The Mountain Lake Conservancy manages 2,600 acres of mountainous terrain that encompasses a very unique ecosystem due to an average elevation of over 4,000'. More than twenty miles of fern-lined trails on the property are now open to the public for biking year-round.

Due to this high elevation, these trails are a perfect place for mid-summer riding. Temperatures are typically 10-15 degrees cooler here than at nearby Pandapas Pond Recreation Area.

New for 2008, we have added new technical single track designed to challenge even the most experienced riders. More new single track is being planned. There are also over 35 miles of public fire road and jeep track accessable from the new trail access. Perfect for endurance training or long rides with friends, the jeep trails are rocky and can be technical with hard climbs and super fast, rocky descents. The Butt Mountain Loop is a local favorite!

New!
We have installed a box on the outside of the kiosk where you can obtain your daily parking pass for $3.00 per vehicle. We encourage you to fill out your contact information if you are interested in receiving email updates from the MLC.

Our $3 parking fee is on the honor system. Please do your part to help us sustain and grow this unique trail area.

If you are a frequent trail user, you may want to consider another option. You may purchase a yearly Trail Access Pass for $20 from the MLC Visitor's Center. They can be mailed to your address upon request.

Interested in becoming a member? Our 'Trail Lover' membership includes it all!

Please note:

• Toejammer Trail is no longer Open.
• No pets are allowed on Conservancy property.

These trails are home to the 'Dirty Dawg MTB Race', held in June. This is the sister race to the famous 'Rowdy Dawg MTB Race' held at nearby Pandapas Pond Recreation Area outside of Blacksburg and is on its way to becoming one of the region's favorite courses.

Our brand new custom trail maps are now available at the Conservancy office next to the hotel, East Coasters Bike Shop in Blacksburg & Roanoke, Run About Sports, Backcountry Ski and Sports, Tangent Outdoors and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports at First and Main. These 1:24,000 scale, shaded USGS topo maps have all of our trails precisely GPS traced in custom colors and include difficulty and length.

Mountain Bike Rental Fees

Hotel Guests: Gary Fisher Hardtails - Free
Gary Fisher Full Suspension - $20/half day - $35 full day
Sign out at Conservancy Recreation Office

Non-Hotel Guests: Gary Fisher Hardtails - $20/half day - $35 full day
Gary Fisher Full Suspension - $40/half day - $70 full day
Sign out at Conservancy Recreation Office

Note to avid cyclists not bringing your own bike

We encourage you to bring your own clipless pedals, helmet, shoes and Camelback to ensure you get the most out of your experience. Don't forget to bring spare tubes and a working pump, pinchflats and thorns are popular.