The best bike rides in the US

A cyclist
A cyclist

You don’t have to be a professional cyclist to enjoy a good biking path. Even if you’re a person who barely touches a bike, there is no doubt that cycling along a scenic route is one of the best outdoor recreational activities. The U.S. is home to more than 40,000 miles of biking routes throughout the country.

You can find anything from wide open spaces and mountain trails to ocean view paths – whatever is your preference as a cyclist. The terrains vary from steep and rocky for the professionals to gentle slopes for the beginners or the ones who want a more gentle ride. Don’t worry about your experience, just grab the two wheels and choose your favorite biking route.

Taking a break on the misty forest trail
Taking a break on the misty forest trail

Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.

Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium – Author: Bonnachoven – CC0
Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium – Author: Bonnachoven – CC0

This trail stretches from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to Lake Needwood Park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The trail is 25 miles long and has plenty of interesting stops on along the way. A beginner-friendly terrain that offers incredible views and makes every biker feel like a professional. Rock Creek Trail gets crowded on weekends and holidays, especially if the weather is warm, so if you don’t like crowds you’d better avoid this trail during the weekends.

High Bridge Park Trail, N.Y.

Memorial Park golf course with Williams Tower in the background
Memorial Park golf course with Williams Tower in the background

High Bridge Park Trail is situated just north of the George Washington Bridge. This urban landscape trail invites experienced cyclists to try the challenging terrain, often referred to as mountainous. There are a few areas suitable for beginner and intermediate level bikers and also a dirt jump park with a pump track.

Memorial Park Trails, Texas

A chance to enjoy nature at your own pace
A chance to enjoy nature at your own pace

The total space of Houston’s Memorial Park spreads over 50,632 acres in which many miles of biking paths can be found. The Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Little Cambodia Trail are the best ones you can find in Texas, and they both are located here. Though many people prefer hiking or running, cycling is a very famous outdoor activity here.

Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail, Kentucky

Cyclists taking in the view
Cyclists taking in the view

Mammoth Cave Railroad is a long trail made of different terrains for all biking levels. Located on the top of the world’s longest cave system, this trail will take you to the Diamond Caverns, one of the most important features in the state, and continue to the lush forests on one side and open fields on the other side. The best time to visit this trail is during spring and summer when the trees are blooming.

Skyline Wilderness Park Trails, California

Whatever your level of experience, there are miles of safe bike trails to explore
Whatever your level of experience, there are miles of safe bike trails to explore

If you prefer narrow, rocky trails through California’s forests, then this is the trail for you. Skyline Wilderness Park offers the best riding conditions in California for all level cyclists. On these trails, you’ll have the chance to see some wildlife and enjoy the incredible views of California’s landscape.

Shining Sea Bikeway, Massachusettes

Shining Sea Bikeway, West Falmouth Massachusetts – Author: John Phelan – CC BY 3.0
Shining Sea Bikeway, West Falmouth Massachusetts – Author: John Phelan – CC BY 3.0

This is an 11-mile long trail that borders the shore. The trail is a part of the 110 miles of scenic cycling paths in Cape Cod. The area is an amazing network of trails and paths where you can spot wildlife like shorebirds, otters, and muskrats.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska

The northern terminus of Anchorage, Alaska’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – Author: James Brooks – CC BY 2.0
The northern terminus of Anchorage, Alaska’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – Author: James Brooks – CC BY 2.0

The Tony Knowles Trail is an 11-mile long trail starting from downtown Anchorage all the way to Kincaid Park, going through areas parks and greenbelts. A bike ride on this trail is the best and the cheapest way to explore the city. The highlights of the trail include stunning views of Mount McKinley and a chance to see some beluga whales, moose or bald eagles. What can be more exciting than to see a whale while riding a bike?

A bike ride can be as challenging or as leisurely as you want to make it
A bike ride can be as challenging or as leisurely as you want to make it

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival