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12 Best Virginia Dirt Bike Riding Trails You Must Ride (2023)

Virginia is blessed to have some incredible dirt bike riding tracks to explore, with some being close to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake.

So round up some buddies and head out on a weekend adventure. What most people do is leave Friday afternoon and return late on Sunday to avoid the traffic.

Best Dirt Bike Trails in Virginia

Not to be confused with West Virginia which we’ve created a seperate guide for, central Virginia has some great spots. These are ideal for both beginners and experienced riders of dirt bikes and dual-sport machines.

For registered OHV trails, you’ll need to get a permit here. Those out of state are also welcome to apply and you can do this online.

The best dirt bike tracks in Virginia are:

1. Ridgeview Trail System

With 75 miles of epic single and double track to explore, Ridgeview Trail System is popular with dirt bike riders around Virginia. This is one of the better loops and you’ll need to get this permit before entering. It’s not free but certainly worth it as this keeps the place maintained.

2. Coal Canyon

Coal Canyon is excellent with many trails which loop together and they’re rated as relatively easy. The terrain is hard packed and it isn’t really that mountainous. For overnight stays, we recommend Southern Gap Outdoor Adventures where you can get a permit for day riding. Coal Canyon ties into Ridgeview Trails above.

3. Big Boys Playground

For private property riding, head to Big Boys Playground. This place is very popular and offers well maintained tracks for 4×4’s and dirt bikes. There is even a motocross track! Big Boys is very popular on weekends so we recommend calling up ahead of time.

4. Moto Cove

Moto Cove is well known as one of the best off-road parks in all of Virginia for exploring through the forests. There are 4 trail loops and these are rated as intermediate and advanced, so not the best for the beginner. There is a full service campground with showers and a beach where you can swim.

5. Virginia Highlands Horse Trail

Virginia Highlands is one that you can do in a day if you get there early, though most people stay overnight in one of the surrounding campgrounds. This is within Jefferson National Forest and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. It’s a seasonal trail (not open in summer to dirt bikes because it’s used by horses) which is reasonably easy to get through.

6. Elkhorn Lake and Campground

Elkhorn only has about 30 miles of enduro trails but it makes up for this with the boating and fishing opportunities. It’s certainly a popular spot so you’ll never get bored nor will you feel alone here. Some people even get a yearly membership! Many dirt bike riders of Virginia know about this one and it’s great for the first-time rider to get some experience in.

7. Charles City Dirt Riders

If you don’t want to drive too far, then become a member at Charles City Dirt Riders MX Club. There are 6 tracks as well as 6 miles of wooded tracks. You’ll need a membership to ride here and they offer coaching sessions which can make you a more confident rider. Kids are welcome here as are adults who are learning to ride.

8. Kairos Resort

Kairos Resort is perfect for camping on Friday and Saturday night. In addition to the resort, you’ll need a day pass to ride the tracks and you can buy ahead of time. Out of all the spots in the Appalachian Mountains to ride dirt bikes, Kairos Resort has one of the best. So much wilderness to take in so it’s definitely worth the trip here, even if you’re from out of state.

9. Slades Park

Slades Park has terrain for everyone and ideal for beginners. The sandy sections are great for developing sand riding skills without the full commitment of the sand dunes, while the wooded forest tracks are perfect for exploring. You can camp here and the place is open year-round.

10. Catfish ATV Trails

Catfish trails is for 4-wheelers but you can take your dirt bikes along here. Not only can you bring your bike but also drop a line in the pond as there is plenty of fish here. Camping is provided though there aren’t any genuine facilities. Great for a weekend though it can get busy so book ahead.

11. Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is great for a day-trip and it’s at Pennington Gap, VA. This trail system only opened a few years ago and includes Spearhead Trails with the area being rugged and somewhat steep, so not one that we can recommend to beginners. Consider Ridgeview, Coal Canyon or Mountain View as an alternative. Pennington Gap has camping facilities though most dirt bike riders choose Leemon Field RV Park to stay overnight as it’s the closest to the trailhead.

12. South Pedlar Dirt Bike Trails

South Pedlar is another good spot for a day-trip for a few hours. Past this, there isn’t much and most riders don’t return a second time. It’s mostly forest track and uniquely, you need this recreation permit which needs to be done before you visit since they don’t do permits on the spot.

Get Started

There we go! Some great tracks that you need to get out and explore as soon as you can. Don’t waste another minute watching cool MX tricks on YouTube and instead be the dude out there behind the handlebars actually having fun. That’s where true livin’ is done!

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12 Best Dirt Bike Trails in New Mexico You Must Explore (2023)

New Mexico is spoiled as there are so many awesome places to ride dirt bikes across the state and many are near Albuquerque and Las Cruces.

Many of these spots are free or are low-cost. You can even camp overnight at many of these riding areas so it’s best to get some riding buddies together and make an awesome weekend of thrills and spills.

Editor’s Note: To ride dirt bikes on government land in New Mexico, you will need a New Mexico OHV Permit. These are available online.

Best Dirt Bike Trails New Mexico

We’ve done the research as we’d love to see you spend more time out there exploring the trails as opposed to hiding behind the screen. Who really wants to see another dude riding on YouTube?

That 4-stroke of yours is waiting there in the garage and is eager to take you on new trails with the humming engine with plenty of throttle on check. And when you’re ready, we can recommend these spots.

Instead of a list of MX clubs and tracks for the motocross enthusiast, we’ve aimed this guide towards the recreational rider and enduro enthusiast. It’s us casual weekend riders that are typically searching for new places to explore and do our research online.

The most popular dirt bike tracks in New Mexico are:

1. Aden Hills OHV Area

There are almost 9,000 acres of areas to explore here in Las Cruces, NM which means that you’re unlikely to take the same track twice. It’s mostly sand riding here through the scrub and with almost no trees or water, you’ll probably want to avoid the summer nights. This spot is open all year long as is the camping.

2. Cedro Peak

Head into Cibola National Forest and you’ll find numerous trail systems covering 80 miles which are rock yard or a little soft…plus everything in between. You’ll find pine forests which is a welcome change to the traditional sandy tracks that you’ll otherwise find in New Mexico. You can camp at Oak Flat and Cedro Group Campgrounds.

3. Wills and Hubbell Canyon

This spot gets its name from the railroad tracks that dominated this landscape early last century. Today it’s made up of epic dirt bike riding trails with a combination of single and double tracks. This is also known as Willie White Trails which overlooks Sacramento Mountains.

4. Old Cloudcroft Highway Trail

For loose rocky outcrop areas, we think Cloudcroft offers the best for the easy-going ride. Beginners are welcome to ride their dirt bikes here and there are some technical sections for the more experienced rider. THere are some campgrounds and Old Cloudcroft ties in with Toboggan Canyon Trail.

5. Farmington Dunes OHV Area

While Farmington isn’t the biggest area, the hill climbs up the sand dunes certainly make up for it. This place draws a crowd and is open year-round, though it can get quite hot in summer. Other names for this spot include Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area and Head Canyon OHV Area.

6. Rim Trail (New Mexico)

Rim Trail is a nice forest road with about 30 miles of mountain views to earn. We recommend riding through summer and into late Fall. Campgrounds are plentiful and you can unload the trailer at the Apple Tree Staging Area.

7. Mescalero Sand Dunes (aka Roswell)

You’ll feel as though you’re in the Sahara at Mescalero. The sand dunes are challenging and it’s best for the experienced rider. With more than 600 acres to explore and free camping galore, you’ll find this spot to be perfect for exploring. Just don’t go looking for the aliens…because there’s no such thing…right?

8. Glade Run Recreation Area

Glade Run is within Chokecherry Canyon and you can camp overnight at Brown Springs Campground. With miles and miles to explore year-round, you’ll definitely want go camp here with some buddies. This spot is popular with dual-sport and adventure riders too if you don’t feel like bring the trailer in.

9. Hackberry Lake OHV Area

With more than 100 miles of flat country and desert trails on offer, you’ll love Hackberry Lake. This is flat single track mixed in with some 4×4 trails to explore. If you fancy seeing the top end of your gearbox and triple digit speed records, then this spot is for you. Rocky tracks mixed with some soft sand.

10. Montessa OHV Park

Montessa is worth heading to for sheer open country. We recommend taking beginners here who are learning to ride as there isn’t much to crash into. Unfortunately there aint any camping here as this spot is for day use only but you’ll be pretty exhausted and ready to head home soon enough.

11. Little Apache Trail

While not the biggest spot, this place is worth the trip if you want to explore Lincoln National Forest with your dirt bike. You can camp at Silverwood Campground or the Saddle/Apache campgrounds though these later 2 don’t have direct trail access.

12. Gordy’s Hill OHV Area

As with the tradition with Frontaer, we’ve left the best until last. Gordy’s Hill over in Socorro Valley is epic and this area is very wide and open with miles of sandy tracks to explore. This place is so popular that they host the Annual Socorro Valley 100 every year.

Getting Started

If you’re search for some new friends then get yourself connected with the New Mexico Desert Racing Club. They have a Facebook group that welcomes new comers and beginners from all walks of life, even for casual rides or spectating of races.

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👉 39 Most Common Dirt Bike Terms (How Many Do You Really Know?)

🔥 21 Awesome Dirt Bike Riding Tips ('Cause We Want You Safe Out There!)

🌲 How To Go Camping With Your Dirt Bike (And Arrive Home Safely)

🔧 7 Tools Every Dirt Bike Rider Must Carry (To Avoid Those Awkward Rescue Calls)

🥾 Best Dirt Bike Boots That Go The Distance (Who's Got The Best for 2021?)

4 Best Dirt Bike Trails in Hawaii To Ride Today (2023)

Hawaii isn’t just about stunning beaches and mountain walks, especially as there are dirt bike trails worth exploring.

Whether you own your own bike or are seeking to hire one to tear up the tracks, Frontaer has done the research to see where others are riding right now.

Best Dirt Bike Tracks Hawaii

With year-round great weather, it’s no wonder that the dirt biking community in Honolulu, Kona, Maui and Hilo continues to expand. There is also a growing enduro community of riders who like to add some speed to the equation.

We’ve created this guide to help you pin-point the places where you’ll want to explore on 2 wheels. These dirt bike trails are certainly worth exploring:

1. Upper Waiakea Dirt Bike Park

You’re going to need the full day to explore Upper Waiakea ATV and Dirt Bike Park as there are more than 50 miles of single track and double track to explore. This riding area is immensely popular and well known among the local riding community.

All the trails here are marked and you can stay overnight at Namakanipaio Campground with plenty of space to lay out some tents. You can bring your quad bike here too.

2. Kahuku Motocross Park

If you’re on Oahu Island, then head for the Kahuku Motocross Track. You can also ride enduro trails here and they have a PeeWee track for the kids too. The views from this place are stunning as it overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

3. Maui Raceway Park

Over on the island of Maui is the Maui Raceway Park. This track is really for motocross riders and an MMA membership is required to ride or race. You can practice on weekends and some Wednesday too but this depends on the weather at the time.

4. Hilo MX Track

Hilo MX Track is open to members and you can practice here several days per week. It’s located on the Big Island and the 808MX/ATV Association manages this place. If you’re looking for some local riders to network with, then this is the place to do it.

Getting Started

While there aren’t that many places to ride, it’s certainly more worthwhile than nothing. Most riders prefer the onroad or adventure motorcycles in which to explore the bitumen as much as the dirt. Some prefer to head back to the States for a few months and buy a temporary dirt bike to explore open riding areas instead of owning one on the island. Likewise, some actually just buy some private land in which to let loose.

Some people also just hire a dirt bike and there are several hire locations around on the various islands.

Continue Reading More Guides by Frontaer

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👉 39 Most Common Dirt Bike Terms (How Many Do You Really Know?)

🔥 21 Awesome Dirt Bike Riding Tips ('Cause We Want You Safe Out There!)

🌲 How To Go Camping With Your Dirt Bike (And Arrive Home Safely)

🔧 7 Tools Every Dirt Bike Rider Must Carry (To Avoid Those Awkward Rescue Calls)

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7 Best Dirt Bike Trails in Alaska to Ride Anytime (2023)

Alaska is mostly open country and as a result, has some pretty epic places to explore and ride a dirt bike or explore on a dual-sport.

It’s these areas that give it a fantastic reputation as simply heaven for the adventure motorcycle rider. And despite the epic scenery, there are also some MX clubs around the region for those who prefer closed-circuit motocross and enduro racing.

Whether you live in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks or Badger, there are spots that you’ve gotta explore. In this guide, Frontaer is going to let you in on some of the best-kept secrets. Let’s begin.

Best Alaska Dirt Bike Tracks

Even if the weather is a bit cold outside, you should get out there and see what others are missing! Simply get yourself a good jacket and start exploring the region on 2 wheels.

Better yet – pack a tent and make a weekend adventure with a group of friends. Lacking friends? There is a highly popular group on Facebook for others to find others who share the same passion.

Most dirt bike riders in Alaska ride in these areas:

1. Eureka Trails

With over 150 miles of dirt bike tracks to explore, Eureka Trails is the favorite destination of those in Alaska. Head for Eureka Lodge for the night for showers and hot food, especially as you’ll want to stay at least one night to see everything. The trail is hard packed yet it can get dusty and a little sandy too, depending on the season.

2. Permanente Trail

Take the Chickaloon Trail System where you’ll find the Kings River, Permanente and Young Creek Trails. They are interconnected and you’ll do best to unload your dirt bikes at the Permanente Trailhead just by the Kings River Bridge on Google Maps. Plenty of parking here and the place is open year-round, though you can’t go camping.

3. Red Rock Canyon Trail

Red Rock is great for the adventure rider and you’ll find it traversing the Rainbow Mountain region. It’s characterized by mountain roads and you’ll find the area starting from Richard Highway. Simply be on the look out for mile marker 214 which then takes you to a staging area where you can unload your dirt bike from the trailer.

4. Quartz Creek Trail

Quartz Creek is out in the White Mountains National Recreation Area and you’ll find the trail behind double-track and designed for 4×4’s but dirt bikes can certainly ride it. After all, this is a former mining trail. The area is rugged (as you would expect for the Alaskian wilderness) and you can ride here for free. Camping is provided at Mt. Pindle Campground.

5. Caribou Hills

Alaskan locals call this place ‘The Hills’ (and it has nothing to do with the movie of a similar title) though the ambience of the area does feel a little off. After all, this place is littered with old mining settlements. The best spot to unload your dirt bike would be the Clam Gulch Staging Area especially as you can pull straight off the highway into here. For overnight stays, head over to the All Seasons Campground which is just a few miles away with more than 50 sites on offer.

6. Knik Glacier Trail

For 22 miles of sand, mudle and some gravel, take yourself along Knik Glacier Trail. This will take you to seeing a large glacier with your dirt bike. Just imagine…very fewer other dirt biker riders can make such a claim! This spot gets crowded during public holidays and weekends, especially if the sun is shining…so be warned! Also avoid this area during the muddy months of Spring.

7. Bald Mountain Trail

Looking for the rough and tough? Then Bald Mountain is where it’s at. This is within the Anchorage Recreation Management Area and the Talkeetna Mountain Range. With 22 miles of rough dirt roads to conquer, you’ll want to see the top end of your gearbox but might be reluctant with those gnarly rocks in your path. In 1956 a B-29 crashed here and so there is a trail named in its honor with a memorial plaque placed by the wreckage.

Getting Started

It’s time to get out there even if the weather is a little on the cold side. Alakas just offers so much for us riders and it’s little wonder why so many snowbirds come from North American to explore this region. Take your pick at the trails and we’ll see you out there!

Continue Reading More Guides by Frontaer

[elementor-template id="4784"]

👉 39 Most Common Dirt Bike Terms (How Many Do You Really Know?)

🔥 21 Awesome Dirt Bike Riding Tips ('Cause We Want You Safe Out There!)

🌲 How To Go Camping With Your Dirt Bike (And Arrive Home Safely)

🔧 7 Tools Every Dirt Bike Rider Must Carry (To Avoid Those Awkward Rescue Calls)

🥾 Best Dirt Bike Boots That Go The Distance (Who's Got The Best for 2021?)

Stamina for Dirt Bike Riders: What To Eat and Drink

Having the stamina to ride a dirt bike all day long is a rarity among us novice dirt bike riders. This comes down to nutrition.

We have all the intentions to keep going and going….and going….like a Dakar Rally competitor, yet we often fall short.

It’s wilpower + stamina that keeps you going on your dirt bike

So how do we really keep ourselves going? Well, through fueling ourselves with some good food and staying hydrated. Of course, Frontaer cannot provide you with specific recommendations as we aren’t medically qualified, but we can give you broad outline so you can stay out there for longer.

Nutrition and Dirt Bike Riding

Most people don’t see how both dirt bikes and nutrition can go hand in hand, but they certainly are inter-related. What you eat and drink has a huge impact to your riding ability whether you’re competing or simply enjoying a day out on the riding trails in your area.

Competitive dirt bike racers need the right nutrition to finish, let alone get a spot on the boards.

The best food for dirt bike riders to eat is obviously that which can actually fuel your body. We’re talking wholefoods here like salads, clean meats, fruits, vegetables and even some superfoods. Some of us wouldn’t want to be caught dead in an organic supermarket or *that* vegan health joint down the road, but we also don’t want to be last in a pack of riders either. Eating that dust is never fun.

So if you are planning to go for a decent ride, don’t just start on the day itself. Aim for a few days out where you start running, eating properly and drinking lots of water. This could be integrated into your diet permanently for general health, given the typical overweight nature of dirt bike riders globally.

Hydration is Key

Some dirt bike riders we know actually head out on the tracks without any water at all. Zero. No CamelBak or anything! Even if you’re riding in winter, you need to have water with you.

This hydration keeps you mentally awake and focused on the track ahead. This way you aren’t feeling sluggish and in need of yet another rest break. If you’re in a group ride, then keeping up shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Not hydrated or focused? This can happen.

Our best tip for hydration is to put your hydration pack with half ice in the freezer overnight. On the morning of your ride, fill up the rest with water and you’ll have chilled water for much of your ride. Keep in mind that this could make your back become super cold or even a little wet.

Some of the stamina mixes work well and others are complete garbage. Hydration drinks like Gatorade are mostly sugar and so it’s best to look for proper endurance athlete drinks or shakes to consume while you’re out there to prevent muscle cramps.

Getting Enough Vitamins

Are you really consuming enough vitamins? This is why we eat food in the first place. It’s not for the protein or carbs as much as the vitamins and nutrition itself. For the dirt bike rider who’s looking to improve their performance, this is very much needed.

You may wish to consider some nutritional vitamins to supplement your diet. Your doctor would be the best source of information to provide a recommendation.

Then again, we can’t be too reliant on these and need to focus on real foods that provide real vitamins too. Science shows that foods like tomatoes, spinach, carrots and celery are fantastic for nutrition that our bodies need.

Removing The Nasties

Dirt bike and general riders typically drink their fair share of alcohol, which the University of Minnesota shows is a bad combination. Going for a weekend camping trip with the dirt bikes? The last thing that anyone will forget is a slab (or 3) of beer.

Unfortunately, hang overs do impact our ability to ride a dirt bike properly, or any other motorvehicle for that reason. Alcohol then is one nasty that you can and should remove even for just a few weeks if you’re planning a trip or racing competitively.

In addition, takeaway foods aren’t helpful for the body and won’t lead to gains in your mental state. Before ordering that next pizza on UberEats, consider how much this could negatively impact your riding.

Continue Reading More Guides by Frontaer

[elementor-template id="4784"]

👉 39 Most Common Dirt Bike Terms (How Many Do You Really Know?)

🔥 21 Awesome Dirt Bike Riding Tips ('Cause We Want You Safe Out There!)

🌲 How To Go Camping With Your Dirt Bike (And Arrive Home Safely)

🔧 7 Tools Every Dirt Bike Rider Must Carry (To Avoid Those Awkward Rescue Calls)

🥾 Best Dirt Bike Boots That Go The Distance (Who's Got The Best for 2021?)