50 Mountain Unicycle Trails to Ride in America: Part Two

Previously, we covered some of the best mountain biking trails in the United States, from Alabama to Indiana, which are perfect for unicycles as well.

We’re here with installment two. Gear up the mountain bike or mountain unicycle and get ready (leave the minibike at home for these) because we’re back with the second in the series.

Iowa: Cone Park Mountain Bike Park

You might not think of mountain biking when you think of Iowa, but Cone Park Mountain Bike Park combines almost 11 miles of soft surface and paved trails with tons of challenges for both beginner and intermediate riders, including rocks, bridges, even wall rides, and more.

Kansas: Switchgrass Epic Mountain Bike Trail

Over 22 miles of all singletrack, the Switchgrass Epic Mountain Bike Trail is a great intermediate challenge, with plenty of rocks, deep sand, and some moderate grades that will get your legs burning. Plus, it’s right near Wilson Reservoir, one of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

Kentucky: Grapevine Lake

Perfect for nearly all riders, Grapevine Lake trail offers beautiful views of the lake from every angle.

Louisiana: Acadiana Park

This set of trails is good for beginners but has plenty of challenges, from technical singletrack with berms and bridges to a few surprisingly sharp descents, at least for Louisiana. Plus, it’s short, which is a bonus for beginners.

Maine: Carrabbassett Valley

We’re not going to recommend a specific trail here; just visit Carrabbassett Valley Outdoor Center and get a trail map. There are over 100 miles of trails and many of them offer challenges and worthwhile views. Presque Isle is a close runner-up.

Maryland: Patapsco Valley State Park

This one tops most lists of the “best of” in Maryland, and offers 25 miles of singletrack networks with over 1400 feet of elevation - a great challenge for both beginners and intermediate riders.

Massachusetts: Vietnam Trails

There are 20 miles of singletrack network here with over 1000 feet of elevation change, making it perfect for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. Grab a trail map and plot your own path.

Michigan: Copper Harbor Trails

It’s tough to pick a “best” trail or trail network for Michigan, but Copper Harbor Trails, on the Keweenaw Peninsula, is a good bet. There are over 50 miles of trails showcasing a variety of options including downhill rides and flowing rides, all of which will serve beautiful scenery, unique geological formations, and at times, breathtaking vistas of Lake Superior.

Minnesota: Lebanon Hills

Minnesota is another one with a lot of options, but Lebanon Hills, with over 12 miles of singletrack, and not far from the Twin Cities, is a great option.

Mississippi: Bethel Bike Trails

Not one trail, but a network of bike trails, some of which used to be motorbike trails, and a lot of singletrack, and a lot of sand and packed dirt. This is way down by the gulf, so it’s going to be hot - if you go in the summer, bring plenty of water.

Missouri: Berryman

One of the best singletracks in the country; in 1998, Bike Magazine called it the best singletrack east of the Rockies and west of the Appalachians. That’s high praise for this 24 mile loop.

Montana: Bangtail Divide

Fairly difficult, the Bangtail Divide is nearly 25 miles and is mostly singletrack. Some of the challenges you will face include sharp climbs and descents - but once you get to the top of the divide, the views are worth it. If you’re looking for a runner-up in Montana, the Route of the Hiawatha is another great one.

Nebraska: Platte River State Park

With nearly 22 miles of singletrack, Nebraska’s Platte River State Park trail network is one you will need to try at some point in your life. The best part is the “gully” which contains washouts, roots, rocks and other challenges.

Nevada: Flume Trail

With 14 miles of singletrack with a few technical sections, the Flume Trail is a relatively easy ride - but one you will not want to miss, if only for the views of Spooner Lake.

New Hampshire: Moose Brooke State Park

There are plenty of great Appalachian mountain bike trails in New Hampshire, but Moose Brooke State Park, which has plenty of singletrack trails, is a great one because there are so many campgrounds; don’t just visit for a day, make a weekend out of it.

New Mexico: South Boundary Trail

Access road and singletrack, New Mexico’s South Boundary Trail has a little bit of everything. Along its length you’ll experience meadows, hills, sharp descents, and even some stair-like sections.

New Jersey: Sourland Mountain Preserve

You might not think of mountain biking when you think of New Jersey, but Sourland Mountain Preserve, an Appalachian ridge in the state’s northwest, offers some unique, technically demanding challenges. Or, if you prefer flat sand riding, explore any of the hundreds of miles of sand trails in the Pine Barrens in the lower half of the state.

New York: Blue Mountain Reserve

Almost 9 miles of singletrack and tons of steep ravines and rocks in the granite Appalachian landscape make this not just one of the best trail systems in New York, but the entire country.

North Carolina: Black Mountain Loop

This loop is very technical and is best-known for its 1900-foot downhill ride. There are lots of technical challenges too.

North Dakota: Maah Daah Hey Trail

Perhaps the biggest challenge on this list yet, North Dakota’s Maah Daah Hey trail is 144 miles and traverses the badlands of the state. The singletrack that presents plenty of challenges will also take you past several campsites so it’s completely possible to string together a several day trip.

Gear Up Here

Whether you’re here for a minibike or a new mountain unicycle, you’re in the right place - but you’ll want to stick with the mountain gear for the trails mentioned in this article. Check back soon to make sure you don’t miss the last installment in this series!