Destination: Roanoke
The Star atop Mill Mountain.
I had not been to Roanoke for some time. The last time I visited the self proclaimed capital of the Blue Ridge was when I documented Mountain Biking Virginia and tried to “tame” the Dragon’s back. My good friends Paul and Becky recently moved there providing me with the perfect excuse to revisit some of the trails at another popular Roanoke destination, Carvins Cove.
The geographical location of Roanoke makes it one of the most unique cities in the Old Dominion. The self-proclaimed capital of the Blue Ridge offers its residents the conveniences of both an urban and rural lifestyle. Roanokans from the city’s center can find themselves riding the urban trails of Mill Mountain, hiking into one of the Appalachian Trail trailheads, or riding one of the trails at Carvins Cove, the nation’s second largest municipal park, within just minutes of a short drive.
The proximity to so many natural resources has prompted local cyclists to get involved and get organized. In 2012, the Roanoke mountain bike community came together to become a chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association. Since then, Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists (BROC) have been working hard to build positive relationships with land managers and city officials to ensure mountain bikers continue to enjoy access to the hundreds of miles of trails available just outside their
Mill Mountain
Mill Mountain, with its iconic summit Star and proximity to the city, has made it a local hotspot for a quick ride. Recent developments, however, are likely to transform this Roanoke landmark into a mountain biking destination. The first trail plan for the mountain was introduced in 2005 and included provisions for multi use trails, including hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Since then, the network of trails has steadily expanded to include nearly 10 miles of singletrack. Most recently, the Roanoke Parks Foundation, is spearheading an effort to add more purpose built trails to the mountain. The route I highlight here is one provided by my buddy Paul and highlights some of the best corridors currently available in the park. Stay tuned for future additions in 2025 and into 2026…
Carvins Cove
Rocking one of the rock formations along Rock and Roll
Carvins Cove is a huge mountain biking playground with over 30 miles of singletrack trails that are bound to satisfy the most demanding off road cyclists. The trails at the Cove can be, and are generally very demanding, but there is a little for everyone. Along with the loop I detail here, I also offer a short loop in my book, Mountain Biking Virginia, that’s a short 1-mile ride perfect for kids - although it has a little elevation (no matter which way you ride it) it offers young cyclists an opportunity to experience "real" mountain biking. More advanced riders can choose from a myriad of challenging options.
The longer loops I have document below will introduce you to real Roanoke riding - strenuous climbs followed by phenomenal descents. I urge you to study the Carvins Cove Map (pdf) and craft your own loop. Remember, however, that paper is flat, and what may look easy can end up being a rather brutal challenge.
Spec Mine/Dody Ridge
I came across this ride after driving down to Roanoke shortly after a long rain. I sought the advice of local riders and was convinced to head out to explore this local favorite with one of the area's residents: Carter Shumaker. He gracefully offered to show me one of his preferred loops, and so off we went to ride Spec Mines and Dody Ridge.
The Specs Mine trail (see rout below) could be easily be renamed the “Spec-tacular trail.” Hitting this ribbon after the long climb from Dry Creek, and the pavement spin along the Blue Ridge Parkway, will make any discomfort felt in the ascent disappear. After a mind blowing descent you’ll climb back up to the parkway and hit the pavement for a short while before finishing up the ride along Dody Ridge. Dody is a somewhat different than Spec Mines. Once you hit the ridge, you’ll have to negotiate the technical limestone surface of the trail. The first portion of the ridge ride is generally flat and offers great views of the Roanoke Valley below, but before you know it the trail will begin a maddening descent over some of the toughest, loose, and rocky trails in the region. Lots of Roanoke riders I spoke with told me that they come to Dody for the “Dragon’s back feel” closer to home.
“Most Difficult” is an apt description for the North Mountain Ridge Trail.
The Dragon’s Back - North Mountain
This trail is aptly named. If you visualize a dragon's back you'll probably come up with something similar to the elevation profile of this ride. This ride is not for beginners, nor intermediate riders who have an aversion to climbing - steep climbing. Even seasoned riders have been pummeled by this trail's brutal climbs. But, people keep coming back because, despite the harsh climbing, the resulting descents are worth the effort. The trail offers classic Virginia Ridge riding, and it is some of the finest in the state.
I'll be perfectly honest with you; the first time I took on this beast it beat me to a pulp; I was unprepared for the adventure, and I suffered, badly. The ratio of pain to joy leans a little towards the suffer side. But, if you can handle the "agony," you'll be rewarded with some phenomenal Blue Ridge "ridge" riding, and some descents that will "burn" an imprint in your memory; you'll be talking about them for a long time to come.
