From the moment you had your first cycling lesson with an older sibling or a parent to the period when you learned new skills to impress friends, there’s always been this yearning for more, something extra, something more challenging.Riding on mountain trails with your heart rate on a steady increase hits differently. It makes you feel like you have come alive. It makes you realize that this is something extra. The United States of America has some of the best mountain biking trails in the World, and a good number of them can be found in Connecticut.Connecticut, a state in the New England area of the United States of America, is a member of the so-called tri-state area that includes New Jersey and New York. Together they form what is known as New York City. The Connecticut River, from where the state derives its name, flows right through the heart of the state, dividing it into two. The state is surrounded by long Island sound on the south, New York on the west, and Rhode Island on the east. Although it is one of the smallest states by landmass, it is densely populated since it is part of the ever-busy New York City area. Connecticut’s landscape is a study in variety, with rolling hills, beaches, and coastal regions dotting the state.Dubbed the Nutmeg state, Connecticut has different parks and forests, which offer some excellent mountain biking trails. Here is a list of the best ten trails to visit if you are in the area.

1. Case Mountain

©Seconds to GoLocated in Manchester, Connecticut, this location is home to lots of challenging and fun trails at the same time. With over 33 miles of solid singletrack trails, the park offers amazing scenery and a challenging ride. The most famous trail, the Shenipsit trail, which starts at the foot of the Birch Mountain, has a challenging one-mile ascent, which passes through the Blue Dot Trail. The trail has, for a reward, a panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley and the Hartford Skyline, which is a sight to behold at sunset. The downhill is riddled with lots of obstacles and can prove exciting, as it keeps the senses alert. With mostly rocky terrain, the Shenipsit Trail, measuring around 40 miles, is highly frequented.This park’s most eye-catching trait is its wooded trails—not something you ride on in every trail, but fun nevertheless. The paths are also much wider, with different bodies of water everywhere you go.Case Mountain is easily the most beautiful site for mountain biking in the state—little wonder it holds the title of ‘Best Ride in Connecticut’ via a vote conducted by the Mountain Bike Magazine. This system of trails is mainly suited for intermediate riders. While it is not overly technical, its elevation of 100 feet and the combo of sharp turns and obstacles may be daunting for the beginner.

2. Air Line State Park Trail

©Save the SoundThe Air Line State Park Trail is a by-product of the novel trail line, previously envisioned from New York to Boston, but never really came into full existence due to several political and economic factors that only added to the already difficult terrain. The imaginary line, drawn in the “air” to show the shortest distance from Boston to New York, has come to be known as the Air Line State Park.Air Line State Park would suit those looking for lengthy rides, and as it winds through several towns, you are sure to meet riders from all over here. The trails here are correctly groomed and will thrill those taking their first bike sessions.The trail is split into two segments; the Southern section, a 25-mile route leading from East Hampton to Windham, and the Northern Section, a 21-mile long trail, which continues from Windham and ends at Putnam.

3. Penwood State Park

©TripadvisorNature lovers, hikers, runners, and of course, mountain bikers all troop into the Penwood State Park all year round to experience this hilltop location. Mountain bike freaks would particularly enjoy the wide range of trails available at this park.Situated atop the Talcott Mountain in Bloomfield, the park has over 750 acres of land with a bird’s eye view of the Farmington River Valley. The Metacomet Trail is the main trail. It is an 8.5-mile loop, which runs the entire length of the park, passing through a dense forest and ideal for lovers of nature. The trail is midrange and explicitly built for mountain bikers, with a handful of strenuous uphills and obstacles scattered here and there. Intermediate and advanced mountain bikers would surely love it here.Penwood ranks among the most technical trails in Connecticut, as there are numerous narrow tracks with abrupt corners. Don’t be fooled by its gentle elevation rise of just over 1000 feet; the downhill journey is where the battle begins. The trails are properly marked and maintained, but this park is undoubtedly not for beginners. Check next door.

4. Meshomasic State Forest

The Meshomasic State Forest is an incredible 9000 acres of woodland located in Connecticut. In fact, it was the first State Forest in Connecticut.The Meshomasic State Forest is a hidden gem, as it passes through woods and does not have so many visitors all year round. It could prove to be quite a challenge, as one can easily get lost here. A good sense of your bearings will come in handy if you choose to explore this location.Though it is entirely undeveloped and unmarked, this location has 30 miles of singletrack and double-track trails that will be of interest to the bikers who love to go solo. The forest has no amenities whatsoever, and it is advisable to carry a trail map along. So channel your inner Christopher Columbus and let the expedition begin.

5. Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve