Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
WHAT ARE THE BEST CROSS-COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS?
Cross-country mountain biking (XC) blends speed, endurance, and technical skill across varied terrain—and the trails that define this discipline are as diverse as the riders themselves. Whether you're into epic alpine loops, flowy forest singletrack, or iconic race courses, there's an XC trail out there that hits your sweet spot. In this guide, we showcase some of the best XC mountain biking trails from around the world, covering rider favorites, hidden gems, and must-ride destinations that define the heart of the sport.
What makes a great XC trail?
Not every mountain bike trail qualifies as great cross-country terrain. XC trails emphasize distance, rhythm, climbing, and fast descending—but not too much chunk or airtime. The ideal XC trail is a rolling mix of natural and manmade features that test your cardio, handling, and flow over long distances.
Key elements of world-class XC routes
Flowing singletrack: Smooth, narrow trails with rolling turns and short punchy climbs define the XC rhythm.
Elevation profile: Balanced climbs and descents with consistent tempo and no long hike-a-bikes.
Technical challenge: Roots, rocks, switchbacks, and tight corners that challenge skill but don’t require enduro bikes.
Scenic diversity: XC riders often cover long miles—varied landscapes keep the stoke high.
Rideability: Minimal hike-a-bike sections, with terrain that encourages pedaling and momentum.
The best XC trails offer a “flow state” experience—where effort, terrain, and scenery all sync up. While some are purpose-built, others are adapted from hiking routes or old forestry roads turned singletrack masterpieces.
Whether you're chasing KOMs or packing for a weekend tour, a great XC trail should be challenging, rewarding, and rideable in a single day. Let’s explore where to find them.
Top North American XC destinations
North America is packed with world-class XC trails—ranging from fast and flowy loops to legendary race circuits. From east to west, the continent offers incredible diversity in terrain, altitude, and trail design. Here are some of the best spots for XC riders looking to grind climbs, chase descents, and enjoy epic scenery.
Best XC trails in the US and Canada
Kingdom Trails (Vermont, USA): A massive network of buttery singletrack with epic climbs, descents, and views. Classic East Coast XC.
Bentonville (Arkansas, USA): Home to hundreds of miles of well-designed trails—fast flow meets technical rock gardens, ideal for XC setups.
Crested Butte (Colorado, USA): High-altitude classics like 401 Trail offer lung-busting climbs and fast alpine singletrack with stunning views.
Squamish and Whistler XC loops (BC, Canada): Not just gravity parks—these towns also boast incredible XC loops with forest flow and technical challenges.
Sun Valley (Idaho, USA): Endless open ridgelines and narrow singletrack define the Idaho backcountry XC experience.
Other honorable mentions include Copper Harbor (Michigan), Oakridge (Oregon), and the White Rim Trail in Utah for a desert-style endurance loop. The best XC routes are often hidden within large networks—download route maps or use trail apps like Trailforks or MTB Project to plan ahead.
Fall and spring are prime seasons in most areas, with tacky trails and fewer crowds. In winter, head south to Arizona or California for year-round trail conditions.
Global XC trails worth the flight
XC riding isn't just for your local loop. Around the world, cross-country trails showcase stunning landscapes and unique terrain—from Swiss alpine ridges to African savannahs. These global XC destinations deliver unforgettable riding and cultural adventure in one package.
Top international XC trail picks
Finale Ligure (Italy): Known for enduro, but XC trails like the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri offer scenic climbs and historic ridgeline singletrack.
Rotorua Redwoods (New Zealand): A dense forest network with flowy XC loops that mix fast descents with tech climbs—ride year-round in mild temps.
Val di Sole (Italy): Host of UCI World Cup XC races. Ride the same legendary climbs and descents as the pros in the Italian Alps.
Swiss National MTB Route #1 (Switzerland): Epic multi-day XC adventure through alpine valleys, cow pastures, and jaw-dropping peaks.
Stellenbosch (South Africa): Flowing vineyards, rocky climbs, and sunny weather make it an off-season training favorite for elite riders.
In Europe, look for well-marked “VTT” (vélo tout terrain) routes in France and Switzerland. In Asia, Japan’s Nagano region and Thailand’s Doi Suthep trails offer unexpected XC gems for the adventurous rider.
Traveling with your bike? Invest in a quality bike bag, prep your bike for transit, and know local trail etiquette. XC trails abroad often pass through public land, so be respectful and ready for mixed use.
These global XC trails are more than just rides—they’re experiences. Go for the kilometers, stay for the culture.
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