Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park stands as a testament to world-class mountain biking facilities, completely free and open for adventure from dawn till dusk. Nestled near Boone, North Carolina, this park offers an unparalleled riding experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Please note that winter weather can occasionally lead to trail closures between December 1st and April 1st.
Explore Rocky Knob’s Diverse Trails and Features
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park boasts an impressive network of trails, catering to both beginners and seasoned riders. The park’s core includes five main trails:
- Rocky Branch Trail (1.6-mile loop): A moderate/intermediate trail, perfect for warming up or enjoying a scenic ride.
- Middle Earth Trail (1-mile): Rated more difficult, offering rockier terrain and exciting challenges.
- Boat Rock Loop (nearly 4-mile): An advanced loop for experienced riders seeking a longer, more demanding adventure.
- PBJ Trail (downhill): A thrilling downhill run packed with pumps, berms, and jumps, ideal for adrenaline seekers.
- Ol’ Hoss: The park’s highest elevation trail, rated very advanced for expert riders.
Beyond these main arteries, Rocky Knob features over a dozen side trails and connector paths, allowing for endless exploration and route customization. Four distinct skills areas are strategically placed throughout the park, providing dedicated spaces to hone your technique. Recognized by Velo magazine as an “Ultimate Ride Hotspot,” Rocky Knob, along with Boone, has firmly placed itself on the map as a must-visit destination for mountain bikers.
Families are also catered to at Rocky Knob, with a popular playground area that provides entertainment for children of all ages, making it a perfect destination for a day out with the whole family. For the latest park updates and community engagement, check out the Rocky Knob Park Facebook page.
Image: Entrance sign to Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park in Boone, North Carolina, welcoming visitors to the trails.
Safety is paramount at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park. Before hitting the trails, please take a moment to review the safety rules posted at the trailhead. Remember to be mindful of other park users, including hikers and walkers. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists. During colder months, exercise caution for potential ice on the trails.
Getting to the Trailhead: Your Rocky Knob Directions
Finding Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is easy. Located just outside of Boone, NC, the park is conveniently accessible:
From Boone: Head east on US 421 towards Wilkesboro. Two miles from the NC 194 junction in Boone, the entrance to Rocky Knob will be on your right.
From the East: Traveling from the east on US 421, pass the traffic light at the intersection with Old US 421. Continue for 1.4 miles and make a safe U-turn beyond the median. The park entrance will be on your right, 0.2 miles after the U-turn.
GPS Address: 285 Mountain Bike Way, Boone, NC 28607
Image: Download link to the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park adventure guide and trail map in PDF format.
For detailed trail information and park navigation, be sure to download the Rocky Knob MTB Park Adventure Guide. This comprehensive guide includes a detailed map and valuable insights to enhance your park experience.
A History of Trailblazing: The Creation of Rocky Knob Park
Rocky Knob Park is the result of a successful collaboration between Watauga County, the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA), and the Boone Area Cyclists, a local non-profit organization. Funded by over half a million dollars in grants, professional trail contractors brought the vision of a premier mountain bike park to life.
Woody Keen, former president of Trail Dynamics, the lead contractor for Rocky Knob’s initial phase, emphasizes the park’s significance: “Years ago there weren’t many mountain biking options in the Boone area. Boy has that changed!” Keen, a past president of the Professional Trail Builders Association, further asserts, “Rocky Knob is a world-class resource for the Boone area.”
Wright Tilley, Executive Director of Watauga TDA, experienced the park firsthand with his family: “Rocky Knob is pretty close to as good as trails can get,” Tilley stated after walking the trails with his son. “My son’s reaction was, ‘Can we come here every day?'”
Tilley highlights the park’s impact on the region’s outdoor recreation scene: “It sends a very positive message when the Boone area can go from an outdoor recreation summit in 2010 to purchasing, designing, developing and opening a new mountain bike park in 2011. Rocky Knob shows that we’re serious about enhancing outdoor recreation infrastructure for visitors and locals.”
Park Amenities: Facilities for a Comfortable Visit
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is designed for convenience and enjoyment, offering a range of facilities:
- Paved Parking Areas: Ample parking makes accessing the park easy.
- Bathroom Facilities: Restrooms are available for visitors (closed in winter from Dec. 1 through March 31).
- Picnic Pavilion: A large picnic pavilion provides a shaded space for meals and gatherings. It’s available for rent by contacting the Watauga County Parks & Recreation office at (828) 264-9511.
- Playground: A well-equipped playground ensures fun for children of all ages.
- Sunset Skills Area & Pump Track: Located near the entrance, this paved pump track is perfect for warm-ups and skill development. Please drive slowly and watch for cyclists in this area.
Image: The picnic pavilion at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, a spacious covered area for visitors to relax and enjoy meals.
Trail Highlights: Navigating Rocky Knob’s Diverse Terrain
Rocky Knob’s trails are designed for shared use by mountain bikers and hikers. Pay attention to the recommended direction of travel for each trail to ensure safe and enjoyable passage for all users. Many trails feature optional technical sections, offering challenges for more advanced riders.
Rocky Branch Trail: For mountain bikers, the Rocky Branch Trail begins from the parking lot, heading left at the main signed junction. The trail winds through undulating terrain, paralleling US 421 before crossing log bridges over Rocky Branch. It traverses under a power line, ventures back into the woods, and climbs to a rocky high point. The descent features rocky outcrops and switchbacks, returning to the main junction. Hikers typically take the opposite direction on certain sections, using stone steps at switchbacks. The trail showcases fern-filled forests and rhododendron groves, providing an undulating and scenic ride. The Jump Start Skills Area is accessible from this trail.
Middle Earth Trail: Rated more difficult, the Middle Earth Trail branches off and reconnects with the Rocky Branch Trail. Mountain bikers ride counterclockwise, entering just before the first power line crossing on Rocky Branch and re-entering on the opposite side. This trail features rockier, more technical terrain. Hikers go clockwise from the second access point. The Skinny Skills Area (easier) and Stone Binge (intermediate to advanced) skills areas are directly accessible from Middle Earth.
PBJ Skills Trail: A must-ride for thrill-seekers, the PBJ Skills Trail descends from Middle Earth back to the lower Rocky Branch Trail, leading back to the parking area. Named for its “pumps, berms, and jumps,” it’s a popular way to finish a ride, connecting to the Rocky Branch Trail’s final “Bring it Home Berm.”
Boat Rock Loop: An advanced 3.6-mile trail on the upper slopes of Rocky Knob, Boat Rock Loop offers a longer, more challenging ride. A “bail-out” option allows riders to shorten the loop if desired. Mountain bikers ride counterclockwise, entering the loop at the second junction with the Middle Earth Trail, past the skills areas.
Ol’ Hoss, Jumbo Shrimp, and Black Forest Trails: Ol’ Hoss, the highest elevation trail, is very advanced and ridden clockwise from Boat Rock Loop. Jumbo Shrimp and Black Forest Trails are newer additions, descending from the summit in opposite directions, offering even more advanced riding options.
Image: A trail sign at Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, displaying directions for the various trails within the park.
Interactive Trail Map: Explore Rocky Knob in Detail
Dive deeper into Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park with the interactive Trailforks map! Zoom in on the map below using the controls in the upper left corner to explore trail details, features, and recommended routes. Visit the park’s Trail Forks page for the latest trail conditions and community updates. Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park is waiting to be explored – plan your ride today!
