From the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest to the sun-drenched keys of Florida, the United States offers a vast and diverse tapestry of landscapes best explored on two wheels. The rise of the “rails-to-trails” movement, coupled with the designation of scenic byways as bicycle-friendly routes, has unlocked thousands of miles of unparalleled cycling opportunities for riders of all abilities. Whether you seek the gentle grade of a converted railway, the epic challenge of a mountain ascent, or the historic charm of a riverside towpath, there is a trail waiting to be discovered. This collection highlights ten of the nation’s most iconic and celebrated bike paths, each offering a unique journey through the heart of America’s natural beauty and rich history.
1. Katy Trail — Missouri
Length: ~240 miles | Surface: Packed crushed limestone
The Katy Trail is the longest developed rail-trail in the United States, stretching from Clinton to Machens along the Missouri River corridor. Built on the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad bed, the trail is virtually flat, making it ideal for cyclists of all skill levels. Riders pass through dense forests, rolling farmland, wetlands, and charming small towns, with 26 trailheads and four fully restored historic railroad depots along the way. It is a quintessential multi-day touring experience through the heart of America.
Official Website: mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
2. Natchez Trace Parkway — Mississippi, Alabama & Tennessee
Length: ~444 miles | Surface: Paved road (designated bicycle route)
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a federally protected scenic roadway managed by the National Park Service, running from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. The entire 444-mile route has been designated a bicycle route, offering cyclists a remarkably smooth, low-traffic road lined with ancient forests, Civil War sites, Native American mounds, and rolling hills. With no commercial vehicles, no billboards, and very limited intersections, it rides more like a dedicated bike path than a public road — a truly immersive historical and natural journey.
Official Website: nps.gov/natr
3. George S. Mickelson Trail — South Dakota
Length: ~114 miles | Surface: Crushed limestone and gravel
Winding through the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, the Mickelson Trail runs from Deadwood to Edgemont along a converted rail corridor. The trail crosses more than 100 converted railroad bridges and passes through four hard-rock tunnels, offering dramatic scenery at every turn. Riders travel through pine-covered ridges, granite spires, and peaceful valleys, with the trail passing near iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. It is widely considered one of the most scenic rail-trails in the nation.
Official Website: bikemickelson.com
4. Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) — Pennsylvania & Maryland
Length: ~150 miles | Surface: Crushed limestone
The Great Allegheny Passage stretches from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland, crossing the Eastern Continental Divide through the rugged Laurel Highlands. Built on former railroad beds, the trail is almost entirely car-free and passes through dense forests, river gorges, and welcoming trail towns. When combined with the adjacent C&O Canal Towpath (184.5 miles), cyclists can complete an epic 335-mile journey all the way to Washington, D.C. — one of the most celebrated long-distance bike tours on the East Coast.
Official Website: gaptrail.org
5. Erie Canalway Trail — New York
Length: ~360 miles | Surface: Paved and packed gravel (87% off-road)
Running from Buffalo to Albany across upstate New York, the Erie Canalway Trail follows the historic route of the 19th-century Erie Canal. The trail links the major cities of Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica, passing through charming canal towns, farmland, and river valleys. With 87 percent of the route off-road and suitable for all ages and abilities, it is one of the most accessible long-distance trails in the Northeast. The route is steeped in American industrial history, with restored locks, aqueducts, and canal-era architecture visible throughout.
Official Website: eriecanalway.org
6. Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail — Florida
Length: ~106 miles | Surface: Paved
One of the most visually dramatic bike paths in the country, the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail runs the entire length of the Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West. Built along the historic Overseas Railroad corridor, the trail crosses dozens of bridges and causeways over the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay. Cyclists are treated to sweeping ocean panoramas, tropical wildlife, and the laid-back atmosphere of the Keys throughout the route. The 2.2-mile Long Key Viaduct section is a particular highlight, offering uninterrupted views of open water in every direction.
Official Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/florida-keys-overseas-heritage-trail
7. Virginia Capital Trail — Virginia
Length: ~52 miles | Surface: Paved (dedicated path)
The Virginia Capital Trail is a fully dedicated, paved bicycle and pedestrian trail connecting the Commonwealth’s present-day capital of Richmond with the early colonial capital at Jamestown. The trail passes through four counties and follows the scenic James River corridor, offering views of historic plantations, wetlands, and colonial-era landmarks. As one of the few trails in the country that connects two state capitals, it combines natural beauty with deep historical significance, making it a favorite for both recreational cyclists and history enthusiasts.
Official Website: virginiacapitaltrail.org
8. Olympic Discovery Trail — Washington State
Length: ~130–135 miles | Surface: Paved paths, crushed gravel, and some highway sections
Spanning the ruggedly beautiful northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, the Olympic Discovery Trail runs from Port Townsend on the Puget Sound to La Push on the Pacific Ocean. The route offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes, including snow-capped mountain views, old-growth forests, fast-flowing rivers, pristine lakes, and dramatic Pacific coastline. Portions of the trail are fully paved and dedicated multi-use paths, while other sections utilize quiet roads and gravel corridors. It is considered one of the most geographically diverse cycling routes in the Pacific Northwest.
Official Website: olympicdiscoverytrail.org
9. Tahoe Rim Trail — California & Nevada
Length: ~165 miles | Surface: Singletrack dirt trail
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Tahoe Rim Trail offers world-class riding along the ridgelines and mountaintops surrounding Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border. The trail circles the entire Lake Tahoe Basin, climbing to elevations above 10,000 feet and delivering breathtaking panoramic views of the deep blue lake and the Sierra Nevada range. The route ranges from mellow singletrack to challenging technical descents, making it best suited for experienced riders. It is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular mountain bike routes in North America.
Official Website: tahoerimtrail.org
10. Cape Cod Rail Trail — Massachusetts
Length: ~25.5 miles | Surface: Paved
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a beloved paved rail-trail running through the heart of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, from South Yarmouth to South Wellfleet. The trail passes through a classic New England landscape of kettle ponds, salt marshes, cranberry bogs, and coastal woodlands. Its largely flat terrain, well-marked road crossings, and proximity to beaches and local restaurants make it one of the most family-friendly and enjoyable cycling experiences on the East Coast. It serves as a gateway to the broader network of Cape Cod bike paths and is a summertime institution for both residents and visitors.
Official Website: mass.gov/locations/cape-cod-rail-trail
The ten trails featured here represent just a fraction of the incredible cycling adventures awaiting you across the country. From multi-day, cross-state journeys that test your endurance to leisurely afternoon rides that delight the senses, there is a path for every ambition and every season. Each trail tells a story—of industry, of nature, of community—and invites you to become a part of it. So, whether you are dusting off an old cruiser for a shorter spin, or tuning up a high-performance touring bike, let this list be your inspiration. The open road, and the open trail, are calling.
