Watch this video to see why Mountain Biking Magazine rated West Virginia as one of the top 5 destinations for guided mountain biking trips in the country.

Guided Tours

Guided Mountain Bike Trips

ACE Adventure Resort's mountain bike program is designed to give mountain bike riders of all skill levels an opportunity to experience a wide range of mountain biking trails, while experiencing the amenities of a full-service resort. Our 1,500-acre resort has more than 25 miles of trails that link up to the National Park Trail System, giving users access to some of the best mountain bike trails in the East Coast.

All of our professional staff members are dedicated outdoor specialists with the highest concern for safety, a love for the environment and a genuine interest in our mountain bike guests. With this in mind, our guest-to-guide ratio reflects this dedication. Since safety is a key element in our mountain bike program, attention to improving skills and technique is paramount.

Scenic New River Guided Mountain Biking Trips

95% downhill, this is our most popular and easiest trip we offer. The Thurmond-Minden Trail, part of the National Park Rails-to-Trails, allows you to coast 3.2 miles down the mountain (you will need to pedal some) following the contours of the gorge, crossing 5 decked railroad trestles, experience spectacular scenery and waterfalls, and check out the many overlooks. You will cross the New River and visit Historic Thurmond (the shoot-em-up "Dodge City of the East") and the Railroad Depot Museum. The last leg of the journey follows another Rails-to-Trails path the parallels the river back to ACE Beach where we will pick you up and drive you back up the mountain to the resort. Our knowledgeable guides will keep you interested the whole time with colorful tails about the history of the area and point out some of the diverse wildlife and natural wonders.

This is a half-day guided mountain biking trip perfect to maximize your adventure by adding another activity like a horseback riding trip, a Guided ATV Tour or a Premier Lower New Rapid Run for a full day of excitement. It includes a guide(s), lunch, shuttle, mountain bike, and helmet.

Minimum Age: 8 yrs

Single Track Attack Guided Mountain Biking Trips

Geared more towards the intermediate rider, you can tailor your own program based on your skill level, interest, and goals. ACE instructors can help you hone your riding skills whether you are a seasoned rider or looking to get started the right way. Single track riding is some of the best trail riding there is and ACE has developed some of the best trails in the East. It is up to you how hard you want to push it. The atmosphere is based on fun and learning while enjoying the beauty of Southern West Virginia. Our guides know the best places to play and where the best views are. After this exciting guided mountain biking trip you may feel confident enough to want to sign up for one of ACE's bike racing events.

This 1/2-day guided trip is a little more advanced than the Scenic New River Trip but well worth the extra effort. Trip includes a guide(s), instruction, mountain bike, helmet.

Minimum Age: 10

Follow The Gauley River Guided Mountain Biking Trips

95% downhill, this full day trip is remote, stunningly beautiful and goes at a casual pace. You will experience one of the best mountain bike trips there is as you follow along the Meadow and Gauley Rivers on an old abandoned railroad grade. Your trip begins on a fun downhill, on an old rugged road that winds down the mountain to the Meadow River. From here you will follow the Meadow River, one of the most technical runs in the East Coast that only the best boaters dare to attempt, with huge boulders and tall cliffs, it is a sight to see up close. You will ride through a really cool curved railroad tunnel and into the Gauley Canyon. From here we will follow the world famous Gauley River down to Wood's Ferry, stopping from time to time to check out some of the planets best rapids. Depending on the time of the year, we will spend the whole day exploring this wilderness area in different ways that very few get to.

In the fall, during Gauley Season, we have an even better experience... read about it in the Trip Details.

Trip includes a guide(s), lunch, shuttle, mountain bike, and helmet

Minimum Age: 12 yrs

Tour De Gorge Guided Mountain Biking Trips

This is a challenging full-day mountain bike trip that takes you through the Heart of the "Grand Canyon of the East." Starting high above the New River, near the New River Gorge Bridge, you will work your way back to ACE on a series of National Park Trails. Near the midway-point you will travel down the Cunard Access Road (paved), dropping almost 600' in 1.4 miles to the New River. What a ride! From here you will follow another trail that sits about 50' above the river all the way back to ACE Beach. This trip offers more spectacular views of the Gorge, both from above and below, than any other ride. You will pass by serveral abandoned coal towns and interesting historical sites with time to explore and hear some of the stories. No single trail on this trip is rated above moderate, but at 15 miles long, this trip is challenging and may not be for everyone. It requires intermediate riding skills, a reasonable level of physical fitness, and a willingness to challenge oneself. Read the Trip Details to see if you are up to the challenge, because if you are... it is well worth the effort. A trip you wont soon forget.

Trip includes a guide(s), instruction, shuttle, lunch, mountain bike, and helmet.

Minimum Age: 12 yrs

Custom Mountain Biking Clinic

Mountain biking is not an intuitive sport - it can take years of trial and error to learn some of the core skills that our instructors can teach you in just a few hours. There is no experience necessary to enjoy and benefit from our fully customizable clinics. Our team of pros has years of experience and they love to share their knowledge. You can design a full-day or multiple-day clinics. We can cover anything from basic mountain biking techniques to training for races; trailside bike repair; trail building techniques; or whatever aspect of mountain biking you want to get better at. All of our clinics emphasize fun learning, camaraderie, and safety. Read the Trip Details for more detailed information.

Minimum Age: 12 yrs

Bike Rental

Ace Mountain Bike Rentals

Our 1,500-acre Resort is located on the rim of the New River Gorge. Our trails pass some of the most spectacular overlooks in the entire gorge. ACE's trails connect with the 72,000-acre New River Gorge National Park Service trail system, so we can provide an endless variety of rides and destinations.

Take a leisurely ride on the Minden-Thurmond Trail, or take on one of our more challenging trails for a vigorous ride!

Check out our Outfitters Store for accessories, clothing, guidebooks, energy food, magazines and maps.

Mountain Bikes equipped with front suspension are available year round as rentals.

Full Day Adult Peak Rate: $59.00 Youth save $10

Half Day Adult Peak Rate: $39.00 Youth save $5

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the trip?

• Usually harder than you expect. If you haven't been biking in a long time or have never ridden off-road, you should probably stick with the Scenic Half-Day Trip - it is 95% downhill.
• You will usually have a better time on a trip that is too easy rather than one that is too hard for your riding ability and fitness. Remember that the scenery is amazing and a leisurely day out is a great break before or after a rafting trip or another adventure.
• With the exception of the Scenic Half-Day Trip, mountain biking in West Virginia features rolling terrain and technical riding. Make sure your physical conditioning is up to the trip or trail you select.

What should I wear?

• Closed toe shoes - preferably running shoes
• No baggy pants - they can get caught in the chain
• As little cotton as possible - breathable synthetics that dry quickly are best
• Long hair should be tied back
• Biking gloves are good but not necessary
• If you wear sunglasses or prescription glasses - we recommend they have a safety strap (available for purchase at our store)
• Summer Trips: athletic shorts and synthetic t-shirt - remember you'll be exercising - cotton is okay on hot days
• Spring & Fall Trips: it is usually okay to still be in shorts, but a long sleeve shirt or fleece jacket is recommended
• Rain: bring a rain jacket (we have paddling jacket rentals available) - it is also more important that you have synthetic layers

What can I bring?

• The guide will carry a small backpack - space is limited so bring only your essentials
• Personal backpacks should be small and tight fitting to your back - hip-packs work well
• You usually don't need sunscreen or bug spray - most of our riding is done under the trees and we ride faster than the bugs (if you have light skin tones or don't get out in the sun much, use some sunscreen before the trip - back of neck and the top of thighs with shorts are good bets)
• You are welcome to bring cameras (lots of photo opportunities) - have a way to able to secure them tightly to your body or see if they will fit in the guides backpack
• We provide water and there is a spot along the way to fill up - but you are welcome to bring a snack or something small to eat if you want
• Jewelry is not recommended
• Medication - if you need to bring medication do so - please inform your guides so they are prepared for any problems

Can I bike on my own?

You are more than welcome to take your own bike, or rent one, and ride our trails... we built them for you. Here are a few recommendations:

• You ride at your own risk - mountain biking on remote trails with difficult terrain presents inherent risks. This area is considered a wilderness setting in that rescue may not be coming or could take hours to reach you. ACE can not be held liable for your actions - trail conditions change without notice and dangerous conditions are present.
• Never ride alone. Three or more is best if you have an emergency. Serious injuries do occur - drop-offs, excessive speeds, equipment failure and personal heath issues can pose life-threatening emergencies. Take a good First-Aid Kit.
• Make sure you have a map and understand the trail conditions. We have had people get lost even with a map. Be prepared to spend the night in the woods. Take extra water, food, spare clothes (temperatures can drop significantly at night in the mountains) and any medication you may need.
• Make sure you tell someone of your plans - what trails you are planning to take, when you expect to return, etc...
• Cell phone coverage can be spotty or non-existent in certain areas. You can not rely on having cell service in these areas.
• Make sure you understand the nature of the trail(s) you are planning to take. We recommend you discuss trail options and conditions with our guides or office staff before you take off. Some trails are considered expert level trails and can be very demanding. Remember if you go down a steep trail, you will most likely have to return back up it. We have plenty of easy to moderate trails for your enjoyment.
• Make sure you have enough time to return back before it gets dark. With deep canyons, the sun can set well before normal sunset times due to the topography. Take a flashlight if you are unsure.
• Check the weather. Make sure you are prepared for quick changing weather conditions - they happen quickly in the mountains. Under heavy rain conditions the creeks and run-off ditches can overflow quickly - stay away from them. We do not recommend biking during a lightning event.
• Make sure you have repair tools and spare equipment. Our trails can be demanding on equipment - chains do break, tires do go flat. etc. This is not the place to bring old rusty bikes.
• Obey all signage! Stay off of posted private property.
• Be prepared to encounter wildlife. We are located in the middle of a National Park - you may see deer, bobcats, snakes, hornets, and black bears on one trip! Leave them alone - they don't want to have anything to do with you.
• Stay on the trails. Don't bushwack, climb cliffs or trees, or jump in any caves. There are several old abandoned coal towns in the area - be careful when exploring - there are sharp pieces of mental, broken glass, hidden holes and pits, etc... and do not disturb or destroy structures. Never climb in abandon mines - most should be gated.
• Have fun! But be overly cautious and careful.

Trail Maintenance Weekends

Trail Maintenance Weekends

April 10-11, 2010
April 17-18, 2010 This weekend is full - no more lodging is available!

Many of the miles of trail that make up the ACE trail system were built with the help of devoted weekend volunteers. This spring, the second and third weekends in April have been reserved for trail maintenance!

Since it is with the help of volunteers we expand ACE’s trail system, we provide 2 nights of lodging in one of our Cozy Cabins complete with satellite TV, full kitchen and private hot tub to soak the day of work away.

As a weekend crewmember, work begins on Saturday, 9am to 4pm. Sunday the crew will work from 9am to noon. And each day following trail construction, we’ll hop on our bikes and cruise some of the many trails at ACE! It’s a great way to spend a weekend in the heart of the New River Gorge.

What to bring: gloves, water, all of your food for the weekend, raingear, boots, bug repellent, mountain bike, and a smile!

A $25.00 deposit is required to hold your cozy cabin for the weekend. It is refundable upon completion of your trail work. If you find you are unable to attend, this deposit is refundable by contacting us at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival date. Upon arrival, the security agreement for the cozy cabin requires an additional $100 deposit in the form of a credit card.