28 Communities Recognized as IMBA Trail Towns

IMBA highlights cities across the US that prioritize accessible trails, funding, and sustainable stewardship.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:36pm

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The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has announced its first class of 28 IMBA Trail Towns, recognizing communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to outdoor recreation and mountain biking infrastructure. The selected towns span the country, including both well-known MTB destinations and lesser-known regional hubs that prioritize trails for local residents.

Why it matters

This new IMBA Trail Town designation highlights the growing importance of accessible, community-focused outdoor recreation, especially mountain biking, across the United States. It showcases cities and towns that have invested in trail networks, local organizations, and sustainable stewardship - creating vibrant hubs for both tourism and resident quality of life.

The details

The IMBA Trail Town program recognizes communities that meet criteria such as having accessible trail infrastructure, dedicated funding for trails, active local trail organizations, community engagement, and sustainable stewardship plans. The list includes well-known mountain biking destinations like Leadville, Colorado and Flagstaff, Arizona, as well as regional hubs like Knoxville, Tennessee and Annapolis, Maryland that may not attract out-of-town riders but have strong local trail programs.

  • IMBA announced the new Trail Town program in late 2025.
  • The first 28 IMBA Trail Towns were recognized in April 2026.

The players

IMBA

The International Mountain Bike Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating, enhancing, and protecting great mountain bike experiences.

Dave Wiens

The Executive Director of IMBA, who announced the new Trail Town designations.

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What they’re saying

“IMBA Trail Towns have all the right ingredients: accessible trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan.”

— Dave Wiens, IMBA Executive Director

What’s next

IMBA plans to continue expanding the Trail Town program, recognizing more communities that prioritize outdoor recreation and mountain biking access in the coming years.

The takeaway

The IMBA Trail Town designations showcase how cities and towns across the US are investing in trail networks and outdoor recreation as a way to improve quality of life for residents and attract tourism. This program highlights the growing importance of accessible, community-focused trails as part of a vibrant local economy and healthy, active lifestyle.