Home Camping Adventures 4 Mountain Biking Destinations With Epic Fall Colors
4 Mountain Biking Destinations With Epic Fall Colors

5 min

September 7, 2023

Cooler weather and colorful scenery make fall the perfect time to get out and challenge yourself to some new mountain bike trails. Because fewer people venture out in the colder weather, you will have ample time to admire the stunning reds, golds, and yellows that only fall can produce.

Here are 4 places that offer excellent mountain bike trails in the heart of enchanting fall landscapes.

Crested Butte, Colorado

32507062_l
For adventure seekers, Crested Butte’s more than 700 miles of trails offer scenic views, wide starter trails, intense climbs, gripping descents, technical rock gardens, and challenging switchbacks. This small charming town, nestled in the southern Rockies, is nearly 9,000 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views of the colorful fall foliage. Discover campgrounds near Crested Butte.

Suggested trails:

Beginners: Lower Loop trail system
Intermediate: 401
Advanced: Deer Creek Trail
Best Fall trail: Dyke Trail


Taos, New Mexico


Taos is home to more than 300 miles of mountain bike trails that snake through scenic forests, valleys, mesas, and mountains. Located in the heart of New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle, Taos offers trails that range from flat, gentle rides through Carson National Forest to tight singletrack rides up narrow, rocky canyons. Known for its rich history and abundance of outdoor recreation, Taos is the perfect place to hit the trails and take in the beautiful fall colors.

After a long day of riding, relax by the Rio Fernando De Taos stream and take in the views from Sierra Village Lodge and RV Park. Located in Taos Canyon, this beautiful campground is the perfect place to call home while you’re exploring all of the awesome mountain bike trails in Taos.

Suggested trails:

Beginners: Amole Canyon
Intermediate: South Boundary Trail
Advanced: Woodpile Trail
Best Fall Trail: South Boundary Trail


Western North Carolina


Western North Carolina is home to some of the best mountain biking in the US. Soak up the fall colors and get your adrenaline pumping while tackling beastly climbs, winding forest roads, narrow ridgelines, rugged descents, or mountain peaks. Whether you’re looking for a gentle cruise or granite slickrock, this area has it all. If you’re new to Western North Carolina, check out Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest. These areas not only offer epic mountain bike trails, but the jaw dropping natural beauty (think waterfalls and mountain vistas) is to die for.

Need somewhere to camp on your adventure? Check out Creekside Mountain Camping, a beautiful campground nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the town of Bat Cave, or Hitching Post Campground, located in the Hickory Nut Gorge in Mill Spring.

Suggested trails:

Beginners: Micajah Trail (Dupont)
Intermediate: Ridgeline Trail (Dupont)
Advanced: Squirrel Gap/ Turkey Pen (Pisgah)
Best fall colors: Big Rock Trail (Dupont)


Moab, Utah

No mountain biking destination list would be complete without Moab. The cooler fall weather makes this the ideal time to check out the plethora of great trails, and you won’t be fighting with the crowds. Typical fall foliage might be missing from this destination, but you won’t be disappointed with the stunning red rock scenery. Famous slickrock, unforgiving technical rides, steep drops, and crazy descents are just some of the adventures you have to look forward to in Moab.

Camp nearby at A OK RV Park in Green River or explore Moab campgrounds.

Suggested Trails:

Beginners: Intrepid Trail System – Dead Horse Point State Park
Intermediate: Klondike Bluffs
Advanced: The Whole Enchilada

Related Posts