Mountain Creek Trails

The Mountain Creek Trails are located within the Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon, New Jersey. Access to the trails is typically through the bike park. Parking is available on-site at the Mountain Creek Resort, which serves the bike park and other amenities.

The terrain at Mountain Creek is incredibly diverse, featuring both natural and man-made elements. You'll encounter challenging rocky and technical sections, including 'gnarly rock gardens,' roots, and logs. There are also machine-groomed freeride trails with features like tight berms, tables, dirt jumps, wallrides, and gaps. Conditions can sometimes be dry and loose.

Yes, Mountain Creek caters to all ability levels, from beginners to World Cup professionals. The park uses a 'Trail Progression Scale' for its Freeride and Technical trails. While it's known for difficult technical rock trails, there are beginner trails that offer a flowy experience with smooth berms, rollers, and tabletops, often with optional features for progression. However, some green (beginner) trails can still be surprisingly steep and fast.

Yes, as the Mountain Creek Trails are part of the Mountain Creek Bike Park, you will need to purchase a lift ticket or season pass to access the trails. The park utilizes an open-air gondola to transport riders and their bikes to the top of the mountain.

Due to the demanding and rocky nature of the trails, especially the more technical ones, full suspension bikes (ideally with 6-8 inches of travel) and disc brakes are highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable ride. Appropriate protective gear, such as a full-face helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, is also strongly advised.

Riding these trails offers beautiful views of the Sussex County landscape, including forests and mountaintop lakes. Notable points of interest include Vernon Peak and the Mountain Creek Bike Park itself, which is a highlight for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Mountain Creek boasts one of the longest gravity riding seasons in North America, typically spanning six months of the year. This means you can enjoy the trails from spring through fall, with specific opening and closing dates varying by year. Check the park's official schedule for the most current information.

Mountain Creek Bike Park is primarily a lift-served downhill mountain biking facility. While the resort may have areas that are dog-friendly, dogs are generally not permitted on the bike park trails or lifts for safety reasons. It's best to confirm specific pet policies directly with Mountain Creek Resort before your visit.

Yes, the route for Mountain Creek Trails also passes through sections of other official trails. These include Lower Greenhorn, Breakout, Greenhorn, Crap Chute, and Domboo, offering a varied riding experience within the park's extensive network.

Mountain Creek is consistently ranked among the 'Best Bike Parks' in North America. Its extensive network of over 50 downhill-specific trails, diverse terrain, and proximity to New York City make it a popular destination. It also has a rich history, formerly known as Diablo Freeride Park, and offers a long riding season.

A typical ride on the Mountain Creek Trails, as mapped, takes approximately 45 minutes. However, the actual duration can vary significantly based on your skill level, the specific trails you choose, and how many runs you do using the lift access.