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Choosing the best US bike trails depends less on fame and more on fit. A rail trail that suits a family on a Sunday morning can be the wrong choice for a loaded touring rider who needs camping stops and steady daily mileage. This guide is a route atlas of eight standout trail picks across the country, organized by what they do well. Each entry covers the surface, approximate length, terrain, and the practical details you need to decide whether a route belongs on your list. Because trail conditions, closures and facilities change, treat the figures here as planning estimates and check current status with the managing agency before you ride.
Selection criteria were drawn from published trail specifications, the reputation of the managing agencies and trail associations, and patterns that riders commonly describe in owner and trip reports: surface quality, grade, scenery, services, and how well a route connects to towns and lodging. We did not ride these routes for this article, and we make no claims about personal testing. Where a figure is approximate, we say so.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Great Allegheny Passage | Multi-day touring with camping | Continuous crushed limestone surface linking Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland |
| Katy Trail | Gentle, long-distance river riding | Very low grades paralleling the Missouri River across much of the state |
| Virginia Creeper Trail | Downhill-focused day trips | Mostly descending route from Whitetop Mountain toward Abingdon |
| Erie Canalway Trail | Flat, scenic New York touring | Long canal towpath route with frequent towns and services |
| Lake Tahoe Loop | Scenic, high-elevation riding | Mountain lake views with significant climbing |
| Pacific Coast Route (Oregon segment) | Coastal touring with ocean views | Oceanfront roads and shoulders with frequent campgrounds |
| Route 66 Bikeway (Arizona segments) | Desert and historic-town touring | Mixed surfaces and long open stretches with limited shade |
| Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail | Quiet, beginner-friendly riding | Gravel and paved canal path with low traffic |
Great Allegheny Passage (Pennsylvania and Maryland)
This is a strong choice for riders planning a multi-day trip with camping or inn stays. Riders who pair it with the C&O Canal Towpath often describe a connected route of roughly 335 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
Key specs
- Length: about 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland
- Surface: crushed limestone, paved in some sections
- Grade: generally gentle, with a sustained climb near the Eastern Continental Divide
- Services: towns, inns and campgrounds at regular intervals along the route
Pros
- Consistent surface suits touring bikes and hybrids
- Well-developed town services and lodging
- Connects with the C&O Canal for an extended route
Cons
- Crushed limestone can be loose after rain
- Some sections are shared with trail users, so expect slower traffic
Katy Trail (Missouri)
Riders who want long, low-effort days and river scenery often find the Katy Trail a good match. It is one of the longest rail-to-trail routes in the country, and its grades are usually described as very gentle.
Key specs
- Length: about 240 miles across Missouri
- Surface: crushed limestone and some paved sections
- Grade: very gradual, following old railroad alignment
- Services: towns along the route with lodging and food
Pros
- Very low grades make it accessible for beginners
- Frequent towns for resupply and rest
- Riverside scenery with abundant wildlife
Cons
- Long stretches can feel repetitive for some riders
- Summer heat and humidity can be intense with little shade in places
Virginia Creeper Trail (Virginia)
This route suits riders who want a downhill-focused experience and do not mind a shuttle or a return climb. Many visitors rent bikes at the top and ride down to the valley towns.
Key specs
- Length: roughly 34 miles, end to end
- Surface: crushed stone and asphalt in places
- Grade: mostly descending from the high point toward Abingdon
- Services: rental shops and towns at the ends of the route
Pros
- Mostly downhill, which makes it approachable for less experienced riders
- Rich mountain scenery and historic trestles
- Good rental and shuttle infrastructure
Cons
- The return route requires a shuttle or a long climb back
- Weekends can be crowded
Erie Canalway Trail (New York)
Riders who want flat, scenic terrain with frequent towns often prefer the Erie Canalway Trail. It follows a historic canal corridor across much of the state and is popular for relaxed multi-day trips.
Key specs
- Length: a long statewide network, with the main route covering several hundred miles
- Surface: mostly crushed stone and paved sections
- Grade: flat to gently rolling
- Services: canal towns, lodging and food along the corridor
Pros
- Flat terrain suits heavily loaded bikes
- Historic canal towns and locks along the route
- Frequent services and transit access
Cons
- Surface quality varies between sections
- Some stretches are shared with local traffic near towns
Lake Tahoe Loop (California and Nevada)
This route is best for experienced riders who want high-elevation scenery and are comfortable with sustained climbing and variable weather. It is a strong choice for a single scenic day or a relaxed two-day circuit.
Key specs
- Length: roughly 72 miles for the full loop around the lake
- Surface: mostly paved roads and shared-use paths
- Grade: significant climbing with long, steady ascents
- Services: towns and resorts around the lake
Pros
- Dramatic alpine lake views throughout
- Good paved surfaces on most sections
- Many lodging and food options around the loop
Cons
- Traffic on some roads can be heavy in summer
- Elevation and weather changes require careful planning
Pacific Coast Route, Oregon Segment (Oregon)
Riders who want oceanfront touring with campgrounds at regular intervals often choose the Oregon coast. The route is largely on public roads with shoulders, so it suits confident riders who are comfortable sharing the road.
Key specs
- Length: several hundred miles along the Oregon coastline
- Surface: paved roads, often with shoulders
- Grade: rolling, with repeated coastal climbs
- Services: towns, state parks and campgrounds
Pros
- Extensive ocean views and state park camping
- Frequent towns and services
- Well-established touring corridor
Cons
- Wind and fog can slow progress on some days
- Road riding requires strong visibility habits
Route 66 Bikeway (Arizona)
This route suits riders interested in desert scenery and historic highway towns. It is a good fit for riders who can handle long open stretches and plan around heat.
Key specs
- Length: varies by segment, with long stretches between towns
- Surface: mixed paved roads and shared paths
- Grade: generally moderate with some climbing
- Services: towns spaced widely, so supplies need planning
Pros
- Historic highway towns and landmarks
- Distinctive desert landscapes
- Good option for riders wanting a themed route
Cons
- Limited shade and water on long segments
- Services can be sparse between towns
Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail (Illinois)
For beginners or riders seeking quiet, low-traffic miles, the Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail is a practical pick. It follows a historic canal corridor through the countryside.
Key specs
- Length: roughly 100 miles along the canal corridor
- Surface: gravel and paved sections
- Grade: flat to gentle
- Services: smaller towns with limited amenities
Pros
- Quiet, low-traffic riding
- Flat terrain for easy pacing
- Good for practicing touring skills
Cons
- Services are limited, so carry extra supplies
- Gravel sections require tires suited to loose surfaces
Buying Guide
Selection criteria for choosing a trail
Start with your riding goal. Ask whether you want a day ride, a weekend, or a multi-week tour, and how many miles you can comfortably cover per day. Then check surface, grade, and services. A route with towns every 15 to 20 miles works very differently from one with 60 miles between resupply points.
Important features to check
- Surface: crushed limestone and gravel behave differently from asphalt, especially when wet
- Grade: a 2 percent average grade feels very different over 50 miles than over 10
- Services: water, food, bike shops and lodging
- Traffic: shared-use paths versus road shoulders
- Seasonality: closures, weather and daylight hours
Specs to check before you ride
- Total distance and end-to-end versus loop configuration
- Maximum and average grade, if published
- Surface type by segment, since many trails change surface
- Tire width recommendations for loose surfaces
- Current managing-agency notices
Choosing by need
Beginners often do best on flat rail trails such as the Hennepin Canal or Katy Trail. Riders who want dramatic scenery and climbing may prefer the Lake Tahoe Loop. Multi-day tourers who need reliable camping and town stops often find the Great Allegheny Passage and Erie Canalway Trail practical. Downhill-focused riders may enjoy the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Things to watch out for
- Overestimating daily mileage on loose surfaces
- Underestimating distances between water and food
- Assuming a rail trail has continuous services
- Ignoring weather, heat and daylight limits
For planning how to build a route from these picks, see Multi-Day Bike Routes: How to Choose and Plan Them and Planning a Bike Tour: Route, Distance and Stops. For lodging decisions along the way, Where to Stay on a Bike Tour: Camping, Hosts, Hotels covers the main options. Riders thinking about gear for loose surfaces may also find Touring Bike Bags: Panniers, Trailers and Frame Bags useful, and Bike Touring Safety: Bike Checks, Roads, Weather, Help covers pre-ride checks.
FAQ
What makes a bike trail one of the best in the US?
There is no single official ranking. Strong trails usually combine a consistent, well-maintained surface, manageable grades, good scenery, and reliable services such as water, food and lodging. Riders weigh these differently depending on their goals.
Are rail trails good for bike touring?
Many are. Rail trails tend to have gentle grades and separation from car traffic. The main drawbacks are surface variability and sometimes long gaps between towns, so check services before you go.
Do I need a touring bike for these routes?
Not always. Hybrids and gravel bikes handle many crushed-stone and gravel trails well. For loaded touring, a bike with a stable frame, rack mounts and wider tires is more comfortable and practical.
How do I find current trail conditions?
Check the managing agency or trail association website, which typically posts closures, construction and surface notices. Local bike shops are also useful sources of recent conditions reports.
Is it safe to ride these trails alone?
Many riders do, but safety depends on the route, season and your experience. Tell someone your plan, carry a charged phone and a basic repair kit, and check weather before you start. For a health-related question about fitness or medical conditions, consult a qualified professional before a long ride.
How far should I plan to ride each day?
Beginners often start with 25 to 40 miles per day on mostly flat terrain. Loaded touring, hills and loose surfaces all reduce average speed, so build in margin rather than targeting maximum distance.
Can I ride these trails with children?
Flat, low-traffic routes such as the Hennepin Canal and Katy Trail are commonly chosen for family rides. Shorter out-and-back sections let younger riders turn around when they are ready.
Conclusion
The best US bike trails are the ones that fit your goals, skills and schedule. For gentle long-distance touring with towns along the way, the Katy Trail and Erie Canalway Trail are strong options. For multi-day camping and a connected route, the Great Allegheny Passage stands out. Riders who want mountain scenery should consider the Lake Tahoe Loop, while the Virginia Creeper Trail suits downhill-focused day trips. The Pacific Coast Route in Oregon fits coastal touring, Route 66 Bikeway suits desert and historic-town riders, and the Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail is a quiet, beginner-friendly choice. Match the route to your need, check current conditions, and plan your services before you ride.
