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Routes
MTB trails
United States
Virginia

Salem

The best MTB trails in Salem city

5.0

(1)

212

riders

14

rides

Mountain biking in Salem city, Virginia, offers a diverse landscape characterized by forested hills, expansive reservoirs, and river greenways. The region features a mix of rolling terrain and more challenging climbs, particularly around areas like Carvins Cove and Brushy Mountain. Mountain bikers can expect trails that wind through dense woodlands and provide views of the surrounding natural environment.

Best mountain bike trails in Salem city

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Carvins Cove: Brushy Mountain Loop, a 15.7…

Last updated: May 11, 2026

20

riders

#1.

Carvins Cove: Brushy Mountain Loop

25.3km

02:34

540m

540m

Embark on the Carvins Cove: Brushy Mountain Loop for a moderate mountain biking adventure, covering 15.8 miles (25.3 km) with a substantial 1767 feet (539 metres) of elevation gain. This…

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Moderate

10

riders

13.9km

01:34

500m

500m

Mountain biking the RockStar Trail offers a moderate 8.6-mile ride with 1626 feet of climbing through scenic Blue Ridge Mountain terrain.

Moderate
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Tackle the moderate 10.6-mile Brushy Mountain and Rattlin' Run Loop in Carvin's Cove Natural Reserve, gaining 1409 feet on your mountain bik

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
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Popular around Salem

Hiking in Salem city

Cycling in Salem city

Road Cycling Routes in Salem city

Running Trails in Salem city

Tips from the Community

Philip
May 26, 2025, Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain

Parking area at the bottom is closed (Near Dollar General). We parked across the street and walked the gravel up to Star Trail Trailhead.

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Alex
February 16, 2024, Memorial Bridge

The Memorial Bridge of Roanoke supports the Roanoke River Greenway and has wide sidewalks on both sides of the car lanes that bikes use. The bridge has two-lane traffic and spans 785 feet across the Roanoke River. While riding here, pay attention and find all five plaques, with quotes from Patrick Henry, Theodore Roosevelt, Stonewall Jackson, and Thomas Jefferson. The last plaque has the names of World War I victims.

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Andrus
February 16, 2024, Roanoke River Greenway

The greenway is an easily accessible multi-use trail that runs along the Roanoke River. There are multiple points of access and a number of nice parks along its route. It can get busy with cyclists, walkers, and runners though so be aware of your fellow trail users.

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Alex
February 16, 2024, Wasena Park

Wasena Park is a green space along the Roanoke River. The Roanoke River Greenway bike-friendly path runs through the park, and the park offers a playground, two picnic shelters, the Roanoke Skate Park, a baseball diamond, a basketball court, ADA-accessible picnic shelters with tables, lights at night, electrical outlets, and grills, as well as ADA-accessible restrooms.

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This is a beautiful trail in the depth of the forest. There are a few openings between boulders and trees with breathtaking views of Calvin Creek.

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The trail gets really close to Calvin Creek. You will find a few logs to sit and enjoy a little break next to the beautifully blue water.

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The Gauntlet is a fairly straight line with a series of jumps which can be easily avoided by those who are sparing their joints, or those who want to carry more speed. Great fun!

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Brushy Mountain (2,382 ft), offers a beautiful view of the McAfee Knob southern part, such as the Carvins Cove Natural Reservoir. It is worth a little stop to appreciate the landscape below us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall difficulty level of mountain bike trails in Salem?

The mountain bike trails in Salem offer a range of challenges. There are 8 moderate routes and 4 difficult routes available. While there are no trails specifically categorized as easy, many moderate trails can be enjoyed by riders with some experience.

Are there any mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families in Salem?

While there are no trails explicitly listed as 'easy', many of the moderate trails in Salem can be suitable for families or beginners with a reasonable level of fitness and basic mountain biking skills. These trails often feature rolling terrain rather than steep, technical climbs. For a good starting point, consider exploring sections around Carvins Cove which offer varied terrain.

What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Salem?

Mountain biking in Salem features diverse terrain, including forested hills, paths alongside expansive reservoirs, and river greenways. You'll encounter a mix of rolling sections and more challenging climbs, particularly in areas like Carvins Cove and Brushy Mountain. The trails often wind through dense woodlands, providing scenic views of the natural environment.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Salem?

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Salem are designed as loops. For example, the Carvins Cove: Brushy Mountain Loop is a popular 15.7-mile route, and the Brushy Mountain and Rattlin' Run Loop covers 10.6 miles, both offering a complete circuit.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Salem?

The best time for mountain biking in Salem is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and trails are generally dry. Fall offers particularly scenic rides with vibrant foliage. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially wet or icy conditions, especially at higher elevations or after rainfall.

Are there any longer, more challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

Yes, experienced riders looking for a challenge will find several options. The Carvins Cove Natural Reserve – Clarion Cove Natural Reserve loop from Brushy Mountain is a difficult 12.4-mile route. Another challenging option is the Carvin's Cove Natural Reserve loop from Buckland Forest, which spans over 12 miles.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Salem?

The mountain bike routes in Salem are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 190 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Salem's varied terrain, often praising the scenic views and the diverse range of trails available.

Are there any trails that offer significant elevation gain for a good workout?

Absolutely. Trails like the Carvins Cove: Brushy Mountain Loop feature over 1,700 feet of elevation gain, providing a substantial workout. The RockStar Trail also includes nearly 1,600 feet of ascent and descent through wooded areas.

Where can I find parking for mountain bike trails in Salem?

Many popular trailheads, especially around Carvins Cove and Brushy Mountain, offer designated parking areas. For specific routes, it's always recommended to check the individual tour details on komoot, as they often include information about starting points and available parking facilities.

Are there any trails that follow river greenways?

Yes, Salem's mountain biking network includes routes that utilize river greenways. For example, the Wood Trush Trail – Roanoke River Greenway loop from Grandin Court incorporates sections along the Roanoke River Greenway, offering a different type of scenic experience.

Can I find trails with good views in Salem?

Many trails in Salem offer excellent scenic views, particularly those around Carvins Cove and Brushy Mountain. These routes often provide vistas of the reservoir and the surrounding forested landscape. The Mill Mountain loop from Roanoke is another route known for its scenic qualities.

Most popular routes in Salem city

Family-friendly hikes in Salem city

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