If you already have experience with mountain biking and are looking for more technical, faster, or simply more fun trails around Sofia, the area offers a wide selection. From natural rocky trails to built tracks with jumps – every advanced rider can find their style and favorite terrain.
Under each of the recommendations, we will also add links to MTB Guide, created by our friends from MTB-BG – there you will also find GPS tracks, detailed descriptions, difficulty levels, and more useful information for each trail.
Lokorsko – The Winter Classic of Sofia
Lokorsko is one of the most preferred areas for riding during winter and early spring. The reason is a combination of favorable exposure and suitable soil, which make the trails rideable much earlier than other routes around the city.
Why is Lokorsko so popular?
1. South-facing aspect and more sun
The trails are on the southern slopes of the Stara Planina and receive a lot of sunlight. The snow melts faster and the terrain dries up significantly earlier than on northern slopes or higher mountains. Often, when Vitosha is muddy or snowy, Lokorsko is already in perfect condition.
2. Light, well-draining soil
The soil is relatively rocky and well-drained, which means:
- faster water drainage;
- less mud;
- stable traction;
- hard terrain only a day or two after rain.
This makes Lokorsko an ideal place for advanced riders who want to stay in shape year-round.
The trails above Lokorsko
The area offers two main trails – the short one and the long oneBoth start from the same area but offer different lengths, paces, and feels.
The short trail
The start can be reached by driving along the asphalt road or by a moderate climb on a bicycle. After reaching the asphalt section, there are about 200 m along a dirt road to the start.
- Duration of the descent: 3–6 minutes, according to the pace
- A variety of built jumps – from easy to roll over to more serious ones
- Various rock guards and line choices
- Multiple branches that always converge at the same final point
The trail is extremely fun and allows for progression – ideal for riders who want to develop technique, style, and confidence.
The long trail
It starts on the same black path but continues towards the hunting lodge.
- Length: 4.3 km
- Elevation gain: ≈320 m
- Downhill time: 7–20 min according to skills
- Looks like a “grown-up” version of the short one – more speed, more rocks, more lines
The long trail is perfect for riders who seek speed and technical sections but also want a longer ride.
Voynegovtsi – the "Mancho" trail
The "Mancho" trail starts from the cottage area Bottom bracket, which is where its name comes from. This is one of the most popular trails near Sofia and is perfect for riders looking for smooth, fast trails with good flow.
It’s no coincidence that it’s here MTB-BG Bike School conducts part of its courses – the terrain is accessible and logical, but offers many opportunities for progression.
What to expect from Mancho?
- a few rocks and roots, but
- many jumps with "gaps" (tabletops, step-downs, rollers)
- perfect for improving speed and technique
- a comfortable incline suitable for longer sessions
This is one of the best trails near Sofia for skill development, without being too difficult or too easy.
Lyulin Mountain – the "Pumba" trail
Above the hut Bonsovy Glades you will discover one of the newest trails in the area – the track "Pumba"It is built from Boeritsa LLC, with the help of Bike Ventures and dozens of volunteers between 2022 and 2024.
Pumba is designed with the idea of being flow trail with medium technical difficulty – accessible to a wide range of riders, but still interesting enough for advanced ones.
Track features:
- starts from Dupevitsa peak
- The most convenient access is via the circular route from Bonsovi Polyani.
- smooth incline, fast curves, well-prepared turns
- extremely pleasant for long rides and a series of descents
Pumba is a great alternative for riders who want flow, speed, and a modernly built trail near Sofia.
Vitosha – Sofia's home mountain
Vitosha offers an almost endless choice of trails for advanced riders. The mountain is technically more challenging than other areas – here, there are more rocks, roots, steep sections, and natural obstacles. But that’s exactly what makes it so beloved.
Some of our favorite trails:
- Rollercoaster – fast, dynamic, offers excellent flow
- Hammock – technical, with rocks and varied lines
- Hotel – a bit more hidden, but extremely fun and challenging
Vitosha is ideal for riders looking for rougher terrain, natural obstacles, and riding "like it used to be" – without much construction, but with plenty of character.
Photos: MTB-BG/Lyubomir Botusharov
