The not-so-secret is that Montgomery County is home to some of the finest mountain biking trails on the East Coast. At least the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) seems to think so. For years, riders have come to Blacksburg and Christiansburg to explore trails throughout the region, like those at Pandapas Pond, the Poverty Creek Trail System, and even the newer mountain biking skills park.
The routes available to riders just lengthened by about five miles thanks to development of the McDonald Hollow Trail System, the first in the new Brush Mountain Park. A total of seven trails are part of a stack-looped system that work their way to the peak of Brush Mountain and give riders opportunities to vary or extend their routes. The trails naturally become more challenging as elevation increases, with the half-mile Blunderbuss trail being the greatest test. The black diamond Blunderbuss descends some 240-feet from the trailhead along narrow switchbacks with jumps and optional gaps.
A variety of intermediate and easy routes are abundant to ensure the trail system accommodates riders of all skill levels. Additional trails, as part of a second phase, are being planned, and include extending the popular Huckleberry Trail to the McDonald Hollow parking lot to allow for longer rides with even more types of terrain.
Access the McDonald Hollow Trail System via Meadowbrook Drive at Glade Road. This is a fortuitous location as just down the street on Glade Road, Rising Silo Brewery awaits to refresh riders with a pint or two of locally crafted brews.
Users of the trail are kindly reminded to leave no trace, use only open trails and refrain from riding on muddy trails to preserve the quality of the system.
