Biking is one of the best ways to explore America’s diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to rugged mountain trails. Whether you’re a casual rider seeking scenic views or an adventure seeker craving challenging terrain, these twenty biking adventures showcase the country’s most thrilling and beautiful routes. Each trail combines natural beauty, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences, making them perfect for solo cyclists, couples, or groups looking to explore America on two wheels.
1. Katy Trail, Missouri
The Katy Trail stretches over 240 miles across Missouri, making it the longest rail trail in the U.S. Its mostly flat terrain winds through rolling farmland, small towns, and vineyard regions, offering endless scenic variety. Cyclists of all levels enjoy the crushed limestone surface that makes for a smooth ride. Fall adds golden foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop. Numerous access points, picnic areas, and historical markers make it a charming and accessible adventure for casual or long-distance cyclists alike.
2. Cape Cod Rail Trail, Massachusetts
This 25-mile trail is ideal for a leisurely ride along New England’s coastal landscapes. Cyclists pass through cranberry bogs, maritime forests, and charming towns, all on a paved, flat surface perfect for families or casual riders. Fall brings quieter trails and a palette of autumn colors that enhances the scenic experience. Multiple cafes, beaches, and scenic overlooks along the route provide opportunities for rest and exploration, making it an accessible and romantic ride for anyone wanting to experience Cape Cod’s natural charm.
3. Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana
This 50-mile route through Glacier National Park offers challenging climbs and thrilling descents for experienced riders. Cyclists are treated to dramatic mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and alpine meadows framed in fall foliage. The winding road provides moments of adrenaline alongside breathtaking scenery. Timing the ride for sunrise or sunset amplifies the beauty, with golden light illuminating rugged peaks. While demanding, this route rewards cyclists with unforgettable views and a true sense of adventure in Montana’s wild northern Rockies.
4. Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia
A historic 34-mile trail that follows an old railroad bed, the Virginia Creeper Trail is renowned for its scenic beauty and gentle gradients. Riders traverse forests, rivers, and mountain views while enjoying a mostly downhill route that’s beginner-friendly. Fall transforms the trail into a riot of color, enhancing the romantic and serene atmosphere. Small towns along the way offer charming stops for food and local exploration. Its combination of history, natural scenery, and accessibility makes it a favorite for both casual and dedicated cyclists.
5. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands provide a unique multi-island biking experience with ferry connections and quiet country roads. Rolling terrain winds through farmland, forests, and coastal cliffs, offering spectacular ocean views and abundant wildlife, including eagles and seals. Mild weather and low traffic make rides comfortable for all skill levels. Cyclists can tailor adventures from short day trips to multi-day excursions. The islands’ mix of challenge, scenery, and tranquility makes it one of the Pacific Northwest’s most romantic and versatile cycling destinations.
6. Burke Gilman Trail, Washington
This 27-mile trail connects Seattle to the northern suburbs, following waterways, parks, and urban landscapes. Cyclists enjoy a flat, paved path ideal for beginners and families, with views of lakes, creeks, and greenery. Along the route, multiple parks and cafes provide rest stops and opportunities to explore local culture. It also links to other regional trails for longer excursions. The combination of accessibility, urban scenery, and calm natural spaces makes the Burke Gilman Trail one of Washington’s most popular and practical biking adventures.
7. Cape May Bicycle Trail, New Jersey
The Cape May Trail winds along beaches, salt marshes, and historic coastal towns on flat, easy terrain. Cyclists enjoy ocean views and can stop at lighthouses, cafes, and parks along the route. Fall offers quieter roads and colorful foliage, enhancing the ride’s peaceful and romantic ambiance. This trail provides a perfect East Coast getaway for casual or intermediate riders, balancing scenic coastal views with cultural stops. Its accessibility, beauty, and charm make it an ideal route for couples, families, and solo cyclists alike.
8. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a challenging ride with twisting roads, scenic overlooks, and mountainous terrain. Cyclists experience breathtaking fall vistas, with forests glowing in gold and red. Wildlife sightings and historic sites add cultural interest to the journey. Multi-day trips are possible, with stops in small mountain towns offering food and lodging. The combination of natural splendor, winding roads, and immersive scenery makes this route a bucket list adventure for experienced cyclists seeking both challenge and romance.
9. Great Allegheny Passage, Pennsylvania
This 150-mile trail links Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, following rivers, forests, and bridges. Cyclists enjoy mostly flat terrain with occasional gentle inclines, making it suitable for long-distance beginners and intermediates. Towns along the route provide food, lodging, and sightseeing opportunities. Fall colors transform forests into a vibrant backdrop, enhancing the scenic experience. Its smooth surface and well-marked paths allow for a relaxing yet immersive adventure, combining nature, history, and accessibility into one of the East Coast’s top biking experiences.
10. Copper Harbor Trails, Michigan
The Copper Harbor Trail network offers challenging mountain biking with rugged terrain, panoramic lake views, and dense forests. Riders navigate technical single-track paths, switchbacks, and rolling hills. Fall adds colorful foliage that contrasts beautifully with Lake Superior’s deep blue waters. The area is ideal for adventure seekers seeking challenging routes paired with spectacular scenery. Local accommodations and dining options make multi-day trips possible, ensuring cyclists can fully explore this northern Michigan gem while enjoying both adrenaline and beauty.
11. Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina
Stretching along barrier islands, this scenic route offers flat roads with stunning ocean and sound views. Cyclists pass through beaches, marshes, and small towns, enjoying both natural beauty and local culture. Fall brings cooler temperatures and quieter traffic, making rides more relaxing. Opportunities to stop at lighthouses, wildlife refuges, and cafes enhance the experience. Its combination of gentle terrain, coastal scenery, and cultural highlights makes it one of the East Coast’s most picturesque and accessible biking adventures.
12. Moab Slickrock Trail, Utah
Moab’s Slickrock Trail is a challenging mountain biking adventure with rocky terrain, steep climbs, and thrilling descents. The unique red sandstone formations create a surreal backdrop for adrenaline-filled rides. Fall offers cooler temperatures, making the demanding route more manageable. This trail is ideal for advanced riders seeking an iconic Western U.S. biking challenge. Its combination of extreme terrain, unforgettable landscapes, and technical skill requirements makes it a must-try for serious mountain biking enthusiasts.
13. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi/Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway spans 444 miles of scenic, car-free roads with gentle rolling hills. Cyclists traverse forests, historic landmarks, and riverside vistas. Fall enhances the experience with colorful foliage along quiet, lightly trafficked routes. Amenities along the way, including picnic areas and historic sites, allow for restful breaks. The long distance and smooth pavement make it suitable for intermediate to experienced riders. Its combination of history, scenery, and cycling convenience makes it a unique and enjoyable adventure.
14. George S. Mickelson Trail – South Dakota
This 109-mile trail through the Black Hills offers a mix of history and natural beauty. Riders pass through old railroad tunnels, over wooden trestles, and into thick pine forests with sweeping mountain views. Wildlife sightings are common, and the trail surface is smooth enough for all levels of riders. With small towns along the way, it’s easy to plan rest stops or overnight stays.
15. Santa Fe Rail Trail – New Mexico
For riders who love desert scenery, the Santa Fe Rail Trail delivers wide open landscapes, mountain backdrops, and a taste of the Southwest. The trail stretches about 17 miles, starting near downtown Santa Fe and heading into rugged terrain. Cyclists enjoy both paved and dirt segments, making it versatile for different bike types. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the desert sky is painted in vivid color.
16. Mount Tamalpais Trails, California
Located near San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais offers a network of trails with ocean views, redwood forests, and rolling hills. Cyclists experience technical climbs, switchbacks, and scenic overlooks. Fall temperatures are mild, and changing foliage enhances the natural beauty. The diverse terrain allows for both casual and challenging rides, making it perfect for adventurous riders seeking stunning landscapes close to the Bay Area. Its blend of technicality and scenic reward makes it a premier West Coast biking destination.
17. Cape Elizabeth Coastal Trail, Maine
This coastal trail offers riders breathtaking ocean vistas, lighthouses, and rocky shorelines. Its relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for casual riders, while scenic spots provide excellent picnic or photo opportunities. Fall brings crisp air and quiet roads, allowing cyclists to fully appreciate the rugged Maine coast. The combination of maritime scenery, accessibility, and seasonal charm makes it a perfect route for romantic rides or peaceful solo adventures along the Atlantic.
18. Lakefront Trail – Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is a 19-mile paved path that hugs the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It’s a bustling, lively route that passes beaches, harbors, and city landmarks, offering stunning skyline views along the way. Cyclists can ride past Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the museum campus, making it as much about sightseeing as biking. It’s one of the best ways to experience Chicago on two wheels.
19. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, Multiple States
This epic route stretches over 2,700 miles from Montana to New Mexico, passing mountains, deserts, and forests. While extremely challenging, segments can be ridden individually for memorable adventures. Fall offers cooler weather and clearer skies for riding through alpine terrain. Cyclists experience a variety of landscapes, from rugged passes to serene valleys. Its combination of length, scenic diversity, and adventure potential makes it one of America’s most iconic long-distance cycling routes for serious bikers.
20. Silver Comet Trail, Georgia
Spanning over 60 miles, the Silver Comet Trail runs from Smyrna, Georgia, to the Alabama state line. Its smooth, paved surface and gentle grades make it ideal for families, beginners, and intermediate cyclists. Fall brings colorful forested stretches and cooler temperatures for comfortable rides. Cyclists can stop at small towns and parks along the way, enjoying scenery and local charm. Its combination of accessibility, beauty, and length makes it a quintessential Southern U.S. biking adventure.
