Arrowhead Bike Farm has become more than just a destination for outdoor recreation—it’s a gathering place where people of all experience levels can connect, explore, and enjoy an active lifestyle. Nestled just outside Fayetteville and surrounded by the trails of the New River Gorge, the Bike Farm offers a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced adventurers alike.
Arrowhead Bike Farm serves as a home for two weekly opportunities that encourage people to get outside and move.
Weekly Active SWV Programs
Beginner Mountain Bike Rides
Mondays at 6:00 PM
Curious about mountain biking but not sure where to start? These beginner-friendly rides introduce participants to the fundamentals of riding on trails in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Community members can build confidence, improve bike handling skills, and experience the fun of mountain biking alongside others who are learning.
Fayetteville Run Group
Thursdays at 6:00 PM
The Fayetteville Run Group welcomes runners and walkers of varying abilities for weekly outings that explore the area’s roads and trail systems. Routes often utilize the incredible trail network surrounding Arrowhead Bike Farm, giving participants a chance to experience the beauty of the New River Gorge while staying active with friends.
More Than Just a Trailhead
One of the things that makes Arrowhead Bike Farm special is that it brings people together before, during, and after their activity. After the ride or run, many participants stick around to enjoy a meal, grab a drink, and spend time with friends. These informal conversations and shared experiences help transform a workout into a true community event.
Places like Arrowhead Bike Farm demonstrate how recreation spaces can become community hubs—places where physical activity, local business, and social connection all come together.
Why Places Like Arrowhead Bike Farm Matter
Communities benefit when they have welcoming places that encourage people to be active outdoors. Having a destination where people can comfortably gather makes it easier to establish healthy routines and lowers many of the barriers that keep people from trying something new.
Outdoor recreation spaces like Arrowhead Bike Farm help:
- Introduce people to new activities in a supportive environment
- Encourage exploration of local trails and natural areas
- Support local businesses and outdoor tourism
- Build stronger community connections
- Make physical activity enjoyable and accessible
These types of gathering places help create a culture where being active becomes part of everyday life rather than something people feel they have to do alone.
The Benefits of Group Exercise
While exercise improves physical health, participating with others often leads to even greater success. Studies have shown that people who exercise in groups are more likely to stay consistent, remain motivated, and enjoy being active over the long term.
Group activities also provide:
- Accountability that helps build healthy habits
- Encouragement from people with similar goals
- Opportunities to make new friends
- Improved confidence when learning a new activity
- Reduced stress and improved mental well-being through social connection
Whether you’re clipping into a mountain bike for the first time or heading out for an evening run, having others alongside you makes the experience more enjoyable and helps keep you coming back.
How to Prepare
Beginner Mountain Bike Rides
- Bring a mountain bike in good working condition
- Helmets are required
- Bring water and be prepared for changing trail conditions
Fayetteville Run Group
- Wear comfortable running or walking shoes
- Bring water, especially during warmer months
- All paces are welcome
Get Connected with Active SWV
If you haven’t already, create a free Active SWV MemberPlus account to stay informed about upcoming programs, events, and volunteer opportunities across southern West Virginia.
Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, improve your fitness, meet new people, or simply spend more time outdoors, Arrowhead Bike Farm offers a welcoming place to get started. Through partnerships with community organizations and dedicated volunteers, spaces like this continue to demonstrate how recreation can strengthen both individual health and the community as a whole.