The 35 Best Bike Trails in America for 2023
Are you a bike enthusiast looking for the perfect trail to ride? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 35 best bike trails in America, state by state. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s a trail for you on this list. So, let’s gear up and hit the road!
Alabama
Oak Mountain State Park
Located in Pelham, Alabama, Oak Mountain State Park has 50 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. The trails are well-marked and offer stunning views of the park’s lake and forests.
Chief Ladiga Trail
The Chief Ladiga Trail is a 33-mile paved trail that starts in Anniston, Alabama and ends at the Georgia state line. The trail is mostly flat, making it perfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely ride.
Alaska
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile paved trail that offers breathtaking views of the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and is a must-ride for any Alaskan bike enthusiast.
Kesugi Ridge Trail
The Kesugi Ridge Trail is a 27-mile trail located in Denali State Park. The trail offers stunning views of the Alaska Range and is suitable for experienced riders looking for a challenge.
Arizona
South Mountain Park
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, South Mountain Park has over 50 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. The trails offer stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and are perfect for a quick ride after work or a weekend adventure.
Arizona Trail
The Arizona Trail is an 800-mile trail that spans the entire state of Arizona. The trail offers a diverse range of landscapes, from deserts to forests, and is suitable for experienced riders looking for a long-distance challenge.
Arkansas
Buffalo National River Trail
The Buffalo National River Trail is a 36-mile trail located in northern Arkansas. The trail offers stunning views of the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo River and is suitable for experienced riders.
Razorback Regional Greenway
The Razorback Regional Greenway is a 36-mile paved trail that runs from Fayetteville to Bella Vista, Arkansas. The trail offers stunning views of the Ozark Mountains and is suitable for all skill levels.
California
Lake Tahoe Trail
The Lake Tahoe Trail is a 72-mile paved trail that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is suitable for all skill levels.
Mount Lowe Railway Trail
The Mount Lowe Railway Trail is a 5-mile trail located in the Angeles National Forest. The trail offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and is suitable for intermediate riders.
Colorado
Monarch Crest Trail
The Monarch Crest Trail is a 35-mile trail located in the San Isabel National Forest. The trail offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is suitable for experienced riders.
Vail Pass Trail
The Vail Pass Trail is a 14-mile paved trail that climbs to an elevation of 10,662 feet. The trail offers stunning views of the Gore Range and is suitable for intermediate riders.
Connecticut
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is an 84-mile paved trail that runs from New Haven to Northampton, Massachusetts. The trail offers stunning views of the Connecticut River and is suitable for all skill levels.
East Coast Greenway
The East Coast Greenway is a 3,000-mile trail that spans the entire East Coast of the United States. The Connecticut portion of the trail offers stunning views of the Long Island Sound and is suitable for all skill levels.
Delaware
Junction and Breakwater Trail
The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a 5-mile trail located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is suitable for all skill levels.
Gordons Pond Trail
The Gordons Pond Trail is a 5-mile trail located in Cape Henlopen State Park. The trail offers stunning views of Delaware Bay and is suitable for all skill levels.
Florida
Sanibel Island Trail
The Sanibel Island Trail is a 24-mile paved trail that runs around the perimeter of Sanibel Island. The trail offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and is suitable for all skill levels.
Shark Valley Trail
The Shark Valley Trail is a 15-mile paved trail located in Everglades National Park. The trail offers stunning views of the park’s unique ecosystem and is suitable for all skill levels.
Georgia
Silver Comet Trail
The Silver Comet Trail is a 61-mile paved trail that runs from Smyrna, Georgia, to the Alabama state line. The trail offers stunning views of the Georgia countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Arabia Mountain Trail
The Arabia Mountain Trail is a 30-mile trail located near Atlanta, Georgia. The trail offers stunning views of the unique rock formations and is suitable for intermediate riders.
Hawaii
Makawao Forest Reserve
The Makawao Forest Reserve is a 9-mile trail located in Maui, Hawaii. The trail offers stunning views of the island’s lush forests and is suitable for experienced riders.
Kauai Path
The Kauai Path is a 17-mile paved trail that runs along the coast of Kauai. The trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is suitable for all skill levels.
Idaho
Coeur d’Alene Trail
The Coeur d’Alene Trail is a 72-mile paved trail that runs from Plummer to Mullan, Idaho. The trail offers stunning views of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains and is suitable for all skill levels.
Boise River Greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile paved trail that runs through Boise, Idaho. The trail offers stunning views of the Boise River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Illinois
Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is an 18-mile paved trail that runs along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. The trail offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and is suitable for all skill levels.
Tunnel Hill State Trail
The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 55-mile trail located in southern Illinois. The trail offers stunning views of the Shawnee National Forest and is suitable for all skill levels.
Indiana
Monon Trail
The Monon Trail is a 27-mile paved trail that runs from Indianapolis to Carmel, Indiana. The trail offers stunning views of the White River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Hilly Hundred
The Hilly Hundred is a 100-mile ride that takes place in Bloomington, Indiana. The ride offers stunning views of the Indiana countryside and is suitable for experienced riders.
Iowa
High Trestle Trail
The High Trestle Trail is a 25-mile trail located in central Iowa. The trail offers stunning views of the Des Moines River and features a 13-story bridge with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Raccoon River Valley Trail
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89-mile trail located in western Iowa. The trail offers stunning views of the Raccoon River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Kansas
Flint Hills Nature Trail
The Flint Hills Nature Trail is a 117-mile trail located in eastern Kansas.
The trail offers stunning views of the Flint Hills and is suitable for all skill levels.
Prairie Sunset Trail
The Prairie Sunset Trail is a 33-mile trail located in southern Kansas. The trail offers stunning views of the Kansas countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Kentucky
Legacy Trail
The Legacy Trail is a 12-mile paved trail that runs from Lexington to the Kentucky Horse Park. The trail offers stunning views of the Kentucky countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Dawkins Line Rail Trail
The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is an 18-mile trail located in eastern Kentucky. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is suitable for intermediate riders.
Louisiana
Tammany Trace Trail
The Tammany Trace Trail is a 31-mile trail located in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The trail offers stunning views of the Louisiana countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
New Orleans Levee Trail
The New Orleans Levee Trail is a 22-mile paved trail that runs along the Mississippi River. The trail offers stunning views of the river and is suitable for all skill levels.
Maine
Eastern Trail
The Eastern Trail is a 65-mile trail that runs from Kittery to South Portland, Maine. The trail offers stunning views of the Maine coastline and is suitable for all skill levels.
Acadia’s Carriage Roads
Acadia’s Carriage Roads are a network of 45 miles of gravel paths located in Acadia National Park. The roads offer stunning views of the park’s forests and lakes and are suitable for intermediate riders.
Maryland
Capital Crescent Trail
The Capital Crescent Trail is an 11-mile paved trail that runs from Georgetown in Washington D.C. to Bethesda, Maryland. The trail offers stunning views of the Potomac River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Western Maryland Rail Trail
The Western Maryland Rail Trail is a 26-mile trail that runs from Hancock to Fort Frederick, Maryland. The trail offers stunning views of the Potomac River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Massachusetts
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 22-mile paved trail that runs from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The trail offers stunning views of the Cape Cod countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Minuteman Bikeway
The Minuteman Bikeway is a 10-mile paved trail that runs from Cambridge to Bedford, Massachusetts. The trail offers stunning views of the Boston skyline and is suitable for all skill levels.
Michigan
Leelanau Trail
The Leelanau Trail is a 17-mile trail located in northern Michigan. The trail offers stunning views of the Leelanau Peninsula and is suitable for all skill levels.
Kal-Haven Trail
The Kal-Haven Trail is a 34-mile trail that runs from Kalamazoo to South Haven, Michigan. The trail offers stunning views of the Kalamazoo River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Minnesota
Paul Bunyan State Trail
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is a 120-mile trail that runs from Brainerd to Bemidji, Minnesota. The trail offers stunning views of the Minnesota countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Root River Trail
The Root River Trail is a 42-mile trail that runs from Fountain to Houston, Minnesota. The trail offers stunning views of the Root River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Mississippi
Tanglefoot Trail
The Tanglefoot Trail is a 43-mile trail located in northern Mississippi. The trail offers stunning views of the Mississippi countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Longleaf Trace Trail
The Longleaf Trace Trail is a 44-mile trail located in southern Mississippi. The trail offers stunning views of the piney woods of Mississippi and is suitable for all skill levels.
Missouri
Katy Trail State Park
The Katy Trail State Park is a 240-mile trail that runs along the Missouri River. The trail offers stunning views of the Missouri countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Rock Island Trail
The Rock Island Trail is a 47-mile trail that runs from Windsor to Pleasant Hill, Missouri. The trail offers stunning views of the Missouri countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile road that runs through Glacier National Park. The road offers stunning views of the mountains and is suitable for intermediate riders.
Bitterroot Trail
The Bitterroot Trail is a 50-mile trail that runs through the Bitterroot Mountains. The trail offers stunning views of the mountains and is suitable for intermediate riders.
Nebraska
Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail is a 321-mile trail that runs through the Sandhills of Nebraska. The trail offers stunning views of the Nebraska countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
MoPac Trail
The MoPac Trail is a 26-mile trail that runs from Lincoln to Wabash, Nebraska. The trail offers stunning views of the Platte River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Nevada
Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile trail that runs around Lake Tahoe. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and is suitable for intermediate riders.
River Mountains Loop Trail
The River Mountains Loop Trail is a 34-mile trail located near Las Vegas, Nevada. The trail offers stunning views of the Las Vegas Valley and is suitable for all skill levels.
New Hampshire
Franconia Notch Bike Path
The Franconia Notch Bike Path is an 8-mile paved path located in Franconia Notch State Park. The path offers stunning views of the White Mountains and is suitable for all skill levels.
Northern Rail Trail
The Northern Rail Trail is a 57-mile trail that runs from Lebanon to Boscawen, New Hampshire. The trail offers stunning views of the New Hampshire countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
New Jersey
Cape May County Trail
The Cape May County Trail is a 20-mile trail that runs through Cape May County. The trail offers stunning views of the New Jersey countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Henry Hudson Trail
The Henry Hudson Trail is a 24-mile trail that runs from Freehold to Aberdeen, New Jersey. The trail offers stunning views of the New Jersey coast and is suitable for all skill levels.
New Mexico
Paseo del Bosque Trail
The Paseo del Bosque Trail is a 16-mile trail located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The trail offers stunning views of the Rio Grande and is suitable for all skill levels.
Santa Fe Rail Trail
The Santa Fe Rail Trail is a 17-mile trail that runs from Santa Fe to Lamy, New Mexico. The trail offers stunning views of the New Mexico countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
New York
Erie Canalway Trail
The Erie Canalway Trail is a 360-mile trail that runs along the Erie Canal. The trail offers stunning views of the canal and is suitable for all skill levels.
Old Croton Aqueduct Trail
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is a 26-mile trail that runs from Yonkers to Croton-on-Hudson, New York. The trail offers stunning views of the Hudson River and is suitable for all skill levels.
North Carolina
Mountains-to-Sea Trail
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a 1,175-mile trail that runs from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The trail offers stunning views of the North Carolina countryside and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.\
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile trail that runs from Abingdon to Whitetop, Virginia. The trail offers stunning views of the Virginia countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
North Dakota
Maah Daah Hey Trail
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 144-mile trail that runs through the Badlands of North Dakota. The trail offers stunning views of the Badlands and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a 5-mile trail located near Mandan, North Dakota. The trail offers stunning views of the Missouri River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Ohio
Ohio to Erie Trail
The Ohio to Erie Trail is a 326-mile trail that runs from Cincinnati to Cleveland, Ohio. The trail offers stunning views of the Ohio countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Little Miami Scenic Trail
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is a 50-mile trail that runs from Milford to Springfield, Ohio. The trail offers stunning views of the Ohio countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Oklahoma
Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a 7.5-mile trail located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The trail offers stunning views of the Arkansas River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Lake Hefner Trails
The Lake Hefner Trails are a network of trails located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The trails offer stunning views of Lake Hefner and are suitable for all skill levels.
Oregon
McKenzie River Trail
The McKenzie River Trail is a 26-mile trail located near Eugene, Oregon. The trail offers stunning views of the Oregon countryside and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a 21-mile trail that runs from Banks to Vernonia, Oregon. The trail offers stunning views of the Oregon countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Pennsylvania
Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail offers stunning views of the Pennsylvania countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Pine Creek Rail Trail
The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62-mile trail located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. The trail offers stunning views of the Pennsylvania countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Rhode Island
East Bay Bike Path
The East Bay Bike Path is a 14-mile trail that runs from Providence to Bristol, Rhode Island. The trail offers stunning views of the Narragansett Bay and is suitable for all skill levels.
Washington Secondary Bike Path
The Washington Secondary Bike Path is a 19-mile trail that runs from Coventry to Cranston, Rhode Island. The trail offers stunning views of the Rhode Island countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
South Carolina
Swamp Rabbit Trail
The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile trail that runs from Greenville to Travelers Rest, South Carolina. The trail offers stunning views of the South Carolina countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Hilton Head Island Bike Trails
Hilton Head Island has a network of bike trails that cover over 60 miles. The trails offer stunning views of the South Carolina coast and are suitable for all skill levels.
South Dakota
Mickelson Trail
The Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile trail that runs through the Black Hills of South Dakota. The
trail offers stunning views of the Black Hills and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
George S. Mickelson Trail
The George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile trail that runs through the Black Hills of South Dakota. The trail offers stunning views of the Black Hills and is suitable for all skill levels.
Tennessee
Shelby Farms Greenline
The Shelby Farms Greenline is a 10.65-mile trail located in Memphis, Tennessee. The trail offers stunning views of the Wolf River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Overmountain Victory Trail
The Overmountain Victory Trail is a 330-mile trail that runs through Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The trail offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
Texas
Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a 3.5-mile trail located in Dallas, Texas. The trail offers stunning views of downtown Dallas and is suitable for all skill levels.
Guadalupe River Trail
The Guadalupe River Trail is a 9.3-mile trail located in San Jose, California. The trail offers stunning views of the Guadalupe River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Utah
Moab Brand Trails
The Moab Brand Trails are a network of trails located near Moab, Utah. The trails offer stunning views of the Utah countryside and are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a 100-mile trail that runs along the Wasatch Front in Utah. The trail offers stunning views of the Utah countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Vermont
Island Line Rail Trail
The Island Line Rail Trail is a 14-mile trail that runs from Burlington to South Hero, Vermont. The trail offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and is suitable for all skill levels.
Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.5-mile trail located in Stowe, Vermont. The trail offers stunning views of the Vermont countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Virginia
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile trail that runs from Abingdon to Whitetop, Virginia. The trail offers stunning views of the Virginia countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile trail that runs from Mount Vernon, Virginia to Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, D.C. The trail offers stunning views of the Potomac River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Washington
Burke-Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman Trail is an 18.8-mile trail that runs from Seattle to Bothell, Washington. The trail offers stunning views of the Washington countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Olympic Discovery Trail
The Olympic Discovery Trail is a 130-mile trail that runs from Port Townsend to La Push, Washington. The trail offers stunning views of the Olympic Peninsula and is suitable for all skill levels.
West Virginia
Greenbrier River Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail is a 77-mile trail that runs through the Greenbrier River Valley in West Virginia. The trail offers stunning views of the West Virginia countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
North Bend Rail Trail
The North Bend Rail Trail is a 72-mile trail that runs through the hills of West Virginia. The trail offers stunning views of the West Virginia countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Wisconsin
Elroy-Sparta State Trail
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is a 33-mile trail located in western Wisconsin. The trail offers stunning views of the Wisconsin countryside and is suitable for all skill levels.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail
The Glacial Drumlin State Trail is a 52-mile trail located in southeastern Wisconsin. The trail offers stunning views of the glacial landscape and is suitable for all skill levels.
Wyoming
Curt Gowdy State Park Trails
The Curt Gowdy State Park Trails are a network of trails located near Cheyenne, Wyoming. The trails offer stunning views of the Wyoming countryside and are suitable for all skill levels.
Snake River Pathway
The Snake River Pathway is a 10-mile trail located in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The trail offers stunning views of the Snake River and is suitable for all skill levels.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker or a casual rider, there’s a trail out there for you. From the stunning views of the Pacific Coastline on the California Coastal Trail to the historic landscapes on the Great Allegheny Passage, there’s a trail for everyone to enjoy. So get out there and explore the best bike trails in America, state by state.
FAQs
- What is the best time of year to ride these trails?
- The best time to ride these trails varies by location. Check the trail’s website for more information on weather conditions and trail closures.
- Are these trails suitable for beginners?
- Yes, many of these trails are suitable for beginners. Check the trail’s difficulty rating before starting.
- Do I need a special bike to ride these trails?
- No, most of these trails can be ridden on a standard mountain bike or hybrid bike.
- Are there any fees to ride these trails?
- Some trails may require a fee or permit to ride. Check the trail’s website for more information.
- Can I camp near these trails?
- Yes, many of these trails have nearby campgrounds or camping areas. Check the trail’s website for more information.
