Top Cycling Trips in the USA: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Routes, Scenic Trails & Bikepacking Adventures

Whether you’re dreaming of a coast-hugging road tour, a car-free rail-trail adventure, or a rugged bikepacking epic, the USA delivers every flavor of two-wheeled travel. This ultimate guide highlights the best routes, when to ride them, how to plan logistics, and where to find authoritative maps—so you can turn inspiration into an unforgettable cycling trip.

Note: When this guide cites distances, designations, or policies, it links to credible official sources.

How to use this guide

  • Browse trip types: iconic road tours, car-free rail-trails, cross-country epics, and bucket-list bikepacking routes.
  • Scan the Quick Facts for distance, surface, difficulty, season, permits, and official resources.
  • Use the Planning & Logistics and Packing sections at the end to dial in your trip.

When to ride: seasons by region (at a glance)

  • Pacific Coast: Late spring through early fall; summer tends to have prevailing north-to-south coastal winds in many sections (many riders go north→south) Adventure Cycling—Pacific Coast Route.
  • Mountain West high country: Late June–September for snow-free passes; earlier/later at lower elevations.
  • Southwest deserts: Spring (Mar–May) and fall (Oct–Nov) for mild temps.
  • Northeast/Mid-Atlantic: Late spring–fall; peak foliage Sept–Oct along routes like Skyline Drive and the Erie Canalway.
  • Southeast: Spring or fall to avoid heat/humidity; winter can be comfortable on the Natchez Trace.

Iconic road touring routes (scenic paved road rides)

Pacific Coast Bicycle Route (WA–OR–CA)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: Approximately 1,850 miles, primarily paved roads and bike paths (varies by itinerary) Adventure Cycling Association.
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (frequent coastal climbs).
  • Best season: Late spring–early fall; many riders favor north→south for winds and coastal views.
  • Highlights: Sea cliffs, redwoods, beach towns, state-park hiker/biker camps in OR/CA.
  • Logistics: Oregon and California feature hiker/biker campsites in many coastal state parks (first-come) Oregon State Parks—Hiker/Biker.
  • Maps/resources: Adventure Cycling route maps; local DOT bike maps; RideWithGPS collections.

Why it’s great: A classic American tour linking lighthouses, rugged headlands, and photogenic bridges, with frequent services and coastal campgrounds.

Skyline Drive + Blue Ridge Parkway (VA–NC)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: 105-mile Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park + 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway to Great Smoky Mountains NPS—Skyline Drive and NPS—Blue Ridge Parkway.
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steady grades; numerous climbs).
  • Best season: Spring and fall for flowers and foliage (watch for variable weather).
  • Highlights: Endless ridge vistas, waypoints every few miles, national park scenery.
  • Logistics: Seasonal services; camping and lodging options along the parkway.
  • Maps/resources: NPS bicycling info (rules, tunnels, services) NPS—Blue Ridge Bicycling.

Why it’s great: America’s premier ridge ride with protected landscapes and classic park infrastructure.

Natchez Trace Parkway (MS–AL–TN)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: 444 miles of scenic, access-controlled two-lane parkway NPS—Natchez Trace Parkway.
  • Difficulty: Mild to moderate (rolling terrain; limited steep grades).
  • Best season: Spring or fall; summer heat can be intense.
  • Highlights: Historic sites, limited commercial traffic (commercial vehicles prohibited on the parkway), mileposts, campgrounds.
  • Logistics: Services spaced; plan food/water stops; shoulder widths vary.
  • Maps/resources: NPS biking info and maps NPS—Bicycling the Trace.

Why it’s great: A serene, history-rich ride with predictable navigation and fewer high-speed interactions.

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FL)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: Approximately 106 miles from Key Largo to Key West, largely separated multi-use path with some on-road segments Florida DEP—FKOHT.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate (flat; wind and sun exposure).
  • Best season: Winter through spring for cooler temps and drier weather.
  • Highlights: Ocean views, bridges, state parks, beaches.
  • Logistics: Lodging can be pricey—book early; sun/wind management essential.
  • Maps/resources: Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail map and status updates via Florida DEP.

Why it’s great: A warm-weather winter escape on a mostly protected path between turquoise waters.

Rail-trail odysseys (car-free or low-traffic, great for all levels)

C&O Canal Towpath + Great Allegheny Passage (DC–MD–PA)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath (packed dirt/gravel) NPS—C&O Canal + 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (crushed limestone) GAP Trail = ~334.5 miles Washington, DC to Pittsburgh.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate (gentle grades, variable surfaces).
  • Best season: Spring–fall; towpath can be muddy after rain.
  • Highlights: Car-free stretches, historic locks/tunnels, river valleys, trail towns.
  • Logistics: Camping (hiker-biker sites on the C&O), lodging in towns, shuttle options.
  • Maps/resources: Official NPS and GAP maps, cue sheets, and trip planner via GAPTrail.org.

Why it’s great: One of the best multi-day, mostly car-free tours in the U.S.

Katy Trail State Park (MO)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: 240 miles, crushed limestone rail-trail across Missouri Missouri State Parks—Katy Trail.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate (gentle rail grades).
  • Best season: Spring/fall; summer heat and storms possible.
  • Highlights: Missouri River bluffs, wineries, small towns, depots.
  • Logistics: Well-spaced trailheads, services; some segments remote—carry water.
  • Maps/resources: Missouri State Parks trail maps and closures.

Why it’s great: Classic Midwest rail-trail with history, scenery, and great small-town hospitality.

Erie Canalway Trail (NY)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: ~360 miles between Albany and Buffalo, mostly separated multi-use trail Parks & Trails NY.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
  • Best season: Late spring–fall; peak foliage in October.
  • Highlights: Canal locks, historic villages, heritage sites, flat miles.
  • Logistics: Amtrak access at some cities; plan for accommodation variety.
  • Maps/resources: Cycle the Erie Canal guide and digital maps.

Why it’s great: A car-lite, history-soaked ride across upstate New York.

George S. Mickelson Trail (SD)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: 109 miles of crushed limestone through the Black Hills South Dakota GF&P—Mickelson Trail.
  • Difficulty: Moderate (rail grades; occasional longer climbs).
  • Best season: Late spring–early fall; shoulder seasons can be chilly.
  • Highlights: Pine forests, tunnels, wildlife, Old West towns.
  • Logistics: Trail pass required; services clustered around gateways.
  • Maps/resources: Official trail map, permit details via SD GF&P.

Why it’s great: Big-sky scenery and quiet miles on one of the West’s finest rail-trails.

Bucket-list bikepacking and gravel routes

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) (MT–WY–CO–NM)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: Over 3,000 miles along the Continental Divide, mostly unpaved Adventure Cycling—GDMBR.
  • Difficulty: Strenuous (remote, high passes, weather variability).
  • Best season: Late June–September (varies by snowpack).
  • Highlights: Continental Divide crossings, big landscapes, small towns.
  • Logistics: Water and resupply planning critical; bear-aware camping in grizzly country (IGBC food storage practices) IGBC.
  • Maps/resources: ACA maps and GPX; resupply notes via official route pages.

Why it’s great: The definitive North American bikepacking traverse.

Oregon Timber Trail (OR)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: ~700+ miles north–south through Oregon on MTB-appropriate singletrack/forest roads Oregon Timber Trail Alliance.
  • Difficulty: Strenuous (technical sections, remote segments).
  • Best season: July–September (snow on high sections into early summer).
  • Logistics: Sections (Tiers) allow modular trips; resupply planning required.
  • Maps/resources: OTT segment guides, GPX, stewardship updates.

Arizona Trail (AZ) – bike-legal route

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: ~800 miles border to border; bicycles detour around wilderness segments per AZT bike route Arizona Trail Association.
  • Difficulty: Strenuous (desert heat, rugged terrain).
  • Best season: Spring or fall; avoid midsummer heat and winter snow at high elevations.
  • Permits/logistics: Segment-specific rules and water caches; consult AZT water reports.
  • Maps/resources: AZT official bike route info, passage guides.

Colorado Trail (CO) – bike route with detours

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: ~485 miles Denver–Durango; bikes use legal detours to avoid wilderness Colorado Trail Foundation.
  • Difficulty: Strenuous (high altitude, technical terrain).
  • Best season: July–September (monsoon storms in afternoons).
  • Logistics: Carry layers; resupply limited; altitude acclimation advised.
  • Maps/resources: CTF guides and bike-specific route notes.

White Rim Road, Canyonlands National Park (UT)

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: ~100-mile dirt road loop in Island in the Sky district NPS—White Rim Road.
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on pace and conditions.
  • Best season: Spring and fall (hot summers, icy winters possible).
  • Permits/logistics: Overnight permits required; day-use numbers limited—check NPS permit rules.
  • Highlights: Desert mesas, canyons, starry nights.
  • Maps/resources: NPS route description, camping rules, water availability notes.

Cross-country epics (coast-to-coast or border-to-border)

TransAmerica Bicycle Trail

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: Over 4,200 miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic (Astoria, OR to Yorktown, VA) on varied surfaces and low-traffic roads Adventure Cycling—TransAmerica.
  • Difficulty: Strenuous duration; daily difficulty varies by terrain.
  • Best season: Late spring–early fall; many start west→east in late May/June.
  • Maps/resources: ACA section maps, GPX, and services listings.

Northern Tier

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: Over 4,300 miles across the northern U.S. (WA→ME) Adventure Cycling—Northern Tier.
  • Best season: Summer; watch for shoulder-season cold in the Rockies/Great Lakes/Northeast.
  • Highlights: Glacier NP access, Great Lakes shoreline, New England.
  • Maps/resources: ACA maps and alternates.

Southern Tier

Quick Facts

  • Distance/surface: About 3,000 miles across the southern U.S. (CA→FL) Adventure Cycling—Southern Tier.
  • Best season: Fall or spring to avoid peak heat.
  • Highlights: Desert Southwest, Gulf Coast, diverse cultures.
  • Maps/resources: ACA maps, services, and weather notes.

Tip: You can also mix and match segments of the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS), a developing national network with over 19,000 miles designated to date Adventure Cycling—USBRS.

Planning and logistics you shouldn’t skip

Permits, rules, and bikes in national parks

  • Bikes in national parks: Generally allowed on roads and in designated areas; not on most hiking trails. E-bikes are allowed where traditional bikes are allowed, with class-specific restrictions and local rules—always check park pages NPS—E-Bikes Policy.
  • Desert routes (e.g., White Rim): Overnight permits are required; day-use limits may apply NPS—White Rim Road.

Camping and lodging

  • Hiker/biker sites: Common on the Pacific Coast in Oregon and California state parks (first-come) Oregon State Parks.
  • Rail-trails: Often pass through towns with trail-friendly lodging (e.g., GAP/C&O).
  • Backcountry bikepacking: Follow Leave No Trace and local food-storage rules (bear country: use IGBC-approved methods) IGBC.

Getting to/from the trail

  • Trains: Many Amtrak routes offer carry-on or roll-on bike service; reservations and a small fee often required Amtrak—Bikes.
  • Shuttles: Popular on GAP/C&O, Katy, and national park loops—book ahead in peak season.
  • One-way tours: Consider rental cars with one-way drop fees or ship your bike.
  • Adventure Cycling Association: Gold-standard paper and digital maps with services.
  • Ride with GPS and Strava Heatmaps: Useful for custom routing and local insights.
  • DOT/NPS trail pages: Check closures, construction, and seasonal restrictions before you roll.

Safety and conditions

  • Visibility: Daytime running lights, reflective gear, and a rear radar can increase conspicuity.
  • Traffic and shoulders: Expect variability; rail-trails and parkways often reduce exposure.
  • Weather: Mountain storms, desert heat, coastal wind—plan layers and hydration accordingly.
  • Wildlife: Know local guidance (bear spray in grizzly country where allowed; food storage).

Sample itineraries (from weekend to 2 weeks)

  • Long weekend (2–4 days): White Rim Road, UT

    • 2–3 nights with overnight permits; cache water or carry robust capacity. Spring/fall ideal NPS—White Rim.

  • 4–6 days: Katy Trail Highlights, MO

  • 7–10 days: Oregon Coast Section, Pacific Coast Route

  • 1–2 weeks: C&O + GAP, DC→Pittsburgh

    • Ride point-to-point with a rest day in Cumberland or Ohiopyle. Car-free, historic, and beginner-friendly over packed surfaces NPS—C&O and GAPTrail.org.

Essential packing checklist (adjust to season and route)

  • Navigation: Paper maps (ACA/NPS), GPS device or phone with offline maps, power bank.
  • Safety: Helmet, front/rear lights, reflective vest/tape, basic first aid, sunscreen, whistle.
  • Repair kit: Multitool, tire levers, patches/boots, spare tubes, pump/CO2, chain link, lube, zip ties, duct tape.
  • Camping (if applicable): Tent/tarp, sleeping bag and pad, stove/fuel, water filter/treatment, bear storage where required.
  • Clothing: Layering system, rain shell, warm layer, gloves, sun hat, buff, off-bike shoes.
  • Food/water: Capacity for route conditions (up to 4–6L in desert), electrolytes, quick calories.
  • Admin: ID, insurance, permits, cash/card, emergency contacts, small lock.

Choosing your perfect U.S. cycling trip

Ask yourself:

  • Surface: Do you prefer paved touring, car-free rail trails, or remote gravel/singletrack?
  • Daily distance and elevation: Match terrain to your fitness and time.
  • Season and weather tolerance: Plan for heat, altitude, or potential storms.
  • Support level: Will you go self-supported, use shuttles, or partial van support?
  • Access: Can you get to/from the start/finish via train, shuttle, or one-way car rental?

With this guide and the linked official resources, you’re ready to pick a route, set a date, and start turning pedals. From coastal sunsets to high-country passes and quiet canals, the USA’s best cycling trips are waiting—happy riding!