My Favorite Lehigh Valley Mountain Bike Trails as a Mediocre Rider
- Craig Millroy
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
I'm not a racer, coach, or elite rider. I'm just a middle-of-the-pack mountain biker who rides local trails several times a week. If you're looking for a guide to the best mountain bike trails in the Lehigh Valley from the perspective of an average rider, here's my take on the places I've spent the most time.
Trexler Nature Preserve
My home trails. Fun, flowy, and fast. These are downhill trails with lots of berms and jumps.
I like to park in the North Range lot and take the trail up to the start of HP1. If you ride HP1, then HP2, Return of Brian's, Broken Arrow, and finally Jack O' Diamonds, the difficulty increases with each trail.
The HP (Half Pipe) trails are downhill runs with berms, tabletops, log-overs, roots, and rocks. They both end at Buck Run, which is a challenging climb you'll do multiple times. A left at the top takes you to Broken Arrow, back to HP1, or to Jack O' Diamonds. A right brings you to Return of Brian's, a jump line full of berms and tabletops that ends, once again, at Buck Run.
Broken Arrow is fast and narrow, full of switchbacks and natural features. It ends on Fireman's Trail and requires a long climb back to the top.
Jack O' Diamonds is the machine-built trail by DirtSculpt. It's very fast and filled with high-banked berms and large jumps.
Jordan Creek Parkway
My second most-ridden trail system. More roots and rocks than Trexler, with short, punchy climbs.
Luby Loops and the Ponds Loop are easier and offer multiple ways to connect trails within the system. Heading over the bridge to the BTN Loop gives you more rocks and roots to navigate but is always a great time.
You'll probably get lost here, but everything connects together, so eventually you'll find your way out.
The trails cross the disc golf course at several points, so be aware and share the park. The trails themselves are mixed-use, so I like to use a Timber Bell. It has prevented at least one collision and earned me plenty of thanks from hikers and dog walkers.
Nockamixon
Worth the drive a few times a year. It's sort of a middle ground between Trexler and Jordan.
There are a few flowy sections and lots of technical riding. The views of the lake are amazing. The way the trails are laid out, you can ride the whole loop or break it into shorter loops and repeat your favorite sections.
West End Regional Park
Very fun trails with some wooden drops and features.
Stay up top for easier trails with features, or head down below for more technical riding and steeper climbs. I only get here once or twice a year, but I always have a great time.
Whitehall Parkway
Located near the Ironton Rail Trail and somewhat similar to Jordan. Expect small, punchy climbs and plenty of chunk to climb over.
The trails pass through old industrial ruins and along quarries, so there's a lot of cool stuff to see. There are also lots of old concrete chunks and remnants scattered throughout the trails, which makes crashing here feel a little higher consequence than at some other local trail systems.
The trails are well maintained by an active volunteer crew, but for some reason I never really warmed up to this place. Maybe it's because I had a rough crash here, but I don't find myself choosing to ride it very often.
That said, I still recommend checking it out and deciding for yourself.
Jacobsburg
I've only ridden here a few times, but it's fun.
It's rooty and rocky, similar to Jordan but on a bigger scale. Many of the trails are shared with hikers and horseback riders, so be aware of your surroundings and be careful not to spook anyone's horse.
Sals
I've only ridden here once, and it's super rocky and mostly above my skill level.
There were a few trails that fit my abilities and were a lot of fun, but because I didn't know the layout very well, I ended up on trails that really challenged me and had me walking sections.
With a little more time, I could probably find a route that suits my riding style better. The trails are well maintained, and there are lots of cool features for riders who are more advanced than I am.
Blue Marsh Lake
I've ridden here once, and I hated it.
To me, it's very repetitive and involves a lot of climbing for very little payoff afterward. There is a skills park, but it seemed neglected when I visited and wasn't worth the trip by itself.
That said, some people absolutely love riding here, so it's worth trying at least once and forming your own opinion. I won't be going back.
What's your favorite local trail system? I'm always looking for somewhere new to ride, so let me know what I should check out next.
Check out my bike related Youtube channel for Old Bear Biking to see longer ride videos.
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