Biking
Hit the trails at one of the top mountain biking destinations in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital. We’re a key part of the area’s Silver-Level Ride Center designation from the International Mountain Bike Association. Enjoy 14 miles of trails including 9 miles of purpose built bike trails.
Explore Park Bike Skills Park Project
Roanoke County is moving towards trail improvements and construction of a bike skills area at Explore Park. Our goal is to create a place where beginning riders can get started with the sport and develop the strength, stamina and skills to advance.
What’s happening now?
Construction designs have been completed for the project, but before work begins residents who may be impacted by these efforts have the opportunity to provide feedback about environmental concerns.
What is under public review?
The environmental documents for this project are complete and available to the public for review:
- Bike Skills Park Preliminary Design Plans
- Environmental Documents
- Cultural Resource Identification Survey
How do I submit feedback on the environmental document?
Contact Lindsay Webb by email or by phone at 540-777-6328
What is the timeline?
The Bike Skills project is in the preliminary engineering phase and is anticipated to go to construction in Fiscal Year 2021, or 2020-2021
How much will this project cost?
In January 2019, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors accepted $323,484 in funding from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Recreational Trails Program for the construction of mountain bike trails and a trailhead at Explore Park. This funding will be combined with a 25% match from Roanoke County, as well as additional capital funds and sponsorship revenue to build a destination facility.
Additional Resources
Future Phases
Upon completion of the initial phase of the Explore Park bike skills area, Roanoke County will seek partner organizations and sponsorshipss to construct a signature asphalt pump track, which will be located centrally in the core skills area. The pump track will be surrounded by a progressive set of low-to-ground balance features, mellow rollers, berms and natural feature obstacles such as rocks and logs.
The next phase calls for the development of flow trails and intermediate skills features. Using the new trailhead as a central circulation point, we plan to develop several one-direction downhill single-track routes taking advantage of the natural rolling hillscape within the park. Roanoke County will work with local mountain bike enthusiasts for design guidance as these trails are developed.