6 Mountain Biking Hotspots to Visit Around the Philly Suburbs

There are great mountain biking options around the region for all skill levels. Find out which trail suits you best.

Philadelphia’s western suburbs are full of trails for walkers, dogs, bikes, rollerblades and everything in between. They’re also close to some of the best mountain biking in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re taking your bike out on the trails for the first time or seeking thrills on winding dirt paths through the woods, there are plenty of options for riders of all skill levels.

Boxers’ Trail

Fairmount Park

Tucked between Strawberry Mansion and the Schuylkill River, Boxers’ Trail is famous for being the training place of Joe Frazier. There are 3.8 miles through woods and hills, plus the beautiful scenery of the Schuylkill.

- Advertisement -

Chapel Trail

King of Prussia

This trail alternates through woods and open fields, providing some difficult and smooth breaks. There is even a paved path to return you to your car.

Harmony Hill

Downingtown

You’ll notice several side trails jutting off from the main nature loop; that’s because the space was designed by and for mountain bikers. A 4.2-mile track offers plenty to explore out in Harmony Hill, and you’ll have to see for yourself which side trails you like best.

- Partner Content -

Marsh Creek State Park

Downingtown

Crisscrossed by dozens of trails, Marsh Creek State Park, located just a few minutes from Harmony Hill, is near perfect for mountain biking. The main trail is just under eight miles long and a great intro for beginner mountain bikers.

Other favorites like the Marsh Creek Loop (2.5 miles), Marsh Creek Long Loop (14.8 miles) and Marsh Creek North Loop (5.3 miles) are also popular among bikers.

Spring Mountain

Schwenksville

Mountain biking trails crisscross Spring Mountain for a network of tracks frequented by all levels of cyclers. The A-Frame trail is the highest rated and a highly difficult run with several rock drops and jumps and an overall 334-foot descent.

- Advertisement -

Even more difficult is the Walts Erector Set with a 362-foot descent marked by steep drop-offs and rock faces.

The Backside Downhill is a little more casual. With a shorter descent and lower difficulty rating, this one is marginally easier for beginners, though Spring Mountain as a whole is best left to more experienced bikers.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Chestnut Hill/Manayunk/Mt. Airy/Roxborough

It’s hard to boil down all the amenities and trails in the “Wiss.” With so many trails of varying skill levels, visitors could spend weeks here and still not find all this gem has to offer. Forbidden Drive is a mostly flat gravel path that stretches the length of the park for nearly 11 miles along the Wissahickon River, making it a perfect start for beginners or casual bikers looking to enjoy the scenery.

The Creek Loop Yellow Trail is much more challenging with a bike park at the top. It’s quite steep with some rocks and roots to avoid. This trail is best left to the experts.

The Yellow Loop via Hermit Lane is also popular with mountain bikers. Only about a mile and a half long and a little rocky, this narrow trail will shoot you right back out onto Forbidden Drive if you choose to take the exit.

Related: These Are the Top-Rated Hikes in Philly’s Western Suburbs

Our Best of the Main Line Nomination Ballot is open through January 8!