The United States is a big country with plenty of diverse landscapes to explore by bike. Whether you're looking for a challenging mountain bike trail or a leisurely ride through the countryside, there's sure to be a perfect trail for you somewhere in the US. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best bike trails in the country, broken down by type of biking. So grab your helmet and let's hit the road!
The best trails for mountain biking
Mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some exercise. There are many types of mountain bike trails, from easygoing fire roads to challenging single track.
Some of the best mountain bike trails in the country can be found in California, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon. In California, the North Shore of Lake Tahoe is a mecca for mountain bikers, with hundreds of miles of trails to explore. Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park and Utah's Moab area are also great places to ride.
The best trails for road biking
Road biking is another popular type of biking that can be done on paved roads or dedicated bike paths. Road biking is a great way to see some beautiful scenery while getting a workout in at the same time.
Some of the best road biking trails in the country can be found in Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Florida's Gulf Coast offers beautiful views and relatively flat terrain, making it ideal for road biking. Arizona's desert landscapes provide a challenge for more experienced cyclists, while New Mexico's Rio Grande Valley offers an enjoyable ride for all levels of cyclists. Tennessee's Smoky Mountains offer stunning views and ample opportunities for stops along the way.
The best trails for BMX biking
BMX riding is a type of off-road cycling that is done on specially designed tracks or courses. BMX riding can be both competitive and recreational, and many BMX riders enjoy doing tricks and stunts as well as racing.
There are many great places to ride BMX bikes around the country, but some standouts include California's Granny Gear Bike Park, Colorado's Edgewater BMX Park, Florida's Orlando Watersports Complex, and Texas' Austin BMX Park. These parks offer riders of all levels something to enjoy, from beginner-friendly features to advanced challenges.
The Different Types of Bike Trails
Greenway trails are multi-use trails that are open to both hikers and cyclists. These trails are often found in parks or along rivers, and they offer a scenic route for those looking to explore the great outdoors on two wheels.
Some of the best greenway trails in the country include:
The Katy Trail in Missouri: This rail-trail spans 225 miles across the state, making it the longest Rails-to-Trails project in the country. The trail passes through small towns and rural farmland, offering stunning views of the Mississippi River along the way.
The Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania: This popular trail stretches for 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail follows along historic railroad routes and passes through some of Pennsylvania’s most scenic landscapes.
The Minuteman Bikeway in Massachusetts: This 10-mile long bike trail runs from Bedford to Cambridge, following an old railroad bed through quiet woodlands and past wetlands teeming with wildlife.
Rail-trails
Rail-trails are former railroad tracks that have been converted into multi-use paths for cyclists and pedestrians. These trails offer a level surface and often go through scenic areas that would be difficult to access by car.
Some of the best rail-trails in the country include:
The C&O Canal Towpath in Washington, D.C.: This 184.5 mile long trail follows alongside the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. The flat terrain makes it an ideal spot for beginner cyclists, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way to take in the stunning views of the Potomac River.
The Erie Canalway Trail in New York: This 350-mile long trail spans across upstate New York, following along the historic Erie Canal route. The trail offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, as well as opportunities to stop and explore some of New York’s many historic landmarks.
The Silver Comet Trail in Georgia: This 61-mile long paved trail starts just outside of Atlanta and winds its way through rural countryside before ending at the Alabama border. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy views of pristine lakes and forests.
Single-track Trails
Single-track trails are narrower than other types of bike trails, and they are typically used by mountain bikers. These trails can be found in both urban and rural areas, and they often offer a more challenging ride than wider trails.
Some of the best single-track trails in the country include:
The Kingdom Trails in Vermont: This world-renowned mountain biking destination offers over 100 miles of single track trails to explore. The trail network winds through the scenic woods of northeastern Vermont, offering stunning views of the Green Mountains along the way.
The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park in California: This popular bike park features over 80 miles of lift-accessed single track trails, making it a mecca for mountain bikers from all over the world. The park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering riders stunning views of alpine scenery as they shred down the trails.
The Fruita Monument State Park in Colorado: This state park is located in western Colorado and offers over 18 miles of single track trails to explore. The park is known for its red rock formations and desert landscapes, which make for a unique riding experience.
The best bike trails in the country offer something for everyone, whether you're looking to mountain bike, road bike, or BMX. Greenway trails are perfect for those who want an easy ride, while rail-trails and single-track trails are perfect for those who want a challenge. No matter what your level of experience, there's a bike trail out there for you. So get out there and explore!