WHERE TO TAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP: BEST BIKE TRAILS ACROSS THE USA

Planning your next cycling adventure? The United States offers some of the world's most spectacular bike trails, from coast-to-coast rail trails to challenging mountain bike paths that wind through breathtaking landscapes. This guide covers the best bike trails across the country, organized by both trail type and region, helping you choose the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Length: 237 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Crushed limestone

The Katy Trail follows the historic route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad along the Missouri River. This trail offers beautiful scenery as it passes through small towns, dense forests, and open farmland. The relatively flat terrain makes it perfect for a leisurely ride, and multiple access points allow you to customize your bike ride length.

What Makes It Special:

• Longest developed rail trail in the U.S.

• Historic railroad bridges and scenic overlooks

• Wine country sections with vineyard views

Length: 360 miles

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Surface: Mixed (paved and stone dust)

Following the historic Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, this trail showcases New York's rich history while providing beautiful landscapes along the Hudson River. The trail connects numerous small towns and offers breathtaking views of the waterway that helped build America.

Trail Highlights:

Length: 35 miles (Note: Partial closure in effect)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Surface: Finely crushed gravel

The Virginia Creeper Trail has long been one of the most scenic bike trails in the eastern U.S., winding through the Appalachian Mountains and crossing dozens of historic trestle bridges. While the trail previously ran uninterrupted from Abingdon to Whitetop, Hurricane Helene devastated the upper 18-mile section between Damascus and Whitetop.

What’s Open:

• The Abingdon to Damascus section (about 17 miles) has reopened and continues to offer a beautiful ride through forests, creeks, and historic towns.

• Local businesses in Abingdon and Damascus welcome your visit as the community rebuilds.

Pro Tips for Virginia Creeper:

• Start in Abingdon for a ride through open, scenic segments

• Visit in spring or fall for peak weather and views

• Be mindful that trailhead amenities and signage may be limited as repairs continue

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Terrain: Desert slickrock and technical singletrack

For mountain bikers seeking world-class trails, Moab delivers unparalleled adventure. The area features diverse terrain from the famous Slickrock Trail to more technical options that challenge even experienced riders.

Must-Ride Trails: 

• Slickrock Trail: 10.5-mile loop with moderate elevation gain

• Porcupine Rim: Stunning views of the Colorado River

• Whole Enchilada: Epic 26-mile descent from alpine tundra to desert

Length: 450+ miles of trails
Difficulty: All levels
Elevation: 6,900-10,000 feet

Park City offers one of the most extensive mountain bike trail networks in North America. The trail system provides options for every skill level, from gentle family rides to challenging climbs that reward riders with views of the Wasatch Mountains.

Trail Categories:

• Green Trails: Perfect for beginners and families

• Blue Trails: Intermediate riders with some technical features

• Black Trails: Advanced trails with significant elevation gain

• Double Black: Expert-only terrain with extreme technical challenges

Length: 444 miles
States: Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee
Difficulty: Moderate

This historic route follows an ancient Native American trail. The parkway offers beautiful scenery through diverse landscapes. From dense forests in Tennessee to rolling hills in Mississippi, this well-maintained bike path provides safe cycling with minimal traffic interaction.

Combined Length: 335 miles
Route: Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C.
Surface: Crushed limestone and dirt

This epic cross-state journey combines two major trails into one unforgettable adventure. Riders experience diverse landscapes including industrial heritage sites, wilderness areas, and historic waterways.

Journey Breakdown:

• Great Allegheny Passage: 150 miles through Pennsylvania

• C&O Canal Towpath: 185 miles through Maryland

• Eastern Continental Divide: Historic crossing point

• Multiple railroad bridges: Engineering marvels from the 1800s

Length: 21 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Asphalt

This rail trail showcases the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty as it winds through dense forests and farmland. The trail features several restored railroad bridges and offers beautiful scenery year-round, though spring to fall provides the most comfortable riding conditions.

Length: 27 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Paved

Starting in Seattle and extending to the Canadian border region, this urban trail connects multiple neighborhoods while providing scenic views of Lake Washington and Puget Sound. The trail offers easy access to bike shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Length: 33 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Asphalt

This scenic trail connects with Georgia's Silver Comet Trail to create a 94-mile continuous path. The route passes through charming small towns and offers beautiful scenery with minimal elevation changes, making it perfect for family cycling adventures.

Length: 78 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Surface: Gravel and ballast

Following the Greenbelier River through dense forests and past historic sites, this trail offers a peaceful escape into nature. The gentle grade and scenic beauty make it popular with both casual cyclists and serious touring riders.

Length: 22 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Paved

This popular trail showcases New England's coastal charm as it passes through quaint towns, cranberry bogs, and salt marshes. The relatively flat terrain and scenic route make it ideal for families and casual riders looking for a leisurely ride with beautiful scenery.

Length: 14.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Paved

Connecting Providence to Bristol, this scenic trail offers stunning water views and passes through several charming New England communities. The path provides easy access to beaches, parks, and historic sites while maintaining a gentle grade suitable for all skill levels.

Length: 109 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Surface: Crushed limestone

This converted railroad line travels through the heart of the Black Hills, offering spectacular mountain views and access to historic mining towns. The trail features over 100 converted railroad bridges and four tunnels, creating a unique cycling experience through beautiful terrain.

Length: 363 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mixed road and trail

This scenic route circles Lake Champlain, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The bikeway passes through historic small towns and provides access to numerous state parks and recreational areas.

Different trails shine in different seasons.

• Spring brings wildflowers to prairie trails

• Summer opens high-elevation mountain routes

• Fall delivers spectacular foliage in eastern forests

• Winter provides opportunities for fat biking in northern climates

Make sure to research which season is best for the trail you're interested in, as timing can make all the difference in your experience.

Many trails offer excellent support infrastructure, including:

• Trailhead parking and facilities

• Bike repair shops

• Trail-town accommodations and restaurants

• Water stops and rest areas

• Emergency contact information

Always research trail conditions before departure.

• Check for seasonal closures, construction projects, or weather-related issues.

• Carry appropriate repair tools, navigation aids, and emergency supplies based on trail length and remoteness.

The United States offers an incredible diversity of cycling experiences, from gentle family rides through small towns to challenging mountain bike adventures in pristine wilderness. Each trail provides its own unique character, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Whether you're seeking a leisurely ride through historic communities, technical mountain bike challenges, or epic cross-country touring, America's trail system delivers unforgettable experiences. The key to enjoying these adventures safely starts with reliable equipment: both the bike you ride and the system that gets it there.

When you're heading to remote mountain bike trails in Moab or embarking on a multi-day journey along the Great Allegheny Passage, you need bike transportation you can trust completely. 1UP USA bike racks are engineered for cyclists who demand the same quality in their bike rack as they do in their bikes. With rock-solid security and versatile capacity, these trail-tested racks ensure your bikes arrive safely, whether you're planning a solo adventure or group expedition.

Choose your destination, plan your route, and transport your bikes with confidence. The trails are calling, your bike is ready, and with 1UP USA, you're equipped for whatever adventure awaits around the bend.