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The best bike trails in the U.S.

Get ready for a gorgeous, exhilarating ride along the best bike trails in the U.S.

Out of all forms of transportation, biking is arguably the healthiest. Not only can it take you further than walking or running, but it's also gentler on the body while providing the same cardio benefits. Aside from the fitness aspect, biking comes with a lot of other perks: the ability to get outside and enjoy nature, a sense of freedom, and, often, a community of fellow cyclists always game for a group ride.

While many U.S. cities are trying to become more bike-friendly, there's still a long way to go to make the roads enjoyable and safer for riders—especially compared to European cities. While American urban centers need some work, one thing America is good at is bike trails. Across the country, countless gorgeous trails weave through charming towns and picturesque landscapes—and we have rounded up some of the more serene.

From Big Sur  to  Miami , the best bike trails in the U.S. are fit for riders ranging from novice to professional, providing serious payoff in stunning views. And if you're looking for more outdoor action, check out the best  extreme outdoor adventures in the country.   

RECOMMENDED:  The best hiking trails in the U.S .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best bike trails in the U.S.

1.  highway one | big sur, ca.

Experience level:  Advanced and serious riders, including professionals

Hit Highway One on two wheels to take in the best views of California’s Pacific coastline. Best fit for advanced and serious riders—including professionals—map out a route between Carmel and Cambria that suits your skill level and sightseeing goals—Ragged Point and Hearst Castle are prime water-break spots—and cruise along the cliffside road, with the surf crashing below. Beginners be warned: You’ll be cozied up to car traffic on a few narrow shoulders.  

2.  Canyonlands National Park | UT

Experience level:  Intermediate to experienced riders

If you're into the great outdoors, you'll already know that Utah's undeniable contribution to All Things America is its stunning and sprawling networks of caves, rock formations, rivers and trails. Like all entries on this list, however, not every footpath in a national park is for biking on, so be sure to check before your bike tires hit the trail. Many of the trails are best suited for intermediate to experienced riders. Incidentally, Bluejohn Canyon is where Aron Ralston became trapped and was the subject of the movie 127 Hours , so you know, be sure to pack a penknife. 

3.  Flume Trail | Lake Tahoe, NV

Experience level:  Moderate

A fear of heights won't fly on this trail perched 1,600ft above the blue waters of Lake Tahoe , but the incredible views are worth the jitters. Considered moderately difficult to expert level, riders set off from Spooner Lake State Park and break a sweat climbing the smooth canyon road up to Marlette Lake. The Flume Trail is the reward at the top: 4.5 miles of singletrack, providing breathtaking views of Sand Harbor and mountains.

4.  Great Allegheny Passage | PN and MD

Experience level: Easy, suitable for all levels

Spanning 150 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Great Allegheny Passage  is a bucket list ride for many avid cyclists. It's also a smooth and relatively easy ride, considered suited for all levels, including novice cyclists. This trail—which crosses both the Mason-Dixon Line and the Eastern Continental Divide—passes flowing rivers,  waterfalls, gorges, farmland, and a myriad of charming trail towns that offer welcoming places to stop and rest.  

5.  Shark Valley Trail | Miami, FL

Experience level:  Easy, suitable for all levels

Skip the tram ride and embark on your own journey through Everglades National Park on two wheels. The well-kept, paved trail is suited for all levels and covers a 15-mile loop through the Shark Valley section of the park, where you're sure to experience up-close encounters with gators, wading birds, turtles and other wildlife. A 45-foot-high observation deck marks the halfway point, where riders can take a break to enjoy the quiet beauty of the wetlands and grassy prairies.

6.  Hiline Trail | Sedona, AZ

Experience level:  Expert

Explore the stunning desert scenery, starting with an uphill pedal along Slim Shady Trail . The narrow, expert-level exposed Hilline Trail runs 3.1 miles from the top of the mesa along the edge of the red rocks, giving technical riders plenty of chances to ogle at incredible majestic buttes and monoliths. Be prepared for slickrock portions and some sharply descending chutes before capping the ride at Baldwin Loop.

7.  Trail 401 | Crested Butte, CO

Experience level:  Intermediate to expert level

A lung-burning, five-mile climb up to Schofield Pass can be a rough welcome for novice riders, but once you’ve trekked through dense trees to the trail's high point (at a whopping 11,35ft), the singletrack opens up, revealing killer 360-degree views of the rugged Elk Mountains. Best for intermediate to expert cyclists, the 13.6-mile route’s fast alpine descent through fields of wildflowers will have cyclists feeling serious Sound of Music vibes.

8.  Forbidden Fruit | Sun Valley, ID

Experience level:  Suitable for expert cyclists

Experienced mountain bikers who crave rollercoaster-like descents are drawn to this unique flow trail west of Adam’s Gulch. The route is loaded with jumps, dips and berms to keep riders in constant movement down the 1.3-mile course. Brakes and pedals hardly need to be used as bikers run laps on the wild ride, adding to the feeling that they're moving on adrenaline alone. 

9.  Copper Harbor Trails | Keweenaw Peninsula, MI

Experience level:  Suitable for skilled, intermediate riders

Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula is a magnet for active travelers and a real hidden gem for avid mountain bikers. Thirty miles of twisty singletrack trails outfitted with cedar-planked bridges and boardwalks let intermediate riders zip through white pine woods and climb up to 1,300ft in elevation, where they’re rewarded with views of Lake Superior stretching to the horizon. Most of the trails are considered intermediate territory. 

10.  Laurel Mountain Ride | Brevard, NC

Experience level:  Best for experts

Mountain bikers with a need for speed can shoot through laurel thickets on this steep route starting on the Laurel Mountain trail . Get your heart pumping climbing up Black Mountain, and then follow a connector to the Pilot Cove trail. The expert-level Pilot Rock descent sends brave riders flying down 1,600 feet of rocky and remote terrain, with glimpses of Bradley Creek.

11.  Going-to-the-Sun Road | Whitefish, MT

Experience level:  For experienced cyclists 

This 32-mile route through Glacier National Park is a bucket-list item for serious cyclists, unmatched for its Tour de France-caliber climbs and natural beauty. From spring through early fall, riders climb almost 3,30ft from the Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass, whizzing past the cascading Weeping Wall waterfall, pristine Lake McDonald and snow-capped Heaven's Peak.

12.  McKenzie River Trail | Bend, OR

Experience level:  Intermediate 

Beautiful deep forest, moss and ferns give riders a serious dose of greenery along this woodsy route in the Cascade Mountains. Spend the day tackling the 25.4-mile, mostly downhill trail and traversing log bridges along the chilly McKenzie River. Suited for intermediate levels, the trail system lets riders choose their own adventure and feel the mist coming off Sahalie Falls.

13.  Maah Daah Hey Trail | Medora, ND

Experience level:  Experienced riders

If the midwest brings flat farmland to mind, this beloved trail system in the Badlands of North Dakota will certainly surprise you. Considered fit for intermediate to experienced riders, you can reach an elevation of 2,700 feet on the namesake route that runs 97 miles across high ridges, steep buttes and rolling prairies. Keep an eye out for antelope, prairie dogs and coyotes on the trail that takes you across the Little Missouri River and up to Devil’s Pass, where a stellar 360-degree lookout awaits.    

14.  Olympic Discovery Trail | WA

Experience level:  Suitable for all levels

Looking to witness the beauty of the PNW by bike? The Olympic Discovery Trail won't disappoint. Running from the seaside towns of Port Townsend to La Push, this 130-mile trail takes you through farmland, charming villages, and shoreline as you take in the snowcapped Olympic Mountains in the distance. 

15.  Captain Ahab Trail | Moab, UT

Experience level:  Intended for experts

This 4.3-mile, expert-level  dusty canyon trail is the stuff of Jeep commercials, with rust-colored canyons and blue sky as the stunning backdrop for advanced bikers. Captain Ahab branches off the popular Amasa Back trail , challenging its contenders with technical slickrock portions and big climbs along the Colorado River that open up into flowing, flatter sections.

16.  Swamp Rabbit Trail | Greenville, SC

A top-notch bike trail is a welcome perk in most towns, but this one is truly the hub of its community in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Generally considered an easy trail, it runs nearly 20 miles along the Reedy River on an old railroad bed, the paved Swamp Rabbit Trail  brought the once-sleepy area to life and continues to draw cyclists of all ages and skill levels to the stretch between Greenville and Travelers Rest.

17.  Virginia Creeper Trail | Damascus, VA

Cyclists looking to tackle a low-key course will dig this rambling rail trail connecting Abingdon and Damascus. The 34-mile stretch is suited for all experience levels, supposedly named for the way trains once crept up Whitetop Mountain because of its 3,600-foot elevation, but visitors can shuttle their bikes to the top and roll down the slope for a pleasant 17-mile leg past old railroad trestles and through serene wooded sections.

18.  Kingdom Trails | East Burke, VT

Get introduced to all types of terrain on the Darling Hill Loop in the woodsy hills of Vermont. It will cost you $15 a head to access the private land, but the more than 150 miles of trails are open to kids, beginners and seasoned riders. Routes wind beneath the canopy of tall trees, across ladder bridges, and up a grassy incline to picturesque Heaven's Bench. 

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The 25 Best Road Cycling Routes in America

From incredible rambles through the heartland to national park tours, coastal cruises and breathless mountaintop finishes, these are the 25 best routes for road cycling in America.

By Peter Koch

There are 4,092,730 miles of public road in America. It’s the most extensive road network in the world, a great tangled mass of pavement, dirt, gravel and sometimes even cobbles, that fans out from wherever you are and takes you wherever you want to go, be it the next town over, Times Square or a lung-searing climb to the top of a 14,000-foot dead-end mountain road (imagine the pants-shitting descent, though). It’s no wonder we, as a nation, have been waxing poetic about the romance of the road for so long. Adventure lies around every bend, and endless possibility starts at the end of your driveway or in front of your stoop. The best way to experience those roads is, of course, on a bicycle , with the wind in your hair and just enough burn in your legs to remind you that you’re alive.

With such a wealth, it was almost impossible to pick just 25 rides. Those we’ve selected run the gamut: incredible rambles through the heartland, national park tours, coastal cruises and breathless mountaintop finishes; there’s elevation for the climbers, distance for the endurance freaks and a few easier routes for laid-back riders to find their legs on. It’s a big, beautiful country. Get on your bike and discover it.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d21153.486556014588!2d-113.9730481228951!3d48.49132869931176!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431990728774&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The climb to the 6,648-foot Logan Pass would be brutal, were it not for the Sound of Music views — toothy peaks, wildflower meadows, glacial lakes and rivers and often wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep — around every bend. Road Notes: From the west entrance of the park, it’s 21 miles of easy, scenic spinning past Lake McDonald before things get lively. The next 11 miles feature 3,000+ feet of climbing as you make your way to the spine of the continent. Arrange for a shuttle to pick you up at the east entrance in St. Mary, or go for broke on the century ride of a lifetime.

Distance: 50 miles Elevation Gain: 4,290 feet Starts From: West Glacier, MT

Dirty Kanza Half-Pint, Kansas

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d25010.6709447465!2d-96.1912929!3d38.41064855!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431990765815&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Whether you call it gravel-grinding, all-terrain riding or, our preference, adventure by bike, rattling over the rolling dirt roads of Kansas’ Flint Hills is no picnic. It is gorgeous, though, with sweeping views over the iconic grassy farmlands of our nation’s heartland. This is America. Road Notes: This is Dirty Kanza territory, and in fact, this route is the “half-pint” version of the 2014 edition. If you insist on the whole 200-mile route (it’s available here), you won’t have time to enjoy it. It’s up and down, and with 60 miles of dirt before the first town, you have to be self-reliant. God help you if it rains.

Distance: 111 miles Elevation Gain: 5,298 feet Starts From: Emporia, KS

Mt. Evans Climb, Colorado

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d12270.957913622171!2d-105.495921!3d39.74550255!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431990803559&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The highest paved road in the US runs out on top of 14,271-foot Mt. Evans, where it overlooks wave after wave of Rockies in one direction and the seemingly endless Eastern Plains in the other. It’s a rare chance to climb for three straight hours, and what’s not to love about that? Road Notes: From Idaho Springs, ride through aspen- and evergreen-lined Chicago Creek Canyon. Past Echo Lake, you’ll emerge from the tree line and be rewarded with those famous views. At the summit, check your brakes, don a jacket (trust us) and point your handlebars down for a hard-earned, feel-like-a-kid-again 28-mile coaster back to town.

Distance: 27.6 miles Elevation Gain: 6,789 feet Starts From: Idaho Springs, CO

Tour of the Battenkill, New York

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d46575.70393894886!2d-73.48772835!3d43.14691785!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431990846614&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: This ride through rural Washington County follows the route of the Tour of the Battenkill, America’s largest one-day pro/am cycling race, and its own shorter, hillier version of Paris-Roubaix. It rumbles through upstate dairy farm country and over covered bridges, railroad crossings and no fewer than eight stretches of rugged dirt road totaling 15 of the ride’s 68 miles. Road Notes: It’s a bit gnarly out there, so if you don’t have a cross or gravel rig, consider wider tires (28s or bigger, if your rims can handle them). The climbs are short but punchy — 17 percent is the max grade — so be ready to break in your quads if you ride it during Classics season. As for us, we prefer it in October, with a side of fall foliage.

Distance: 68.1 miles Elevation Gain: 4,423 feet Starts From: Greenwich, NY

Oregon Coast

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d11193.359848143773!2d-123.82883726642044!3d45.46295521108616!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431990882884&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The Oregon Coast is one of the most democratic (not to mention gorgeous) shorelines in America. Its tide pools, old-growth forests, waterfalls, cliffside trails and sandy beaches are free and open for the public to explore. But the best of these can only be discovered at a slow, steady cycling pace. Plan on good coffee and clam chowder lunches in between long, dramatic views to lighthouses and wave-crashed sea stacks. Road Notes: Rather than send you entirely down Highway 101 (the famed “Oregon Coast Bike Route”), we’ve taken the liberty of routing you on quieter, more beautiful roads where possible. You’re welcome. There are hills, yes, but likely a tailwind, too, if you’re riding between July and September, our favorite time.

Distance: 86.2 miles Elevation Gain: 5,291 feet Starts From: Tillamook, OR

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d51919.0824488769!2d-82.55367349204212!3d35.57980724131461!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431990922115&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The parkway winds along the airy peaks of the Blue Ridge from from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering riders 469 miles of nearly uninterrupted scenic two-lane road through God’s country. Wildlife, waterfalls and panoramic vistas of rolling mountains are de rigueur. Road Notes: The BRP has very few services located along its winding route, so we’ve routed you over 25 scenic miles between two of our favorite towns in western North Carolina, Asheville (great breweries) and Brevard (epic mountain biking).

Distance: 47.6 miles Elevation Gain: 5,002 feet Starts From: Asheville, NC

San Juan Islands, Washington

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d10567.82032438643!2d-123.01862709999999!3d48.534092550000004!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431990950745&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The San Juans, with their quiet two-lane roads, artsy culture and incredible scenery, have long been considered a cycling paradise. Of the three largest islands, San Juan is the most populated (with fewer than 8,000 residents) and features a good mix of roller coaster hills and open country. Lopez is flatter and more relaxed, and Orcas offers challenges on Mt. Constitution and Turtleback Mountain. Road Notes: From Friday Harbor’s Norman Rockwell-worthy downtown, pedal north through forests, farmland and vineyards on your way to Roche Harbor’s seafood joints and 19-acre public sculpture park. At Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse, keep your eyes peeled for killer whales as you look across Haro Strait to Canada.

Distance: 50.4 miles Elevation Gain: 3,445 feet Starts From: Friday Harbor, WA

Crater Lake Loop, Oregon

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d23375.539151950783!2d-122.14645498919845!3d42.91625588118169!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991101938&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: According to the local Klamath tribe, Crater Lake was formed when a battle between the sky god and the god of the underworld destroyed volcanic Mt. Mazama some 7,700 years ago. Today, it’s sacred to them and all Americans, one of the world’s deepest, purest and most picturesque lakes. And it happens that a 32-mile strip of near-perfect pavement circles the ancient caldera. Road Notes: The only water available on this challenging route is at Rim Village (mile 0) and Park Headquarters (mile 29), so plan on bringing at least two bottles, especially since you’ll dehydrate more quickly at this high elevation (6,400 to 7,700 feet).

Distance: 32 miles Elevation Gain: 3,892 feet Starts From: Rim Village, Crater Lake National Park

Gran Fondo New York

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d48359.55318785867!2d-73.98071096264543!3d40.75164069274423!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991143698&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: You probably wouldn’t believe us if we told you that there’s fantastic cycling to be had — quiet, leafy two-lane roads that hug the Hudson River — a 10-minute ride from the frenetic streets of Manhattan. But it’s true, and it’s the reason Gran Fondo New York (whose route we’ve followed) has become one of the nation’s premier cycling events. Road Notes: Carbo-load at Mike’s Bagels in Washington Heights before crossing the George Washington Bridge to New Jersey’s Palisades. From there, it’s a mostly uneventful spin north along the Hudson through little river towns until the 1,200 foot climb up Bear Mountain, where you can look south and see the glimmering towers back where you started. If your legs are cooked, cross over the river to Peekskill Brewery , where you can recover while you wait on the next New York-bound train.

Distance: 100.8 miles Elevation Gain: 8,645 feet Starts From: New York City

A Ride Through Time, Utah

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d6315.835017105817!2d-112.15890844066782!3d37.67464608558654!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991191399&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Utah’s State Route 12 traverses 122 miles of otherworldly landscape — chockablock with slickrock canyons, cosmic pinnacles and monolithic buttes — between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks. We’ve carved out a more manageable (relatively, mind you) chunk between Bryce and Boulder that winds past petrified forests, stratified cliffs and ancient Puebloan granaries where you can peer into history. Road Notes: From lofty Bryce (7,500 feet), the road drops down into the tiny farming towns of Tropic, Cannonville and Henrieville before climbing through Dixie National Forest and passing the granaries. After Escalante, the road is in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Boulder. Stop to explore slot canyons, scope out the Escalante River or photograph the world-famous Hogback formation.

Distance: 74.2 miles Elevation Gain: 5,096 feet Starts From: Bryce, UT

Sea to Summit, California

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d101051.8573415854!2d-122.32533346498779!3d37.675749621775445!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991222708&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: This feature-packed ride, which starts and ends downtown, highlights the sheer geographical diversity and scenic beauty that makes NorCal so special. From San Francisco’s touristy waterfront, it crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, heads over the rugged Marin Headlands, hugs the Pacific shoreline through Muir and Stinson Beaches and climbs past redwood forests and flowering manzanitas to 2,574-foot Mt. Tamalpais. Road Notes: The Headlands will present some challenges, but they’re nothing in comparison to Mt. Tam. It’s a stiff 9-mile, 2,500-foot climb from Bolinas Lagoon to the summit, but the wide-open vistas from Bolinas Ridge are worth it. You’ll want a rugged bike for this one, since we’ve routed you down a dirt-and-crushed-stone railroad grade to Mill Valley. From there, it’s on to Tiburon to catch a ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Distance: 60.5 miles Elevation Gain: 6,272 feet Starts From: San Francisco, CA

Champlain Islands, Vermont

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d45537.621344807674!2d-73.22664839999999!3d44.492590400000005!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991259350&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Just north of the crunchy northern Vermont mecca of Burlington, the bucolic Champlain Islands bob in the center of Lake Champlain, where they’re shielded by the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. Farm stands and creemee (that’s Vermont for “soft-serve”) shacks sprout along quiet, pancake-flat roads here, and dramatic views of mountains tumbling down to the lakeshore are almost nonstop. Road Notes: From downtown Burlington, it’s an easy ride north along 10 miles of the Island Line Trail — including three incredible miles on the narrow Colchester Causeway — before you reach “The Cut.” A dedicated bike ferry will deliver you across the 200-foot-wide break in the causeway, delivering you to the southern end of the islands.

Distance: 82.6 miles Elevation Gain: 2,503 feet Starts From: Burlington, VT

Around Acadia, Maine

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d11405.64520269777!2d-68.20956476372348!3d44.38367801321047!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991301662&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Because it’s home to Acadia National Park, Mt. Desert Island is the best place to explore Maine’s ruggedly beautiful granite coast. Between the miles of traffic-free carriage roads, well marked trails down to seaside tide pools and the panoramic view atop Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the Atlantic Coast), this is a cyclist’s coastal dream trip. Of course, the profusion of postcard-perfect fishing villages with fresh-catch lobster pounds make it worthwhile off the bike. Road Notes: We put Cadillac Mountain’s summit just six miles into the route, so early birds can catch the sunrise up top. But also so you can bail on it, shaving eight miles and 1,100 feet of climbing from the ride, if you’re not feeling it. We’ve also included 14 miles of crushed stone carriage roads. Bypassing them in favor of Rte. 3 would be a shame, but it spares your legs eight miles and 250 feet of hills.

Distance: 80.5 miles Elevation Gain: 6,245 feet Starts From: Bar Harbor, ME

The Katy Trail, Missouri

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d12406.907532907937!2d-92.56185054468354!3d38.97590392246518!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991355730&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The Katy Trail runs 237 miles across the Missouri countryside along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad right-of-way, making it the nation’s longest Rails-to-Trails project. More than two-thirds of it hugs the banks of the muddy Missouri River, cruising on flat terrain beneath towering river bluffs and past farmland and vineyards. And despite its intrepid, middle-of-nowhere feel, dozens of would-be Mayberrys dot its length every few miles, offering rest and refuel options. Road Notes: The smooth crushed-limestone trail passes through no fewer than 15 towns between Rocheport and McKittrick, so finding lunch and refilling water bottles shouldn’t be a problem.

Distance: 77.6 miles Elevation Gain: 677 feet Starts From: Rocheport, MO

Road to Hana, Hawaii

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d14908.523998577883!2d-156.36877959616467!3d20.90704860493499!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991407897&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: In less than 50 miles, the Hana Highway wiggles its way around 600 hairpin turns and over 50 bridges as it traces Maui’s wild northern coast from the hub of Kahului to the little seaside village of Hana. Passing through lush tropical rainforest and studded with waterfalls and spectacular seascapes, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime ride. Road Notes: This is Hawaii ’s most famous stretch of road, and sometimes attracts the bumper-to-bumper traffic you’d expect. As you’ll be navigating hundreds of sharp turns and nearly 50 one-lane bridges with all of those cars, it’s critical that you’re very comfortable riding with traffic. Also, factor in much more time than you think you need for food stops (Halfway to Hana and Braddah Hutts BBQ are favorites), refreshing waterfall dips and the wildly undulating topography.

Distance: 44.5 miles Elevation Gain: 4,654 feet Starts From: Paia, HI

The Pinky Traverse, Michigan

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d22663.201932526907!2d-85.59445032531741!3d44.762449191319476!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991446294&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: With its rolling vineyards and cherry orchards, historic lighthouses, sandy beaches and charming ports, Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula comprises one of the most scenic stretches of the Great Lakes’ so-called “Third Coast”. Take in Lake Michigan’s pristine shoreline on a flat pedal from the vacationland of Traverse City to the oversized sandbox of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. Road Notes: This relatively flat route traces the “pinky” of the Lower Peninsula’s “mitten”, following 26 miles of dedicated bike trail and quiet byways with sweeping shoreline views. Time it right and you can watch sunset over Lake Michigan from Sleeping Bear’s 450-foot-high Lake Michigan Overlook. From there, it’s an easy pedal into Empire.

Distance: 70.8 miles Elevation Gain: 1,968 feet Starts From: Traverse City, MI

Delmarva Dawdle, Maryland

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d24883.820886663114!2d-76.07212750000001!3d38.775684!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991488448&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware-Maryland-Virginia) is a bucolic, 170-mile-long peninsula that separates Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic. A crazy quilt of fields, small towns, coves and sinuous tributary rivers, it’s the perfect place for a laid-back, low-speed ramble along the Eastern Shore’s low-country back roads. Road Notes: If you start from historic 17th-century Easton, you can be in St. Michaels, seated on the waterfront patio at The Crab Claw in time for lunch — steamed blue crabs with Old Bay and a side of pickles and cheese — with a view. Then it’s on to Bellevue, where a ferry ride delivers you across the Tred Avon River to Oxford. From there, it’s am easy 13-mile pedal to Easton past cornfields and horse farms.

Distance: 31.9 miles Elevation Gain: 639 feet Starts From: Easton, MD

Covered Bridge Metric Century, Pennsylvania

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d24436.704606988962!2d-76.30034895!3d40.03997544999999!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991524415&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Covered bridges and horse-drawn buggies are the hallmarks of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country surrounding Lancaster, where the Amish and Mennonites have been farming the rolling countryside for centuries. These are the same low-traffic rural roads where a young Floyd Landis — himself raised Mennonite — cut his teeth before becoming internationally infamous. Road Notes: This ride, which traverses six covered bridges and countless rollers, isn’t technically challenging, but it will wear you down. Luckily, there are plenty of local shops — our favorite is Udder Choice in Ephrata — selling rich, creamery-fresh ice cream to power you along the way. This ride closely follows the route of the Lancaster Bike Club’s popular annual Covered Bridge Metric Century.

Distance: 64 miles Elevation Gain: 3,455 feet Starts From: Lancaster, PA

A Good Ride Near the Badlands, South Dakota

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d11525.032582691994!2d-103.5923035!3d43.76749995!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991555353&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: The ruggedly beautiful topography of South Dakota’s Black Hills presented highway engineers with some unique challenges. They responded by constructing two “impossible” roads — the Needles Highway (Rte. 87) and Iron Mountain Road (Rte. 16A) — that thread their way through the mountains using steep grades, one-lane rock-walled tunnels, hairpin curves and photogenic spiral “pigtail” bridges. This ride, which traverses both (and swings by Mount Rushmore), is as beautiful as it is challenging, crossing wide-open meadows and deep canyons that are home to abundant wildlife including elk, bison, antelope, coyotes, mountain lions and bighorns. Road Notes: Beyond the aggressive topography, all of those switchbacks and one-lane tunnels do present risks for cyclists. Dress brightly and beware blind curves. Plus, there are so many scenic overlooks that it’s hard to get into a rhythm.

Distance: 68.4 miles Elevation Gain: 7,329 feet Starts From: Custer, SD

Little Switzerland, Texas

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d27567.360289387027!2d-98.87806004999999!3d30.267859499999997!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991585380&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: With its rolling karst topography, award-winning vineyards and dazzling springtime wildflower blooms, Texas Hill Country features some of the state’s best rural cycling. These hills, while not Swiss Alps caliber, were one of Lance Armstrong’s primary training grounds. Road Notes: This ride is a Hill Country classic that leaves from the cycling capital of Fredericksburg, a quaint village founded in the 1840s by German immigrants. It’s likely a combination of that continental heritage and a Texas-sized imagination that led to locals naming this route “Little Switzerland” — there are hills with names like Mt. Crabapple, Swiss Miss and Grinder, but none are taller than 300 feet.

Distance: 41 miles Elevation Gain: 2,233 feet Starts From: Fredericksburg, TX

Grand Rounds Loop, Minnesota

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d45162.721475538565!2d-93.2614785!3d44.970696999999994!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991613967&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Though it’s only recently become recognized as a cycling paradise, Minneapolis’ best bike route — the over-50-mile Grand Rounds Loop, which traces natural features including lakes, creeks, riverbanks and wetlands in a massive circle around downtown — has been around since the 1930s. Road Notes: While the full trip includes complete laps around each and every lake, this ride comprises a practical, 31-mile route around the Grand Rounds from the University of Minnesota campus and knocks most of the climbing out of the way in the first dozen miles.

Distance: 30.8 miles Elevation Gain: 1,191 feet Starts From: Minneapolis, MN

Jackson Hole Circuit, Wyoming

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d11580.931578246089!2d-110.77810002291696!3d43.47660984455034!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991658305&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: With its profusion of singletrack radiating from town into the Gros Ventre Range, Jackson is better known for its mountain biking than its roadie culture. But the 48-mile-long valley of Jackson Hole, framed as it is by the saw-toothed Teton Range and the Gros Ventres, is a wonderfully dramatic setting for a road tour. Road Notes: This circuit climbs steadily into Grand Teton National Park at the base of the Tetons, where it traces the shores of Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake. At Moran, it turns south and follows the Snake River back downhill toward Jackson through beautifully stark, wide-open terrain.

Distance: 75.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2,262 feet Starts From: Jackson, WY

The Fruit & Wine Byway, Colorado

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d12384.091790580884!2d-108.35814578603863!3d39.10594771092941!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991692032&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Not every ride in the Centennial State features lung-searing alpine climbs. On the Rockies’ Western Slope, where the Colorado River emerges from the Book Cliffs near Grand Junction, the little farming town of Palisade is a relative flatland of peach orchards, lavender gardens and, recently, an up-and-coming wine industry. Road Notes: This laid-back route, which traces rural farm roads along the Colorado River, encourages our favorite kind of agritourism: wine tasting, as it passes more than half a dozen vineyards, and at least as many farm-fresh fruit stands. It’s no Napa, but with its lack of pretension and the dramatic backdrop of 11,000-foot Grand Mesa, it might just be better.

Distance: 24.4 miles Elevation Gain: 884 feet Starts From: Palisade, CO

Down Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d26087.848808640087!2d-111.63366138965388!3d35.18202358214011!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991742320&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Perched on the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, just beneath the San Francisco Peaks at 6,910 feet, Flagstaff is a mild-weathered, Ponderosa pine-studded outdoor wonderland. Immediately south of the city, though, you can roll down the Mogollon Rim — a 2,500-foot escarpment marking the edge of the plateau — via Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona’s otherworldly red rock desertscapes. Road Notes: State Route 89 descends rather sharply into Oak Creek Canyon via a series of hairpin turns between miles 14 and 16. From there, the descent mellows, meandering through the narrow canyon alongside Oak Creek. This fast, mostly downhill ride leaves plenty of time to enjoy the canyon’s natural beauty on your way to Sedona. Cool off in a natural waterslide at Slide Rock State Park, or explore one of more than a dozen hikes.

Distance: 29.2 miles Elevation Gain: 884 feet Starts From: Flagstaff, AZ

Down the Delaware Coast, Delaware

[iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d12452.172310716163!2d-75.08156851460447!3d38.716819955355476!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1431991866511&w=650;h=500″][/iframe] Why Go: Diminutive Delaware may not have the kind of dramatic topography that characterizes most great cycling regions, but it does occupy some of the nation’s best oceanfront real estate. This ride takes in 38 beginner-friendly miles along its most famous Atlantic strands, from Rehoboth Beach (not coincidentally, home to Dogfish Head Brewery) down to Fenwick Island and back. Road Notes: This route is dead-simple to follow: take Bicycle Route 1 south (ocean on your left) past white-sand beaches, boardwalks and dunes until you reach downtown Fenwick Island, then head back (with the ocean on your right). Bring a lock, and spend some time exploring the various beaches — in order, Rehoboth, Dewey, Delaware Seashore State Park, Bethany, Fenwick Island State Park and Fenwick Island — each of which has its own special character.

Distance: 38.2 miles Elevation Gain: 381 feet Starts From: Rehoboth Beach, DE

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Best cycling destinations in the US

America’s top 10 locations for cyclists

Jill Rosell

fred dreier in the us

It’s time to fire up the family wagon, tie down the bikes and hit the road for a cycling vacation. But where to go? BikeRadar conducted an informal survey of pro and amateur riders from various regions of the US to pick 10 of America’s best cycling destinations.

MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Marin is hardly a secret in the cycling world, and you’ve undoubtedly heard a buddy’s gushing account of the redwood-lined roads and trails that crisscross Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods National Monument and the Marin Headlands. Guess what? Your buddy is spot on, as Marin County offers up a never-ending supply of sublime loops and out-and-backs, just a short spin across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

From Mill Valley, the 2,600ft climb up Mt Tamalpais rewards riders with a twisting descent to Stinson Beach and Highway 1. The Bolinas Ridge trail from Olena to Fairfax takes off-road riders along tracks that helped give birth to the original mountain bike. And if you’re looking for a serious challenge? Start in San Rafael and tackle the Mount Tam Century’s 100-mile lollypop course.

What it offers

– The challenging but beautiful Mount Tamalpais climb.

– Highway 1’s route through Stinson Beach and Tomales Bay.

– Classic mountain bike trails in Fairfax and Bolinas.

Why it’s the best

Some of the country’s most scenic rides, just a short spin from San Francisco.

How to get there

Fly to San Francisco International Airport and drive north on Highway 101, across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Best bike shops

Fairfax Cyclery , 2020 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax, (415) 721-7644

Bici Sport , 143 Kentucky Street, Petaluma, (707) 775-4676

Tam Bikes , 357 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, (415) 389-1900

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

The south-east’s most revered cycling town, Asheville is home to a plethora of long, hilly road loops through the Blue Ridge mountains, as well as challenging mountain biking in nearby Pisgah National Forest.

“We have no flats anywhere – you’re always climbing or descending,” said Mike Smith, a lifelong Asheville resident and employee at Liberty Bicycles . The highest point east of the Mississippi, Mt Mitchell, is a 35-mile ride away on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville offers a wide range of dining and hospitality opportunities, too, but we recommend grabbing a cold one at the Wedge Brewing Company .

– Highest climb east of the Mississippi.

– Challenging mountain bike trails in Pisgah National Forest.

– The endless, wide roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For a combination of road and mountain biking, no place east of the Mississippi comes close.

Asheville has its own regional airport, or a two-hour drive east of Charlotte will get you to where you need to be.

BioWheels , 76 Biltmore Avenue, (828) 232-0300

Liberty Bicycles , 1378 Hendersonville Road, (828) 274-2453

Pro Bikes , 610 Haywood Road, Suite B, (828) 253-2800

Ride around Asheville and you should expect nothing but climbs and descents

TUCSON, ARIZONA

We don’t recommend Tucson in the summer, but the city is one of the country’s best cycling destinations from December through to March, when conditions are usually a steady 70 degrees and sunny. The winding Catalina Highway climb up the 9,100ft Mount Lemmon is one of the south-west’s most famous climbs.

Sandy mountain bike trail networks crisscross the nearby Rincon, Santa Rita, Catalina and Tucson mountain ranges. You’re bound to see a smattering of pro riders on the Saturday Shootout group ride, which meets at the Starbucks at University Blvd, just west of the University of Arizona campus. Watch out, though – the Shootout reaches top speed as soon as riders clear the city limit.

– Winter riding taking in some stunning roads and climbs.

– The Willow Springs, Starr Pass and Robles mountain bike trail networks, plus the La Milagrosa and Chiva Falls trails in the Rincon mountains.

When the rest of the country is buried by snow and rain, Tucson is high and dry.

Flights into Tucson International Airport are regular. Otherwise, it ’ s an eight-hour drive east of Los Angeles or a two-hour drive south of Phoenix.

Sabino Cycles , 7045 E Tanque Verde Road, (520) 885-3666

Fairwheel Bikes , 1110 East 6th Street, (520) 884-9018

Ordinary Bike Shop , 311 East 7th Street, (520) 622-6488

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Texas’s capital is heaven for group rides. Each day, between five and 20 organized road outings leave from various meeting spots around the city. Some, such as the Sunday RoadKill and Wednesday Hump Day Nooner , are conversation paced socials. Others, such as Saturday’s Tri-Cyclist , are traditional, fast-paced rides. The online calendar at Austin on Two Wheels is a helpful guide to the various events.

The riding around Austin ranges from flat and fast to hilly, with challenging climbs in the Balcones Canyonlands wildlife refuge north-west of town.

– Year-round road riding.

– Group rides every day of the week.

– Flat and hilly terrain.

If Austin is good enough for Lance Armstrong to train in, chances are it’s good enough for you.

Flights run daily to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Mellow Johnny’s , 400 Nueces Street, (512) 473-0222

Austin Tri-Cyclist , 923 Barton Springs Road, (512) 494-9252

Bicycle Sport Shop , 517 South Lamar Boulevard, (512) 477-3472

DURANGO, COLORADO

There’s a reason the world’s best mountain bike racers favoured Durango during the sport’s Nineties heyday. The extensive trail networks that crisscross the surrounding San Juan mountains start downtown. “It’s the only non-ski resort town I’ve been to where the trails are accessible right from town,” said pro mountain biker Todd Wells, who lives in Durango.

The 500-mile Colorado Trail connects Durango with Denver, and provides numerous alpine loops through pine forests. The Overend Mountain Park trails (yes, it’s named after local mountain bike hero Ned Overend) also start in town. And the Hermosa Creek, Kennebec Pass and Cascade Creek networks provide longer loops for more skilled and adventurous riders.

The town also has worthy road riding, including the 55-mile trek across the Coal Bank and Molas passes to Silverton. And when you’ve hung up the bike for the day, head to The Summit for a pint and burger.

– Mountain bike trails for all levels of riders, starting downtown.

– Road climbs of more than 12,000ft passes on the historic route to Silverton.

– An easy base for those who want to explore the Colorado Trail.

Ned Overend, John Tomac, Missy Giove and many other greats of American mountain biking cut their teeth on Durango’s trails.

Durango has a regional airport (Durango-La Plata County) with regular flights from Denver.

San Juan Cycles , 48 County Rd 250, (970) 259-6014

Mountain Bike Specialists , 949 Main Ave, (970) 247-4066

Durango Cyclery , 43 East 13th Street, (970) 247-0747

PEAK TO PEAK HIGHWAY, COLORADO

Colorado’s oldest official scenic byway, the 65-mile Peak to Peak Highway made our list because of the numerous road and mountain bike routes that spring from its pavement, as well as its soaring views of the Front Range.

Starting at Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the route winds south on Highway 7 beneath the 14,259ft Longs Peak and on to Black Hawk. It undulates between 7,500 and 10,000ft along the route. There are numerous bailout options along the route, with Golden Gate, Coal Creek, Boulder, Left Hand, Jamestown and South St Vrain canyons leading down to the flats.

Want a challenge? From Black Hawk, ride over to Idaho Springs and tackle the 23-mile climb up 14,265ft Mt Evans.

– 65 miles of long climbs and fast descents at the foot of Colorado’s Front Range.

– Golden Gate, Coal Creek, Boulder, Left Hand, Jamestown and St Vrain canyon descents.

– Mountain biking at the Eldora ski resort, just outside Nederland.

Lung-busting altitude just a short drive from Denver and Boulder.

Get to Denver, then drive for about an hour and a half, heading for Estes Park.

Estes Park Mountain Shop , 2050 Big Thompson Avenue, (970) 586-6548

Happy Trails Bicycle Shop, 98 Highway 119 SNederland,(303) 258-3435

BEND, OREGON

Forget about Oregon’s rainy reputation – Bend is kept high and dry on the Cascade range’s soaring volcanoes, which also supply numerous road climbs and mountain biking trails. Many cyclists liken Bend’s high, arid climate to that of Boulder, only without the competitive crowds of bike racers and triathletes.

Looking for a road ride? Check out the route for the Cascade Cycling Classic , the longest-running elite stage race in the US. And if you’re a mountain biker, the trails from Mount Bachelor to Bend provide 45 miles of challenging singletrack.

Don’t feel like exploring on your own? Contact the folks at Cog Wild , who provide guided tours and shuttle runs to the best trails in the region. Of course, no ride is complete without a stop at one of Bend’s many breweries. We recommend Deschutes or the Bend Brewing Company .

– Extensive opportunities for mountain, road and cyclocross fans.

– Year-round riding in a high but dry climate.

– Long climbs.

Just like Boulder, only without the crowds.

If you can get to Portland International Airport it’s a three-and-a-half hour drive on Highway 97.

Sagebrush Cycles , 35 SW Century Drive, (541) 389-4224

Hutch's Bicycles (541) 382-6248

The Cascade range ’s snowy peaks make a striking background in Bend, Oregon

LEHIGH VALLEY, PENNSYLVANIA

One of the north-east’s unofficial cycling capitals, the Lehigh Valley region of Allentown and Bethlehem offers an easy cycling getaway for riders from New York and Philadelphia. The region is dotted with challenging hills and covered in a network of small farming roads, many of which are used by the area’s Amish residents.

The Delaware river valley provides challenging terrain, especially around the towns of Jim Thorpe and Palmerton. The Lehigh velodrome has been holding regular track races since 1975, and is the reason a smattering of pro roadies and track cyclists still live and train in the area. And the Lehigh Wheelmen Association , which has been around since 1951, organizes group rides and races each week.

– Hilly riding on empty farm roads.

– Trexlertown’s Lehigh velodrome.

– Regular group rides and a robust cycling infrastructure.

Only an hour-and-a-half west of New York City and two hours north of Philly, it’s well within reach for a weekend getaway.

From New York, head west on Interstate 78 for 90 miles. From Philadelphia drive north on I-76 to I-476 for 75 miles.

Genesis Bicycles , 126 Bushkill St, Easton, (610) 253-1140

Bike Line , 1728 West Tilghman Street, Allentown, (610) 437-6100

Cutters Bike Shop , 418 East 3rd St, Bethlehem, (610) 419-4027

BURLINGTON, VERMONT

Burlington is up there, about 35 miles shy of the Canadian border, but the mountainous terrain and seclusion make it a paradise for cycling (once the snow has melted). The riding is punctuated by steep, short passes such as the App, Lincoln and Middlebury gaps. We recommend tackling the Smuggler’s Notch climb on Highway 108, which is part of a larger loop to Stowe ski area and back.

For off-road riding, check out the local Catamount ski area, which is the gateway to several great trail networks. Catamount also has a weekly Wednesday night mountain bike racing series. Pro cyclist Lea Davison, who grew up in nearby Jericho, recommends the resort as a ride-in, ride-out option. “It’s the idyllic Vermont bed and breakfast option, with trails right out the door, road loops and swimming holes close by.”

– Pristine mountain climbs and off-the-beaten-track remoteness.

– Rooty, rocky, East Coast-style mountain biking.

– Flatter roads along Lake Champlain.

You’ll be the only one on the road.

Get a flight to Burlington International Airport, or head north from Boston on I-93 and I-89 (about four hours).

Local Motion , 1 Steele St 103, (802) 861-2700

Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness , 2500 Williston Road, South Burlington, (802) 864-9197

Cycle Loft , 28 Cambridge St, Burlington, (781) 272-0870

The edge of Lake Champlain provides a natural route in Burlington, Vermont

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

You don’t need to race horses to appreciate the derby city. Louisville sits at the southern edge of the Ohio Valley, possibly the best region for rural road riding in the mid-west.

But we’re most excited about Louisville as a cycling destination because the city will host the 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships from 29 January to 3 February. You don’t have to be a hardcore fan to appreciate cyclo-cross, which provides some of the most spectator-friendly and exciting action in pro bike racing. Check it out.

– UCI cyclo-cross for 2013.

– Year-round riding on challenging terrain.

– A variety of group rides hosted by the Louisville Bicycle Club .

The cyclo-cross worlds don’t come around every day.

Louisville has its own international airport, with regular flights from many major cities.

On Your Left , 618 Baxter Avenue, (502) 749-6775

Bicycle Sport , 132 Breckenridge Lane, (502) 897-2611

VO2 Multisport , 131 St Matthews Ave, (502) 290-7433

Feeling inspired? Find mountain biking holidays in the US with MuchBetterAdventures , or share your top American cycling routes with BikeRadar Training.

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The Best Bike Trips in the U.S. You Can Book Right Now

We found the safest bike tours along America’s most spectacular routes so you can check another ride off your bucket list!

Currently Covid cases are at an all-time high in the U.S. Before you book any trip, check for travel restrictions and mandates in states and counties you’ll pass through and understand they may still be in place when it’s time for your trip. If so, respect these restrictions and their communities by rescheduling for a safer time.

Riding your bike can be a fantastic escape from unprecedented stress—as many of us learned (or relearned) in 2020. And riding it someplace beyond your locals adds even more magic. But during a pandemic, everything from traveling to get someplace new to being part of a group is complicated. We debated skipping our annual travel awards, but ultimately decided to focus on stateside trips (potentially eliminating or reducing air travel) run by companies instituting rigorous safety protocols.

Our editors vetted hundreds of tour outfitters and analyzed their itineraries for things like average tour size, traveler reviews, value, and quality of the rental fleet. Each company we chose to feature established practices to combat COVID (everything from providing masks to testing staff regularly to sanitizing equipment), and many have eased their cancellation policies, decreased group sizes, and bolstered their self-guided and private trip options. Of course, it’s still up to you to travel responsibly: Ride within your limits to avoid taxing local health systems, check for travel restrictions in states and counties you’ll pass through, and if you’re sick, stay home. And if your personal situation, local conditions, or sense of caution keep you at home this year, we hope you use this list to shop for the trip you’ll do during a better time.

Get Unlimited Access to Bicycling.com

Whether you want to pedal through Montana’s Big Sky Country, tackle Malibu’s toughest climbs, meander Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast, or travel the Underground Railroad route by bike, these are the 26 most spectacular cycling getaways in the U.S. this year.

BEST FOR FOODIES

Mendocino gravel, the outfitter, the cyclist’s menu.

Created by husband and wife Zander and Heidi Ault (a farm-direct chef and a former pro mountain bike racer), this six-day, five-night tour seamlessly marries stellar gravel riding with phenomenal eats. Routes explore a playful 10-mile stretch of coastline and tranquil roads and trails through more than 50,000 acres of Redwood forest (daily mileage runs 30 to 70). Breakfast spreads, picnic lunches, and sumptuous evening meals all lean into local providers (fresh-caught seafood, community-grown greens, and craft brews) and group bonding (tours are capped at eight travelers; 10 for private) is the goal. Days wind down with happy hours overlooking the coast ahead of comfortable overnights at the MacCallum House Inn.

6 days | 250–300 miles | $3,650 | Intermediate/Advanced

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Berkshires small group bike tours | farm to fork fitness adventures.

Spend an easy morning riding between three on-farm tasting experiences in the world-renowned foodie destination before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch.

1 day | 40–60 miles | $140 | All Levels

BEST GRAVEL

Montana gravel tour, the cycling house.

Head into northwestern Montana’s backcountry on this doubletrack and dirt road adventure. This six-day trip is fully supported, features a mix of challenging climbs and zippy descents, and offers customizable routes (daily mileage range: 20 to 55) to please less-experienced gravel riders and veterans—like the climb up to the Morrell Mountain Lookout at 7,700 feet and sections of the legendary Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. A home base at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake means you only unpack once, and locally sourced meals prepared by Cycling House chefs keep you fortified throughout.

6 days | 160–215 miles | Starts at $2,995 | Intermediate

Sierra Gravel Camp | Dirt Gypsy Adventures

This mixed-terrain camp (gravel, fire roads, asphalt, and singletrack) offers some of the best off-road riding in and around Northern California’s Tahoe National Forest—along with swimming holes, beer tastings, and farm-to-table dinners.

5 days | up to 295 miles | $1,975 | Intermediate/Advanced

BEST FALL COLORS

Lake champlain valley fall foliage.

Enjoy Vermont’s famous foliage by bike on this inn-to-inn adventure across the gently rolling valley between the Green Mountains and New York’s majestic Adirondack peaks. Daily rides wind through a breathtaking canopy of red, amber, and gold, while topping out at 54 miles—giving you time for off-bike exploring. Picnic lunches, covered bridges, and a seemingly endless number of New England’s iconic red barns add to the allure. Lodging includes historic hotels and charming country inns.

6 days | 160–275 miles | $2,559 | Intermediate

Mississippi Natchez Trace Guided Tour | VBT

The South has some of the country’s most spectacular, and underappreciated, fall foliage. This guided trip gives you a generous glimpse along the historically significant Natchez Trace Parkway, a designated bike route that loosely follows the original 500-mile Native American footpath that connected Natchez, Mississippi, with Nashville.

6 days | 95–140 miles | $1,995 | Recreational/Intermediate

BEST CULTURAL HISTORY

Underground railroad route, adventure cycling association.

The Underground Railroad was the secret network of homes and churches that helped enslaved people reach free states and Canada. This route from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound, Ontario, pays homage to that perilous journey and is part of the ACA’s 50,000+ mile route network. While there is a guided tour offered on the route, it is most frequently traveled by self-guided cyclists who rely on the ACA’s detailed maps and GPX data for guidance. There is no fee to ride the route other than to purchase the map set or GPX data, or use their Bicycle Route Navigator app. (Adventure Cycling members also get a discount on paper maps, among many other benefits).

2,016 miles (shortest leg 378 miles) | Intermediate/Advanced

Bike/Hike New Mexico | Great Freedom Adventures

Dive into New Mexico’s rich Indigenous culture and history on foot and by bike. Ride highlights include the High Road to Taos and Enchanted Circle, a National Forest Scenic Byway.

6 days | 50–130 miles (+15 walking) | $3,190 | Intermediate

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Mt. rushmore family tour, bicycle adventures.

This six-day itinerary pairs riding time with activities that kids (and parents) will enjoy. Options for tagalong bikes and trailers make it accessible to even the smallest riders, and van support keeps them close when legs tire out. Groups max out at eight; small enough to accommodate mood swings and last-minute plans. The route ticks off educational landmarks, too: South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and Crazy Horse. Plus, families get ample bonding time in the afternoons and evenings to relax and unwind.

6 days | 110 miles | $2,566 | Recreational/Intermediate

South Rim Grand Canyon | Western Spirit

Families who are serious about biking will love this all-day on the bike, nights under the stars, exploration of one of America’s most iconic natural attractions.

5 days | 75–95 miles | $1,295 | Intermediate

BEST NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Yellowstone to glacier, rei adventures.

You’ll hit two of America’s most stunning national parks on this 10-day, fully supported journey through Big Sky Country. Ride days range from 34 to 80 miles, and nights are spent both under the stars and in comfortable hotels. Sky-high geysers, wildlife encounters (bison and mountain goats among them), and craft beer samplings will round out your experience. Climbers will like the 10 miles of switchbacks up to the Continental Divide–Pipestone Pass. And there are plenty of off-bike thrills as well, including lake swims and whitewater rafting. The bucket-list highlight: the ride to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet up Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

10 days | 455 miles | Starts at $3,999 REI members ($4,268 non-members) | Intermediate/Advanced

Maine Bike Tour | Backroads

Immerse all of your senses on this trip through and around Acadia National Park. Pine forests, fresh lobster dinners, and time to wander museums and local shops round out the laid-back experience.

5 days | 90–160 miles | $3,199–$3,599 | Intermediate/Advanced

BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING

Fruita singletrack, western spirit.

A mix of steady climbs and rollicking descents on this epic dirt-culture experience will keep your quads guessing. The riding is challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with near-constant panoramic views of the Colorado River Valley and La Sal Mountain range. Guides sweat the small stuff (Western Spirit has set the standard in lavish camp cuisine for more than 30 years) so you can squeeze all the stoke from some of Colorado’s premier singletrack, including the famous Kokopelli Trail, the Western Rim, and the purpose-built Book Cliff Trail System.

5 days | 100 miles | $1,295 | Intermediate/Advanced

Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Tour | Escape Adventures

At the end of each exhilarating day riding premium Sawtooth Mountain trails, you’ll be met with a freshly prepared meal and a bubbling hot spring to unwind in.

5 days | 70–115 miles | $1,349 | Recreational/Intermediate

BEST WOMEN-ONLY

Finger lakes wine country.

This women-only tour of New York’s Finger Lakes region—the birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement—includes stops in Susan B. Anthony’s and Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s hometowns. Enjoy a mix of rolling and flat terrain with rides that range from 13 to 50 miles and stops to sample the dry Riesling and other wines the region is famous for. There’s also time to explore museums and parks that tell the story of how American women fought for the right to vote.

4 days | 125–140 miles | $1,640 | Intermediate

Viva Southwest Las Vegas/St. George Mountain Bike Skills Camp | Sacred Rides

Forget light spins and wine sipping: This is for mountain bikers who want a solid week of coaching on some of the best trails Las Vegas and southwestern Utah have to offer.

6 days | ~75 miles | $2,595 | Advanced

BEST FOR NEW RIDERS

San juan islands bike tour, trek travel.

Explore this idyllic Washington State archipelago with a pair of knowledgeable guides, doable mileage (daily average: 20), and a bike that suits you best (choose a Domane SL7 Disc or a Verve+ e-bike). Wide open views of rolling farmland, the Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Cascades will distract you from any first-trip jitters. Multiple daily route options and a support van let you comfortably ride at your own pace. Fuel up on local cuisine at some of the islands’ most acclaimed restaurants, and overnight at boutique inns.

6 days | 120 miles | $3,499 | Recreational/Intermediate

Savannah to Charleston | Sojourn

Manageable daily mileage and tree-lined routes make this great for first-timers.

7 days | 60–130 miles | $3,765 | Recreational

BEST PRO TRAINING GROUNDS

Malibu challenge bike tour.

DuVine is known for crafting incredible cycling experiences, and their four-day trip in and around the Santa Monica Mountains is no exception. You’ll hit iconic local climbs like Latigo Canyon, Stunt and Piuma Roads, and the twisty hairpin turns on Decker. You’ll grab espresso at Pedalers Fork, a well-loved bike-themed eatery in Calabasas. And you’ll stay at the luxe Four Seasons Westlake Village while dining on farm-to-table meals accompanied by selections from California winemakers and breweries. DuVine can also customize a private tour by extending the trip length or increasing your daily mileage.

4 days | 165–185 miles | $3,995 | Advanced

Texas Ride Camp | Trek Travel

Ride the ranchlands and rolling terrain of Texas Hill (and wine!) Country, which has long been a secret winter-training hotspot for pro cyclists.

7 days | 290–350 miles | $1,799 | Advanced

BEST FOR WINE/BEER LOVER

California wine country.

When your meals are prepared by a Michelin-star chef (avid cyclist Matthew Accarrino) in Sonoma County, paired with hand-selected local wines, and served after you’ve ridden anywhere from 22 to 82 miles, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. Routes snake along manicured vineyards and offer up plenty of robust climbs. Trips start and end in Healdsburg, a cozy hamlet with great spots for off-bike exploring. Groups max out at 12, making for an intimate vibe. Included luxuries like postride massages and laundry service for your kit add to the pampered feel.

5 days | 210 miles | $3,450 | Intermediate

Asheville Craft Beer Bike Tour | Outfitter Bicycle

This self-guided road tour includes stops at premier craft breweries in and around Asheville, North Carolina—including the bike-focused Oskar Blues in Brevard. Daily routes range from 8 to 75 miles, with a mountain bike option on day five.

6 days | 60–250 miles | starts at $1,595 | All levels

BEST BEACH-ADJACENT TOUR

Florida gulf beaches & rail trails bike tour, discovery bicycle tours.

Flat rail trails hug Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast and meander through state parkland for this weeklong trip. New riders will appreciate the super-chill pace and mostly traffic-free route. Off-bike options include kayaking, cultural visits (Salvador Dalí and Ringling Museums), and even an MLB spring training game. Sleep each night in a beachside hotel.

6 days | 140–210 miles | $2,495 | Recreational

Maui Biking | Great Explorations

Ride 25 to 65 miles each day, with options to customize: whale watching, daily yoga, and the option to tackle the 38-mile climb up the Haleakala volcano.

7 days | 260–375 miles | $2,750 | Intermediate

BEST CITY EXPERIENCE

Experience harlem tour, i bike harlem.

Get an intimate look at one of New York City’s most influential neighborhoods on this afternoon outing that introduces guests to the people and places that make the area a landmark district. You’ll ride through the heart of this vibrant section of northern Manhattan, and visit sites significant to Black culture and history, including churches, jazz clubs, speakeasies, museums, famous residences, and restaurants.

4.5 hours | 10 miles | $87 | Moderate

Baltimore, Richmond, Charlotte | Bike & Brunch Tours

All levels are welcome on these morning or afternoon tours that highlight Black history and community in one of three East Coast cities. Brunch is optional (and extra), but the temptation to grab a meal at a hidden local gem will be hard to resist.

3 hours | Up to 10 miles | $28–$43 | Recreational/Intermediate

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The 50 Best Bike Trails in America, State by State

From mountain passes to urban oases, these are the top cycling routes to pedal in every state.

Some parts of the United States are famous for their wide-open spaces, while others take pride in their mountains or coastal views. But no matter what a state's best features are, chances are they're even better when explored on a bike .

Not only is cycling a great way to take in sights, but it also boasts incredible health benefits. It's a form of aerobic activity, a type of exercise that has been shown to boost heart health and cardiovascular function. Cycling may also make your bones stronger, as suggested by a study from 2014 published in Sports and Exercise Medicine and Health that looked at the link between mountain biking and bone strength.

And riding a bike may even improve your overall well-being. In a study published in PLoS One in 2019, researchers found that older adults who cycled a few times a week had improved mental health compared to those who didn't ride a bike.

So we rounded up some of the best places to bike across the country, from gravel rail trails to scenic byways to technical mountain singletrack. All routes are point-to-point, and distances listed are one-way unless otherwise noted. Before you head out, check trail websites for hours, pricing information (some charge fees), and safety information. Happy pedaling!

Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham

The park's 22-mile Double Oak Trail —also known as the Red Trail—is a mix of skinny singletrack and wider doubletrack sections, and its terrain is varied enough to delight any mountain biker, beginner to expert. No wonder the International Mountain Bike Association inducted Oak Mountain into its Epic Rides Hall of Fame. Ride the entire loop, and you'll climb about 1,600 feet.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage

This 11-mile stretch of paved, car-free road meanders easily along the Cook Inlet coast and through scented forests and offers sweeping views of North America's highest peak, Mount Denali. Keep an eye out for moose, bald eagles, and beluga whales.

Fantasy Island Mountain Bike Trail, Tucson

The League of American Bicyclists designated Tucson a gold-medal bike-friendly community, so you'll be right at home no matter what type of ride you pedal. For a true treat, mountain bikers love the 20-plus miles of Fantasy Island trails right within the city limits. Small hills and varied terrain throughout make them great for all skill levels; those looking for a truly unique experience can even try riding at night.

Arkansas River Trail System, Little Rock area

This 88-mile loop connects 38 parks, six museums, more than 5,000 acres of parkland, and countless gorgeous views of the Arkansas River. It's flat and easy riding on a mix of off-road paved trails, bike lanes, and rural roads. It's a favorite among locals and tourists: AAA's Southern Traveler magazine has even called this the best bike trail in the south.

American River Bike Trail, Sacramento to Folsom

Choosing one "best ride" in California is nearly impossible, but this 32-mile route makes a pretty convincing case for itself. It runs from Discovery Park in Old Sacramento to the historic Folsom Prison, following the American River the whole way. "The smooth paved road is simply spellbinding," wrote Bicycling magazine, as it named the trail one of the 10 best car-free bike paths in the country.

Trail 401, Crested Butte

The town of Crested Butte is an outdoor-lover's paradise and is known as one of the birthplaces of mountain biking. You can choose from hundreds of miles of high-alpine trails, including the super popular Trail 401 loop: It's 14 miles of intermediate-level ups and downs, leading to an 11,339-foot summit and 360-degree views of the Elk Mountains.

Connecticut

Litchfield Hills B&B Bike Trails, North Canaan to Woodbury

One of eight Connecticut B&B Bike Trails (all with bed-and-breakfasts along the way), this 97-mile road route takes you through the foothills of the Berkshires, the Housatonic Meadows, and Dennis Hill State Park. The route is rated moderate to difficult, with lots of hills and low mountain ranges.

Bicycle Route 1, Montchanin to Fenwick Island

Bike from one end of the state to the other on this scenic route that passes beaches, dunes, boardwalks, marshes, and even World War II submarine watchtowers. The entire route stretches 150 miles from the Pennsylvania border to Maryland; the last section, from Rehoboth Beach south, runs along the coast. You'll share the road with cars, but the generous shoulder provides security for two-wheeled travelers.

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, Jacksonville to Baldwin

This 14.5-mile paved asphalt trail gets you away from the noisy city and deep into the woods. It's a popular route for road and recumbent touring bikes, although the 20-mph speed limit keeps everyone at a recreational pace. The trail abuts Camp Milton Historic Preserve, an important Civil War site.

Jekyll Island

Coastal Living named this upscale vacation destination home to one of the country's best coastal bike trails. An easy 16-mile loop runs beside the beach on a mostly paved, flat path. Not only will you take in the island's natural beauty , but you'll also get a close-up look at the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel in all its grandeur. Can't take your bike from the mainland? There are plenty of places to rent one for your stay.

Old Mamaloa Highway to Waipio Valley Overlook, Big Island

This 40-mile out-and-back (and out-and-back again) starts with a four-mile, 1,000-foot climb and features views of Mauna Kea volcano, the Kohala Mountains, and the Waipio Valley. The Hawaii Cycling Club says this could be the best ride on the Big Island. And Bicycling magazine called the return downhill trip a "glorious, twisty, forest-shaded" ride.

Bald Mountain, Sun Valley/Ketchum

Sun Valley's 400-plus miles of singletrack trail earned it a place in National Geographic 's best mountain biking towns—and its 30 miles of paved paths make it a great place for road cyclists, too. Downhill enthusiasts can access 13 miles of world-class trails on Bald Mountain, via a chairlift at Sun Valley Resort.

Illinois Prairie Path, Maywood to the Fox River

Midwest Living named this 61-mile multi-use trail one of its 14 great Midwest bike trails. It winds past prairies, ponds, wetlands, and forests, for a varied and always eye-pleasing view. The path is paved from Maywood to Wheaton, then branches off into four gravel spur trails that run west to the towns of Elgin, Aurora, Geneva, and Batavia.

Cardinal Greenway, Marion to Richmond

Expect lots of spacious skies, fruited plains, and amber waves of grain: according to the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the Indiana countryside along this route may have inspired the lyrics to "America the Beautiful." The 60-mile greenway serves as a great way to get around the city of Marion or to escape from downtown and get out into the open air.

Raccoon River Valley Trail, Jefferson to Waukee

This flat, paved rail-trail is a great way to see Iowa's countryside. It runs 89 total miles, with a 72-mile interior loop. You'll pass through wide-open prairies, shady wooded areas, and several small towns with rest areas and amenities—like restaurants, bars, and shops—for tired, hungry riders .

Flint Hills Nature Trail, Osawatomie to Herrington

The longest rail-trial in Kansas, this 117-mile route passes through five counties while crisscrossing the Flint Hills—one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy recommends mountain or hybrid bikes, since certain parts of the path may be a bit rough for skinny tires.

Land Between the Lakes Canal Loop, Golden Pond

These 11 miles of trail in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area feature "fast and flowy" singletrack and good views of Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, says MTB Project. It's rated moderate to difficult, with 3 miles of additional connecting trails for those who are up for a longer ride. The nearby rural highways are popular destinations for road biking, as well.

Mississippi River Trail, New Orleans to St. Charles Parish

Also known as the Levee-Top Trail—because it's literally on top of the city's levees—this 60-mile system of multi-use, car-free trails run along both banks of the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana. One of the most popular sections for cyclists is the 25-mile stretch of the zoo in Audubon Park upriver to the Bonnet Carré Spillway.

Carriage Trails, Acadia National Park

"If you only have a day to spend biking in Maine, this is where you want to be," said Bicycling magazine in its roundup of the country's top 10 car-free bike paths. These 45 miles of hard-packed gravel roads have it all: waterfalls, stone bridges, coastal views, and Somes Sound, North America's only fjord.

The Delmarva Peninsula, Easton area

Gear Patrol named this stretch of land one of its best cycling routes in America, calling it "a crazy quilt of fields, small towns, coves, and sinuous tributary rivers." Start from the historic city of Easton, stop in St. Michaels for a seaside lunch, take a ferry from Bellevue to Oxford, and pedal back to Easton for about 50 lovely miles.

Massachusetts

Cape Ann Loop, Gloucester and Rockport

Less than an hour's drive from Boston, this series of rural roadways circumvents the coast of Massachusetts's North Shore. You'll get ocean views, coastal breezes, and small-town vibes the entire way, with plenty of places to stop for rest and refreshments . Choose from a 10-, 14-, or 16-mile loop, or combine them for all-day scenic riding.

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Empire to Port Oneida

This paved, multi-use trail passes through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and provides access to (and great views of) Lake Michigan at its finest. It currently runs about 20 miles, with several more miles of expansion planned in the near future. Bicycles aren't allowed on hiking trails or beaches within the Lakeshore, but mountain bikers may also want to explore some of the secondary, non-paved roads within the park.

Root River State Trail, Fountain to Houston

The Root River Valley's soaring limestone bluffs are on full display along this 42-mile paved rail-trail. Ride the whole thing and you'll cross dozens of bridges and pass six bike tune-up stations (with air pumps and bike maintenance tools), installed as part of the state's Pedal Minnesota initiative.

Mississippi

Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez to Tupelo

The Natchez Trace Parkway travels 444 miles from Mississippi to Tennessee. The entire route is a National Park Service bike route, with a 50-mph speed limit for cars. (Commercial traffic is prohibited.) If you get tired of the gorgeous natural scenery, along the way you'll find plenty of bike-friendly bed and breakfasts—and even some bicycle-only campgrounds.

Katy Trail, Clinton to St. Charles

One of the longest rail-trails in the country, this route runs 225 miles across the entire state. There's a five-day Katy Trail Ride every summer, or you can explore smaller sections on your own. (For a small additional fee, you can even take your bike on Amtrak to several of the trailheads.) The road is flat and scenic, passing through forests, wine country, prairie, and a stretch of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier to St. Mary

Gear Patrol called this legendary climb in Glacier National Park one of the best road cycling routes in America. Bikers share the road with cars on the 50-mile stretch from the park's west entrance to Logan Pass, near the east entrance. You'll gain more than 4,000 vertical feet, but the breathtaking views of mountains and glacial lakes will make you forget how exhausted you are.

Cowboy Trail, Norfolk to Valentine

"You haven't seen Nebraska scenery if you haven't been on the Cowboy Trail," writes the Omaha World-Herald. Nearly 200 miles have been developed for bike use; when the entire 321 miles is complete, it will be the world's longest rails-to-trails route. Start (or end) your ride in Valentine for a chance to cross an old 148-foot high railroad bridge over the Niobrara River.

Tahoe Rim Trail, Lake Tahoe

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's charity ride held here every year isn't called America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride for nothing. Two options—a 72-mile or 100-mile loop—follow the highways around Lake Tahoe, starting and ending in Nevada but passing through California on the way. The altitude—and the more than 4,000 feet of elevation gains—make for a challenging (and breathtakingly scenic) ride.

New Hampshire

Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia/Lincoln

The nine miles of dedicated pedestrian-and-bike path in this state park are family-friendly and great for all bike types (and skill levels), with fun surprises around every turn. After you work up a sweat pedaling, cool off with a dip in Echo Lake or the Basin swimming hole. You can also visit the famous "Old Man in the Mountain" rock face, or hike down into the magnificent Flume Gorge.

Island Beach State Park

When you think of the Jersey shore, you probably don't think of secluded shoreline, dense forests, and wildlife sightings at every turn. But that's what you get at this state park, located on a barrier island just south of Seaside. The park's 8-mile road with bike lanes in both directions leads to views of the Barnegat Lighthouse, on the tip of Long Beach Island.

South Boundary Trail, Angel Fire to Taos

There are some challenging sections on this 23-mile singletrack route, including a hard four-mile climb in the beginning and a long, sometimes steep descent toward the end. Topping out at over 10,000 feet, the trail offers scenic overlooks with views of Taos and the surrounding mountains.

Erie Canalway Trail, Albany to Buffalo

About a third of this trail is built on former railroad tracks, offering a mostly smooth and level ride for cyclists of all levels. The route runs 360 miles along the historic Erie Canal and offers stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and the Hudson, Mohawk, and Niagara rivers. The route has some history, too: in the town of Lockport, for example, you can see an original lock built to accommodate the canal's 600-foot elevation change.

North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville to Brevard

The entire Blue Ridge Parkway stretches more than 400 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The whole trip has gorgeous scenery for cars and cyclists alike, but Gear Patrol named a 25-mile stretch from the quirky city of Asheville to the mountain-biking mecca of Brevard one of its favorite road rides in America.​

North Dakota

Math Daah Hey Trail, Watford City to Medora

This 97-mile multi-use trail showcases the true beauty of North Dakota's badlands, buttes, and prairies, and it's one of the International Mountain Bicycling Association's designated Epic rides. Bikes aren't allowed on the main trail through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but the Buffalo Gap Trail provides a scenic detour around those areas.

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, Athens to Nelsonville

Ride more than 20 paved miles along the Hocking River—through woods, countryside, and the Ohio University Campus—on what USA Today called one of 15 scenic bike rides in the U.S. Along the way, you'll pass historic sights like the old Eclipse Company Town mining village and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway.

Oklahoma River Trails, Oklahoma City

Complex called this 13-mile paved trail—6.5 miles each on the north and south side of the river—one of the 50 best bike trails in the country. One reason? Not a single stop sign or traffic light. (The trail actually travels over or underneath all of the cross streets.)

Willamette River Loop, Portland

Portland is often considered America's best biking town, and Sunset magazine called this 30-mile loop the city's "most scenic ride by far"—not to mention, one of the country's top 10 urban bike rides. It crosses several of Portland's iconic bridges and passes through Waterfront Park and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.

Pennsylvania

Great Allegheny Passage, Pittsburgh to the Maryland border

Combined with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, this trail series travels more than 330 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. The 150-mile Pennsylvania leg is a bucolic, car-free option for all experience levels (and all bike types), with an average 1.4% grade and a smooth, packed gravel surface.

Rhode Island

East Bay Bike Path, Providence to Bristol

Complex called this one of the 50 best bike trails in America, thanks to its gorgeous bay and river views and carefree, easy-riding feel. The 14.5-mile trail is also practical: It connects residential neighborhoods with schools and the business district and is popular among students and commuters. If you're just riding for pleasure, there are plenty of spots to stop and picnic or hike along the way.

South Carolina

Deep Step Trail, Clarks Hills

Mountain bikers of all skill levels will love exploring the 37 miles of trails in the Forks Area Trail System, tucked between the Savannah River and the Smoky Mountain Range. Men's Journal called the 5-mile Deep Step Trail one of its best 10 mountain biking trails in America, thanks to its grueling but non-technical climbs and its gentle turns on the descent.

South Dakota

George S. Mickelson Trail, Deadwood to Edgemont

Bicycling magazine named this one of its 10 best car-free trails in the country, calling it a "movable feast for the eyes as you pass ponderosa pine forests, prairie lands, rugged mountain terrain, grazing cattle, swimmable creeks, and rocky canyons." It'll take about three days to ride the whole 109-mile rail-trail, which passes near Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, through four tunnels, and more than 100 converted railroad bridges.

White Oak Mountain Biology Trails, Collegedale

This 15-mile system of mountain bike trails is located on the Southern Adventist University campus and maintained by the school's biology department. The beginner-friendly loops are closest to the parking lot; the ones farther out have more advanced features like jumps and drop-offs—and amazing views of the Oolteway Valley.

Willow City Loop, Fredericksburg area

The Texas Hill Country is home to miles and miles of challenging but beautiful road riding, including this popular 55-mile loop—what the group Cycle Text calls the "queen cycling attraction in Gillespie County," according to Bicycling magazine. In the spring and early summer, the rolling meadows are alive with colorful bluebonnets and other wildflowers in every direction. (Watch out for photographers on foot!)

The Whole Enchilada, Moab

"This has to be the finest mountain bike ride anywhere," wrote Outside magazine in its list of 9 Great American Mountain Biking Trails. This challenging, highly technical, 33-mile route combines four popular trails—Burro Pass, Hazard Country, Kokopelli Trail, and Porcupine—and runs (almost entirely downhill) from high in the La Sal Mountains to the cliffs along the Colorado River. Local shuttles are available to take riders to the start.

Kingdom Trails, East Burke

Bike magazine readers once voted Kingdom Trails the best mountain bike trail network in the country, and the town of East Burke is consistently ranked as a top mountain biker's haven. The International Mountain Bike Association called this place, with its rolling green hills and a lush forest canopy, "one of the last truly wild areas in the lower 48." Trails range from beginner to expert and total about 35 miles.

Harrisonburg

National Geographic named this college town, home to James Madison University, one of America's 20 best mountain bike towns. About 500 miles of trails, beginner through expert, wind through the George Washington National Forest here; there's also the Bryce Mountain Bike Park (complete with a chairlift) for steep downhill runs.

San Juan Islands

This Pacific Northwest archipelago has something for every level of cyclist: On Lopez Island, even beginners can make it around the entire island in a few hours—with time to spare for a leisurely picnic lunch or a short hike along the way. San Juan Island's loop is longer and more challenging but still doable in a day. And Orcas Island is perfect for experienced cyclists, with narrow, winding roads and an exhausting climb to the top of Mount Constitution.

West Virginia

Greenbrier River Trail, North Caldwell to Cass

Biking in the Monongahela National Forest is one of the best ways to see the true beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This 78-mile rail trail runs along the picturesque Greenbrier River, with a hard-packed surface and an easy 1% grade. It's also home to the annual Great Greenbrier River Race —a triathlon of canoeing, biking, and running.

Rock Lake Epic, Namakagon area

This series of twists and turns spans 27 miles in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and was recently named one of Outside magazine's 10 great American mountain biking trails. Both intermediate and advanced bikers will enjoy this ride, which features five wilderness lakes, primitive campsites, and a 90-foot wood plank bridge.

Continental Divide Mountain Biking Trail, Pinedale area

This nearly 3,000-mile trail runs from Canada to New Mexico, but "the prettiest alpine ridge on the whole route" can be found in the Cowboy State, according to the Adventure Cycling Association. The trail is challenging and remote—with sharp turns and steep mountain climbs—but the views are well worth the effort.

American Heart Association. American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids .

• Mcveigh JA, Meiring R, Cimato A, Micklesfield LK, Oosthuyse T. Radial bone size and strength indices in male road cyclists, mountain bikers and controls . European Journal of Sport Science. 2015;15(4):332-340. doi:10.1080/17461391.2014.933881
• Leyland LA, Spencer B, Beale N, Jones T, van Reekum CM. The effect of cycling on cognitive function and well-being in older adults . PLoS One. 2019;14(2):e0211779. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211779

Alabama media portal. Alabama becoming mountain bike mecca of the southeast .

League of American Bicyclists. 55 communities transforming bicycling this fall .

Southern Traveler. The votes are in .

Hawaii Cycling Club. Cycling routes .

Bicycling. Riding hawaii’s big island .

National Geographic. Bike through the meadows of Sun Valley, Idaho .

Midwest Living. March 22 T editors of M com U, 2021. 14 great midwest bike trails.

Traillinks. Flint hills trail state park .

MTB Project. Land between the lakes canal loop mountain bike trail, Calvert City, Kentucky .

Gear Patrol. Koch P. The 25 best road cycling routes in America .

Omaha World-Herald. Correspondent T von K/ WH. You haven’t seen Nebraska scenery if you haven’t been on the Cowboy Trail .

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. America’s most beautiful bike ride .

International Mountain Biking Association. Where to ride .

USA Today. 15 fantastic U.S. bike trails .

Complex. The 50 best bike trails in America .

Sunset Magazine. 20 best bike paths in the west .

Men’s Journal. Hodapp P. 10 best mountain biking trails .

Bicycling. McCoy J. 20 great bike routes that are begging for a fall road trip .

Bicycling. Best rides in every state .

Outside Online. Call yourself a mountain biker? Then you better ride these 9 trails.

Bike magazine. Riding the Kingdom Trails .

National Geographic. America's 20 best mountain bike towns .

Adventure Cycling Association. Great divide mountain bike route .

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The 10 Best Long-Distance Cycling Trails in the United States

Whether visiting a major city or bucolic countryside, traveling by bicycle is a convenient and romantic way to see more of a destination at your own pace. Although not as bike-friendly as European countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, the United States possesses a surprisingly extensive network of trails ripe for exploration. These 10 long-distance trails across the U.S. stand out for their natural beauty, access to historic sites, and options for beginners and seasoned cyclists alike. 

Washington Parks

This 314-mile trail gives riders an up-close look with Washington state’s diverse and remarkable landscapes. Beginning in Sedro-Woolley in the shadow of North Cascades National Park , the trail heads west to Anacortes to pick up a ferry to the San Juan Islands, known for its thriving orca population, lush scenery, and deserted roadways. After touring the archipelago, the route traces south along Whidbey island to pick up another ferry to the mainland at Port Townsend.  From here, the trail heads west to circle the high peaks and dense forest comprising Olympic National Park . Riders will climb more than 15,000 feet over the duration of the trail, so training and conditioning is recommended beforehand. Alternatively, focusing on one portion of the route, such as the calmer San Juan Islands, is doable for more casual cyclists. 

Utah Cliffs Loop

Southwestern Utah boasts extraordinary canyons and otherworldly rock formations. Beginning and ending in the town of St. George, cyclists can traverse sub-alpine forest and highlands for 288 miles round-trip to witness the region's dramatic landscapes up-close and personal. The main highlight for many is Zion National Park , known for its striking rocks, river canyon treks, and lush mesas. The trail takes in many lesser known sites with smaller crowds, such as Snow Canyon State Park, the Pine Valley Mountains, and Grafton (a ghost town used for western films). The total distance, high elevation, and less predictable weather conditions make this trail a fit for experienced cyclists only. 

Lewis & Clark Trail

Although the famous explorers traveled by boat, this trail follows a similar route from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. Spanning 3,539 miles from Hartford, Illinois, to Seaside, Oregon, this trail is for the truly adventurous. Completing the entire route takes between two and three months for most riders. On its way through the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, the trail passes many natural wonders and historic sites, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls, Montana. Instead, cyclists can also choose a smaller portion, such as the Missouri River corridor between St. Louis and Kansas City, for a shorter multi-day trip. In its entirety, trail conditions fluctuate from dirt paths to paved trails, so a sturdy bike is recommended. 

Great Allegheny Passage

Covering 150 miles of former railway between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland, the Great Allegheny Passage is a popular route for its scenic journey along the Youghiogheny and Casselman Rivers and through small towns and forest. Numerous access points mean the trail is feasible for both casual rides and multi-day excursions. If you intend on riding the full route, be sure to spend a night in Ohiopyle for its quaint downtown and proximity to two Frank Lloyd Wright marvels: Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater . As riders approach the Maryland border, they will pass through the 3,294-foot-long Big Savage Tunnel and then cross the Mason-Dixon line. 

Ohio to Erie Trail

Spanning 326 miles across the Buckeye state from Cincinnati to Cleveland, the Ohio to Erie Trail is well-suited for casual rides and multi-day journeys alike. Portions of the trail follow abandoned railways, keeping cyclists safe from vehicle traffic and offering more scenic surroundings. Along the way, the trail meanders through farmland, historic villages, downtown Columbus, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park . History buffs will have a packed itinerary between the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and numerous heritages sites and museums in between. 

Denali Park Road

Although it is the shortest trail on the list at 92 miles, it is by far the most remote. Denali National Park occupies 6 million acres of mountainous wilderness between Anchorage and Fairbanks and serves as habitat for caribou, grizzlies, and other wildlife. Denali’s single park road is paved for the first 15 miles before changing to gravel. Vehicles are restricted to 15 mph along the latter portion, making it safe for cyclists. Riding between Denali’s six campgrounds is a great way to see more of the park than a bus tour offers. The first campsite is just a quarter-mile past the park entrance, with the farthest two being Igloo Creek at mile 35 and Wonder Lake at Mile 85. Buses are fitted with bike racks, so cyclists can plan for a one-way trip in and leisurely ride out.  

Florida Connector

In its entirety, this 519.5-mile trail crosses Florida’s interior twice. Starting from St. Augustine’s Atlantic shores, the path runs southwest across gently rolling terrain to Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico, from where it cuts back east to Fort Lauderdale. The trail is a mix of roadside bike lanes and separated trail. While some urban sections, such as Orlando, can be a bit hectic, the Florida Connector trail grants access to Florida’s less developed interior of swamps, farmland, and orange groves, too. Remote stretches between Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale have limited amenities, especially amid the Everglades and around Lake Okeechobee. However, this is where riders have the best chance of spotting birds, reptiles, armadillos, and alligators. Cycling conditions are best between December and March when temperatures aren’t sweltering and hurricanes are less of a risk. 

Erie Canalway Trail

This trail traces the Erie Canal for approximately 400 miles between Buffalo and Albany. The flat terrain and frequent entry points in cities, towns, and villages along the way make it ideal for all skill levels and day trips. From the trail, cyclists will pass many historic locks, bridges, and gates from the canal’s days as a commercial shipping route. There are also hundreds of access points and places to rent kayaks to break up the ride. A nonprofit organization, Parks & Trails New York, organizes an annual bike tour that attracts hundreds of riders to complete the trail in one week. The ride is divided in 40 and 60 mile increments, making it doable for less experienced riders, too. 

Texas Hill Country Loop

This circular trail runs 311 miles from downtown Austin and back. The Texan capital and its bohemian neighborhoods are quite bike-friendly, and the Texas Hill Country Loop lets visitors get out and experience the state’s rural charm and natural beauty. The spring sees a burst of wildflowers and bluebonnets across the rolling hills. Although summer can be steamy, there are frequent places to stop for a dip, namely McKinney Falls State Park, Guadalupe River, and Blanco State Park. Other highlights include the Lyndon B. Johnson Historic Site and Gruene Hall , Texas’s longest-operating dance hall. The loop features sections with separated trails in the urban and suburban areas, while the rural stretches follow quieter county roads. 

Kingdom Trails

Rather than a single route, Kingdom Trails is an extensive network of recreation trails that collectively span more than 100 miles in northern Vermont. The rugged interior is excellent for mountain-biking, but there are family-friendly and beginner trails too. Both the Darling Hill and Moose Haven Forest trails feature more gradual terrain. A lift at Burke Mountain makes it easy for riders to speed downhill without a strenuous two-wheel ascent. Riders must purchase a membership to access the private trail system, which goes towards maintenance and conservation efforts. For optimum conditions, plan your visit between early summer and fall. 

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12 Unforgettable Vacations That Are Best Done by Bike — Even for Beginner Cyclists

Discover these epic bicycle tours from Croatia to Chile.

There’s no better way to see the world than on two wheels.

You don’t have to be a Tour de France rider to enjoy a long, scenic cycle, either. Everywhere in the world — from the United States to France to Japan — you’ll find excellent bike tours that cater to beginners.

Cycling has been a favorite pastime for people around the globe since the 19th century. The bicycle was invented by Karl Freiherr von Drais in Germany; it was a rather cumbersome “running machine” that didn’t involve pedals, steering, or brakes. When the “modern” safety bicycle was invented by John Kemp Starley in England, it allowed for a free, stable ride — and just like that, cycling started to become a beloved hobby.

Today, along with hiking, mountain climbing, and camping, cycling is one of the most popular outdoor activities for travelers. There are many excellent biking destinations that are perfect for cyclists young and old, experienced and inexperienced. You can take a ride through the mountains in Switzerland or even hop from island to island in the Philippines, Japan, or Croatia with your bike in tow. Ahead, find beautiful biking destinations to plan your vacation around.

Puglia, Italy

In Puglia there are numerous bike tours where you can set your own pace based on your cycling experience and trip type. There’s truly something for everyone — from beginners to advanced cyclists. Give yourself about 10 days to cycle as much of the heel of Italy's boot as possible, patching together an epic route out of country roads and uncongested coastal trails. Along the way, you'll pass through villages, along olive orchards, and by UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many cyclists start among the historic surrounds of Sassi di Matera and pedal towards the coast.

Burgundy and Champagne, France

Sign us up for a trip that involves some easy-going cycling, then rewarded with delicious wine. This region of France is famous for its grapes and cuisine, but it’s also a wonderful place to take in the fresh air and pedal your way through the countryside. Paved and dirt cycle paths cut through sprawling vineyards from Reims, aka "the gateway to Champagne. They wind across Épernay and to the start of the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne, which will lead you into the heart of Burgundy. Go ahead and stop at a few vineyards to sample wines along the way; it’s highly encouraged.

Connemara, Ireland

You can see the best of the Emerald Isle by taking one of the many guided or self-guided bike tours in this western region of Ireland. The Connemara Lazy Days tour is particularly popular for beginner cyclists who want a good ride without too much effort. The route loops around part of the Renvyle peninsula, the scenic moorlands and heather-cloaked hills of the Inagh Valley, and fishing villages, typically starting and ending in Clifden, a market town on the coast. The tour entails traveling short distances by bike while enjoying the region’s culture and attractions.

Land’s End, United Kingdom

Cycling from Land’s End in Cornwall, England, to John o’ Groats in Scotland is a classic ride that’s probably for a slightly more experienced rider but makes for an excellent trip nonetheless. This scenic, 1,000-mile trip typically takes between two and three weeks and you’ll see some of the very best United Kingdom vistas along the way. Highlights of the journey include cycling through the beautiful Cheddar Gorge (birthplace of the cheese), numerous castles and abbeys, and city stops in Bristol, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Lake Constance, Austria

You can actually start a bicycle tour around Lake Constance from either Austria, Germany, or Switzerland, depending on your preference. This massive lake isn’t just beautiful, but it also makes for a highly customizable ride. You can break up the trip into challenging long rides or several short days with stops in the many beautiful lakeside towns. This route, comprised of both paved cycle paths and quiet roads, is easy and flat. You'll get epic mountain views, though, thanks to its proximity to the Alps.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

If you’re not into going long distances, try an island-hopping cycling tour where you pedal across the land, then take a boat to the next isle to do it all again. Start in Split or Dubrovnik and pedal your way through the old cities, then hop over to Hvar, Brač, or Korčula. Croatia also has the 100-mile Ćiro trail that connects the country and nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina, if you’re looking for more of a challenge.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

If you’re looking for a cyclist’s paradise, look no further than Amsterdam. The bike-friendly city has always been welcoming to car-free living, so even the most inexperienced of cyclists can get around easily on two wheels. Of course, since many locals commute by bike, be sure to stay out of the way if you’re in the mood for a slow, scenic ride. Or, better yet, take a guided tour with a local who will take you for a drink at the pub and show you museums along the way.

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Cycling and wine tasting isn’t just for the French. This beautiful region of Chile is also famous for its wines and is an excellent spot for cyclists to take a leisurely, scenic ride with stops for vino along the way. Depending on the kind of vacation you want, you can opt for a more active bike ride or plan for a few short stints that allow for extra wine tasting. There are a few different routes you can take out into the grapevine-covered countryside, mostly following roads, but Santa Cruz is a good place to start no matter which way you go.

Palisade, Colorado

If you haven’t been to the Fruit and Wine Byway , now’s your chance to start planning a trip. The beautiful, 25-mile East Orchard Mesa Loop, one of three planned routes along the byway, through Colorado’s little-known wine country and peach groves might be the best late-summer excursion any cyclist could plan. Travel through the fragrant orchards and lavender fields and breeze along the legendary Colorado River, stopping frequently at tasting rooms on the route.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Travelers Rest is becoming a go-to place for cycling enthusiasts to visit (and to live). The Blue Ridge Mountains offer the perfect challenge for advanced bike lovers, but there are also some short and relatively flat trails that are simple enough for even the novice rider to enjoy. There are dozens of routes to pick from, from multi-use greenways to bike-friendly roads that will put you in the vicinity of vineyards, boutique hotels, quaint towns, and lots of cultural points of interest.

Onomichi, Japan

Starting in Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, you can take the path of the Shimanami Kaidō (also known as the Nishiseto Expressway), which connects the city with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. This 40-mile road in western Japan traverses ocean straits on colossal bridges that connect some of the Geiyo Islands. It was built with cyclists in mind, thanks to segregated cycling and pedestrian lanes.

Visayas Islands, The Philippines

The islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Guimaras, and Panay are all easy places to use two-wheeled transportation to see some incredible sights. Bike tours along the coastlines are some of the area’s most popular excursions, especially since the roads are paved and fairly flat. For the full tour, island hop by ferry with your bike in tow.

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10 of the best USA bikepacking routes for epic adventures

American bikepacking exploration from desert to mountain top with something for every ability

Idaho Smoke ‘n’ Fire

Oregon timber trail, maah daah hey trail, north dakota, kokopelli trail, colorado to utah, black canyon trail, arizona, green mountain gravel growler, vermont.

• Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath

Trans North Georgia

Great divide mountain bike route (gdmbr), trans-america trail.

This could easily be called 10 of the 100 best bikepacking routes in the USA – this country is made for wild, wonderful self-supported adventures, and there are trips of a lifetime in pretty much every state.

One of the astonishing things is that routes can be utterly wild yet almost 100 percent rideable on a regular gravel bike. Even the legendary Great Divide Mountain Bike Route , which often crests above 10,000ft in its 2,700 miles, fits this category. Our selection of routes spans the whole spectrum, from short two-dayers in the desert, to properly long technical mountain routes, and woodsy adventures in places you might not even have heard of.

More so than in the UK, picking the right season is everything, as is planning your transport, knowing where your water is coming from, and knowing how to fix your bike 100 miles from anywhere. Backcountry bivvying options are endless; in some places you’ll need a permit. You’ll also find simple campsites more often than in the UK. If you're after British adventures though, you may well be interested in our 10 best UK bikepacking routes article.

One of the really nice things about bikepacking is the online community, so there’s often plenty of opportunities to find out about the logistics and trails in detail, including conditions on the ground and potential diversions. 

Let’s go!

418 miles, 35,700ft, 4+ nights  

Glacial valleys, thermal hot springs, bears… this ride has it all. It’s only occasionally technical but it’s an endless series of climbs and descents, reaching 9000ft, and includes a couple of long stretches of hike-a-bike, so you’ll need to be fit. The route heads out east from the relaxed city of Boise, towards the Sawtooth Mountains and takes you through sagebrush, ancient forest, valley edges and wild open spaces, on quintessential smooth gravel, singletrack and forgotten access roads. Camping spots abound, so you can ride till you drop, and if you're lucky, you’ll see elk and moose, and maybe even the sockeye salmon that used to swarm to Redfish Lake.  

• Three words: Physical, stunning, accessible 
• What bike: MTB 
• How remote: For long periods it’ll just be you, the animals and the climbs, but there are a few useful resupply spots. 
• Getting there: This a loop based from the small city of Boise, which has an airport 
• Best times: July to September
• Route details: Idaho Smoke ‘n’ Fire

670 miles, 66,000, 15-25 nights  

Possibly one of the most exciting MTB bikepacking routes in the USA, this was designed from scratch for two wheels and is over 50% singletrack. Oregon is blessed with ancient forests dripping with moss, stunning volcanic peaks, prairies, swimming holes and hot springs, and this route gives you them all. Most people start on the California border, where you’ll start with miles of high, open singletrack and endless views of some of the biggest mountains in the state, and then you’ll work north through a fabulous range of ecosystems towards the Cascade Range and the Washington State border.

Bivvying spots and campsites are plentiful, and you'll dip into a number of welcoming points of civilization, including the mountain biking hotspot of Oakridge around halfway… you really might want to take your time and linger.

The official notes describe the trail as “strenuous, technical, challenging, complicated and barely existent in some sections.” It will certainly be a ride of a lifetime.

If 670 miles is a smidge too much for you, there are lots of ways to enjoy bits of the trail - this 120-mile loop is easily accessible from Portland, for instance: Anaxshat Passage .

• Three words: Natural singletrack heaven 
• What bike: MTB - hardtail or full-suss 
• How remote: The route is often high, and the longest stretch between resupply is 100 miles, but there are also many welcoming pockets of civilization. 
• Getting there: Driving, public transport and shuttles 
• Start and finish: Lakeview to Hood River, Oregon (south border to north border) 
• Best times: Late summer and autumn
• Route details: Oregon Timber Trail

158 miles, 15,000ft, 3-4 nights  

The North Dakota Badlands are an extraordinary maze of striped-rock canyons and grasslands - classic Western movie territory. This beautiful singletrack ride weaves through them and will feel like an endless geology and nature lesson. You’ll go from open swaying grasslands into steep-sided valleys, along ridges and even through cool groves of cottonwood trees - a welcome respite from the heat if you go in summer. Animals abound, including elk, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and antelope, and red tail hawk and even golden eagles may soar above.

It’s crisscrossed by gravel tracks so you could break it down into day-rideable chunks, but the opportunities for sleeping under the stars, and the campsites along the way make this cry out as a classic bikepacking adventure.

A few of the climbs are almost definitely too steep to ride, but this is a generally doable ride, even having marker posts in many places. It’s not a pushover though - you’ll need to plan your logistics well, there are a couple of significant river crossings, and it’s worth planning to avoid rainy periods - the region’s infamous bentonite clay is death to drivetrains.

• Three words: Cinematic, wildlife, singletrack
• How remote: Weather can change suddenly, and you’ll need to take food for the whole trip, but campsites provide water 
• Start and finish: South of Medora to the south of Watford City, North Dakota 
• Getting there: Dakota Cyclery in Medora offers a heap of shuttle options, included deluxe supported trips 
• Best times: April to June, and September to November
• Route details: Maah Daah Hey Trail

142 miles, 15,000ft, 2-4 nights  

Joining two meccas of MTB, this high desert route is a longtime classic. It heads out of Fruita on stunning singletrack in the high La Sal mountains and heads towards the martian red-rock vistas of Utah. Described by Logan Watts as ‘an epic medley of singletrack, doubletrack, sand and tarmac’, you’ll never forget the rocky, technical climbs, the sand, the canyons, the views and the nights under desert stars. Be sure to take the option of the wild endless Porcupine Rim descent down into Moab.

Mad riders do it as a non-stop ITT; most across multiple nights. Either way, planning your water stops is vital as there is very little drinkable water on the route. Many riders cache water beforehand or use support.

It was tough deciding between this and the 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park just west of Moab. Your obvious solution is to base yourself in Moab for at least a fortnight and immerse yourself in the endless riding opportunities.

• Three words: Stunning red rock
• What bike: MTB; plus-sized tires can be good 
• How remote: Water planning is essential, and there are no resupply spots. 
• Start and finish: Fruita, Colorado, to Moab, Utah 
• Getting there: Fruita and Moab are both mountain-biking brilliant bases and just 90 minutes apart by car. Plenty of options for shuttling from one end to the other. 
• Best times: April-May and September
• Route details: Kokopelli Trail

76 miles, 4800ft, 2 nights  

If you’re anywhere near Phoenix, Arizona, and you want a taste of desert bikepacking, this one-nighter through the Sonoran Desert is your go-to. Wild rocky scrub, huge empty spaces, tough canyons, and - hurrah - singletrack that weaves through swathes of the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 12 meters tall, will see you on your way.

It’s a perfect late autumn and early spring route; it’s rideable all through winter, but it can get super-cold at night. Amazingly, as well as cactus and juniper, the route takes you through a lush canyon of walnut and oak trees, and you may encounter a number of river crossings. Go in spring, and you may see the desert bursting into flower. Summer, not surprisingly, will fry you. 

This ride is usually done as a point to point but there are variations, including the 277-mile Fool’s Loop straight out of central Phoenix, for more experienced desert riders.

• Three words: Cacti, iconic desert 
• How remote: Not surprisingly, it can be super-hostile in summer. One resupply point around 45 miles 
• Start and finish: The start is just south of Prescott and the finish just north of Phoenix 
• Getting there: Riders often arrange a shuttle 
• Best times: Late autumn and early spring: November to April
• Route details: Black Canyon Trail 

248 miles, 21,000ft, 4 nights  

This is as much a tour of Vermont’s fine smalltown eateries and microbreweries as it is a meander through its countryside. Not that the countryside is to be sniffed at: this sparsely populated state right near the Canadian border is home to quiet and stunning New England landscapes, quintessential red barns, extraordinary fall foliage and some really evil gradients on its endless miles of unpaved roads and tracks. 

But back to the beer… Vermont produces many of the top craft beers in the US, and this route proposes an agreeable daily itinerary to make the most of the many microbreweries, taprooms and restaurants that it deliberately links together by sweet gravel, singletrack and stretches of infamously degraded ‘class 4’ roads. A match made in heaven.

• Three words: Foliage, climbing, beer 
• What bike: Gravel with 40mm+ tires 
• How remote: Plenty of small towns along the way 
• Start and finish: Burlington, Vermont 
• Getting there: You can fly or take the train to Burlington, where this loop starts 
• Best times: Late summer to autumn
• Route details: Green Mountain Gravel Growler 

Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington DC

335 miles, 7,000ft, 3-9 nights  

Quite different from the other expeditions here, this is a gentle but beautiful route that’s ideal for bikepacking beginners: super-accessible, and dotted with campsites and accommodation, markets and eateries. After a long stretch alongside the winding Youghiogheny River you’ll eventually climb to the top of the Eastern Continental Divide at 2,392 feet, but it’s super-gradual - the gradient is rarely over 1%, as you’d expect from a disused railway line. 

Similarly, the second part along the C&O Canal Towpath will rarely require much gear changing, though as a former mule route, the surface will be a little rougher than the crushed limestone of the GAP. 

You’ll be amazed at how remote this ride feels in places, and how glorious the views are. It’s well worth descending from the trail to towns along the way for coffee and snacks, and stocking up for the less populated second half.

• Three words: Gentle, exploratory, beautiful 
• What bike: Gravel or hardtail. 35mm tires are fine 
• How remote: A well-traveled route with frequent towns nearby, especially in the first half. 
• Start and finish: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, DC 
• Getting there: The start and finish cities are a four-hour car ride apart and well served by public transport 
• Best times: All year, especially June to August
• Route details: Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath

350 miles, 56,000ft, 5-8 nights  

You may not have heard much about the southern US state of Georgia, but it’s seven times the size of Wales, and spans a tantalizing mix of coast and mountains. The beautiful and ancient Appalachian Mountains are the focus of this epic bikepacking trip, on the route of a famed annual race.

It’s seriously hilly - in fact, it averages more climbing per mile than the Colorado Trail (160ft vs 133ft) - so it’s not for you if you’re not on top form. There’s some semi-technical singletrack, plenty of rooty dirt, river crossings, waterfalls… you won’t get bored. There are even occasional stretches of a disused railway, for when your legs are about to burst, and plenty of wildlife too, not least wild turkeys and coyotes. And because it’s full of deep forests and ridges, you can expect fallen trees and washed-out segments of the trail to add some hike a bike to proceedings. It brings race competitors to tears, but when you’re not riding it against the clock, it’s all just part of the adventure, right? 

• Three words: Lush, timeless, quad-busting 
• How remote: Very. Four small towns along the way 
• Start and finish: The start and finish are in the middle of nowhere on the borders with South Carolina and Alabama respectively, each about a  two-hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia. 
• Getting there: Mulberry Gap Mountain Bike Getaway, based two-thirds of the way along, would be a brilliant base, and provide shuttles for a fee. 
• Best times: April/May for the wildflowers, or September/October
• Route details: Trans North Georgia

3,083 miles, 200,000 ft, 6-10 weeks  

This is the granddaddy of long-distance off-road routes, finished in 1997 by the Adventure Cycling Association. It’s the foundation of the modern culture of bikepacking. Astonishingly almost all rideable, it takes you on dirt roads and jeep trails from Banff, in Alberta, Canada, to the Mexican border in New Mexico, via British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. It’s 90% off-road, with less than 5% singletrack. 

Traversing the spine of the continent and crossing the Continental Divide 30 times, there’s no shortage of climbing, and the states it passes through are like a Top Trumps of North American landscapes. Wild plains, jaw-dropping mountain views, classic desert, pine forests and snowy passes – it’s all here. There’s no such thing as certainty in bikepacking, but the number of online resources around the GDMBR – including regular maps addenda on trail conditions and closures from the Adventure Cycling Association – means that you can totally nerd out on your preparation. 

Tour Divide racer winners may smash the whole route in a fortnight, but most riders would allow at least 6-8 weeks, with time to loll in pools, enjoy company and rest when you need to, and be sanguine about setbacks. Wild camping is plentiful, and hosted options – including cyclist-only lodgings! – are well documented. Truly a route to savor.

• Three words:  Breathtaking, legendary, achievable 
• What bike: Gravel (big tires) or MTB 
• How remote: Food and water sources are 100 miles apart in places, and conditions can be extreme, especially in the high mountains. But resources are well documented. 
• Start and finish: Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico 
• Getting there: Fly to Calgary near the start, and get a shuttle to civilization from the finish in Antelope Wells, which is in the middle of nowhere. 
• Best times: June to September
• Route details: Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

5,000 miles, 350,000ft, 8+ weeks  

If the 2,700-mile North-South Great Divide Mountain Bike Route ( above ) seems too tame, the East-West Trans-America Trail route will give you plenty of scope for dreaming.

The Great Divide is high-profile, well documented and almost 100% rideable. By contrast, the Trans-America is little more than the annually-updated GPS file of a no-prizes race which has a seven-page website and a small Facebook page. It’s roughly based on a classic extreme motorbike route, around 70% off-road. It’s resolutely low-key, with an emphasis on overcoming your own challenges as they arise.

The five-part account by Tom and Sarah Swallow of riding the route before it became a race gives you an evocative picture of stunning landscapes, wild weather and human kindness. It’s also about adapting safely on the fly when you are forced to reroute by massive rockslides, quagmires, deep sand or impassable rivers. From the tough technical riding of the Ozark mountains, to the mentally grueling plains of the midwest, the exposed high passes of the Rockies and the huge stretches of unpopulated Nevada desert, this is utterly character-forming stuff.

• Three words: Epic, isolated, independent 
• How remote: In places, ridiculously remote, in others, towns every day. You’ll need to go over the GPS file with a toothcomb and plan your own resupplies. 
• Start and finish: Cape Lookout, North Carolina, to Port Orford, Oregon  
• Getting there: Getting there will be the least of your problems. 
• Best times: Normally raced in June, though late summer / early autumn may be more ideal
• Route details: Trans-America Trail

Sean has old school cycle touring in his blood, with a coast to coast USA ride and a number of month-long European tours in his very relaxed palmares. Also an enthusiastic midpack club cyclocross and XC racer, he loves his role as a junior cycle coach on the Kent/Sussex borders, and likes to squeeze in a one-day unsupported 100-miler on the South Downs Way at least once a year. Triathlon and adventure racing fit into his meandering cycling past, as does clattering around the Peak District on a rigid Stumpjumper back in the day.

Height: 173cm

Weight: 65kg

Rides: Specialized Chisel Comp; Canyon Inflite CF SLX; Canyon Aeroad; Roberts custom road bike

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9 best long-distance bike rides around the world for 2022

Apr 29, 2022 • 8 min read

Switzerland is a great destination for cyclists © Christoph Oberschneider / Getty Images

For many, traveling by bike is the antithesis to the modern trend of fast, fly-in-fly-out travel.

In fact, it’s hard to envisage a better way to explore a country than on two wheels, slowly meandering along as the landscape unfurls before you. Cycling gives you time to admire your surroundings, draws you away from the tourist crowds and, perhaps best of all, it’s sustainable – causing no harm to the environment you’ve traveled to see.

If you have a deep-rooted or burgeoning passion for pedaling, be inspired to take on one of these epic bike rides around the world; life-affirming, unforgettable trips that’ll have you freewheeling across the salt flats of Bolivia or wobbling up the hills of the Moroccan High Atlas .

Time to saddle up! For more cycling inspiration, check out Lonely Planet’s Epic Bike Rides of the World paperback and eBook.

1. Southern Namibia

Start: Windhoek End: Felix Unite Distance: 621 miles (1000km)

Namibia has the second lowest population density in the world. Most of its people are in the north, so the south is empty indeed. Not surprisingly, it’s dry and unforgiving land. Towns and amenities are few and far between. Roads are mostly loose gravel. But it’s also unutterably gorgeous.

A seven-day, 621-mile (1000km) unsupported pedal through this astonishing landscape, from Namibia’s capital of Windhoek to the South African border, requires planning, packing, perseverance and profound self-reliance. Factoring in the vast distances between towns, roadhouses, campgrounds and great attractions, an ideal itinerary is to head south-west to Sesriem for a visit to Sossusvlei’s red dunes and salt pans , then turn south via Helmeringhausen and Seeheim to pause in Hobas and view Fish River Canyon (rivalling the Grand Canyon), and then point south again to Felix Unite, near the Noordoewer international crossing to South Africa .

Where to go on your first safari in Africa

2. La Farola, Cuba

Start: Cajobabo End: Baracoa Distance: 34 miles (55km)

Hailed as one of the seven modern engineering marvels of Cuba , La Farola (the lighthouse road) links the beach hamlet of Cajobabo on the arid Caribbean coast with the nation’s beguiling oldest city, Baracoa .

Measuring 34 miles (55km) in length, the road traverses the steep-sided Sierra del Puril, snaking its way precipitously through a landscape of granite cliffs and pine-scented cloud forest before falling, with eerie suddenness, upon the lush tropical paradise of the Atlantic coastline.

For cyclists, it offers a classic Tour de France-style challenge with tough climbs, invigorating descents and relatively smooth roads. La Farola starts 124 miles (200km) east of Santiago de Cuba and is thus best incorporated into a wider Cuban cycling excursion. You could also charter a taxi to drop you off at the start point.

Epic hikes around the world

3. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Start: Uyuni End: Sabaya Distance: 186 miles (300km)

Cycling atop the salt crust of Bolivia ’s Salar de Uyuni – and the more petite but perfectly-formed Salar de Coipasa – is an undisputed highlight of many a South America journey. It’s a high-altitude ride that takes five or six days, segmented by an opportunity to resupply with water and food at the midway settlement of Llica.

As the largest salt flat in the world, cycling here provides an other-worldly experience. There’s nothing quite like pitching your tent on a bleached white canvas, seasoning your dinner with the salty ground on which you’re sitting, and awakening in the morning to a glow of ethereal, lavender light.

This journey can only be undertaken in Bolivia’s winter, as during summer the salt lakes are inundated by seasonal rain.

Bolivia’s 7 best hikes across the Andes and beyond

4. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Start: Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, Virginia End: Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina Distance: 469 miles (755km)

The iconic Blue Ridge Parkway rises and falls like a roller-coaster track running from Virginia ’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina ’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Most bikers budget about ten days to complete the 469-mile (755km) route, which crosses four national forests and features 176 bridges, more than two dozen tunnels and hundreds of historic sites.

Riders will experience the America that inspires patriotic songs: uninterrupted forests, burbling rivers, splashy waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers or foliage (depending on the season), and mountains haloed in clouds.

Roadside diversions abound, such as the Blue Ridge Music Center, Julian Price Memorial Park and Craggy Gardens. Time your visit to Waterrock Knob with the sun’s sky spectacle.

10 of the most scenic drives in the USA

5. High Atlas, Morocco

Start: Marrakech End: Zagora Distance: 342 miles (550km)

A route from Marrakech , Morocco to Zagora on the edge of the Sahara Desert can take you over the High Atlas in the shadow of the mighty Mt Toubkal. At 4167m this is the highest mountain in Morocco and a serious undertaking, but with a guide in summer it is one worth considering , so pack a pair of hiking boots in your panniers.

Your bike route heads out of the mountains via Agdz and on through the Drâa Valley and some of the most incredibly arid scenery imaginable. With travel to Morocco very affordable from anywhere in Europe , this is a route that could give you your first taste of cycling in a more remote and adventurous destination.

Zagora is a great place to take a tour of the desert, by 4x4 rather than by bike, if you want to see the best of it.

Morocco's best food experiences

6. The Camel Trail, England

Start: Padstow End: Blisland Distance: 18 miles (29km)

Once the railway track that linked the south-west to London , carrying sand and fish inland, and immortalized in Betjeman’s Cornwall as ‘the most beautiful train journey I know’, the Camel Trail is now a super family-friendly cycle path.

The trail cuts through some of Cornwall ’s prettiest countryside. From Rick Stein’s famous fishing port of Padstow to Wadebridge, it hugs the vast Camel Estuary before heading through the woodland of the Camel Valley and onto Bodmin. The trail then heads inland to the foot of Bodmin Moor, finishing up at the moorland village of Blisland.

The route is mostly traffic-free and includes both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. The estuary section is especially great for birdwatchers, look out for peregrines, ospreys and mute swans.

The best places to learn to surf in the UK

7. Doi Suthep, Thailand

Start: Chiang Mai End: Doi Suthep Distance: 11 miles (18km)

A visit to Chiang Mai wouldn’t be complete without tackling the imposing Doi Suthep, located right on the city’s outskirts. The road snakes through dense green foliage as it climbs steeply up the 1600m high mountain, famous for the sacred 13th-century Buddhist temple near its peak known as Wat Phra That.

As you climb, the panoramic views of bustling Chiang Mai are replaced by the tiny hill-tribe villages, which peek from the luscious greenery. The road alternates between steep switchbacks carved into the mountainside, and long, sweeping bends traversing the contours of the land.

Upon reaching the glistening golden temple the road narrows, leaving the tourist buses behind and sneaking into the shadows of the deciduous forest that guards the mountain’s upper reaches. Away from the tourists, you’re left alone to pedal in cool silence to the peak.

How to choose an ethical elephant experience in Thailand

8. Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Start/End: Geneva Distance: 124 miles (200km)

With the French Alps on the horizon, vineyards staggering down to glittering shores and countless petite villages, a spin of Lake Geneva bundles some of Europe’s most sensational scenery into one neat package.

Largely flat and suitable for most levels – families included – the newly-marked, 124-mile (200km) Tour du Léman follows Cycle Route 46. Bidding Geneva au revoir, it weaves largely along country tracks, with views of the lake opening up as you pedal past beaches and hamlets to the Olympic city of Lausanne.

From here it gets incredibly scenic, dipping into the Unesco World Heritage vineyards of the Lavaux , before descending to skirt the lake and take in Vevey , Montreux and the turreted romance of medieval Château de Chillon. The route then swings clockwise back to Geneva, via the Rhone delta and small market towns straddling the French-Swiss border.

Views you have to see to believe: 9 must-do hikes in Switzerland

9. The Forgotten World Highway, New Zealand

Start: Stratford, Taranaki End: Taumaranui Distance: 93 miles (150km)

Following the road carved by early pioneers, The Forgotten World Highway takes in abandoned townships, the ‘republic’ of Whangamomona (don’t forget to get your passport stamped and a photo with the president), rugged countryside and prehistoric landscapes.

Start the adventure in Stratford, named for its apparent similarities to Stratford-upon-Avon, situated below the spectacular snow-capped Mt Taranaki. From here the Forgotten World Highway begins surrounded by farmland, but lush green valleys, raging rivers, wooden-roofed tunnels, narrow bridges and unsealed roads all feature on this route.

Riders will need to be well prepared or travel with a support vehicle, as there are very few opportunities to restock supplies along the way.

6 incredible road trips you must do in New Zealand

You might also like: On Québec’s Route Verte, not knowing what I was getting myself into was the best part In Iceland’s remote Westfjords region, a new bicycle route takes shape A mountain biker shares how Nordic Europe combines the best of food and biking

This article was first published Jan 21, 2020 and updated Apr 29, 2022.

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Bicycle Tours & Trips in USA

• Choose from 33 USA tours
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Compiled by

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Cycling Maine's Coast & National Park

Joshua tree & anza borrego bike tour, arizona sonora bike tour, usa road trip — highway 1, yosemite & utah, alaska hike, bike & kayak, arches & canyonlands multisport, valley of fire and death valley, bryce and zion national parks bike tour, cycle sonoma & the napa valley, cycle maine & acadia national park.

• Road Cycling
• Cycle through Acadia's carriage roads
• Ride to Marshall Point lighthouse
• Explore Rockland's lobster scene

• Stroll Palm Springs' stylish streets
• Cycle past the vast Salton Sea
• Hike through colorful Anza Borrego

• Visit the Bicycle Brothel museum in Bisbee
• Explore Kartchner Caverns underground
• Discover vineyards in Sonoita and Elgin

“We travelled so much and saw a lot in this short amount of time. It was worth the price.” Lisa Reichert, traveled in July 2022

• Hiking & Trekking
• Surf the waves at Venice Beach
• Explore Yosemite's giant sequoias
• Walk the iconic Santa Monica Pier

• Cycle along Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
• Kayak and hike in Resurrection Bay
• Explore Denali's wilderness on a hike

• Bike or shuttle to Dead Horse Point
• Cycle past vineyards in Grand Valley
• Raft down the scenic Colorado River

• Desert Hikes
• Hike to Zabriskie Point in Golden Canyon
• Pedal and explore Death Valley National Park
• Visit Ubehebe Crater and Mesquite Sand Dunes

• Mountain Hikes
• Explore Bryce Canyon's hoodoos
• Wade through the Virgin River Narrows
• Cycle through Dixie National Forest

“Very fun trip. I would highly recommend.” Janet Monda, traveled in June 2022

• Wine tasting
• Explore historic Sonoma by bike
• Relax in Calistoga's hot spring pools
• Admire redwoods in Armstrong State Park

“The bicycle that was furnished on this cycle tour was woeful. Comparing this cycling trip to a VBT cycling tour- no comparison unfortunately.” Mark Goldstein, traveled in August 2022

• Ride through scenic coastal towns and parks
• Watch sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
• Explore the charming town of Damariscotta

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The 25 Best Bike Rides in the World Right Now

Tour de France stages. Classic British Columbian downhills. Epic gravel grinds in the American heartland. These bucket-list rides are guaranteed to be the most fun you can have on two wheels.

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Let’s be clear: this is a subjective list, and you’re going to curse us on social media before you even read it. But just know that this roundup of the best rides on the planet—culled from my own personal experience of riding bikes for the past 30-plus years, as well as the advice of passionate cycling friends—is just gravy. My favorite rides have always been the ones that leave from my garage. But even though bikes are a great form of environmentally friendly recreation and transportation doesn’t mean we all don’t daydream about century-distance rides through the European countryside and fat-tire epics across the Mountain West.

So here goes.

Colle de Finestre

Piemonte, italy.

Style: Road climb Miles: 11

The Dolomites, in northern Italy, are worthy of the hype, but that’s not all the country has to offer cyclists. The Piemonte region, in the northwest, is also riddled with great climbs and is perhaps even more steeped in Italian cycling culture. Start from the town of Susa, in the Cottian Alps, find your way to the town of Fenestrelle, and if you have the legs, include the Giro d’Italia’s famed Colle de Finestre climb , an 11-mile haul that averages a 9 percent grade and gains some 5,558 feet.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Style:  Cross-country singletrack Miles: 18

At its best, mountain biking is equal parts aesthetics and whoop-it-up fun, and these two Crested Butte stalwarts— you should link them —are among the sport’s best. Featuring natural flow (no machine-made berms here), expect loamy singletrack, a few sportingly steep corners, and ample high-altitude climbing. Also plan on ripping through wildflowers so tall that they beat your hands, elbows, and even shoulders in some weirdly beautiful masochistic embrace as you fly on by.

Barry-Roubaix

Hastings, michigan.

Style: Gravel (plus a race) Miles: 22, 36, 62, or 100 When: April 13

The organizers of the Barry-Roubaix call it the largest gravel race in the world, and with 3,500 contestants, who are we to doubt them? There’s tons of prize money and whatnot, but really, the Barry is more of a celebration of cycling and a spring throwdown than it is a race. The huge peloton is filled with people excited to cast off the winter blanket and embrace a new riding season, and we love everything about it, especially the fact that the 100-mile route is called Psycho Killer. Want to ride it another weekend? The race organizers put together a comprehensive course map that you can tweak to choose your own adventure.

Mount Taranaki Circuit

New plymouth/taranaki, new zealand.

Style: Road Miles: 77

New Zealand is worth visiting for way more than its road riding, but you might as well get in some exercise while you’re enjoying perhaps the friendliest country on earth (at least judging by the Kiwi skiers we’ve known). This ride circumnavigates an active 8,000-foot stratovolcano on the North Island and includes 4,600 feet of elevation gain. The route can be tackled solo anytime during the southern summer, but if you want to immerse yourself in local culture while clocking some serious miles, sign on for the Taranaki Cycle Challenge , which happens again in January. More than 1,000 cyclists participate, and if you’re a total hard-ass, you can loop it twice, as 11 people did last year.

Graubünden, Switzerland

Style: Cross-country singletrack Miles: 155

The world’s best mountain bikers are coming from Switzerland these days for a reason. It’s the riding, people. And this year,  the Swiss Epic , a five-day, 155-mile stage race, heads to Graubünden in the country’s southeast, near the ski towns of St. Moritz and Davos. Pro mountain-bike racers consistently tell us that the Swiss Epic is the hardest—both technically and in terms of climbing—of all the mountain-bike stage races, and we expect more of the same from Graubünden, which has over 10,000 miles of rideable trails that pass through pine forest, along treeless high-Alpine ridges, and across cold mountain streams. Sign up for this year’s race, August 20–24, only if you’re crazy serious. Everyone else should use the race route as a guide for an epic ride at their own pace.

Logan Mill to Sugarloaf to Magnolia

Boulder, colorado.

Style: Gravel and paved Miles: 40

Boulder is famous for its paved road riding . It should be known for its steep dirt. On a gravel bike, head up the Boulder Creek Path to Four Mile Canyon, then bang a left on Logan Mill and follow signs for the Escape Route, a forest-fire egress that’s steep enough to put you on the rivet. From there it’s on to Sugarloaf Road (paved and dirt) and the Peak to Peak Highway (paved). Make sure to stop at Salto in Nederland to refuel on pecan sandies and a macchiato for the big ring push down Magnolia Road to the Boulder Creek Path to complete the circuit. And this is but one of a half-dozen mixed-surface routes above Boulder that are nearly devoid of cars and feature soaring views of the Continental Divide.

Tour of Flanders

Flanders, belgium.

Style: Cobbles and more Miles: 162

Until the gravel-bike boom, we’d never have called the brutal cobblestones and trampled dirt paths of Belgium farm country among the best riding in the world. Watching the pro peloton barely survive spring-classic events like the Tour of Flanders on skinny-tire bikes made for fun racing but abysmal riding. But that’s changed. Armed with a modern gravel bike with 40-millimeter tires and a more comfortable body positioning, these heritage routes are now doable, especially if you keep to the dirt edges and don’t punish yourself on the cobbles. Focus your ride plans on the Flemish Ardennes in East Flanders, where the cobbled climbs beat the hell out of racers but will give you riding like you’ve never experienced.

Whistler, British Columbia

Style: Downhill mountain-bike trail Miles: 1.5

Twenty-one years ago, Whistler’s A-Line Trail was old-school singletrack with nice natural flow. The trail that’s evolved since has been credited with the invention of the purpose-built flow trails that now dominate not just downhill parks but our local trail systems, too. The basic idea? A sustainable trail complete with capping soil, bermed turns, long-distance sightlines, and a range of gnar options, so mountain bikers can lay off the brakes, lean their rig way over, and catch smooth air. And far from being left behind, A-Line continues to get better every year.

Alto de Arrate

Basque country, spain.

Style: Road climb Miles: 2

Longtime Tour de France fans have heard about the great climbers of Basque Country for generations, but relatively few Americans ride there. Which is weird, because the western Pyrenees rival France with its mix of mountains, beaches, hamlets, and dining. Stage out of San Sebastian and ride the Alto de Arrate from both directions. The two-mile climb appears frequently in the Vuelta a España and annually in the Tour of the Basque Country. Think lush countryside and 10 percent grades—without the touristy T-shirt shops of France.

Clawhammer/Black Mountain

Pisgah national forest, north carolina.

Style: Technical singletrack Miles: 12.5

Located in the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest—North Carolina’s fat-tire dreamland— the Clawhammer is a rooty, rocky technical ride with a 7.5-mile beast of a climb thrown in. The ascent takes you to a ridge that contours two summits before you gird yourself for a rollicking, scare-your-spleen, four-mile, 1,900-foot descent that comes at you quickly. Be sure to wait for a few sunny days to dry out the course before you attempt this one. It will be worth the wait.

Col de la Croix de Fer

Le bourg-d’oisans, france.

Style: Road climb Miles: 20

Of the Tour de France’s most famous climbs, the Col du Galibier is sketchy with too many tunnels, Mont Ventoux is windy and isolated, and the famed Alpe d’Huez is totally overrated (the top looks like a kitschy tourist shop). But the steady climb up the pass of  Croix de Fer (the Iron Cross) runs some 20 miles and gains some 5,000 feet in the French Alps near Le Bourg-d’Oisans and is, in my estimation, the most scenic in France.

The Whole Enchilada

Style: Singletrack Miles: 35

Purists might scoff at the notion of a shuttle ride earning top status on a compilation of bucket-list rides, but before you start hating, make sure you actually ride this 35-mile, 8,000-vertical-foot descent. There are various starting points, but the full smothered enchilada plate begins high in the La Sal Mountains and passes through at least three distinct ecosystems before finishing right beside the Colorado River just six miles from downtown. The scenery is stunning, and the riding is fast and largely directional (it’s rare to see anyone heading up). It’s also in no way an easy day on the bike. You’ll still climb 1,500 vertical feet, and if you’ve ridden technical trails before, you know that bike handling still burns a lot of energy.

Rebecca’s Private Idaho

Ketchum, idaho.

Style: Gravel Miles: 20, 60, or 100

Ketchum is famous for its endless and fast-flowing singletrack. It could just as easily be known for its gravel offerings. That’s in part because this is Idaho, where paved roads are scarce. There are plenty of amazing routes you can tackle by yourself, but if you sign on for this event , founded by famed endurance racer Rebecca Rusch , also known as the Queen of Pain, you can choose from 20-, 60-, or 100-mile routes, which you can ride solo, with a partner, or even tandem. Don’t let the Labor Day weekend discourage you—high summer in Ketchum means temperatures in the high seventies, and you’ll rarely swelter. We also love that Rusch isn’t afraid to throw buttery singletrack into the course. Gravel bikes love baby singletrack.

Vuelta al Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi, ecuador.

Style: Cross-country singletrack Miles: 90 When: November 9–10

One of the toughest mountain-bike races on earth, the Vuelta al Cotopaxi climbs 4,000 feet over a mix of trail surfaces, none of which you’d describe as purpose-built and all of which you’d describe as grueling. It’s so hard that, unlike the Leadville Trail 100 race, which is roughly the same distance, most humans could never finish it safely in a day, so be prepared to camp near the summit. Sounds miserable, but with 250 two-person teams signing up to to do again and again, it’s worth checking out this year. If you don’t want to race, the trails around Cotopaxi make for great bikepacking .

Vermont Gran Fondo, a.k.a. the Gaps

Waitsfield and warren, vermont.

Style: Road Miles: 100

You can head out any old summer day and try to knock off all six of the “gaps” (northern New England speak for mountain passes) around Waitsfield and Warren, Vermont, or you can settle for just four gaps and sign up for this June 29  gran fondo . Organizers change up the route every year, but it generally covers 100 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. The state’s lush countryside and fully supported aid stations are such a draw that Coloradans and Californians make the trip.

Alpine Panorama Route

St. margrethen to aigle, switzerland.

Style: Road tour Miles: 300

One of nine officially designated bike tours in Switzerland, National Route 4, also known as the Alpine Panorama Route , is itself nine stages long and covers 300 miles while gaining 30,000 feet in the mountains and the rolling hills of the Swiss foreland. You’ll ride past bucolic farmland, mountain passes and gorges, castles, and tidy chalets with self-pay apple-cider stands. The well-marked route is great for self-guided tours, and if you’re feeling fit, try the dramatic punch up to the ski station of Saas-Fee.

Tai Mo Shan Downhill

Style:  Downhill mountain-bike trail Miles: 18+

Named for the tallest mountain in Hong Kong, which it descends, this route is really a series of trails that takes you from Tai Mo Shan Country Park, past the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, and all the way to the Gold Coast, if you chose. Expect steeps, rock gardens, and berms, with drops up top and terrain that mellows out somewhat as you descend until you reach the fast, beginner-friendly trails around the reservoir and, eventually, the ocean. You’ll want a dual-suspension bike with plenty of travel and a friend or taxi to shuttle you, as it’s a big climb to the trailhead.

Algarve, Portugal

Style: Road Miles: 20+

The word has long been out among regular tourists that Portugal is more affordable and less crowded then the rest of Western Europe, but that news is only now reaching the cycling community. The Algarve region, in the country’s far south, is a perfect mix of culture and rolling terrain, and it features a great assortment of category 2, 3, and 4 climbs, with stops along the way for coffee and pastries. From the town of Almádena, head through the foothills of anachronistic Portugal and finish atop Fóia , the region’s highest peak. For steeper climbs, head north to Manteigas and fuel up for the effort with a “Super Bock”—a local beer.

Belgian Waffle Ride

San marcos, california.

Style: Gravel Miles: 133 When: May 5

This sufferfest soothes its 13,000 feet of elevation gain and roughly 130 miles with waffles and beer. That’s great, but we mostly love it because, unlike some other gravel beatdowns we know, the waffle ride happens in May in sync with Europe’s spring classics, the spirit of which it has been designed to replicate, so you (probably) won’t die of heat exhaustion.

Dale Ball Trails to the Winsor Trail

Santa fe, new mexico.

Style: Cross-country singletrack Miles: 25+

You’ll have to love climbing for this one. Leaving from Santa Fe’s central plaza, you’ll climb the Dale Ball Trail network  and find your way to the Santa Fe National Forest and the Chamisa Trail, which has two routes that ascend about two miles to the Winsor Trail, a steady, 9.3-mile doubletrack grind that tops out after 7,000 feet of climbing. But that means there’s 7,000 feet of descending ahead of you. And better yet, it all ends in the village of Tesuque, whose namesake market is home to the best taco and enchilada plate and margarita around.

Mount Washington Hill Climb

North conway, new hampshire.

Style: Road climb Miles: 7.6 When: August 17–18

It’s been called the hardest hill climb on earth, and in terms of actual bike races, it lives up to that hype . The average grade is 12 percent, after all, and some large sectors sustain 16 to 18 percent, while the last few hundred feet max out at 22 percent. That’s steep enough that in spots you’ll have a hard time maintaining traction on your rear wheel. Sadly, the only time you can ride this treasure is during the actual race (and its one practice ride), which benefits the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. That needs to change, because cyclists that don’t have $350 to spend on the entry fee should get the chance to test themselves, too, but the benefit is worthy if you have the cash.

BC Bike Race

British columbia, canada.

Style:  Singletrack Miles: 200+ When: July 4–12

The best ride is the one you’re on right now. Which is why we’re including the BC Bike Race in this roundup. Instead of telling you which section of trail in B.C. is our favorite, you can tell us. The race covers seven stages and includes the rooty, loamy boreal riding that western Canada is famous for. It can be grindingly technical. It can be fast and flowy. What is constant is Canadian beer. In short, it’s like cycling: wildly diverse in its excellence and all the better for it.

Giba Gorge Mountain-Bike Park

Pinetown, south africa.

Style: Cross-country and downhill Miles: 15+

Technically, it’s not one ride but seven, but if you find yourself in South Africa with the need to shred dirt, head to this private bike park 17 miles northwest of Durban and the Indian Ocean, where you’ll shred berms, rock drops, and bridges and push yourself on fast, fun climbs. Anchored by cross-country trails like the Blue Route, a ten-mile loop that’s one of the most popular rides in the country, the park also features downhill and enduro trails to give your full-suspension rig a workout, as well as BMX and supercross tracks and horse-riding routes.

Mount Tamalpais to Point Reyes

Marin county, california.

Style: Road Miles: 94

You can ride this route as part of the Mount Tam Century or on your own whenever it suits you. But you must ride it. Our friends that are familiar with the route rave about both the ride quality of its beautiful California tarmac and the views as you emerge from the fog of the redwood forests. Loops in this area can run any length you like. We recommend the 94-mile option that includes the climb up 2,560-foot Mount Tamalpais, but whatever route you choose, you’ll likely gain 3,000 feet or more.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Style:  Cross-country Miles: 220+ When: August 11–16

Breckenridge is home to some of the longest and most rollicking backcountry rides in North America, but figuring them out on your own can be a lesson in orienteering. Better to sign on with the Breck Epic , a six-day race/ride that will see you tackle a 35-to-50-mile loop of the region’s most amazing trails each day for six days. That’s a staggering amount of high-country singletrack and would involve much cursing and map reading to navigate on your own. Days three (Guyout), four (Aquaduct), and five (Wheeler) are the most memorable, and you’ll finish each stage in the tent with a recovery sandwich known as a Big Johnson: PB&J with fluff and potato chips smashed in.

• Mountain Biking

6 best cycling holiday destinations in the world 2024

If you love taking a cycling holiday while exploring somewhere new, you’ll want to make sure you’re heading to the best cycling destinations in the world.

We’ve handpicked six of the best cycling holiday destinations – the places that we think are amongst the best places on the planet for cycling holidays. You’ll see we’ve purposely avoided geographical Europe (get our picks for the best destinations in Europe here ). We think that every single one of them is truly epic!

When you’re trying to decide where to head for your next cycle holiday, and you’ve got long haul in mind, you should definitely consider the options below. They all offer the kind of bike holiday you’ll never forget.

We’ve covered here what each destination is great for, plus when is the best time to go. There’s something here for everyone, whether you prefer contemporary cities, landscapes that seem lost in time, challenging climbs, discovering local history, or stunning sea views.

So let’s get cracking! Where will you be taking your next cycling holiday?!

This is our article on the best European cycling holidays destinations . For anyone wanting to see the year out in style don’t miss our must visit Christmas and New Year cycling holidays .

Best worldwide cycling destinations

Great for cycling culture

Japan is a must on many a cyclist’s list. Head here to explore on two wheels and so much awaits. It’s a country quite unlike any other, with cutting-edge cities, traditional villages, unique architecture and a wealth of natural wonders. If your idea of the best cycling holidays is discovering something completely new, then this could be your ideal destination.

In Japan you can sample some of the yummiest food in the world. You can also soak in natural hot springs, wind your way through the forests and tackle mountainous terrain. In fact Japan’s mountains are breathtaking in every sense of the word, and around 80% of the country is uninhabited.

But that’s not all. Japan’s polite, careful drivers help to make this one of the safer cycling destinations in the world. Add to that smooth roads in the centre of the country offering challenging climbs, paths through the river valleys and a cycling culture, and it won’t come as a surprise we think it one of the best countries for cycling.

Where to go

The best places for a biking holiday in Japan are the sunny Kinto Kanto region around Tokyo, the peak-spotted Nagano Highlands area and the Setouchi inland sea. At the latter you’ll find hot springs, the Shimanami Kaido bikeway and fabulous seafood.

Kinto Kanto

As well as Tokyo, the Kinto Kanto area is also home to the Japanese cities of Ashikaga, Kiryu, and Nikko. This area is also ideally set up for the best cycling trips. The climate also makes this a top choice, as the region is known as Japan’s sunbelt.

Highlights here include Nikko National Park, Kiryu’s historic silk mills, fresh local produce, a couple of Japan’s biggest rivers and a pair of stratovolcanoes.

Nagano Highlands

If what you want from cycling holidays abroad is challenging ascents and thrilling descents, then head for the area often known as the Japanese Alps. The Mount Norikura climb here is epic and the last eight miles (or 13 kilometres) is car-free.

This is just one of the Nagano region’s climbs: other options include the Venus Line or the Utsukushigahara Highlands.

Setouchi inland sea

The Shimanami Kaido cycling route has placed the Setouchi area among those offering the best cycling vacations in Japan. Shimmering turquoise waters and steaming hot springs await those who love the water as much as they enjoy exploring by bike.

This is one of the best places in Japan to see the cherry blossom, or the colourful leaves in autumn. Matsuyama City castle and the seafood restaurants of this area are also impressive.

Where you decide to take your road bike holiday determines when’s best to visit.

• Tokyo and the Kinto Kanto region are at their finest between March and the middle of June, or from September to the first part of December.
• The Nagano Highlands are at their least humid in September and October.
• Setouchi inland sea is good in March, April and May, or between November and mid-December later in the year.

More information

Find out much more about the best cycling tours Japan has to offer by reading our guide .

Great for a subtropical climate

The year of cycling tourism in Taiwan in 2021 put this part of Asia into the spotlight. It’s been one of the best countries to bike tour for far longer than that, though. Not everyone knows a lot about Taiwan – but if you’d like to find out more, then continue reading!

Lapped by both the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan offers an incredible coastline. It’s also a mountainous island, and thus one of the best places to bike in the world when you have a head for heights.

Slick cities, cloud forests and a wide variety of terrain mean this island east of mainland China is not one to miss. If you needed another reason to go there right now, how does a semi-tropical climate sound?

As you might expect, central Taiwan is the most mountainous part of the island, and is ideal for those seeking a challenging climb or two. In the east, expect interesting history and fresh ocean air, while in the south you can explore a National Park or follow a gently undulating route through the valley.

Central Taiwan

Towns like Nantou in the interior are ideal for those who love steep ascents, and the routes to be found here can rival those of the Pyrenees or Alps. You can also take multi-day tours in this area, such as among Yilan county’s mountains in the northeast or heading towards Sun Moon Lake in the south.

More remote parts of central Taiwan also offer visitors the chance to get up close to local life, meeting people and exploring areas that are relatively untouched by tourism.

South Taiwan

Southern Taiwan’s cycling scene is dominated by Kenting National Park. This area provides some of the best road cycling destinations for those who prefer relatively flat terrain. Kenting on the Hengchun Peninsula also offers a tropical climate, beaches and coral reefs.

Jewels in the crown of south Taiwan include traditional fishing villages and farmland, coastal roads with spectacular views, and a landscape dotted with rice paddies. It’s also worth riding to Ruisui to be rewarded with a soak in the hot springs.

East Taiwan

Rolling hills, compact liveable cities and a variety of interesting towns can all be discovered in eastern Taiwan. Here you can visit former gold mining areas, or explore old Japanese settlements. The popular Huadong or East Rift Valley can also be found here, sandwiched between the Central and Coastal Mountain ranges.

This can be among the best cycling trips in the world for those who love to feel a fresh ocean breeze while skimming over a coastal plain. Plus, of course, sea views. Dulan on the east coast is also a popular hangout and holiday destination, but do avoid the hectic Suhua Highway at all costs.

Sometimes you’re looking for a lengthy multi-day challenge. Another option in Taiwan is Route 1, which spans over 950 kilometres and generally takes ten days or so to complete. Though the official start is at Taipei Songshan Station, you can join it wherever you like for a loop around the island.

As Taiwan has a subtropical climate, expect hot summers. The island has minimal rain, and to avoid extreme heat spring, autumn and winter are a good bet. There can be snowy or icy roads in the mountains during winter.

Read all about cycling in Taiwan in our comprehensive guide . This article shares information on the infamous Taiwan KOM Challenge . This article goes in-depth on Taiwan’s cycling route 1.

Looking for more Asia inspiration? How about a cycling trip to Borneo ?

Great for a budget break

If you want to take shorter (or cheaper!) cycling holidays and aren’t keen on a long-haul flight, Cyprus could be a sound option. Though culturally and politically part of Europe, geographically Cyprus in fact lies within Asia. So it’s ideal if you’re tight on time or money.

This island in the Med offers great cycling holidays for both mountain bikers and those who prefer tarmac. You can expect good weather in spring and autumn here, plus the Troodos Mountains has peaks that are almost 2,000 metres high.

Coastal routes, soaring mountains, olive and citrus groves and pine forests await cyclists who venture to the so-called island of love.

The top cycling destinations in Cyprus can be found close to Paphos on the southwest coast, or in the Limassol area of southern Cyprus. You might also like to head to the Mediterranean island for a specific cycling event.

Paphos area

We’ve stayed in Paphos ourselves when in search of the best countries for cycling holidays (tough job, but someone has to do it). Two routes we recommend are the ascent to the peak of Mount Olympus or the Paphos Forest loop, both in the Troodos Mountains. A third is the route  via the Rock of Aphrodite to the village of Pissouri Bay.

Take a look at our guide to cycling Paphos region here.

Limassol area

There are several great routes we recommend in the Limassol area. So much so that we’ve written separate guide to cover them, in fact! These are between 59 and 117 kilometres long. All are paved, and suitable for road bikes.

Take a look at our guide to cycling in the Limassol area here .

Cyprus cycling events

Key cycling events in Cyprus include the Cyprus Sunshine Epic, a four day mountain bike contest. There’s also the Cyprus Gran Fondo in March or L’Etape Cyprus in November.

Due to dry and warm – but not hot – weather, the best months for these cycling holiday destinations in Cyprus are March, April, May, October and November. Winter can also be good, but do expect more rain at that time.

For more on cycling in Cyprus, check out this complete guide .

Boulder, Colorado

Great for bucket list riding

Boulder barely needs any introduction – it’s long belonged on every keen road cyclist’s hit list. There’s no doubt about it – this part of Colorado offers some of the best cycling holidays in the world. A rich pro racing past and a strong amateur scene has seen to that.

Boulder, Colorado is seen by many as the number one destination for road bike cycling holidays in the entire US. The cycle paths criss-crossing the city and the heady climbs outside it are in the sights of so many cyclists. Capping them all is Mount Evans, a peak that’s well over four kilometres above sea level.

Cycling fans also recommend exploring Boulder itself via the many bike paths. This way you can see the most cycle-friendly city in the US from the ground up. If you want to hire a bike, the 50 hire kiosks around town make life super simple.

As well as within the city of Boulder and the epic Mount Evans, recommended routes include the Peak to Peak Highway.

Peak to Peak Highway

You can access the Peak to Peak Highway by car or bike, so it’s good for cyclists of all levels. Ascend for over 1,500 metres by bike, or access the peaks and charming mountain towns by combining driving with cycling.

Boulder cycling events

In such a cyclist-friendly part of the world, there are some great events to be part of. Take the Triple Bypass or Ride the Rockies for challenging climbs. You could also try Elephant Rock, the Copper Triangle, the Denver Century, or even the Boulder Ironman 70.3.

This part of Colorado is good for the vast majority of the year. The ski resorts are of course snow-capped in winter, however. For flatter roads, this is a good year-round destination. Summer here is lovely, but it can get very hot at times.

Check out our complete Boulder cycling guide here .

Cape Town and the Western Cape, South Africa

Great for stunning scenery

Head to the city of Cape Town and the wider area of the Western Cape for an unforgettable cycling experience. Here you can expect a warm welcome, the legendary landscapes South Africa is famous for and routes that take in tarmac, gravel and forest trails.

Use Cape Town as your base and you can take on one or a number of jaw-dropping routes. Follow the Misty Cliffs or Chapman’s Peak loops for spectacular views over Noordhoek Beach, climb up to the Llandudno viewpoint or tackle the Kloof Nek loop.

As an alternative, combine cycling with more of life’s pleasures by following the glorious Constantia Wine Route through the valley. As a destination, South Africa also offers great value for money – and of course Cape Town has one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings on the planet.

Chapman’s Peak

Locally known as ‘Chappies’, Chapman’s Peak is a favourite among cyclists who live in or are visiting Cape Town. Stunning mountain and spectacular ocean views plus some steep ascents are what to expect on this gently winding route.

Misty Cliffs

The Misty Cliffs route will take you through small coastal villages, and past lighthouses and some of the best surfing beaches in South Africa. It’s one for photographers and surfers as well as cyclists, and the panoramas ensure it’s one ride you’ll never forget.

If it’s a challenging climb you seek, head from Camps Bay to Kloof Nek. You can also continue onto the lower slopes of Table Mountain if that’s not enough of a test for your legs and lungs.

Constantia Wine Route

If you like the idea of cycling through a fertile valley in one of the world’s finest wine-producing areas, then tackle the Constantia Wine Route. Cellar doors, tours, tastings and restaurants await when you visit the collection of boutique wineries close to Cape Town.

Western Cape cycling events 

The world’s biggest timed bike race is the Cape Town Cycle Tour, so don’t miss that if you like to focus on speed.

Cape Town is generally warm to hot throughout the year. The months with the coldest temperatures (highs of around 20°C) and the most rainfall are June, July and August, when there’s ten days on average per month. January to March sees the driest and warmest weather.

Great for dramatic landscapes and wilderness

Venturing into Iceland for a cycling holiday is like stepping into an otherworldly scene. With its volcanoes, glaciers and vast fjords, Iceland offers an unrivalled backdrop for cyclists seeking both adventure and tranquility. It’s a place for those that love nature and exploring the world’s special places.

It’s not one for beginners though; the landscapes are bold but they’re also harsh, with towns and amenities few and far between. This is a cycling holiday destination where you’ll want to be pretty handy with your own bike repairs or at least have some good back up on hand from someone in the know!

For cyclists looking to escape well-trodden paths, the Westfjords offer some of the most isolated and stunning routes in Iceland. The region’s dramatic fjords, steep mountains, and rugged coastlines make for an unforgettable experience. Roads here meander through remote villages and past ancient cliffs, often with the Atlantic Ocean as your companion. Highlights include the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfall, abandoned gravel trails and cliff-side roads that boast panoramic views.

The best time for cycling in Iceland is from late June to early September, when the weather is mildest and the days are longest. During these months, you can experience up to 24 hours of daylight, allowing more time to explore. Weather can still be unpredictable, however, so it’s wise to prepare for all conditions, even in summer.

Read our in-depth guide to cycling Iceland here . You can also discover more about cycling Iceland’s Westfjords region (including some amazing photos!).

Best European cycling destinations

Europe is home to some of the top cycling destinations worldwide. On our destinations page, you’ll find in-depth region guides and inspiration articles sharing the best cycling holidays in Europe and introducing you to all the places you need to know about.

Discover the best cycling places in Europe with our destination guides or our popular article, best cycling destinations in Europe.

What next?!

Or should we say, where next?

We hope this guide has given you some inspiration regarding the best road cycling holidays on earth. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please do let us know in the comments below!

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Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

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10 Best Bike Rides in the World

We take pride in providing authentic travel recommendations based on our own experiences, which is documented through our travel photography and writing only about places we have personally visited. We may earn a commission when you purchase a product or book a reservation. This has no influence on our recommendations. For more information, please read about our approach to travel publishing. Learn more ›

Written by Kyle Kroeger

With the world trying hard to go green, there’s never been a better time to get on your bike. Sure, there are some awesome scenic road trips , but there is something extra special about completing a thrilling bike route on your own steam.

Whether it’s the freedom to go almost anywhere, the multiple health benefits, the relatively low cost, the reduced carbon footprint, minimal noise pollution, or simply the feeling of the wind in your hair. Cycling is cool, it was cool, and it will always be cool.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best bike rides in the world. From challenging mountain passes to coastal roads. From cross-country distance riding to paved trails. There’s something to suit every taste and every skill level.

Note that we’ve not included bike races in this article. You won’t find famous competitive rides like the Tour de France or the Trans-Siberian Extreme, but you can always research and ride their routes. And whether you’re racing or touring, be sure to pick up some bike-related travel insurance before setting off.

The 10 Best Bike Rides in the World

1. the great divide, north america.

The Great Divide is a famous cycling route that runs from Jasper, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Developed by the Adventure Cycling Association , it was completed in 1997 and is the longest off-pavement bike-riding tour on the planet.

Otherwise known as GDMBR (Great Divide Mountain Bike Route), it features over 200,000 feet of elevation gain. Spread across five geographically diverse regions, you’ll have a different experience every day.

And at 3,083.8 miles long, the creators of the route suggest around 60 days to complete the entire thing. If you’re a cyclist who likes tackling long distances, this is the ride for you.

The route will take you through several National Parks, including Glacier, Yellowstone , and Grand Teton. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with some eclectic flora and fauna. You and your bike will be pushed to the limit through strenuous sections, rolling terrain, and tough weather conditions. Make sure that your kit is in tip-top condition.

The creation of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is thought to have led to the invention of “bikepacking.” As such, it offers many places to stay, with campgrounds being the most popular option.

Try the Blue River Campground in B.C., for starters, which features plenty of other mountain bike routes in the area. And you can always practice stealth camping with a good lightweight tent .

See Related: The National Parks in the USA to Visit

2. The Lakes Route, Switzerland

Alpine cycling doesn’t get much better than the Alps themselves. Switzerland is home to some of the best places to bike in the world, with stunning mountains , lakes, and valleys to explore. Of all the trails on offer, the Lakes Route is perhaps the most picturesque and is a wonderful way to sample a cross-section of Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery.

The route begins at Lake Geneva (don’t miss out on a cruise ), and snakes its way across the country for around 316 miles. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful lakes, rustic towns and villages , dramatic mountains, and lush floral moors. The route is well signposted, given that Switzerland is one of the most bicycle-friendly countries on earth.

I’ve not been lucky enough to cycle these roads but I have driven them. My experience in this corner of the planet is best summed up by saying: Believe the hype. And aside from the fairytale vistas, you’re also in the land of chocolate and cheese. Don’t miss the legendary town of Gruyères, and be sure to sample some sweet delights on a chocolate tour .

From the resort town of Montreux in the east to the harbor town of Rorschach in the west, you’ll soon understand why Switzerland is among the most beautiful places on earth . I also highly recommend stays in historic Zurich , and adventurous Interlaken – one of the country’s outdoor capitals. Although when I was last there, I slept in the back of a van, the Hotel Chalet Swiss would have been much more comfortable.

See Related: The Best Hidden Gems in Switzerland

3. The Friendship Highway, China and Nepal

The Friendship Highway stretches just over 500 miles from the Chinese/Nepalese border to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa . Known as the world’s highest bike ride, it takes you over the nose-bleeding Himalayan mountains through an unforgettably remote landscape. Don’t forget you’ll need to spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude before setting off.

Completed in 1965, the Friendship Highway is the only road from Tibet to Southeast Asia. Broad and well-paved, cyclists will share the route with other vehicles, which can be completed in 15-20 days.

The highlights include Drepung Monastery and Potala Palace, the sacred Yamdrok Lake , and Karola Glacier.

Hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. And, of course, a panoramic view of the tallest mountain on earth. I forget the name of it.

Boasting one of the world’s longest and steepest downhill sections, riders should have a modicum of skill to attempt the journey. Ascensions can be grueling, and there are three passes over 16,400 feet. And that’s not to mention potentially inclement weather conditions as you attempt to negotiate the “roof of the world.”

If you’re not already exhausted from the highway, treks to the Everest base camp are popular from Kathmandu. But honestly, there’s so much to see and do in this region that you might as well take a sabbatical. Reward yourself with a stay at the Everest Boutique Hotel when you reach the Nepalese capital.

See Related: Bucket List Ideas of a Lifetime

4. Colle de Finestre, Italy

Did someone say “challenging bike ride?” It’s little wonder that Italy produces some of the world’s best riders when they’re getting this kind of workout. The Colle de Finestre might only be 11 miles long, but with the average gradient being a little over 9%, this is one of the toughest slogs on two wheels. It also features regularly in the Giro d’Italia bicycle race.

Located in the Piemont region, west of Turin and near the French border, the route journeys from Valle di Susa to Valle del Chisone. When you’re not grinding out the miles, take a rest and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Italian Alps. The region is also famous for its food and drink and is a popular destination for lovers of the grape.

The Colle de Finestre is the climbing stage of a longer route and is only open from early June until September. It’s a grueling test of endurance, and should only be attempted by riders with a high level of fitness.

You’ll climb to a height of 5,557 feet, negotiating 55 hairpins, with a maximum gradient of 14%. And the last six miles are on a dirt path. I’m getting tired just thinking about it.

Although Amsterdam is the city cycling capital of the world , as a country, Italy is considered by many as the cradle of the sport. As such, you can expect top-quality bike-friendly accommodation in these parts. Try the Hotel Napoleon Susa , which is popular with motorcyclists and cyclists, thanks to its dedicated parking garage.

See related: The Best Tours in Italy: Food, Walking & Bike Tours

5. The Shimanami Kaido, Japan

Stretching just over 37 miles, the Shimanami Kaido bike ride is one of the world’s best cycle routes. It begins on the island of Honshu and ends on Shikoku, and intermediate riders will complete the trip in four to five hours. Be prepared for some breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea along the way.

Island hopping in this region is one of the best things to do in Japan , and this well-maintained cycling route will take you over no less than six. There are over 3,000 to be explored, however, so you’re barely scratching the surface.

Still, this is a good start and a great bike ride for beginners or casual riders. One-day cycling tours are available if you don’t fancy negotiating it yourself.

Highlights include the Kosanji Temple, which features a recreation of the Buddhist version of hell. And the Hirayama Ikuo Museum showcases the work of the famous Japanese painter. But the scenery takes the top spot here, which cements it as one of the best places for biking there.

You can rent bikes on any of the islands, with a neat system that allows you to drop your rental off at a different location. But this six-day cycling tour of Shikoku includes the Shimanami Kaido section for those looking for a guided experience. Note that there will be small toll fees to cross the bridges, but it’s well worth it for the condition of the trails.

See Related: Reasons to Visit Japan

6. North Sea Cycle Route, Europe

Adventure cyclists interested in traveling through as many countries as possible will be drawn to the North Sea Cycle Route. Otherwise known as the Eurovelo 12 (EV12), it covers a distance of nearly 3,700 miles, through eight European nations, and takes around three months to complete. Opened in 2001, it officially entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 2003 as the world’s longest cycle route.

Hugging the rugged coastline of the North Sea, the route takes you through Scotland, England, Belgium , the Netherlands, Germany , Denmark, Sweden, and Norway . Your starting point is the Norweigan town of Bergen and ends in the remote Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland. You can, of course, do it the other way around, or tackle each country’s section individually.

All eight of these countries are pro bicycle, and the route includes well-paved surfaces, dedicated cycle lanes, and frequent signage. You’ll also need to board ferries at three points. Check timetables and plan crossings in advance, and be prepared to be flexible.

Expect a diverse geographical and cultural experience on this once-in-a-lifetime cycling adventure. You can find detailed information on each leg from tourist boards in each country. And the sky’s the limit for accommodation.

You won’t ever be too far from a warm shower. Try this delightful guesthouse at Dalkeith, close to the bike route and just seven miles from ancient Edinburgh.

See Related: The Ultimate Backpacking Through Europe Itinerary

7. Munda Biddi Trail, Australia

Translated as “path through the forest” in the Noongar Aboriginal language, the Munda Biddi Trail is one of the world’s best rides for mountain bikers. And never was a route better named, as it passes through a largely unspoiled forest landscape over dirt tracks, gravel roads, and along the coast.

Officially opened in 2013, at over 620 miles, it is the longest continual off-road trail on the planet. The trailhead is located just south of Perth and ends in Albany on the south coast. Depending on your fitness and experience, an end-to-end trip will take three to four weeks across three stages.

The track is open year-round, but thanks to Australia’s extreme heat, it’s advisable to attempt it only during the shoulder seasons of Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May).

While you’ll find towns dotted along the trail, there are long sections where you won’t see a sinner. Be sure to pack plenty of supplies before setting off, and tackle it at your own pace. Don’t forget a high-factor sunscreen .

The trail features several dedicated campsites for a place to rest your weary bones. But when it’s all over, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the comforts of the Six Degrees Boutique Hotel . The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation maintains the route, and you should head to that link to plan your trip.

See Related: The Australian Outback Adventure: Driving the Red Center

8. La Ruta de Los Conquistadores, Costa Rica

I did mention that I wouldn’t be including any races, but La Ruta de los Conquistadores isn’t just limited to the pros once a year. While the annual competition is dubbed the “world’s most difficult mountain bike event,” it can be attempted by anyone up for the challenge.

The only cross-country ride on our list, La Ruta de los Conquistadores, traverses the rolling terrain of Costa Rica . Beginning on the Pacific Ocean at Jaco Beach, the trail ends at Bonita Beach on the Caribbean coast.

One of the most amazing routes for mountain biking; you’ll encounter lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, waterfalls, mud paths, coffee plantations, and an extinct volcano. Fuel up with all the chocolate you can eat on a chocolate experience tour.

The point-to-point race covers three days, but you can take as much time as you like when completing the whole trail at your own pace. “La Ruta” is also dotted with notorious river crossings, so be prepared to get wet! Dismounting and carrying your wheels is not uncommon. But as they say in Costa Rica – “Pura Vida!”

For accommodations, the capital of San Jose is a slight detour but offers some fun things to do and is worth the stop for its hospitality alone. I’ve previously stayed at Costa Rica Backpackers , which is great if you’re on a budget and want to meet fellow travelers.

See Related: The Things to Do in Jacó, Costa Rica

9. The Death Road, Bolivia

Here’s one that will get the adrenaline pumping. There is a stretch of former highway in the Youngas region of Bolivia known by a chilling moniker. The Death Road.

Since it was constructed in the 1930s and before being decommissioned as a vehicular thoroughfare, it was claiming the lives of 200-300 people a year. Today, it serves as the most popular tourist attraction when visiting La Paz – one of the cheapest travel destinations in the world.

If you’ve not arrived with your wheels, you can take a guided Death Road mountain bike tour from the Bolivian capital. And it’s an exhilarating and rewarding experience. The route begins at a chilly high altitude before cruising downhill into the hot Amazon jungle. But make no mistake – this is not for the faint of heart.

Since 1998, the road is still living up to its name, as some 18 cyclists are thought to have died while attempting the route. The narrow gravel road has no guard rails and a 2000-foot drop on one side. Watch out for “babies’ heads;” rocks that can easily cause your bike to flip. I did it in 2013, and the most terrifying thing for me was the minibus drive back up!

Still, it’s one of the world’s best trails, and you’ll have some serious bragging rights once you have it under your belt. And while you’re in the country, cycling to the world-famous Salar De Uyuni is an absolute must. But you can always take a three-day tour if you’re saddle sore.

See Related: The Best Pink Lakes in the World

10. The South Downs Way, England

There are no less than 16 National Trails in England and Wales. Any long-distance footpaths and bridleways could be included here, but the South Downs Way is arguably the best for bike rides. It is located on England’s south coast and takes in ancient market towns, rolling hills, stunning sea views, and iconic chalk-white cliffs.

The route is open to all cyclists, hikers, and horse riders. It begins in the cathedral city of Winchester , and ends in Eastbourne, in East Sussex.

A total distance of 100 miles can be as challenging as you want to make it. The ride takes around four days if you prefer a more leisurely experience, although it can be done in under two. This guide will help you plan your journey through the South Down National Park.

History buffs will love this trip, as it’s a well-trodden path that has been used for over 8000 years. Along the way, you’ll pass through sleepy villages , picture-postcard countryside, historic sites, and that quintessential English bucolic vibe I’d loved to bottle. And the seaside town of Brighton is well worth a slight detour, as it has one of the best beaches in the UK .

Camping is the most popular accommodation of choice, but plenty of cute B&B options are also available. This beautiful cottage bed and breakfast in Poynings is a great example.

Historic hotels and traditional inns are also in plentiful supply. Try the Findon Manor Hotel if you fancy going upmarket, with a great selection of mountain bike trails in the area.

See Related: The Things to Do in London

Bike Riding Tips

Know how to ride a bike.

This isn’t as silly as it sounds. While anyone can learn how to operate a bike to get from A to B, there are all kinds of tricks and techniques to help you get the most out of your machine. Knowing how to change gears smoothly, how to corner, how to ride up and downhill, how to brake effectively…they will all help with safety, efficiency, and keeping you and your bike in the best possible condition.

Make sure you’re in good shape.

Aside from knowing how to ride, you should have decent physical conditioning if you’re going to attempt most of these bicycle routes. And you need to be borderline superhuman for the more challenging ones. Cardio. Cardo. Cardio. And yoga . Yoga rocks.

Understand basic bicycle maintenance.

You’ll be out there on your own, and bike repair shops will be few and far between once you leave civilization behind. All cyclists need to know how to fix the most common bike problems while on the road. If you don’t, buy a book , watch some videos, or take a course.

Make sure you have the right gear.

It’s not just about having a quality set of wheels. You’ll need suitable clothes, a bike repair kit , a first aid kit , a good helmet , and adequate supplies. Use a reflective safety vest when cycling in low light or inclement weather.

If camping, be sure to have a lightweight tent and season-appropriate sleeping bag . Research the route and weather conditions, and don’t try to put a round peg in a square hole. Taking on a mountain biking route with a road bike is just silly.

Stay Hydrated.

I once met a cyclist attempting a challenging route, and he had no water. He could have filled not even an empty water bottle at a spring.

Don’t be that guy. The Lifestraw will keep you hydrated from just about any water source.

Know your limits.

However confident you are in your ability, know when to call it a day. Exhaustion can cause all kinds of grief. Remember – you need to save enough energy to get back.

Don’t ride alone.

Two’s company, and there’s safety in numbers. If you must ride alone, tell someone where you’re riding, the route you’re taking, when you’re setting off, and what time you expect to be at home base. I also highly recommend a cycling computer with GPS for extra peace of mind.

Understand traffic laws.

When you visit and cycle in a foreign country, learn the local traffic rules and regulations. They’re not always as straightforward as cycling on the right side of the road.

Don’t ride without travel insurance.

I’ve had my fair share of accidents on two wheels, but thankfully nothing too serious. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen.

If you’re going to attempt any of the world’s best bike trails, make sure you have adequate travel insurance . It would suck to have a broken bone while riding in a remote mountain range without coverage.

Which countries offer the most spectacular bike rides?

Most countries offer cyclists scenic bike trails, but I think you need to be looking at the mountainous regions of the planet for the truly spectacular. Think Switzerland, Italy , and Central Asia to get you started.

Can I rent bikes and cycling gear for these amazing bike adventures?

Yes, you can, as not everyone wants to travel with their bikes. Most biking destinations will have businesses or accommodations that offer the chance to rent gear and equipment.

What is the best time of year to plan a cycling trip on these routes?

It depends on the route’s location, but spring, summer, and fall are usually the best times of year for most trips. I’d be cautious riding during the hottest months as you don’t want to suffer heat exhaustion.

Related Resources

• Most Beautiful Places in the World
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• Vacation Ideas for Couples

Bike Trips from Bangalore – Travel Endlessly

date_range 30 Sep 2024

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Bangalore, the city gradually evolved from being a garden city to the Silicon Valley of India. The state to which Bangalore belongs happily shares its boundary with 6 other states. Surely one cannot deny that Bangalore makes up for being the heart of travel freaks. This city is blessed to be surrounded by such mesmerizing places that a bike trip from Bangalore would really be a mind-blowing experience.

Here’s a list of places to go on a bike trip from Bangalore and travel endlessly -

Best Routes & Places to Ride from Bangalore

Bangalore to Ooty: 280 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 07 hrs 30 min (approx.)

Route 1: Bangalore – Ramanagara – Mandya – Mysore – Nanjangud – Gundlupet – Masinagudi – Ooty

Route 2: Bangalore – Hosur – Krishnagiri – Dharmapuri – Salem – Avinashi – Coonoor – Ooty

Ooty fondly called the “Queen of Hill Stations” is based in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Udagamandalam, Ooty is set in the Nilgiris – the “Blue Mountains” of India. Ooty enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. The major lure of this place is its refreshing weather and the picturesque beauty it has got to offer. Hill-top mists, lush tea gardens, and coffee plantations spread on the slopes, and many more delights define Ooty and its popularity among the tourists.

Not to miss places:

• Avalanche Lake
• Doddabetta Peak
• Kamraj Sagar Dam
• Kalhatty Waterfalls
• Emerald Lake

Not to miss local stuff:

• Toda Tribal Community lifestyle
• Home-made chocolates
• Annual Tea and Tourism Festival

Bangalore to Ooty: 270 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 05 hrs 30 min (approx.)

Route 1: Bangalore – Ramanagara – Madya – Kushalnagara – Madikeri – Coorg

Route 2: Bangalore – Ramanagara – Mandya – Nagarhole – Gonikoppal – Coorg

Also commonly known as  'Scotland of India' , is a beautiful hill station in Karnataka. With hazy temperatures all year long, it is a great tourist attraction. Coorg is heaven for hill station lovers. As Coorg is one of the places with the highest rainfalls in the country it is well known for its coffee and tea plantations. Coorg also offers a variety of activities like trekking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, etc. to enjoy your stay. It is the perfect stop for a family vacation or a trip with your friends.

• Abbey Waterfalls
• Pushpagiri Hills
• Harangi River
• Brahmagiri Hills
• Iruppu Waterfalls
• Kodava fair
• Local’s hospitality

3. Lepakshi

Bangalore to Lepakshi: 123 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 20 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore - Hebbal – Yelahanka – Doddaballapura – Gauribidanur – Hindupur – Lepakshi

Lepakshi is a village located in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. This place has a very significant mythological history. The main attractions of this place are the beautiful temples with amazing architecture. Each and every temple is designed and carved so perfectly that it visually depicts the stories of war, marriages, and fascinating tales of period 1336-1646. Not only Holy temples but even the local handicrafts market attract tourists. Lepakshi is a perfect place for the architect freaks and for those who have a real interest in mythological history. 

• Jatayu Theme Park
• Lepakshi Nandi Temple
• Lepakshi Veerbhadra Swamy Temple
• Leepakshi Handicrafts
• Historic stories from localites

4. Skandagiri

Bangalore to Skandagiri: 60 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 01 hour 20 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Yelahanka – Devanahalli – Chikkballapur – Kalawara – Pappagni Matt – Skandagiri

Skandagiri, also known as “Kalvara Durga” among the locals, is known for trekking and sightseeing. Surrounded by Nandi hills, Skandagiri is set at 1450 metres above sea level. It is known that Skandgiri was once home to a majestic fort built by Tipu Sultan, who was the ruler of the kingdom of Mysore in the eighteenth century. The trek to the hill-top is a thrilling one with a moderate to high level of difficulty for trekkers. People often spend the night under the stars at the hill-top which provides a splendid view of the surrounding hills. The best time to visit this place is from November to February as the weather is cool and refreshing, unlike the hot and humid weather in the other months.

• Papagni Mutt
• Shiva Temple
• Ghati Subramanya
• Grover Zampa vineyards

Bangalore to Gokarna: 484 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 09 hours 45 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Tumkur highway – Davanagere – Harihar – Haveri – Hubli – Gokarna  

One cannot really miss out on exploring the coastal lines. Gokarna is by far the best place to go on a ride from Bangalore, exploring the seaside of nature. This place is known for its beautiful, clean beaches, delicious seafood, and salty air. What makes more this place more intriguing is the names of the beaches around. Myself personally being a beach guy, makes me question the reason behind such naming. Not to miss but just like Goa and Tarkarli even this place has got some kind of craze for its water sports arrangements at every beach. The best time to visit this place is anytime between September and December. 

• Paradise Beach
• Halfmoon Beach
• Kudle Beach
• Gokarna Beach
• Gokarna Nightlife
• Yoga by the beach
• Trinket and clothes spot

6. Mekedatu

Bangalore to Mekedatu: 101 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 35 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore-Kanakapura-Mekedatu

Mekedatu is a town located in Kanakpura taluka in Karnataka. The name is simply a Kannad word meaning goat’s leap. Set-up along the banks of Kaveri River, it’s a perfect place just to relax and unwind yourself on a weekend. A short bike trip from Bangalore to Mekedatu is very enjoyable. It’s preferable to ride to this place in early winters as during this season the temperature ranges from 20-25 degree Celsius. Riding to Mekedatu counts in as one of the best one day bike trip from Bangalore.

• Chunchi Waterfalls
• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Picnic on the banks of Kaveri River

7. Avalabetta

Bangalore to Avalabetta: 92 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 01 hour 50 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore-Chikkballapur-Avalabetta

Famously known as “Nandi Hills with less crowd”, Avalabetta is a perfect place to relive the same beauty as of Nandi Hills but without the fuss. The formation of hills is so picturesque that you cannot resist yourself clicking a picture. At the top of Avalabetta hill, there is a Lakshmi Narsimha temple. This temple is well complemented with pristine surroundings. Interact with the locals around to know the mythological significance of this temple. Avalabetta is a place filled with serenity especially if you witness the sunrise or the sunset standing on the hill-top. A bike ride from Bangalore to Avalabetta early in the morning gives a perfect start to your weekend, taking you on a refreshing journey. 

• Hilltop Pond
• Gudibande Fort
• Dandiganahalli Dam
• Srinivasana Sagara
• Mythological history straight by the locals

8. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary  

Bangalore to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: 92 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 50 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Kumbalgodu – Channapatna – Mandya – Rangantithhu

Known for its flora and fauna, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the largest in Karnataka. Located in Mandya district along the banks of Kaveri River, this place is truly a god gifted land. This Sanctuary is named after the Hindu god Ranganathaswamy who was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is expanded over 40 acres and has 13 islands, 219 different species of birds, and a few water bodies. The major attraction to this place is touring the whole sanctuary on a boat ride. This experience offers you not only a scenic view around but also glimpses of all kinds of birds. If you’re lucky enough you may spot crocodiles too, ironically waiting for you. January is the best time to visit this Sanctuary as migratory birds return home around this time.

• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
• Karanji Lake
• Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
• Kukkarahalli Lake
• Devraja Market

9. Sakleshpur  

Bangalore to Saklehspur: 222 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 04 hours 05 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Nelamangala – Tumkur – Tiptur – Banavara – Halebeedu – Sakleshpur  

In the Western Ghats lies a beautiful town called Sakleshpur. It’s roughly 4 hrs. bike ride from Bangalore. It’s a hill station surrounded with a lofty green surface of different plantations - coffee, cardamom, pepper, and areca . Trekking all the way to Sakleshpur hill-top is an experience worth all your time. It’s a moderate to difficult trek, demanding you to pump more and more energy as you climb up the hill. But isn’t it worth putting in the best of your efforts for a breath-taking view in the end? All in all a bike trip from Bangalore to exploring the plantations around, to a tiring trek all the way to hill-top, everything is just perfectly splendid.

• Manjarabad Fort
• Sakleshwara Temple
• Agni Gudda Hill
• Plantation Exploring

10. Wayanad 

Bangalore to Wayanad: 272 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 05 hours 45 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Channapatna – Srirangapatna – Mysore – Kattikulam – Wayanad

Wayanad, a village in Kerala is a heaven for those fellow travellers who want to take a break from the busy city life and spend some quality time close to nature and get a gist of some wildlife. This beautiful South Indian village is home to different tourists’ attractions like dams, ancient temples, caves, wildlife sanctuary, etc. Wayanad has a wide range of cultural diversity. It offers visitors the world of Bamboos, The Thudi, the paintings by the Kattunayakan tribes, and the best of all, the archery expertise in Ambalavayal. A bike trip from Bangalore to Wayanad is a must so as to get lost in the serenity blessed by Mother Nature. 

• Chembra Peak
• Kuruva Island
• Pookode Lake
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Edakkal Caves
• Soochippara Waterfalls
• Santhi Pappadam (Local Market)
• Easwaran Nanmboodiri (Local Market)

11. Hampi   

Bangalore to Wayanad: 343 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 06 hours 15 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Chitra Durga – Hospet – Hampi

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Karnataka. It is a well-known and good tourist place in South India and is full of historical monuments in the form of Temples. Hampi was founded in the 14th Century and holds a lot of traces back to the Vijayanagara Empire.  Such a significant destination, Hampi counts in as one of the favourite places to go on a bike ride from Bangalore. For every architecture enthusiast, adventure seeker, archaeologist, history geeks, Hampi is a must-visit. The best time to visit this place is probably the month of October or November as the overall weather is cool, refreshing, and non-humid.

• Open Air Museum
• Stone Chariot
• Virupaksha Temple
• Hampi Bazaar
• Virupaksha Temple Car Festival
• Purandaradasa Aradhana Music Festival

12. Puducherry

Bangalore to Puducherry: 310 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 06 hours 40 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Hosur – Krishnagiri – Chengam – Tiruvannamalai – Tindivanam – Pondicherry

Colonial buildings, Churches, vibrant colours, oceanic views, gold-sand beaches, a pinch of history, all-together makes for a beautiful place called Puducherry. A bike trip from Bangalore to Pondicherry is a must if you want to deep dive into the French culture in our own India. Not only culture but Pondicherry museums gives a peak to some of the renowned pieces of French architect too. If you’re a seafood lover, this place is just meant for you. The local cuisine is just so authentic to the French taste. Now if you’re wondering when to visit this place then let us tell you that Puducherry is one such place that can be visited any time of the year filled with unique experiences for different seasons.

• Promenade Beach
• Puducherry Museum
• French War Memorial
• The Sacred Heart Basilica
• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Goubert Market
• Mission Street

Bangalore to Agumbe: 347 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 07 hours 10 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Hassan – Belur – Aldur – Agumbe

Remember the fictitious place in the famous Television show, Malgudi Days ? It’s none other than Karnataka’s own Agumbe village. Known as “Cherrapunji of South”, Agumbe is home to dense forests, lush green hills, waterfalls, and rivers. This place is also known to receive the highest rainfall and so be careful while you plan your trip. What makes this place much more unique is the fact that locals have stuck with this place for 100s and 100s of years. This place also contributes to the Western Ghats of India, making it difficult for bikers to miss visiting Agumbe.

• Sunset Point
• Barkana Falls
• Jogi Gundi Waterfalls
• Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Bangalore to Karwar: 522 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 10 hours 15 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Tumakur – Kadur – Shimoga – Sirsi – Gokarna – Karwar

A bike ride from Bangalore to Karwar is a biker’s paradise. The route is so amazing that it’ll take you through different scenic beauties – ghats, farm lands, arecanut trees, costal lines . Riding/driving to this place is my personal favourite as it offers everything a nature lover would want. The best time to visit this place starts from late monsoon to February. We highly recommend riding to this place starting early in the morning. Not to forget, on the way you’ll pass through the less explored Goa of Karnataka, Gokarna . Don’t really miss on exploring Gokarna as it has got its very own charm and feel.

• Karwar Beach
• Rock Garden
• Kurumgad Island
• Majali Beach
• Swetha Lunch Home
• Watersports

Bangalore to Goa: 561 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 11 hours 25 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Nelamangala – Tumkur – Chitradurga – Sirsi – Ankola – Karwar – Panaji

We all have been just on the planning stage every time we think of travelling to Goa. It hurts! Goa, a place in every millennial's travel bucket list, is known for its coastal line and the young charm it carries. This place has been a hotspot for tourists around the globe. It’s said that to feel young, visit Goa. The destination is something which everyone would have read about and so let’s talk about the means of travel and route. 

Be it from Bangalore or Mumbai or Ahmedabad or any place, travelling to Goa comes best by bike ride or a car drive. The route is amazingly perfect be it from anywhere and each route has got fresh scenic beauty to offer. The ghats, the coastal line, a pinch of local lifestyle, makes travelling by road a great experience. Anmod ghat on the way is a biker’s heaven to ride on.

• Chapora Fort
• Arambol Beach
• Candolim Beach
• Butterfly Beach
• Aguada Fort
• The Candolim Deck
• Local Hair Art (Chapora Fort)
• Goa’s Fenny

16. Gandikota

Bangalore to Gandikota: 283 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 05 hours 55 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Nandi Hills – Bagepalli – Gorantla – Pullivendula – Gandikota

Gandikota, located on the banks of Penna River is known for its landscape and fort. It’s famously known as the Grand Canyon of India among the travellers. This place has many hidden gems, yet to be explored by the tourists. The best time period to visit this place is between September and February. The weather is quite pleasant during this time thus making it easy for the travellers to be alive and fresh while enjoying the natural beauty of Gandikota.

• Gandikota Fort
• Rayalacheruvu Lake
• Belum Caves
• Banks of Penna River

17. Kunti Betta

Bangalore to Kunti Betta: 123 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 03 hours 04 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Mandya – Kunti Betta

Set at a distance of roughly 125 kms from Bangalore, Kunti Betta is a hill-rock arrangement in Mandya district. The hill is about 2882 metres above sea level. Trekking all the way for 4 kms to the top-hill is an experience not to miss out on. The trek trail has a temple at the foot of the hills common among the locals as a pilgrimage spot. It’s a perfect weekend getaway destination from Bangalore, best explored during night time.

• Sunrise Point
• Pandavapura Lake

18. Coonoor

Bangalore to Coonoor: 285 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 06 hours 50 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Mysore – Nanjangud – Gundalpet – Bandipur – Kalhatty – Ooty – Coonoor

Coonoor, situated at a distance of 19 kms from Ooty, is quite known among tourists for being one of the best places for vacations. Situated in the Nilgiri ranges, Coonoor is home to Tea plantations and local festivals celebrated annually. It’s a small hill station but has a beauty that is beyond comparison to any other place. Silk is another thing for which Coonoor is well known. A trip to Coonoor seems best if travelled between October and February. 

• Katary Falls
• Lamb’s Rock
• Mariamman Temple
• Lady Canning’s Seat
• Silk Rearing Station
• Wellington Golf Course
• Guernsey Tea Factory

19. Doddamakali

Bangalore to Doddamakali: 113 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 55 min (approx.)

Doddamakali is located at a distance of 156 kms from Bangalore, popular for its rustic charm and wildlife surroundings. It’s counted as one of the perfect places to visit for a weekend getaway. This place is bliss for bird-watchers as they can easily spot rare water birds or even land birds like Black-Bellied River Tern, Osprey, Tawny Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Spot-Billed Duck, Woodpeckers, and many more. You can even go on for a jungle safari to spot Sambar, Spotted Deer, Grizzled Giant Squirrels, Leopards, and Elephants. Kayaking, mountain biking, coracle rides are a few adventure activities that can be done in and around Doddamakali.

• Riverside Beach
• Ganalu Falls

20. Karighatta

Bangalore to Karighatta: 127 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 45 min (approx.)

Karighatta hill is situated at a height of 2976 metres above sea level. This place is right at the convergence of Lokapavani and Cauvery River. Karighatta is quite considered among locals and tourists as a spot for a weekend getaway. It’s bliss for all trekking all the way to the hill-top. Adventure enthusiasts, bird-watchers, lonely seekers, this place has got something for each one.

• Karighatta Srinivasa Temple
• Daria Daulat Bagh

21. Bylakuppe

Bangalore to Bylakuppe: 214 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 04 hours 45 min (approx.)

Bylakuppe is a town located at a distance of 214 kms from Bangalore. This place is ideal for those who love to capture the colours of local livelihood. Bylakuppe is known for exotic temples, handicrafts, Tibetan colonies, etc. You can even easily spot Bylakuppe’s very own “Mini-Tibet”. I personally love this place as exploring the Tibetan colonies and interacting with the locals educate me in detail about the age-old tradition and culture linked to this place. What makes Bylakuppe much more beautiful is the life of the locals. It’s worth riding all the way to this place, exploring the local beauty through the turns.

• Namdroling Monastery
• Idols of Buddha
• Handicrafts shopping
• Interaction with locals
• Local Food joints

22. Dandeli

Bangalore to Dandeli: 473 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 09 hours 20 min (approx.)

Route: Bengaluru – Shimoga Road – Tumkur – Kalghatgi – Dandeli  

Dandeli, a small hamlet located on the banks of Kali River, is known for its lush green forests, wildlife, adventure sports, and the scenic beauty this place have got to offer. October to February is the ideal time to visit this place as the weather is quite pleasant. To put it in one line, explore the forests, roam around in the jungle, spot different species of flora and fauna, do it all at just one place called Dandeli.

• Syntheri Rocks
• Dandeli Adventurers
• Dandeli Goa Adventures

23. Chikmagalur

Bangalore to Dandeli: 243 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 04 hours 20 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Yediyur – Channarayapatna – Hassan – Belur – Chikmagalur  

Known as the “Coffee Land of Karnataka”, Chikmagalur is the home to first-ever coffee plantation. Another thing that makes this place unique is the different kinds of homestays around. Located in the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is surrounded by lush green dense forests along with a pleasant climate for enjoying the beauty of this place throughout the year. Chikmagalur offers some of the most beautiful temples in South India. There are amazing domes around which are dated back to the 12th century. This place is also known for its flora and fauna and thus is home to a number of natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries. A bike ride to Chikmagalur is one of a kind that would seem like never-ending.

• Mullayanagari Peak
• Coffee Museum
• Hebbe Waterfalls
• Pilgrimage town visit
• Coffee estate homestay
• WiIdlife spotting
• Off-road biking

24. Kodaikanal

Bangalore to Kodaikanal: 466 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 09 hours 10 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Krishnagiri – Dharmapuri – Salem – Namakkal – Karur – Dindigul – Batlagunda - Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is known as the “Queen of Hill Stations” in Tamil Nadu. The word Kodaikanal means – The gift of the forest . This place is host to an artificial, star-shaped lake called Kodaikanal Lake. This lake is spread vastly over 45 acres. Kodaikanal is famous for its forest valleys, calm lakes, waterfalls, grassy hills, etc. This place is best visited during January to March. The weather is quite calm during this time, making the whole trip worth visiting. A bike ride all the way to Kodaikanal from Bangalore is all you need to set loose from the city chaos and go on a refreshing break.

• Coaker’s Walk
• Poombarai Village
• Pillar Rocks
• Silver Cascade
• Dolphin’s Nose
• Barijam Lake
• Kodaikanal Lake
• Danish Display
• Kodai Chocolate factory
• Potter’s shed
• Spices Corner

Bangalore to Mysore: 143 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 03 hours 10 min (approx.)

Route: Bangalore – Bidadi – Ramanagara – Channapatna – Maddure – Mandya – Srirangapatna – Mysore

Mysore, known as the “Palace City of India”, was once the capital of Karnataka. If structures and places intrigues you then Mysore is a place to must visit. The places and gardens that Mysore hosts are some of the popular historical monuments of South India. These are dated back to the 18 th and 19 th century. These places and structures thus represent the Indian architecture of the British Era. The best time to visit and explore the historical monuments of this place is anytime between July and February.

• Mysore Palace
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
• Regional museum of natural history
• Folklore museum

26. Ramanagara

Bangalore to Ramanagara: 48 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 01 hour 10 min (approx.)

Located around 50 kms away from Bangalore, Ramanagara is none other than the famous hills from the Sholay movie. This was the ultimate hideout spot for India’s own fictitious villain, Gabbar. This place is a heaven for rock climbers and is known for its adventure activities. We would suggest you trek all the way to the hill-top during the late evening and even settle for a night camping. This place is a popular weekend getaway spot among travellers from Bangalore and nearby.

27. Hyderabad

Bangalore to Hyderabad: 569 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 09 hours 40 min (approx.)

Hyderabad, also known as the “City of Pearls”, is a beautiful city made up of palaces and forts. This place comes with mixed emotions. The food, the locals, the history, each thing has got a different experience to offer. Hyderabad has a number of places that hold historical importance. This place also hosts a few beautiful palaces like Taramati Bhandari, Falaknuma Palace, etc. Everyone knows that Hyderabad is well known for some authentic Biryani, Charminar as a tourist attraction. But that’s not all as this place is home to some less explored attractions too. A bike trip from Bangalore to Hyderabad is a must for a fun-packed road trip.

• Charminar Fort
• Bhongir Fort
• Osman Sagar Lake
• Ananthagiri Hills

Not to local stuff:

• Authentic Biryani

28. Hoggenakkal Falls

Bangalore to Hoggenakkal Falls: 127 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 02 hours 53 min (approx.)

Hogenakkal waterfalls is located on the Kaveri River flowing in the Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. The beauty of these cascading waterfalls is one of a kind. It’s one of the prime attractions in and around the Dharmapuri district. It’s worth riding all the way here on a bike for a refreshing break from the daily chaos. If lucky enough, you might even spot birds coming from far long. One of the major attractions nearby this place is Mettur Dam which is built across the Kaveri River at the canyon. The dam is surrounded by green hills and its design structure is one of a kind. 

29. Calicut

Bangalore to Calicut: 350 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 07 hours 32 min (approx.)

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode is the largest city in Kerala. Popular for the picturesque view it offers, Calicut is one of the best places to go on a bike ride from Bangalore. Vasco da Gama had set his foot on the isolated beach of Kappad, set in Kozhikode, in 1498, and discovered India . This place is the marketing centre for commodities like coffee, rubber, lemongrass oil, etc., which are produced in Kozhikode and the neighboring districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kannur. The international travellers blessed this district as ‘the noble emporium of India’ for being the major trade centre in Malabar and major exporter to foreign countries. 

• Kozhikode Beach
• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
• Kappad Beach
• Thusharagiri Waterfalls

Bangalore to Badami: 444 kms (approx.)

Ride Duration: 08 hours 30 min (approx.)

Badami is located in the northern part of Karnataka. It’s well known for its history and architecture around. There is a number of ancient temples, forts, historical places to visit in Badami. To enjoy the local stuff, there are many fairs and festivals taking place annually every year. Not to miss but Badami is also blessed with beautiful surroundings to let that sink in your eyes. You must visit as many as these exciting places to make the most out of your trip to Badami. 

• Badami Fort
• Agastya Lake
• Bhootnath Temple
• Annual Fairs and Festivals
• Local Art and handicraft Market

To sum up here are all in all about travelling to different places from Bangalore on a bike, covering different interests of different people. But that’s not all. Being Bangalore as the start point, not to worry if you don’t own a bike because Royal Brothers has set its foot right in Bangalore and 40+ other cities as well. Royal Brothers started with a dream to make mobility accessible to all and we are happy to say that we are indeed renting dreams. Rent a bike in Bangalore and ride with us like you own it - for as short as 10 hours and as long as 9 months . #keepriding

Also from new RB Store , you can buy from a unique collection of biker T-Shirts designed & printed by Royal Brothers , to make your next ride stylist.

Anuj Seksaria

Best of Vilamoura: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour

Vilamoura, a vibrant coastal town in Portugal, offers an engaging bike tour that promises to immerse visitors in its rich cultural tapestry. The "Best of Vilamoura: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour " invites travelers to explore the local markets , savor authentic flavors, and marvel at the breathtaking natural scenery . Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the historic landmarks and hidden gems that make Vilamoura a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, this guided bike adventure promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the charm and allure of this picturesque region.

• A 3-hour guided bike tour that showcases the highlights of Vilamoura and Quarteira, including local markets, native flora and fauna, and historic points of interest.
• Offers an authentic cultural experience through visits to the fish and fruit markets, as well as insights into the region’s heritage and natural beauty.
• Includes short stops for relaxation and nature appreciation, along with insider tips on affordable dining options.
• Provides comfortable transportation via bike rental and professional guide commentary for a hassle-free exploration of the coastal region.
• Highly rated by previous customers for the guide’s knowledge, value for money, and overall experience.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• From Algarve: Private Seville Day Trip With Transfer
• Bordeira Beach – Horse Riding Tour at Sunset
• From Algarve: Private Ayamonte Van Tour
• Welcome to Carrapateira Horse Riding Tour

Tour Overview

The "Best of Vilamoura: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour " offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant coastal town of Vilamoura and the neighboring Quarteira.

Priced at $42.13 per person, the tour lasts 3 hours and is available in both English and Portuguese.

Guests can enjoy the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour highlights include visiting local markets , discovering native flora and fauna, and experiencing historic points of interest and beach scenery, with short stops for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the "Best of Vilamoura: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour " can look forward to an engaging exploration of the town’s vibrant coastal landscape.

The tour highlights include visiting the local fish and fruit markets to soak in the authentic Portuguese atmosphere. Travelers will also discover the native flora and fauna as they cycle through scenic routes.

Historic points of interest and breathtaking beach views are another key feature of the tour. Short stops along the way allow participants to relax and appreciate the natural surroundings.

The guided bike tour begins at Vilamoura Marina, where you will walk from the Dunes to the local markets . Along the way, they’ll learn about Quarteira’s origins and visit the Old Village.

The itinerary offers a well-rounded exploration of the area:

Discover the historic points of interest and breathtaking beach scenery that define Vilamoura’s charm.

Experience the vibrant local culture by visiting the fish and fruit markets, where visitors can learn about native Portuguese flora and fauna.

Enjoy short stops for relaxation and nature appreciation, gaining insider tips on affordable dining options to enhance the overall experience.

The tour’s inclusions encompass the essentials for an enjoyable and hassle-free experience .

Bike rental ensures you’ll have a comfortable mode of transportation to explore Vilamoura and Quarteira. A professional guide leads the way, providing insightful commentary and helping you navigate the area with ease.

Insurance coverage gives you peace of mind, while a complimentary water bottle keeps you hydrated during the journey.

These inclusions work together to create a well-rounded tour, allowing you to focus on soaking in the sights and experiences without worrying about the logistics.

With these provisions, you’re free to learn about the best of Vilamoura.

Meeting Point and Important Information

The meeting point for the Best of Vilamoura : 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour is the Bike A Wish Vilamoura Shop , located at Praça Parlamentar Romano, Edifício Marina Arcadas, Loja 3.

The GPS coordinates are 37.078902, -8.117326. Participants should book their spot at least 24 hours in advance, as the tour has a limited capacity. Arriving late may result in missing the tour, as the group will depart on time.

To ensure a smooth experience, keep in mind these important details:

• Book your tour in advance to secure your spot.
• Arrive at the meeting point on time to join the group.
• Be prepared for an engaging and informative 3-hour bike adventure.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Best of Vilamoura: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews. The guide received a perfect 5/5 rating, while transportation and value for money scored 4.5/5 and 4/5 respectively. Reviewers from Ireland and the UK highlighted the tour’s highlights, including exploring Vilamoura and Quarteira, visiting local markets, and discovering the area’s natural beauty. One GetYourGuide traveler noted the "great way to see the local sights" while another praised the "very knowledgeable guide."

Explore Vilamoura and Quarteira

As part of the Best of Vilamoura: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour, travelers can explore the picturesque towns of Vilamoura and Quarteira.

The tour offers the opportunity to discover the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Highlights include:

Visiting the local fish and fruit market to take in the local culture and traditions.

Discovering the native Portuguese flora and fauna, providing a deeper appreciation for the region’s biodiversity.

Experiencing historic points of interest and breathtaking beach scenery , offering a well-rounded exploration of the area.

These experiences allow participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of Vilamoura and Quarteira, creating lasting memories of their time in this charming coastal region.

Discover Native Flora and Fauna

What makes the native flora and fauna of the region so captivating?

During the bike tour , riders will have the chance to discover the diverse array of plant and animal life unique to the Vilamoura and Quarteira areas. The tour guide will point out the distinctive foliage, flowers, and trees that thrive in the coastal environment.

Birdwatchers can look for native species like the Iberian magpie, Sardinian warbler, and little egret. The tour also provides opportunities to spot other wildlife such as rabbits, lizards, and insects.

Exploring this natural habitat gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the region’s ecology and the importance of preserving its delicate ecosystems .

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Coasteering Adventure
• Coasteering and Cliff Jumping Near Lagos
• Benagil Caves and Dolphins Tour – Salema Beach
• Dolphin Watching Along the Algarve Coast
• Algarve: Seville Full-Day Shopping and Sightseeing Tour
• Coasteering Adventure With Snorkeling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the level of difficulty for this bike tour.

The bike tour’s difficulty level is generally moderate. It involves cycling around Vilamoura and Quarteira, with short stops for relaxation and nature appreciation. The terrain is mostly flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for Participants?

There are no strict age or fitness requirements for this bike tour. However, participants should be able to ride a bicycle comfortably. The tour is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, though young children may require parental supervision.

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle Instead of Renting One?

Yes, you can bring your own bicycle instead of renting one. The tour company allows participants to use their personal bikes, as long as they’re in good working condition and suitable for the planned route.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs Not Mentioned?

The tour price includes bike rental, a professional guide, insurance, and a water bottle. There don’t appear to be any additional fees or hidden costs based on the information provided. Customers should verify this with the tour operator before booking.

What Happens if the Weather Is Not Ideal on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is not ideal on the tour day, the operator will contact customers to reschedule or offer a full refund. They prioritize customer safety and satisfaction, ensuring the tour runs smoothly regardless of weather conditions.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Vila Real De Santo Antonio: Guadiana River Cruise With Lunch
• Albufeira: 2 DIVES TRIP (ONLY CERTIFIED DIVERS)
• Faro: Ria Formosa Natural Park Segway Tour & Birdwatching
• Algarve: Jeep Safari With Distillery Visit & Lunch
• Coasteering Algarve: Cliff Jump, Swim & Climb in Sagres
• From Algarve: Lisbon City Tour With Shopping
• Albufeira: 6-Hour Boat Tour With BBQ and Drinks
• Lagos: Algarve Coasteering and Snorkeling Adventure
• From Lagos: Small-Group 4-Hour Wine Tasting Tour
• Albufeira: Catamaran Cruise With BBQ & Open Bar on the Beach
• Vilamoura: Full-Day Algarve Cruise With BBQ Lunch on Beach
• Algarve: 2-Hour Beginner Surf Lesson
• From Albufeira: Full-Day Tour of Algarve Easterns Finest
• Algarve: 1-Hour Carrapateira Horseback Riding Tour

Set out on a captivating 3-hour bike tour through the vibrant charm of Vilamoura. Discover local markets, historic points of interest, and breathtaking beach views . With a professional guide , you’ll explore the scenic beauty of native flora and fauna, creating unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the best of Vilamoura on this engaging and immersive adventure.

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Travels & Treasures

7 Best Brunch Spots in Harlem New York

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Looking for a best brunch in Harlem NYC? After several trips to the Big Apple, I made my way to upper Manhattan to sample cultural cuisines.

There is a diverse food scene. You can try a French restaurant like Maison Harlem, Caribbean restaurant specialties, or an Italian restaurant in Harlem’s restaurant row.

Let’s dive into a few places you should visit for your next brunch outing!

Harlem Brunch Spots

Harlem has several restaurants with diverse menus influenced by soul food, Caribbean flavors, and classic American cuisine. The dishes are flavorful and authentic. Not sure what to try first, try our recommendations at these must-visit places. They are a great spot for both locals and tourists seeking a perfect backdrop for a good time over brunch.

Sylvia’s Restaurant

• 328 Malcolm X Blvd

As a frequent traveler to Harlem, you know that no visit is complete without savoring some authentic soul food from their day menu.

While Sylvia’s Restaurant, founded by the legendary Sylvia Woods in 1962, is famous for its fried chicken, your go-to spot has become Harlem’s treasure of Southern-inspired seafood and vegetable dishes.

Their crispy catfish, perfectly seasoned collard greens, and mouthwatering sweet potatoes have become my personal favorites. On the last visit, I tried the BBQ-shrimp. It was sweet and tangy with the right amount of flavor.

Notes from my visit:

• Visited on weekday for lunch.
• No reservations available (fully booked); 30-minute wait.
• Server gave complimentary lemonade and homemade cornbread for the delay.

If you don’t mind waiting for next available seating, I highly recommend making a reservation online.

Red Rooster Harlem

• 310 Lenox Avenue

I discovered a special NY Restaurant Week menu at Red Rooster, a steal at $30 for two courses and settled on a starter of sweet potato and coconut soup. When it arrived, the vibrant orange hue was a feast for the eyes. That first spoonful was a rollercoaster of flavors with the sweetness of the potato melding with the creamy coconut.

For the main course, I tried fried catfish paired with black-eyed peas and a pickled onion salad. The fish arrived golden and crispy. The black-eyed peas were infused with traditional Southern seasonings.

Red Rooster elevates soul food while maintaining its comforting essence in a gourmet makeover. Through the efforts of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and his role in making Harlem a top brunch destination.

• Visited on weekday for late lunch, no waiting.
• Service was quick and attentive.
• A welcoming setting with innovative twists in ingredients

Next time, I’m determined to save room for dessert – I hear their sweet potato pie is legendary.

Melba’s

• 300 W 114th St

I can’t believe it took me this long to discover Melba’s! I’d explored many of Harlem’s culinary gems before, but Melba’s had somehow slipped under my radar. When I finally caught wind of the buzz surrounding this place, I knew I had to make a special trip back to Harlem to see what all the fuss was about.

Now, I’ve had my fair share of catfish, but Melba’s version? It’s in a league of its own. The batter was so light and crispy, it almost defied physics. Each bite was a perfect balance of flaky fish and golden crust. But the real game-changer was the hot sauce. As someone who loves exploring different cuisines, I was intrigued by its similarity to Thai chili sauce.

And don’t even get me started on the butter! I don’t know what kind of culinary magic Ms. Melba works, but that butter was so good, I briefly considered asking if they sold it by the tub. It was the perfect accompaniment to the star of the show – the eggnog waffle.

Now, I’ve eaten my way through many a brunch menu in my travels, but this eggnog waffle? It’s ruined all other waffles for me. The subtle notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, the crisp exterior giving way to a fluffy interior – it was a masterpiece. I found myself savoring each bite, trying to commit the flavor to memory.

It’s easy to understand why Ms. Melba emerged victorious in her showdown with Bobby Flay. This wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. A celebration of flavors, textures, and the rich culinary traditions of Harlem.

• Visited on weekday around 1:00 PM; not crowded
• Enclosed patio seating available
• Excellent and attentive service; food arrived within 10 minutes piping hot

I left Melba’s with a full stomach and a fuller heart, already planning my next visit.

Bottomless Brunch Options

If you are looking for spots with bottomless mimosas or hours of bottomless rum punch, these are our recommendations. The bottomless offers are limited to 90 minutes with purchase of entree if you want to linger over conversation.

• 2168 Fredrick Douglass Blvd

Their innovative brunch menu features twists on classics, like lavender-infused French toast or smoked salmon Benedict with a Creole hollandaise. You’ll love Lido if you’re a food enthusiast who appreciates a refined atmosphere but still wants that unmistakable Harlem energy. The outdoor seating has views of Morningside Park. It’s a great spot to enjoy crisp baked French toast, blueberry pancakes, or braised short rib hash.

Angel of Harlem

• 2272 Fredrick Douglass Blvd

This restaurant serves bottomless mimosas, rum punch, and sangria that’ll transport you straight to another destination of origin. This spot is for those who believe brunch should come with a soundtrack – think neo-soul and hip-hop classics spinning all day. It’s the perfect spot for birthday gatherings or for solo diners looking to make new friends at the lively bar. Try the kale salad, tropical French toast with your bottomless drink.

Harlem Tavern

• 2153 Fredrick Douglass Blvd

This brunch spot has a spacious outdoor area that is family-friendly and great for corporate events or a good idea for weekend brunch with kids or friends. The brunch menu is a love letter to my personal favorites like fried egg omelets and chicken & waffles. You’ll fall for Harlem Tavern if you prefer a laid-back vibe where you can catch the game on TV while indulging in comfort food and day drinking.

Santiago’s Beer Garden

• 2337 1st Ave

Santiago’s is a brunch experience that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about bottomless mimosas or bellinis. The sun-drenched Mediterranean courtyard has lush greenery and strings of twinkling lights overhead that create a cool a neighborhood bar vibe.

The menu is a fusion of Spanish and Latin American flavors like chorizo-laden omelets or dulce de leche-drizzled waffles. It’s ideal for romantic brunch dates or solo diners looking to lose themselves in a good book and great ambiance.

New on the scene is The Terrace cocktail bar on 116th St between 1st and 2nd Avenue. It sounds like a cool place to hang out for happy hour.

Map of Best Brunch Spots in Harlem

Final Thoughts on Harlem Brunch Spots NYC

All restaurants mentioned have bar drinks including sparkling wine, sangria, rum punch, mojito, margarita flight, and other tasty combinations.

These restaurants have my nod on their soul food dishes and innovative culinary creations. It’s what makes upper Manhattan the place to be for great food and rich history.

Among the many things to do in Harlem , I hope you explore the neighborhood’s diverse culinary traditions, ranging from Southern comfort food to innovative takes on brunch classics. You won’t regret it.

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Tanya, a writer and travel expert who has lived in Chicago for over 30 years, is your go-to local expert for Chicago's hidden treasures. Tanya's deep knowledge of various cities and attractions is acquired through personal exploration, making her articles a treasure trove for travelers and families. She has visited 43 of the 50 United States, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan, and the UK.