A good touring route has low traffic or protected space for bikes, reliable places to sleep, eat and refill water, and scenery that makes the miles worthwhile. Finding one used to mean poring over road maps; today there are national route networks, published route maps, online mapping tools and park and trail systems. This guide explains where to look, how to judge a route before you commit and how to navigate once you are riding. Routes change with construction, closures and seasons, so always check current conditions close to your trip.

Check before you go: route information can be out of date. Confirm road and trail closures, campground and services opening dates, and seasonal conditions with local sources shortly before your trip, and note the date you checked.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System

The U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is a developing national network of bicycle routes connecting urban and rural communities via roads and trails. According to the Adventure Cycling Association, which supports the network, over 24,000 miles are currently established in 35 states and Washington, D.C., and many routes are signed. USBRS routes give a starting point for long-distance planning, though you should still check each section’s traffic and surface yourself.

Published route maps

Adventure Cycling’s own route network covers more than 50,000 miles of mapped routes across North America, beginning with the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail first mapped in 1976. Route maps of this kind list services such as campgrounds, lodging, grocery stores and bike shops, plus elevation profiles, which saves a great deal of research. An interactive network map lets you see where routes run before buying maps. See multi-day routes.

Other places to find routes

  • State and regional tourism sites: many states publish scenic bikeways and touring maps; Oregon’s Ride Oregon Ride is one example of a state programme dedicated to bike travel.
  • Rail trails and greenways: converted railway lines with gentle grades and no cars, ideal for first tours.
  • National parks: the National Park Service notes that cyclists can travel park roads, which are sometimes car-free, and in some parks select trails. Regulations differ by park, including for e-bikes, so check each park’s page.
  • Local cycling clubs and advocacy groups: often the best source of current, local knowledge.
  • Online route planners: useful for building and sharing routes; check that the suggested roads suit loaded touring.

Ideas by region and length are in regional routes, day trips and scenic routes.

Judging a route before you commit

Factor What to check Why it matters
Traffic and shoulders Traffic volumes, speed limits, shoulder width, truck routes Comfort and safety; Adventure Cycling recommends low-traffic routes with good shoulders
Surface Paved, gravel, dirt; seasonal mud Speed, tyre choice, bike suitability
Elevation Total climbing per day, steepest grades Daily distance and effort with a loaded bike
Services Distance between water, food, lodging, bike shops How much you need to carry
Season Heat, snow on passes, storms, opening dates Some routes are only practical part of the year
Connections Train, bus or airport access at start and end Getting to and from the route

Use the daily distance guidance in our beginner’s guide to split the route into realistic days, adjusting for climbing.

  • GPS device or phone app with the route loaded and maps downloaded for offline use, since mobile coverage can drop in rural areas.
  • Paper maps as a backup: they need no battery and show the bigger picture.
  • Route signs where routes are signed, but do not rely on them alone.
  • Power: plan charging with a power bank, dynamo hub or overnight stops.
  • Cue sheets for key turns on complex sections.

Mount devices so you can glance at them without taking attention off the road, and stop to make changes. Device options are covered in navigation devices and route navigation.

Respecting places you ride through

On routes through parks and wild places, follow Leave No Trace principles. The National Park Service’s summary includes planning ahead, travelling and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly and respecting wildlife. Camp only where permitted and pack out all rubbish.

Weather and seasons

Plan routes around seasonal weather: mountain passes can hold snow into early summer, deserts are dangerously hot in midsummer, and some coastal routes are windier in certain seasons. The National Weather Service warns that there is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm, and that heat stroke is a medical emergency. Our touring safety guide covers weather planning in detail.

Planning a route step by step

  1. Choose a region and season that suit your experience and the weather.
  2. Look for an established route: USBRS, published route maps, a state bikeway or a rail trail.
  3. Split it into daily stages using realistic distances and the climbing on each day.
  4. Mark lodging or campgrounds at the end of each stage and water and food stops in between.
  5. Check each stage for traffic, shoulders, surface and closures, and note the date you checked.
  6. Plan transport to the start and from the finish.
  7. Load the route into your navigation device and print or carry paper maps as backup.

Frequently asked questions

Are USBRS routes safe for beginners?

They are chosen as preferred bike routes, but conditions vary section by section. Check traffic, shoulders and surface for each day, and consider rail trails or quieter regional routes for a first tour.

Should I trust online route planners?

Use them as a starting point. They may route onto busy roads or rough tracks. Cross-check with route maps, street-level imagery and local advice.

How do I find water on remote routes?

Route maps often list services; plan refills before long gaps, carry extra capacity and ask locals about seasonal closures.

All route guides are under Routes and Destinations.

Sources