22 Scenic And Iconic Cycling Trails Across The United States
Imagine feeling the wind in your hair as you pedal past red rock canyons, serene coastlines, and towering forests—sounds like a dream, right? Cycling across America isn’t just about fitness; it’s about freedom, discovery, and connecting with landscapes in a way cars just can’t offer.
Whether you’re chasing the sunrise along the Atlantic coast or grinding up switchbacks in the Rockies, there’s a trail out there that matches your pace and passion. I’ve found that even a weekend ride on one of these iconic routes can feel like a full-blown adventure.
So, which trail will call your name first? A peaceful riverside cruise or a heart-pounding mountain climb? Either way, America’s bike paths are waiting—just you, your bike, and the open road ahead.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
Pedaling through Glacier National Park on this legendary 50-mile road delivers jaw-dropping mountain vistas at every turn. The route climbs over 3,000 feet to Logan Pass, where wildflower meadows and snow-capped peaks create a cyclist’s paradise.
Summer mornings offer the best riding experience, with vehicle restrictions providing peaceful cycling hours. Wildlife sightings of mountain goats and bighorn sheep add excitement to your journey.
This challenging route rewards determined cyclists with some of America’s most spectacular alpine scenery. Just remember to check seasonal opening dates, as snow can keep sections closed until early July.
2. Katy Trail, Missouri
Stretching 240 miles across Missouri, the Katy Trail holds the title of America’s longest rail-trail. Following the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, this crushed limestone path takes riders through picturesque farmland, alongside the Missouri River, and past charming small towns.
History buffs love the trail’s connection to Lewis and Clark’s expedition route. The flat, accessible terrain makes this perfect for family adventures or multi-day touring trips. Wineries dot the middle sections near Hermann, offering delightful rest stops.
Fall transforms the trail with spectacular foliage, creating a colorful tunnel of trees that draws cyclists from across the country.
3. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Hugging California’s dramatic coastline, this legendary route offers ocean views that will take your breath away. From redwood forests in the north to sunny beaches in the south, the varying landscapes make each day’s ride uniquely rewarding.
Fog often blankets morning rides, creating mysterious, ethereal scenes before burning off to reveal turquoise waters. The route passes through charming coastal towns where seafood shacks and local bakeries provide perfect refueling stops.
Though challenging with its rolling hills, the Pacific Coast Highway rewards cyclists with unforgettable sunsets and the constant symphony of crashing waves. Many riders tackle sections between San Francisco and Los Angeles for a manageable adventure.
4. Great Allegheny Passage, Pennsylvania/Maryland
Connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, this 150-mile rail-trail offers a car-free journey through the Appalachian Mountains. The crushed limestone surface provides smooth riding past historic railroad towns, over stunning bridges, and alongside rushing rivers.
Mason-Dixon Line markers and old coal mining sites tell the region’s rich history. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound with deer, eagles, and herons frequently seen along the wooded sections.
When reaching Cumberland, ambitious cyclists can continue onto the C&O Canal Towpath for a 335-mile journey all the way to Washington, DC. Friendly trail towns every 8-10 miles offer comfortable lodging and local dining, making multi-day trips easy to plan.
5. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho
Winding through Idaho’s panhandle for 73 paved miles, this former railroad corridor showcases the state’s pristine natural beauty. The smooth asphalt path travels alongside sparkling Lake Coeur d’Alene, crosses the shadowy St. Joe River valley, and meanders through silver mining country.
Wildlife viewing opportunities make this trail special – moose, elk, and eagles are common sightings. The trail’s gentle grade welcomes riders of all abilities, with plenty of small towns offering rest stops along the way.
Cataldo Mission, Idaho’s oldest building, sits just off the trail and offers a fascinating historical detour. Summer brings wildflowers in rainbow hues, while fall transforms the surrounding forests into a golden wonderland.
6. Island Line Rail Trail, Vermont
Vermont’s most unique cycling experience features a ride across Lake Champlain on a narrow causeway built from marble and granite. This 14-mile path begins in Burlington, winding through waterfront parks before heading straight into the vast blue expanse of the lake.
Summer riders often pause mid-lake to watch sailboats glide by or take refreshing dips in the clear waters. The trail includes a charming ferry crossing – a bike ferry pulls cyclists across a 200-foot gap where a swing bridge once stood.
Spectacular mountain views frame both sides of the trail, with New York’s Adirondacks to the west and Vermont’s Green Mountains to the east. Fall brings breathtaking foliage reflections in the calm lake waters.
7. Mickelson Trail, Black Hills, South Dakota
Cutting through South Dakota’s majestic Black Hills, this 109-mile converted railroad grade offers a perfect mix of history and natural beauty. The crushed limestone path passes through old mining towns, across 100 converted railroad bridges, and through four rock tunnels carved more than a century ago.
Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial sit just a short detour away. The trail’s gentle 4% grade makes it accessible for most riders, though the higher elevations near Dumont provide a refreshing challenge.
Wildlife encounters with deer, wild turkeys, and occasional mountain lions add excitement to the journey. September brings spectacular golden aspen groves, while wildflowers create rainbow carpets alongside the trail in late spring.
8. Cape Cod Rail Trail, Massachusetts
Capturing the essence of coastal New England, this 25-mile paved path connects charming Cape Cod villages through salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and pine forests. The trail’s flat terrain makes it perfect for families and casual riders seeking a taste of Cape Cod’s natural beauty.
Fresh seafood shacks and ice cream parlors provide delicious stopping points along the route. Several swimming ponds offer refreshing breaks during summer rides, with crystal-clear freshwater beaches just steps from the trail.
Connecting trails lead to the National Seashore’s magnificent ocean beaches. Fall brings spectacular color with less tourist traffic, while spring offers the chance to spot migrating birds in the surrounding wetlands.
9. Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia
Named after the steam locomotives that once conquered its steep grades, this 34-mile rail trail offers an exhilarating downhill ride through Appalachian beauty. Beginning at Whitetop Station near the North Carolina border, riders enjoy a 17-mile, mostly downhill cruise to the charming town of Damascus.
Ancient trestles carry cyclists over rushing mountain streams where fly fishermen cast for trout. The dense forest canopy creates a green tunnel effect in summer, while spring brings an explosion of wildflowers and rhododendron blooms.
Shuttle services make the logistics easy, dropping riders at the high point for the popular downhill section. Fall transforms the trail into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold, making it one of the East’s most spectacular autumn rides.
10. Tahoe East Shore Trail, Nevada
Hugging the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, this relatively new 3-mile paved path offers some of America’s most spectacular cycling views. The trail features numerous overlooks where riders can pause to admire the lake’s famous blue waters against a backdrop of snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks.
Engineering marvels include boardwalks and bridges that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Several beach access points allow for refreshing swim breaks during summer rides. Though short, this trail delivers an unforgettable experience with its combination of natural beauty and thoughtful design.
Future extensions will eventually create a complete loop around Lake Tahoe, but for now, this segment remains a must-ride gem for cyclists visiting the region.
11. Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon
Oregon’s first rail-to-trail project offers 21 miles of peaceful riding through lush Pacific Northwest forests. The paved path features gentle grades as it climbs from the town of Banks through the Coast Range foothills to the historic logging community of Vernonia.
Massive wooden trestles carry cyclists high above fern-filled ravines. The trail’s crown jewel is the 600-foot long, 80-foot high Buxton Trestle, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. Deer, elk, and numerous bird species make regular appearances along the route.
Spring brings trilliums and other wildflowers carpeting the forest floor, while fall transforms the mixed forests into a spectacular display of color against the evergreen backdrop.
12. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska
Offering spectacular views of Denali on clear days, this 11-mile trail winds along Anchorage’s scenic coastline through forests, wetlands, and tidal flats. Moose frequently cross the path, while beluga whales sometimes surface in the adjacent Cook Inlet waters.
Summer brings the magical experience of cycling under the midnight sun. The trail passes several significant cultural sites, including Earthquake Park, which commemorates the devastating 1964 quake that reshaped the city.
Winter transforms the trail into a cross-country skiing paradise. Fall brings spectacular colors as the birch and aspen trees turn brilliant gold against the backdrop of snow-dusted mountains across the inlet.
13. Arkansas River Trail, Arkansas
Forming a scenic 88-mile loop through Little Rock and North Little Rock, this trail system showcases the beauty of the Natural State. The centerpiece is the Big Dam Bridge, North America’s longest pedestrian and cycling bridge built specifically for that purpose.
River views accompany riders throughout much of the journey. The trail connects multiple parks, museums, and the Clinton Presidential Library, making it perfect for cultural exploration by bike. Spring brings spectacular flowering trees and shrubs along the route.
Wildlife sightings are common, with herons, egrets, and occasionally river otters spotted from the many riverside sections.
14. Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabama
Alabama’s premier rail-trail stretches 33 miles from Anniston to the Georgia state line, where it seamlessly connects with the Silver Comet Trail. Together, they form a 94-mile paved corridor – one of the longest continuous rail-trails in America.
Rolling through the foothills of the Appalachians, riders enjoy peaceful countryside views, creek crossings, and wetlands teeming with wildlife. The small towns of Piedmont and Jacksonville offer charming rest stops with Southern hospitality.
Spring brings vibrant displays of dogwood and redbud trees along the route. The trail’s smooth surface and gentle grades make it accessible for cyclists of all abilities, while its length provides options for both short family outings and ambitious long-distance adventures.
15. Maah Daah Hey Trail, North Dakota
Challenging even the most experienced mountain bikers, this 144-mile singletrack winds through the otherworldly badlands of western North Dakota. The trail’s name comes from the Mandan Indians, meaning “grandfather” or “long-lasting.”
Riders navigate steep climbs, technical descents, and river crossings while surrounded by some of America’s most dramatic and least-visited landscapes. Wildlife encounters with bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs add excitement to the adventure.
Most cyclists tackle the trail in sections, as its remote nature and limited access points make it a serious backcountry commitment. Summer mornings offer the best riding conditions before afternoon heat intensifies in the exposed terrain.
16. Ke Ala Hele Makalae, Hawaii
Known as “The Path That Goes by the Coast,” this stunning 7-mile paved trail on Kauai’s eastern shore offers tropical cycling paradise. Waves crash against lava rock shorelines as the path winds past secluded beaches, coconut groves, and ancient Hawaiian cultural sites.
Whales breach offshore during winter months, while monk seals occasionally bask on the beaches. The trail provides access to several swimming and snorkeling spots where colorful fish dart through coral gardens. Morning rides offer the best chance to see the sun illuminating the coastline with golden light.
Local fruit stands near the path provide refreshing treats for hungry cyclists, including fresh coconuts, pineapples, and other tropical delights.
17. Flume Trail, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Mountain biking reaches spectacular heights on this legendary trail overlooking the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe. The narrow singletrack clings to the mountainside hundreds of feet above the lake, creating heart-pounding exposure and unmatched panoramic views.
Built alongside an old wooden flume that once transported lumber, the trail combines fascinating history with natural beauty. Most riders begin at Spooner Lake, climbing steadily before reaching the breathtaking traverse section.
The descent to Incline Village rewards cyclists with thrilling downhill flow through fragrant pine forests. Though technically intermediate, the trail’s exposure makes it feel more advanced – not recommended for those with fear of heights!
18. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi/Alabama/Tennessee
Following a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans and early settlers, this 444-mile scenic byway offers cyclists a journey through Southern history and natural beauty. The limited-access road prohibits commercial traffic, creating a peaceful riding environment with light vehicle traffic.
Cypress swamps, hardwood forests, and rolling farmland create ever-changing scenery. Historical markers dot the route, telling stories of the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw peoples, along with tales of the “Kaintucks” – boatmen who walked the trace back north after floating goods downriver.
Spring brings dogwoods and redbuds in spectacular bloom, while fall transforms the forests into a kaleidoscope of color. Most cyclists tackle sections rather than the entire route.
19. Hiawatha Trail, Idaho/Montana
Pedaling through ten tunnels and across seven high trestles, this 15-mile rail trail delivers an unforgettable ride through the Bitterroot Mountains. The route’s highlight is the 1.6-mile-long St. Paul Pass Tunnel (Taft Tunnel), where riders experience complete darkness except for their bike lights.
Originally part of the Milwaukee Road’s Pacific Extension, the trail showcases spectacular engineering achievements from the early 1900s. Interpretive signs explain the railroad’s history and the surrounding ecosystem.
Most cyclists ride downhill from the Montana side to Idaho, losing 800 feet of elevation with minimal pedaling required. Shuttle buses return riders to the starting point, making this a family-friendly adventure through stunning mountain landscapes.
20. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, California
Winding along California’s spectacular central coast for 18 paved miles, this trail showcases the magic of Monterey Bay. Beginning in Castroville (the “Artichoke Capital of the World”), the path travels through historic Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novels.
Sea lions bark from offshore rocks while sea otters float on their backs, cracking shells on their tummies. The trail passes world-famous attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and provides access to the stunning 17-Mile Drive.
Whale watching opportunities abound during migration seasons, with humpbacks and gray whales often visible from shore. Bike rentals are plentiful in Monterey, making this an accessible adventure for visitors without their own cycles.
21. Tammany Trace, Louisiana
Louisiana’s first rail-trail offers 31 miles of smooth riding through the charming communities north of New Orleans. The paved path crosses bayous and passes through piney woods, connecting the historic towns of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell.
Spanish moss drapes from ancient oak trees creating magical tunnels along sections of the route. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with alligators occasionally spotted in the bayous and numerous bird species throughout. Each town along the trail offers unique Louisiana culture and cuisine.
Abita Springs’ brewpub makes a popular refreshment stop, while Covington’s charming downtown features art galleries and cafes perfect for mid-ride breaks.
22. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Rising along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 105-mile scenic road offers challenging cycling with incomparable views across the Shenandoah Valley. Numerous overlooks provide perfect rest stops where riders can catch their breath while soaking in panoramic vistas.
Wildlife encounters with black bears, deer, and wild turkeys add excitement to the journey. The road’s highest point reaches 3,680 feet, requiring strong climbing legs but rewarding cyclists with exhilarating descents.
Fall brings spectacular foliage that attracts visitors from around the world. Spring offers gorgeous wildflower displays and fewer crowds. Cyclists must pay the park entrance fee, but many find weekday mornings provide relatively car-free riding experiences.