Ten of our Favorite Mountain Bike Trails in America!

The first bicycles and motorized vehicles were no match for horses. Slight wheels and thin rubber made for a bumpy and slow ride and for years the focus was on comfort and speed. It wasn't until the 1970s with the modification of a cruiser bicycle by off-road cycling enthusiasts in Northern California that the sport of mountain biking was born.

The mountain bike with its larger tires and more substantial wheels opened up new vistas for two wheelers to follow in the footsteps of hikers and birders and enjoy more challenging terrain. With popularity came mass production and mountain bikes are an option for cyclists, alongside racing and recreational bikes and thankfully, there will always be tinkerers thinking up new ways to make going where no man has gone before possible for all, like these mountain biking trails.

1. Munds Wagon Trail, Sedona, Arizona

Munds Wagon Trail is ranked Intermediate/Difficult, in part because of the short climbs and descents that are "hike-a-bike sections for some." The 2.8 mile single track follows an old wagon trail past a creek through a canyon with picturesque spots where you can stop to catch your breath or enjoy the scenery. Hook up with other trails and connectors like Cows Pie and the Hangover Trail, which is "considered more of a hike than a bike for experienced riders, comfortable with heights."

2. Paradise Royale Trail System, Tahoe Rim Trail, California/Nevada

The Paradise Royale Trail System has been engineered to please mountain bikers. In fact, it was designed with the help of "mountain biking advocates and clubs" to be challenging and sustainable in a place that attracts "hikers, hunters and campers as well as surfers, anglers and beachcombers." Perhaps that's why it's called Paradise. The 23 miles of trails vary in their difficulty from beginner to advanced and the modern construction makes for a pleasant riding experience in any direction.

3. 18 Roads Trail, Fruita, Colorado

The North Fruita Desert Recreation Area attracts mountain bikers from all parts who take advantage of the campground to extend their stays, so they can explore all the trails, like Zippity Do Da and Chutes & Ladders, both rated as Very Difficult. The climate and conditions in the desert can be punishing, with summer temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so don't forget to hydrate. Explore five single-track and double-track trails that cover more than 80 miles of the recreation area, which sits in the desert valley floor with views of mountain ranges to the north.

4. Blankets Creek, Canton, Georgia

Fans of the Blanket Creek Trail system favor it because it's well-worn and maintained and used for events like The Blankets Creek Dirty 15 and The Battle of Blankets Creek. Seven trails make up the system, ranging from the easy, one-mile Mosquito Flats for the beginner to the 4.2 South Loop for the Advanced and .25 mile Quehl Holler, which is a new "flow trail that is 755 feet long, all downhill on hard-packed, smooth Georgia red clay."

5. Copper Harbor Mountain Bike Trails, Copper Harbor, Michigan

Experienced mountain bikers head to Copper Harbor to challenge their abilities and satisfy themselves to have ridden one of the top five trail systems in the world. The Copper Harbor Mountain Bike Trails are in close proximity to the the bike-friendly town and include options for beginners, although the majority of the single-track trails are rated as intermediate and include "gateway, cross-country, flow and gravity trails."

6. Bangtail Divide Trail, Bozeman, Montana

Montana has a number of state nicknames like Big Sky Country and the Treasure State because back in the day there was "gold in dem der hills!" The treasure now lies in the wide open spaces and dense forests that roll on for miles and make for the perfect backdrop for a bike ride. Head to the Bangtail Divide Trail for a thrilling ride with views of mountain ranges, wildflowers and the endless Montana sky. The trail was built in 2003 by a forward-thinking, trail-building pioneer whose design won't disappoint. It's rated as intermediate, mostly because of the length, which is slightly less than 24 miles.

7. Tsali Recreation Area Trail System, Bryson City, North Carolina

In North Carolina, the destination for those who like off-road cycling adventures is Swain County. They head to the Tsali Recreation Area, with a "four-loop system that offers a variety of landscapes and trail types from single track to old logging roads." All of the loops are rated as moderately difficult "with steep interior ridge lines" and outstanding views of Fontana Lake or the Great Smoky Mountains. The system is often rated tops for outdoor types and is one of the top riding destinations in the United States. Hikers are welcome any day of the week, but mountain bikers and horseback riders take turns on the trails.

8. McKenzie River Trail, Blue River, Oregon

The McKenzie River Trail is called the "Awesome McKenzie River Trail" and was recently named one of the top five running trails in the U.S., so you can count on it being scenic. Expect a sensory-filled experience as you glide through the old-growth forest, past mountain pools and waterfalls. The trail is "26 miles of beauty" that follows the McKenzie River and is a mixed bag of beginner to advanced patches, with "multiple access point that allow for a great ride no matter your skill level." Take advantage of the shuttle service if you don't want to cover the entire distance.

9. Union Pacific Rail Trail, Park City, Utah

A fair number of public trails now being used for hiking and biking were once routes used by trains to connect the states and deliver freight. The Union Pacific Rail Trail in Utah is one of those getting its fair share of non-motorized use these days by people biking, hiking, horseback riding and even skiing. Spin your wheels on the 28-mile trail past wildlife and wildflowers on terrain best suited for mountain bikes. The trail runs from Park City to the Echo Reservoir and is visited by hikers, bikers, skiers and horseback riders.

10. Kingdom Trails, East Burke, Vermont

You might say the Kingdom Trails are the crown jewel of mountain biking in Vermont. The Green Mountain State has a dizzying array of single track and other trails to tempt you, but the reason cyclists enjoy the Kingdom Trails is because it offers something for everyone from beginner to advanced. The route runs for more than 100 miles through Darling Hills where most of the single track trails are and Burke Mountain, with the more challenging terrain. Start at the Welcome Center open seven days a week from May to October where you will need to purchase a pass, the fee of which goes to maintain the trail system. A favorite pubic trail system is the Island Line Rail Trail in Burlington-14 miles made up of the Burlington Bike Path and the Colchester Causeway.