30 Jul 2025 BETA Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival Scheduled
BETA’s Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is returning for its eighth year, promising an exciting three-day celebration of biking, community, and outdoor adventure. Taking place from August 29 to August 31 at the Wilmington Recreation Park, the festival is set to be a highlight of the season for mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
This year’s festival will feature on-site camping, live music, local food and beverages, group trail rides, shuttles, and a kids’ mountain bike race. With over 25 miles of beautiful single-track riding, participants can explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying a variety of activities.
The festival features group trail rides throughout Wilmington, Lake Placid, and Keene, with options for novice, intermediate, and advanced riders, as well as dedicated rides for youth and women.
The festival kicks off Friday afternoon with the Hardy Hour Group Ride from 4:30–6:30 p.m., a self-guided social ride that culminates at the top of the All In trail. The evening continues with a welcome party featuring food, music, and a bonfire. Dinners must be purchased in advance during online registration for $25 each. Meals will be prepared by Cadence Lodge, with music provided by local DJ Ben Sitts.
Saturday’s programming features guided rides in the morning and afternoon, including a women’s ride and a family ride designed to encourage riders of all abilities. Additional activities include shuttled rides for those looking to enjoy longer descents without the climb.
Saturday evening brings the famous “Dangertown” bonfire and two live bands on the festival grounds. Registration for Bike Fest isn’t required to join the party, which is free to the community. Spring Street kicks things off from 4 p.m.–7 p.m. with their distinctive mix of old and new rock, blues, and rich vocal harmonies. The Outcrops follow from 7 p.m.–10 p.m., bringing their unique blend of rock ’n’ roll, blues, and soul from the woods of northern New Jersey. Food trucks and local craft beverages will be available throughout the evening.
Sunday brings morning group rides in Wilmington and the Hardy Kids MTB Race, which offers younger riders a chance to join in the fun. This race requires separate registration. Later in the day, festival activities move to BETA’s newest trail system, the East Branch Community Trails in Keene, a short 15-minute drive from Wilmington. The East Branch trails offer a variety of options for riders of all abilities, including two new trails completed since last year’s event. Riders can relax between laps in the large field at the trailhead, perfect for lawn chairs and games, while the nearby Monday Tuesday Grill serves food and drinks.
You can view the complete event schedule at www.wilmingtonmtbfestival.com/. Participants may also purchase their festival admission tickets on-site.
The Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is a fundraiser for the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), with all proceeds supporting the maintenance and development of local trails. This community-driven event offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty while supporting a great cause.
“This event is all about bringing people together—whether you’re new to mountain biking, a lifelong rider, or just curious about the sport,” said Glenn Glover, executive director of BETA. “We’ve worked hard to make sure there’s something for everyone in the community, not just the biking crowd. From live music and food trucks to local vendors and family-friendly activities, it’s a chance for the entire community to come out and celebrate together.”
BETA builds, maintains, and advocates for a system of community and backcountry trails throughout the greater High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. BETA maintains more than 125 miles of trails on Forest Preserve, municipal, and private lands in the eastern High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. Most of the trails are purpose-built for mountain biking or ski touring, but also accommodate other human-powered activities. The organization collaborates with public agencies, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency, not-for-profit environmental groups, towns, villages, and private landowners.
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