Mountain biking in state parks and other municipal lands allows us to explore hundreds of miles of trail.  In addition, these lands preserve an area’s natural beauty, and safeguard locations, structures, and artifacts of historical significance.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN STATE PARKS AND OTHER MUNICIPAL LANDS

Urbanization has increasingly removed access to nature for many people.  State parks and other municipal lands, however, give it back.  When we mountain bike in these places, not only do we get to enjoy their many gifts, we also help them and others.

Mountain Biking Provides an Economic Boost to State and Local Economies 

Mountain bikers often shop or dine locally when visiting state and community parks.  Additionally, these parks attract businesses which cater to them.  In fact, some small communities have developed and grown entirely due to mountain biking on state or local municipality lands.  Mountain biking has proven that it provides an economic boost to state and local economies.

Mountain Bikers Help Preserve Ecosystems

State and local parks support the conservation of ecosystems for future generations.  As mountain bikers discover the trails in these special places they bring their friends and their kids.  Sharing these discoveries thus exposes more people to their unique wonders.  With greater exposure, more people come to love and appreciate all they offer.  Accordingly, these lands not only help us connect with nature, they preserve ecosystems which might otherwise be lost because no one cares to protect them.  Thus through exposure and experience, mountain biking helps preserve ecosystems.

Mountain Biking Supports Affordable Fun

Finally, mountain biking in state and other municipal parks is affordable fun.  Where fees are charged for use, such parks and sites provide various pass options which make them even more affordable if they are ridden frequently.  In such cases the fees are typically minimal, and are used to support the park.

How to Find the Trails

State parks exist in all 50 states.  State parks administer over 10,000 different areas which include state parks, state recreational areas, reserves, beaches and historic sites in the United States.  In addition to state administered park lands, numerous county, city, and other municipal parks provide further opportunities for excellent mountain biking OUTventures.  While not all parks provide trails specifically for mountain biking, many do have dedicated mountain bike trails for riders of all skill levels in addition to multi-user trails.

For a list of the state parks of the United States by state, please click here.

For links to explore other state and local municipality lands, please click here.