Cycling
Cycling Capital of the Shenandoah Valley
In Harrisonburg, VA, cycling is a part of the culture! The Harrisonburg area is home to hundreds of miles of trails, heart-pumping downhill mountain bike races, and a dynamic cycling scene that was built from the ground up by a passionate, dedicated community of cyclists. Their efforts have led Harrisonburg to be designated an IMBA Bronze Level Ride Center, Bike Friendly Community, and one of 10 Best Blue Ridge Bike Towns (Blue Ridge Outdoors), earning its reputation as the cycling capital of the Shenandoah Valley. Experience the beauty of this welcoming, picturesque town and embrace the opportunities for adventure.
Gravel Riding
With Harrisonburg as your base, cruise through smooth gravel roads past idyllic pastoral landscapes. Rolling hills, green pastures, and awe-inspiring views of the city await. A ride to the southwest part of the County will take you past Old Order Mennonite farms and horse-drawn buggies. Cyclists who are ready for the challenge can climb to the top of Reddish Knob, one of the highest peaks in the County. At 4,300 feet, Reddish Knob provides 360-degree views of the ridges of the surrounding mountains and Shenandoah Valley below. Meander back down the road to Hone Quarry Recreation Area, a popular hiking and fishing spot nestled in the shadow of Shenandoah Mountain.
Road Biking & Greenways
Harrisonburg’s bike friendly streets, shared use paths, and dense trail network have led the city to be named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Within the city, a network of trails and greenways invite cyclists to explore. From downtown Harrisonburg, hop on the Friendly City Trail, spanning two miles from one end to the other. The trail connects Hillandale and Westover Parks and numerous bike-friendly hotels, attractions, and restaurants in-between. Play a game of frisbee golf between rides or rest in the shade of a peaceful pavilion. The Bluestone Trail and Northend Greenway offer additional opportunities to ride, with conveniently placed maps, tools and racks at each of the trailheads.
Mountain Biking
Hidden within the wooded areas of Hillandale Park, The Rocktown Trails offer great opportunities to hone your mountain biking skills. This dense network of trails was designed in collaboration with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), which has designated Harrisonburg as an IMBA Bronze Level Ride Center. Just seven miles east of Harrisonburg lies the Massanutten Western Slopes, a network of trails spanning over 800 acres. From beginner-friendly green trails to steep, black diamond descents, the wide variety of trails available make it an ideal spot for riders of all abilities. To the west, the George Washington National Forest boasts hundreds of miles of singletrack trails through lush, forested mountain slopes.
Basecamp for Bikes & Adventure
Harrisonburg’s vibrant downtown is a center for the arts, culture and entertainment, and a basecamp for Harrisonburg’s active cycling community. Walk, bike, drive, or scooter down bike-friendly streets to internationally-inspired restaurants, independently owned boutiques, and friendly, knowledgeable bike shops. Listen to live music at one of the city’s five craft breweries or cidery, or enjoy a show at a local performance venue.
Hundreds of Miles of Trails
The NEW Harrisonburg-Rockingham Trail Guide introduces a collection of 15 trips and trails, from peaceful gravel roads to heart-pumping mountain bike trails. Each page includes a map and description of the trail as well as distance, difficulty, and special considerations. Click on one of the locations on the map to learn more.
Rocktown Trails
Massanutten Western Slopes
Kaylor Knob
Paul State Forest
Elk Run Trails
Narrowback Mountain
Tillman Stokesville Gravel Ride
Friendly City Trail (Westover Park)
Friendly City Trail (Hillandale Park)
Bluestone Trail
Northend Greenway
Rockingham Park at the Crossroads
Flagpole Knob Gravel Ride
Friendly, Knowledgeable Bike Shops
Harrisonburg’s bike shops are eager to connect you with the area’s best road biking, gravel riding, and mountain biking spots and get you the gear you need to make the most of your trip. Stop by Shenandoah Bicycle Company, Rocktown Bicycles, or Bluestone Bike & Run to repair and upgrade your bike, find parts and accessories, and talk with their friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Bluestone Bike & Run
1570 S Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-434-5151
Just south of downtown Harrisonburg near the Friendly City Trail, Bluestone Bike & Run offers a full selection of gear as well as a full-service shop, proudly servicing bikes of all brands.
Rocktown Bicycles
50 South Mason St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-689-0070
Rocktown Bicycles offers bike maintenance clinics and lively cookouts throughout the year to build community and support budding bicyclists.
Shenandoah Bicycle Company
135 South Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-437-9000
Shenandoah Bicycle Company, located in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg, provides a laid back, inviting environment for cyclists to gather.
Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition works to build stronger, healthier, welcoming communities and improve opportunities for cyclists within the Shenandoah Valley. Join the Coalition at one of their festivals or events, meet fellow cyclists, and give back to the trails you love through trail work. The Big Dig Day, Harris Roubaix, and Shenandoah Valley Century are among their signature events.
Photo Courtesy of Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
Exciting Annual Events
Harrisonburg is also known for its popular cycling events for riders of all skill levels. Ride through tight turns, off-camber sections, and gravel climbs, or breeze past idyllic pastures. Test your limits on a downhill mountain bike course, or traverse hundreds of miles through untamed wilderness. Celebrate your victory with a liege-style Belgian waffle and sip on a bubbly pint of craft beer.
Bikes & Brews
After a full day of riding, stop by one of Harrisonburg’s five craft breweries or cidery. These beloved local establishments have a strong tradition of friendly service, exciting events, and award-winning libations. A continually changing tap list and locally sourced ingredients add variety to the flavors you will experience here. Each of Harrisonburg’s breweries are within biking distance of each other, making it easy to begin your journey on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. Simply pick up a Beerwerks Trail passport at one of the participating breweries, obtain eight stamps, and receive a free t-shirt!
Planning Tools & Resources
Use these tools and resources to plan your trip, and check out the Visit HarrisonburgVA App on your app store!