And a Major Match Is Launching the Next Chapter
For years, people across the Shenandoah Valley have shared a vision for the Massanutten Western Slope Trails.
A place where hikers, runners, walkers, mountain bikers, and families can explore a growing network of thoughtfully designed trails, close to home, sustained by community, and built to last.
Now, for the first time in the history of trails on the Western Slope, that vision is ready to move forward.
☑️The plan is complete.
📌The projects are sequenced.
👍The land manager has approved it.
Western Slope Trails Phase 1 Is Shovel-Ready.
In fact, the Western Slope Trails Phase 1 Is Shovel-Ready, marking a significant milestone for all of our who love great local trails.
What happens next depends on the community stepping up to reach our fundraising goal. Interested in helping? You Can Give to support Western Slope Trails.
Big Announcement! Massanutten Is Stepping Up
The Western Slope exists because of a unique long-standing partnership.
For more than 25 years, Massanutten Resort has opened thousands of acres of private land for public exploration and community trail dreams. Together, the resort and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition have helped create a trail system used by hikers, runners, walkers, mountain bikers, and families from across the region.
That partnership made the Western Slope possible and has resulted in many miles of phenomenal trails.
And now Massanutten is stepping up again.
Massanutten has committed early support — including funding and staff trail construction— to help launch the Phase 1 trail building campaign.
Their commitment anchors the campaign and creates the Massanutten Match, inviting the broader community who love the Western Slope to help bring the next generation of trails to life. Through donations and volunteerism.
What Phase 1 Will Build?
Why Western Slope Trails Phase 1 Is Shovel-Ready
Phase 1 represents the largest expansion of Western Slope trails to date.
With a full trail plan approved and ready to build, the focus now shifts from planning to construction. Donations and volunteer efforts will directly support the building of several new trails and improvements.
Projects planned for Phase 1 include:
Skills Kitchen Improvements
New lines, improved berms, and better visibility from the parking area to support skill progression and community use. Phase 1 Updates
A New Premier Downhill Flow Trail
A long-awaited downhill experience designed with modern trail building techniques — flowing rollers, berms, and rhythm features accessible from the parking area and welcoming to riders and trail runners alike. Think Happy Hour but longer, better, and more fun.
Completion of a Green Loop
Extending the Red, White & Blue trail to create a continuous two-mile loop — perfect for beginner riders, family hikes, and shorter trail runs.
A New Climbing Trail to the Ravine Trail
Single-track access to the mid-mountain trail corridor, providing a gradual climbing route connecting riders and runners to multiple trail options.
STRETCH Goal – A Dedicated Jump Trail
A long-requested jump line south of Del Webb Road connecting Ravine Trail down to the parking area elevation. This one only happens this year if the community really steps up.
Together, these projects will create a more complete trail experience with something for beginners, experienced riders, families, and anyone discovering the Western Slope for the first time.
Trails Build Community
One of the things that makes the Western Slope special is that it has never been built by a single group.
It has always been a collaboration between:
- Landowners willing to say yes
- Volunteers willing to move dirt
- Trail users who support the system through passes and donations to hire pro builders to help
- A community that believes trails belong here and connect us
Phase 1 continues that tradition.
Some of the new trails are already under construction thanks to volunteer builders, and the coming year will include weekly trail work events, Big Dig Days, and opportunities for the community to help shape what gets built next. Phase 1 Updates
Join the Western Slope Community Launch
To kick things off, the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition and Massanutten Resort are inviting the community to gather, celebrate the progress so far, and share what comes next.
Western Slope Community Launch
📍 Pale Fire Brewing
📅 Monday, March 16
🕠 Doors open: 5:30 PM
🕡 Plans overview: 6:30 PM
At the event, we’ll share:
- How the Massanutten partnership is helping launch Phase 1
- What it takes to build new trails and what’s coming next
- How the community can help bring Phase 1 to life
Everyone who cares about the future of the Western Slope: hikers, runners, walkers, mountain bikers, families, and supporters, is welcome.
RSVP and learn more → RSVP TODAY
Help Carry Phase 1 Across the Finish Line
With the trail plan complete and Phase 1 ready to build, donations now directly move dirt.
There are many ways to help:
- Make a gift toward Phase 1 construction
- Join a trail work day
- Invite someone new to experience the trails
- Share the story with others who care about outdoor access in our region
Trails build community.
And community builds trails.
Together, we can carry Phase 1 across the finish line.
