America has some of the best bike trails in the world
And that's great news for our RV Lifestyle Fellow Travelers who love to explore the world on two wheels.
Whether you prefer challenging, mountainous terrain on a mountain bike, miles of winding pavement on a road bike, or just some easy, casual trails with scenic views, there’s plenty to be found across the U.S.
And sure, there are plenty of trails in the U.S., including one of our favorites around the perimeter of Michigan's Mackinac Island.
But I wanted to put together a list that covers a variety that includes all skill levels, and different geography and natural features. With the help of the folks at BikesReviewed.com, here's a list of eight of the best in the U.S.
8 Best Bike Trails In The U.S.
Cady Hill Forest
Location: Stowe, Vermont
Type: Mountain
Length: 9 Miles
Skill Level: Various levels, mostly intermediate
This one offers gorgeous views on both singletrack and doubletrack trails. Towering trees form unending canopy areas, along with plenty of rocky areas to navigate, and enough excitement for beginner and intermediate riders to have a great time, without worrying about encountering sections they can’t handle. Cady Hill Forest is perfect for spring riding, and has its best views and scenery in the fall.
Little Pan Loop (Black Canyon Trail)
Location: New River, Arizona
Type: Mountain
Length: 24 miles round-trip
Skill Level: Intermediate
The Black Canyon trail is one of the most popular in the country, with plenty of reason. The Little Pan Loop is an incredible 24-mile loop that’s a part of the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail that totals more than 78 miles. The loop takes riders through some stunning desert views, and even takes them past the Agua Fria River for a reprieve from some of the beautiful, yet harsh landscape. Be advised, however, that this trail is very much an intermediate level, and mixes in long flat portions with challenging climbs and a few technical surprises.
Big Sur
Location: Carmel to Cambria, California
Type: Road
Length: 100 Miles
Skill Level: Advanced
The Big Sur is the definition of a coastal cruise. For 100 miles (one way,) riders can take in the sights and sounds of a sprawling mountainside, all the while situated next to towering cliffs and a rocky coast that has waves crashing throughout. The weather on this road is rather pleasant all year, so you don’t have to worry about planning a trip during any particular month. Be forewarned though: there is a lot of climbing, and this is a 100-mile path, so you’ll need to be in shape, and have a quality road bike.
Valmont Bike Park
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Type: Mountain
Length: 42 acres of trails
Skill Level: Kids, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Valmont blends in a wide range of trails to provide an experience for riders of all levels, including children. You can take it easy on some of the leisure trails that offer great views of Boulder as you make your way around, or hit some of the harder trails like Mesa Flow or Corkscrew for a more technical challenge. You can also find a terrain park that has a slope-style course, dirt jumps, and more. Either way, Valmont is well maintained, has something for everyone, and is located in one of the most outdoor-friendly cities in all of the U.S.
Shark Valley Trail
Location: Miami, Florida
Type: Road
Length: 15 miles
Skill Level: Beginner
Situated in Everglades National Park, the Shark Valley Trail lets even the most novice road biker enjoy a solid ride through an active and rich part of the park. You can expect to encounter lots of wildlife, including gators, so keep an eye out. The path itself is paved and smooth, and plenty wide enough for big groups. The 15-mile round trip is easy for most, and there aren’t many inclines — simply an easy, fun, and scenic ride with a true deep-south experience. The Shark Valley Trail is best in the spring and fall, especially if you’re trying to beat the humidity.
Twin Bridges Loop
Location: Bend, Oregon
Type: Road
Length: 36 miles
Skill Level: Intermediate
Bend, Oregon is one of the most bike-friendly towns in America and has something to offer for riders of all types. The Twin Bridges Loop is a perfect intermediate ride, as the 36-mile round-trip path can be done by most riders who aren’t just starting out. Twin Bridges Loop starts and ends in Drake Park, located in downtown Bend, and takes you through lots of forest scenery set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. There are some tough climbs, but you can always stop in Tumalo and grab a pint or two if you need a break.
Captain Ahab
Location: Moab, Utah
Type: Mountain
Length: 4.3 Miles
Skill Level: Advanced
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the most famous trails on the continent.
Captain Ahab is wedged into the sprawling red rock landscape of Moab and is perfect for advanced mountain bikers. The trail winds its way through an array of rock formations and takes you past the Colorado River, as well as the Kane Creek anticline. It has two different routes, each of which leads to a renown single-track trail that has many payoffs, including some unique sights, and fast, technical descents. Every serious mountain biker needs to consider making at least one stop at Captain Ahab at some point. Spring and fall are the best times.
Sand Hog Hill
Location: Ironton, Minnesota
Type: Mountain
Length: 1.1 miles
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
One of the more unique and fun trails in the U.S., Sand Hog Hill is pretty small but offers a lot of action within its one-mile course that is located in the scenic Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The trail is built on the remains of an old mine and includes lots of jumps, obstacles, and rocky terrain that includes wooden and dirt ramps. You even get a few looks of the lake during portions of the deep, red trail.
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One Response to “8 Best Bike Trails In The U.S.”
Comments are closed.
April 06, 2020at8:24 pm, Ross Williams said:
If I understand it Big Sur is not a bike trail, its a bike route on a highway with narrow shoulders and lots of traffic. We need a Pacific Coast Bike Trail that provides a bike trail for recreational riders along the coast from Mexico to Canada the way the Pacific Crest Trail does for hikers. Big Sur is just one of many places that are limited by requiring people to sharing roads that are uninviting for families and recreational riders. A complete trail will take years to complete but would be a huge boon for cyclists and the local communities it goes through.