Best Bicycle Rides In The Usa
Riding a bicycle is not only a great way to get exercise, but it is also a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the great outdoors. The United States of America is home to some of the most scenic and diverse bicycle rides in the world. Whether you are an avid cyclist or a beginner, there is a ride for everyone. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best bicycle rides in the USA.
1. The Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile long trail that runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail is mostly flat and follows the scenic Youghiogheny River, passing through charming small towns and offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail is suitable for bikers of all skill levels, with many options for camping and lodging along the way.
2. The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile long scenic road that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The road offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, with many opportunities for hiking, camping, and biking. The parkway is a popular destination for cyclists, with many challenging climbs and descents.
3. The Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a 237-mile long trail that runs along the Missouri River, stretching from Clinton to St. Charles in Missouri. The trail is mostly flat and follows the historic route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. The trail passes through charming small towns and offers scenic views of the Missouri River. The trail is suitable for bikers of all skill levels, with many options for camping and lodging along the way.
4. The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is a 655-mile long road that runs along the coast of California, from San Francisco to San Diego. The road offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with many opportunities for hiking, camping, and biking. The highway is a popular destination for cyclists, with many challenging climbs and descents.
5. The Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 22-mile long trail that runs from Dennis to Wellfleet in Massachusetts. The trail follows the route of the old Cape Cod Railroad and passes through picturesque Cape Cod towns and natural landscapes. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for bikers of all skill levels, with many opportunities for bird-watching and sightseeing.
6. The Mickelson Trail
The Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile long trail that runs through the Black Hills of South Dakota, from Deadwood to Edgemont. The trail follows the route of an old railroad and offers stunning views of the Black Hills, with many opportunities for hiking, camping, and biking. The trail is suitable for bikers of all skill levels, with many options for camping and lodging along the way.
7. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail is a 184.5-mile long trail that runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail follows the historic route of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and offers scenic views of the Potomac River and the Appalachian Mountains. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for bikers of all skill levels, with many options for camping and lodging along the way.
8. The Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile long scenic road that runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. The road follows the historic route of the Natchez Trace, a trail used by Native Americans and early settlers. The road offers scenic views of the Mississippi River, with many opportunities for hiking, camping, and biking. The parkway is a popular destination for cyclists, with many challenging climbs and descents.
9. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is a 106-mile long trail that runs from Key Largo to Key West in Florida. The trail follows the historic route of the Overseas Railroad, which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1935. The trail offers stunning views of the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico, with many opportunities for bird-watching and sightseeing. The trail is mostly flat and suitable for bikers of all skill levels, with many options for camping and lodging along the way.
10. The Olympic Discovery Trail
The Olympic Discovery Trail is a 130-mile long trail that runs from Port Townsend to La Push in Washington. The trail follows the Olympic Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail is suitable for bikers of all skill levels, with many options for camping and lodging along the way.
In conclusion, the USA is home to some of the most scenic and diverse bicycle rides in the world. From the Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania to the Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington, there is a ride for everyone. Whether you are an avid cyclist or a beginner, these rides offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.