The best riding in the East
Around the village of East Burke, Kingdom Trails weaves more than 100 miles of singletrack, flow trails and old farm lanes across land generously shared by over 100 private owners — a network repeatedly voted the finest in the eastern United States, for beginners and experts alike.
Darling Hill & the mountain
The Darling Hill zone is all buttery flow — trails like Sidewinder, a natural roller-coaster in a glacial ravine, and Kitchel, which ends at the Wildflower Inn’s tiki bar. For technical descents, Burke Mountain’s lift-served trails deliver granite slabs and steep, rooty terrain.
Burke Mountain
Burke is the antithesis of a glitzy resort — a locals' ski mountain with honest terrain and a modern base hotel, and in summer a lift-served downhill bike park feeding into the Kingdom Trails network.
Riding responsibly
A day pass is required and easy to buy at the East Burke Welcome Center. The whole network depends on landowner goodwill, so stay on marked trails, never ride them wet, and support the local shops and the tiki bar afterward.
Good to know
Do I need a pass for Kingdom Trails?+
Yes — an inexpensive day pass, available at the East Burke Welcome Center; it helps sustain the landowner-supported network.
Is it good for beginners?+
Very — Darling Hill has flowy, approachable trails, while Burke Mountain serves up expert terrain.
Can I ski Burke Mountain?+
Yes — it’s a no-frills locals' ski area in winter and a lift-served bike park in summer.