Admit it, you started to read that title to the tune of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”.
At AvidCyclist.com, we believe the bike is a passport — to fitness, freedom, community, and adventure. But where you live can dramatically affect your riding experience. Some states provide expansive trail systems, bike-friendly infrastructure, and welcoming cycling culture… while others have a long way to go.
Below is our comprehensive ranking of all 50 states, based on overall riding opportunity across road, gravel, and mountain biking, plus trail access, event culture, climbing terrain, safety, and bike community support.
You may argue, you may disagree, you may praise this list. But what we all must agree on is that this country gives more options of great cycling than just about any country in the world. So, here is our ranking of:
Arguably the U.S. cycling capital — high alpine gravel, world-class mountain biking, and endless scenic road climbs. Community support is strong and cycling culture runs deep from the history of the Coors Classic to the Backdrop of the cycling classic film, “American Flyers”.
From coastal highway rides to towering Sierra dirt, California offers huge diversity. The weather allows riding nearly year-round. Also home to the Sea Otter Classic in the spring.
Iconic red-rock gravel, high desert MTB, and big alpine road climbs. Moab alone is a pilgrimage destination. Utah offers gravel and mountain bike challenges for all levels.
Smooth scenic road networks, massive bikepacking routes, and one of the strongest gravel event scenes in the country. Some would argue that it is some of the best cyclocross in the country, definitely the muddiest. 🙂
Excellent trail systems, lots of protected bike lanes, and incredible Cascade mountain riding. A bike friendly state for the most part, and just a great place to be on 2 wheels.
Winter training paradise with spectacular desert and sky island climbs. Tucson is legendary for cyclists. If you go a little further south there are rides along the boarder wall, ie “Boarderlands Gravel”.
Quiet roads, dirt everywhere, hills for days — gravel riders consider Vermont holy ground. With the soil and great climate, a lot of hero gravel out there.
Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway, and thriving road and MTB communities make NC a year-round cycling hub.
Endless national forest gravel and understated but elite-level MTB terrain. Less crowded than nearby hotspots.
Huge landscapes, rugged backcountry gravel, and peaceful, scenic roads. Remoteness is both a challenge and a reward.
While road biking may not be the forte of Arkansas cycling, the growth in and around Bentonville of the gravel and mountain bike trail systems, and culture will knock them into the top 10 by next year.
Excellent bike path networks and a thriving urban cycling culture centered around Minneapolis.
High elevation and quiet desert roads, plus a growing gravel scene — especially around Santa Fe and Taos.
Epic scenic gravel and mountain terrain, but spaced far apart — best for experienced self-supported riders.
Tons of forest MTB and gravel, especially in the Upper Peninsula and northern regions.
Coastal riding, forests, and light traffic make for low-stress scenic adventures.
Knoxville and Chattanooga have become MTB hotspots, with solid climbing and event culture.
Atlanta has improving bike infrastructure, and the North Georgia mountains are a roadie’s dream.
Las Vegas and Reno both have strong climbing and desert routes, though summer heat is intense.
The Blue Ridge and Shenandoah areas offer some of the best climbing miles east of the Rockies.
Pennsylvania – Challenging hills and solid mountain biking around Pittsburgh and State College.
New Hampshire – Small state with big riding; beautifully quiet countryside roads.
Massachusetts – Good bike infrastructure and strong club culture.
New York – NYC riding is better than people think, and the Adirondacks offer world-class climbing.
Ohio – Growing trail systems and friendly bike communities.
Florida – Flat but fast; great winter riding and group ride culture.
Texas – Gravel is exploding here, though distances between good spots can be large.
South Carolina – Greenville area is a major training center with big climbs.
Wisconsin– Beautiful rolling roads and one of the strongest local road racing scenes in the Midwest.
Kentucky – More gravel than most realize, especially in horse country and Daniel Boone NF.
West Virginia – Tough, steep terrain with excellent backcountry riding.
Alabama – Local MTB scenes growing, but infrastructure is inconsistent.
Missouri – The Katy Trail is a gem; overall cycling access varies.
Indiana – Solid rural road networks; gravel scene is quietly strong.
Illinois – Chicago area path systems are great; rural riding is pleasant but flat.
Maryland – Very good hill training near the Appalachians.
Connecticut – Short climbs, quiet roads, and scenery in every direction.
New Jersey – Surprisingly good riding in northwest NJ and Pine Barrens gravel.
Rhode Island – Small state but decent bike network and coastline routes.
Delaware – Compact but bike-friendly, mostly mellow terrain.
Kansas – Gravel paradise if you like wind and endless rolling plains. Perhaps that is why it is home to the challenge that is “Unbound Gravel”.
Nebraska – Similar to Kansas, with supportive gravel community.
Iowa – RAGBRAI proves the passion is there, but hilly gravel dominates.
South Dakota – Black Hills MTB is strong, but access varies.
North Dakota – Sparse population means little traffic — but little cycling culture.
Mississippi – Limited infrastructure and driver awareness challenges.
Louisiana – Flat terrain but inconsistent safety for road cycling.
Oklahoma – Some gravel pockets, but overall limited infrastructure.
Alaska – Epic adventure riding but short seasons and serious logistics.
Hawaii – Beautiful scenery, but limited road networks and bike-accessible routes.
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