IMBA Epic

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Consider a 39-mile singletrack that rolls east-west along an Arkansas mountain ridge, following the course of the Ouachita River. The trail begins at one lake (North Fork) and ends at another (Ouachita). It passes through the thick hardwoods and dark pines of the Ouachita National Forest, opening occasionally to spectacular bluffs above the river. This is rolling terrain - ranging between 1,000 and 1,600 feet in elevation - but it all adds up. How do six hours of riding and 6,000 feet of climbing sound?

Ocoee, Tennessee

Near the Cherokee National Forest, the Tanasi Trail system offers 30 miles of fast, flowing singletrack that riders of all levels will savor. The ride begins on Old Copper Road and climbs to Brush Creek. It is a steep climb but fairly easy. For those of you who desire a more challenging ascent, you can take the advanced version of the climb, which is super technical and steep. Old Copper Road cruises along upper stretches of the Ocoee and dumps you onto Brush Creek, which is chock full of fun singletrack. Traveling at a slower pace? No problem.

Nevada City, California

Looking for the ultimate singletrack adventure? Then the South Yuba Epic has your name all over it. Located about 20 miles north of Nevada City on the far west side of the Sierra Nevada range, the South Yuba is more than 35 miles of mountain bike bliss. A highlight of this ride is the nearly 17-mile stretch of singletrack along the South Yuba River.

Although you'll be hard pressed to find a rock or root on this trail, don't be fooled into thinking this is an easy jaunt. The tight singletrack and numerous short, steep climbs will test you.

Seneca, WV

Straddling the north fork of the Potomac River's south branch, the Monongahela National Forest's Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area offers two rides that feature the very best wild and wonderful West Virginia has to offer.

Lake Tahoe, NV

When John Fremont stumbled upon Lake Tahoe in 1844, he was searching for a mythical river. What he found was even better. The azure lake is home to spectacular scenery and fantastic riding, courtesy of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

The Rim Trail climbs high above alpine lakes, through thick conifer stands and across steep, flower-strewn slopes. This segment is celebrated for magnificent views, stretching across Lake Tahoe and the high Sierra and past the jagged ranges of the Great Basin. The terrain is variable, with rocks, switchbacks and plenty of climbing.

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Take a ride into history on the Southern Traverse Epic located in Virginia's George Washington National Forest. Trails stamped in by Civil War soldiers are now available for mountain bikers to march through. The trailhead is near the Confederate Breastworks, an army camp created to stop Union troops from reaching Shenandoah Mountain.

Mountain View, AR

Nestled in the Sylamore District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, the Syllamo Trail is one the finest purpose-built mountain bike trail systems in the country. Arranged in four intertwined loops, the 50 miles of trail provides options for an all-day epic, or for shorter tours.

Cleveland, Ohio

Ray's has everything IMBA believes an Epic bike park should offer: progression-oriented features, challenges for any skill level and a friendly vibe.

State College, Pennsylvania

While Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions rule State College, Pennsylvania, there is more to this town than pigskin and pilsner, namely, mountain biking.

Pausing for some water and a bite to eat four hours into the legendary R3 ride, I'm mesmerized by the ancient hemlock forest. The steady rain has drenched everything and heightened the trees' pungent aroma. The country's oldest stand of hemlocks, protected here in the 90,000-acre Rothrock State Forest, are a defining highlight of the Roth Rock Ride.

Rossland, British Columbia - Seven Summits Trail

Summary: Adventurous mountain bikers will find the epic they’re looking for on the Seven Summits trail in Rossland BC. This point-to-point trail provides over 35 kilometers (22 miles) of technical single-track, with beautiful mountain vistas, challenging (but 100% rideable) climbs and flowing descents. The sinewy trail follows ridgelines, affording views of the Columbia River Valley and the Southern Selkirk and Monashee Mountains.