Ride Overview
Carvins Cove in Roanoke, Virginia, boasts an impressive network of more than 60 miles of trails, including roughly 32 miles of dedicated singletrack. The loop documented here scratches the surface of what the area has to offer and serves as an excellent introduction to one of Virginia’s premier mountain bike destinations.
When I was working on Mountain Biking Virginia, my friend Mark H. and I rode some of the tougher trails at the Cove. At the time, one of the area’s now-signature trails — Rock and Roll — was still under construction, so we pieced together a demanding loop that climbed Hi Dee Hoe and descended trails like the Gauntlet, Brushy Mountain, Buck, and Hotel.
The ride detailed here is more approachable and focuses on showcasing the flow, trail design, and variety that make Carvins Cove special, without taking on the full punishment the area can deliver.
Negotiating a narrow wooden feature along the Enchanted Forest trail.
Ride Details at a Glance
Location: Roanoke, VA
Length: 12 miles. Up to 60 Miles, 32 miles of dedicated singletrack.
Ride Time: 1.5 - 3 hours hours, depending on skill level
Ride Type: Mountain Biking
Difficulty: Level 3/Intermediate
Ride Notes: The Rock and Roll Loop highlighted here explores several trails along the west side of the reservoir, favoring lower and mid-elevation routes to keep climbing manageable. While Carvins Cove can be brutally demanding if tackled aggressively, this loop is well suited for advanced beginners and intermediate riders looking to experience the area’s trail character.
Carvins Cove is part of a larger trail system that has helped Roanoke earn recognition as an IMBA Silver-Level Ride Center, solidifying its reputation as one of the top mountain biking destinations on the East Coast.
I recently revisited and documented this ride in more detail on the blog in Revisiting Carvins Cove.
This loop represents just a small sample of the riding available at Carvins Cove. Riders can easily extend a visit by linking additional trails throughout the 60-plus-mile network of singletrack and gravel roads. Ongoing trail development and maintenance efforts continue to expand and refine the system, reinforcing Carvins Cove’s status as a premier mountain biking destination.
Riders crossing one of the many expertly built stone bridges along Rock and Roll.
Route Maps
The interactive route maps below show several Carvins Cove and Roanoke-area loops, including the one described above. Use the maps to explore elevation profiles, trail sequencing, and alternate route options.
Carvins Cove is documented in Mountain Biking Virginia, which includes additional regional context, access notes, and nearby riding options.