Cycling is a great way to stay active, improving everything from muscle tone to cardiovascular health.
But the real reason we love it? It’s a great way to see the world.
There are loads of gorgeous biking trails across the United States, giving you the chance to explore America’s natural beauty on two wheels.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites so you can easily plan your next cycling adventure. Let’s get to it.
Best bike trails for e-bikes
E-bikes allow you to explore rugged terrain with less effort since the electric motor lets you power forward without loads of tiring pedaling.
Here are some trails that are great for cyclists with e-bikes.
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (Idaho)
This bike trail is great for e-bikes since it’s paved and passes through small towns, like Enaville, where you can recharge your batteries.
It covers a total of 73 miles and is relatively easy.
The trailhead is in Mullan and the trail ends in Plummer, taking you nearly across the state from the Washington border to the Montana border.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (California)
This waterfront trail is only 18 miles, making it perfect for a quick e-bike ride that doesn’t require a recharge. It’s a rail-to-trail (RTC), meaning the trail follows what used to be a railway corridor.
This trail takes you to sites like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf, making it a great family trip.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail (Oregon)
This is another RTC trail, located about 30 minutes from downtown Portland. The former railroad stretch was reforested to create a 21-mile trail.
You’ll see evidence of its history thanks to the old-fashioned train trestles along the way. Expect babbling brooks, tall trees, and chirping birds.
Best paved path bike trails in the U.S.
If you want a smooth ride with minimal resistance, a paved bike path is the way to go. Here are some of our favorite paved trails for bikers.
Little Miami Scenic Trail (Ohio)
Don’t let the name fool you: This trail isn’t in Miami, Florida, but runs from Springfield to Newtown, Ohio.
It’s 78 miles and fully paved. If you want something more rugged, this paved trail connects to off-road trails, from the Buckeye Trail to the North County National Scenic Trail.
Shark Valley Tram Road (Florida)
Plot twist: This trail IS located in Miami, Florida. In fact, it takes you through the renowned Everglades National Park.
That means you get a chance to see plenty of wildlife, including birds, fish, and turtles. Save this trail for winter, when you won’t have to deal with summer heat and humidity.
Paul Bunyan State Trail (Minnesota)
This massive trail spans 115 miles from Brainerd to Bemidji, Minnesota. You’ll find plenty of small towns on the way to break up your trip with overnight stays.
Take this trip in the summer to enjoy the 21 freshwater lakes you’ll pass on the way.
Katy Trail (Missouri)
Katy Trail State Park covers 240 miles, making it one of the longest RTC trails in the country. It’s got a nice historical touch, as part of it follows the path taken by Lewis and Clark along the Missouri River.
As a bonus, you’ll pass plenty of wineries (but don’t ride after you’ve imbibed)!
The Great Allegheny Passage (Maryland and Pennsylvania)
The 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage runs from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It goes through the picturesque Allegheny Mountains, passing rivers and lakes for excellent rafting and fly fishing opportunities.
There are also plenty of campsites along the way.
Best dirt path bike trails in the U.S.
Ready to get your tires dirty? There are plenty of dirt path bike trails for accessing sites off the beaten path.
Here are some highlights worth exploring with a mountain bike.
Medicine Bow Rail Trail (Wyoming)
This family-friendly trail runs through Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Although remote, it’s fairly flat and wide, making it possible for families to ride together.
Pro tip: Pack water, as there aren’t any pit stops for refueling along the way.
George S. Mickelson Trail (South Dakota)
The George S. Mickelson trail is mostly forested, making it ideal for escaping the sun on warm summer days. It offers gorgeous views of the Black Hills and covers roughly 114 miles.
It’s also fairly level, making it a relatively easy ride. Make time for a pitstop at the Crazy Horse Memorial while you’re there.
Down East Sunrise Trail (Maine)
The Down East Sunrise Trail is the longest uninterrupted segment of the East Coast Greenway, which runs from Maine to Florida. As the name suggests, this trail is best seen at sunrise.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see wildlife like turkeys, moose, beavers, and deer along the 87-mile trail.
Best off-road bike trails in the U.S.
If you’re jonesing for an adventure, an off-road bike trail may tempt you. These mountain bike trails aren’t accessible by car, giving you a peek at far-flung scenery you can’t find elsewhere.
These are our favorites.
Captain Ahab (Moab, Utah)
This 4.3-mile trail might be short, but it’s full of adventure. The river trail is a towpath, meaning it runs along a river (the Colorado River). The breathtaking red rock landscape makes it really stand out, though.
Note that Captain Ahab is a singletrack trail (meaning it’s only wide enough for one bike and is one-way) and best for advanced riders.
Cady Hill Forest (Vermont)
Vermont is known for its beautiful fall foliage, so hit this trail in the autumn. It’s a mid-level trail and some portions are singletrack, so skip it if you’re a newbie.
A cruise through the lush forest and you’ll quickly see why this is one of the Northeast’s most popular trail networks.
Big Rock Trail (North Carolina)
This half-loop trail should only be attempted by advanced riders. It offers diverse scenery, from forested portions to picturesque waterfalls. Note that the multi-use hiking trail is also open to hikers and horseback riders, so be prepared to share the path with people on trail runs or in the saddle.
The most scenic bike trails in the U.S.
The main motivation to get out into nature is to take in the gorgeous sights — from incredible wetlands to jaw-dropping waterfalls and scenic fields of wildflowers.
Here are the most stunning trail passes to check off your bucket list.
Flume Trail (Lake Tahoe, California-Nevada)
The Flume Trail by Nevada’s Lake Tahoe isn’t for the light of heart, with the first four miles requiring some 1,000 feet of climbing. It’s worth the effort, though, thanks to the stunning views of the blue lake below.
The singletrack, bike-friendly trail covers roughly 4.5 miles.
The Presidio (California)
An ex-military base, Presidio National Park offers more than 25 miles of trails and a diverse landscape. You’ll see everything from beaches to forests, plus the San Francisco city skyline in the distance.
The park covers more than 1,100 acres and is co-managed by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service.
Greenbrier River Trail (West Virginia)
Those seeking a multi-day biking trip can tackle the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail. It runs through miles of lush West Virginia forest and is fairly flat, so you can relax and take in the pretty scene.
The trail also has plenty of rest stops and campgrounds along the way, so it’s well-equipped for a multi-day trip.
Ride farther and have more fun with Velotric e-bikes
Inspired to start exploring the American trail system on two wheels? Skip the bike rentals and get a bike of your own. The right bike can make navigating your chosen bike route a breeze.
Velotric has you covered.
Our e-bikes come equipped with a powerful motor and long battery life, keeping you moving. We also have bikes to suit different needs. For example, our Discover 1 is great for paved trails, while our Nomad 1 has fat tires ideal for more rugged terrain.
Schedule your test bike ride to see which one is right for you.