The best cycling routes around Blacksburg

There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Blacksburg, offering a variety of experiences. These include 10 easy routes, 8 moderate routes, and 3 more challenging options, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Yes, Blacksburg offers several easy and family-friendly touring cycling routes. A great option is the Huckleberry Trail – Lane Stadium loop from Blacksburg, an 11.7 km (7.3 miles) trail that leads through urban, agricultural, and forested landscapes. The Huckleberry Trail itself is a nearly 15-mile paved rail trail known for its smooth surface and gentle grades, making it ideal for families.

The Blacksburg area is rich in natural beauty. You can find scenic views and natural attractions such as Duck Pond at Virginia Tech, Hethwood Pond, and Pandapas Pond. The Brush Mountain Trail also offers impressive vistas and features wild rhododendrons and mountain laurels.

For more experienced cyclists looking for a longer ride, the Think On It Sculpture – Duck Pond loop from Merrimac is a challenging 42.1 km (26.2 miles) route with significant elevation gain. Additionally, the Coal Mining Heritage Park – Think On It Sculpture loop from Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport offers a moderate 33.1 km (20.6 miles) ride exploring local heritage sites.

The Huckleberry Trail is a prominent feature for cyclists in Blacksburg. It's a nearly 15-mile paved rail trail connecting Blacksburg and Christiansburg, winding through diverse landscapes. You can access sections of it through routes like the Lane Stadium – Huckleberry Trail loop from Merrimac or the Huckleberry Trail loop from Blacksburg. It has multiple access points and parking areas throughout its length. For more information, you can visit the Wikipedia page for the Huckleberry Trail.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Blacksburg are designed as loops. For example, the Huckleberry Trail loop from Blacksburg is a 25.1 km (15.6 miles) moderate route that allows you to start and finish in the same location. Another option is the Coal Mining Heritage Park – Think On It Sculpture loop from Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport.

The touring cycling routes in Blacksburg are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to forested trails, and the well-maintained paths like the Huckleberry Trail.

While not directly on the cycling routes, the Blacksburg region is home to natural attractions like Cascade Falls within the Jefferson National Forest, which is a rewarding destination after a moderate hike. Falls Ridge Preserve also features unique travertine waterfalls and caves, showcasing interesting geological formations nearby.

Blacksburg's location between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains means you can expect diverse terrain. Routes range from the smooth, gentle grades of paved rail trails like the Huckleberry Trail to more challenging road routes with rolling hills and varied elevations. The Jefferson National Forest also offers access to extensive forest trails.

Absolutely. Blacksburg is adjacent to the Jefferson National Forest, providing access to a vast network of trails and natural beauty. Areas like Pandapas Pond offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, and Brush Mountain Park features impressive vistas. The presence of the New River also adds to the scenic and ecological diversity of the region, making it excellent for nature enthusiasts.

Yes, several routes pass by notable landmarks. For instance, the Lane Stadium – Huckleberry Trail loop from Merrimac incorporates a section near Lane Stadium. Many routes also offer views of the Virginia Tech campus and connect to various parks and points of interest along the Huckleberry Trail.