is a trail you’ll get to ride if you ever visit Moab Muni Fest (which you should totally do, by the way).

This one is number one on the list because any mountain unicyclist or biker will love it, it just makes for an absolutely epic day.

It has been called “one of the world’s great rides” by MTB Project, and we concur fully. It will take you through 34.1 miles of high desert, up to a max elevation of more than 11,000’. It’s totally doable for most riders, too, because even though you’ll encounter grades of up to 21°, it averages just 3°. So get out of the saddle and walk sections if you have to, the ride is still worth it.

And, the best part? This whole trail is pretty much all petrified sandstone, which is like riding on sandpaper. You just can’t not get traction on this stuff. Seriously, it’s grippy when wet - not that it really rains in Moab, which is another thing: Moab is a desert, and gets nearly 250 sunny days per year, so you’re almost guaranteed good weather for the trip.

And, on top of that, it’s a relatively easy trip to arrange on a budget and the views are epic. We can’t recommend it enough. If there’s one muni or mountain bike trail you need to ride in your life, this is it.

2. Best of DuPont - DuPont State Forest, NC

The Best of DuPont will serve up just what it sounds like - no curve balls here. Ride this trail and get the best of DuPont State Forest in North Carolina, including slick rock trail, granite faces, and waterfalls. In fact, this trail will take you pretty close to Bridal Veil Falls, another must-see.

Anyway, this 18 mile trail is 95% singletrack and will challenge you with grades similar to the aforementioned, but since it’s shorter, most riders will consider it a bit easier - you won’t have to cover 30+ miles to complete it. It’s also not nearly as high, although some of the climbs are pretty intense.

If you’re going to take this one on with a mountain unicycle, take it in the counterclockwise direction, that way at the end of the ridge, you can descend in a controlled freefall in the saddle.

Be prepared for creek crossings, too. There are three of them, but except during really rainy seasons, there are rocks you should be able to hop across without getting too wet.

3. Sandy Ridge Full Tour - Mt. Hood, OR

This 15 or so mile trail will take you mostly through the dry side of Mt. Hood and expose you to some of the finest sights and terrain in the area. It’s about 80% singletrack, and there are some rocky, technical areas, but it doesn’t feel as much like it should, since there’s a lot of sand trail too.

The great thing about this ride is that it will show you some beautiful scenery without making you work too hard. It’s laid out and flows really well, and there aren’t that many drops, but there are some great downhill sections that you can coast down while enjoying the ride.

Riders mostly comment that the trails are in excellent condition, with some even remarking that the trail needs more uphill sections - so if you’re in it to enjoy the road and soak up the scenes of Oregon’s forest, this is a must-ride.

4. Potawatomi Trail - Pinckney Recreation Area, MI

Love technical riding? Then this is the trail you need to ride, and the reason it made this list. Potawatomi Trail in Michigan’s Pinckney Recreation Area is 18 miles or so of old, hand-cut, rocky singletrack. Whether you’re in the saddle of a mountain bike or unicycle, you’re going to be doing a lot of hopping, jumping, and light trials. It’s a challenge for sure and you probably won’t be able to take it at too much of a clip, so it makes a good day’s ride, even though it’s not that long.

Despite that, it’s not crazy from a perspective of extremes of elevation, and the max grade is just 7°, so you won’t be knocking yourself climbing. And on top of that, there are plenty of sandy sections and some nice downhills that are a pleasure to ride. There are some shortcuts, too, if you come up to a section that you don’t think you can climb or descend safely.

This makes it a good option for both beginners and experienced riders. Just be aware - this is a one-way only trail so make sure you follow all posted signs.

5. Kingdom Trails - East Burke, VT

Last up for this installment of the best mountain biking and muni trails in the country is Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont. Rather than one trail, though, this is a whole system consisting of 68 total miles of trails, way up in northeast Vermont.

Of the routes, almost all are considered intermediate to difficult, so be ready for a challenge. The terrain is mostly rocky single track, just as in Potawatomi in Michigan, and is choked with rocky, rutty, technical terrain that will really have you wondering how you’re going to get from point A to point B - but it’s a lot of fun, and if a section is just too much for you, hey, get out of the saddle and walk it, then pick up where you left off.

All in all, it’s like Potawatomi, but much harder if that makes any sense, and with similar topography and terrain.

Don’t Forget the Mountain Bike Tools (and Stop Back for Part Two!)

Ready to hit the road and take on some of these trails yourself? Just make sure your ride is in working condition, pack the essentials for mountain biking and unicycling (and don’t forget the safety gear and mountain bike tools!) and get out there.

And make sure you stop back soon for part two!