{"id":40185,"date":"2015-10-02T10:15:23","date_gmt":"2015-10-02T14:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=40185"},"modified":"2021-11-03T08:28:40","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T12:28:40","slug":"best-bike-trails-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/best-bike-trails-america\/","title":{"rendered":"The 15 Incredible Bike Trails in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

Been clipped into a spin bike all winter? Now\u2019s the perfect time to cut loose. It\u2019s National Bike Month, and while we like to honor the sport all year-round, we\u2019re feeling more psyched than ever to shred the gnar (that’s\u00a0mountain bike<\/a> speak for going big<\/em>). If you\u2019re new to the trails \u2014\u00a0or have been sticking to the same routes for years \u2014 get ready for some epic new adventures<\/a>. After catching up with dedicated riders, weeding through countless online reviews, and even tackling several of these routes ourselves, we rounded up some of the coolest, most breathtaking, make-you-love-life bike\u00a0trails in the country. So find the one that suits you (listed alphabetically by state), and get out there for a fun, unforgettable ride!<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 14 Trail Running Adventures to Try Before You Die<\/a><\/p>\n

15 Bike Trails Worth the Miles<\/h3>\n
\"Black
Photo: Bob Wick\/Bureau of Land Management<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Little Pan Loop, <\/strong>Black Canyon Trail<\/strong><\/a>
\nLocation: <\/strong>New River, AZ
\nDistance: <\/strong>24 miles (round-trip)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Mountain
\nLevel: <\/strong>Intermediate
\nReferred to as the lollipop loop, this trail isn\u2019t just famous for its cotton candy blue skies. Riders will also catch a few striking glimpses of the Agua Fria River. This particular path is many bikers\u2019 favorite portion of the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, a 78-mile track, thanks to a superb trail design that provides a mash-up of some exciting climbs, rugged terrain and fabulous views of the desert.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>January through March, November\/December<\/p>\n

\"Big
Photo: Central Coast Outdoors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2.\u00a0Big Sur<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Carmel to Cambria, CA
\nDistance: <\/strong>Up to 100 miles (one way)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel: <\/strong>Advanced
\nWe guarantee you\u2019ll stop quite a few times to snap some pics on this coastal cruise. The route is cut into the mountainside, so you can watch the waves crash below you as you do a 6.5-mile climb and cover an average eight percent incline. Sign up for the Best Buddies Challenge<\/a> to ride all the way to the famously gorgeous Hearst Castle<\/a>.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>Year-round<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 30 Best Fitness Pros to Follow on Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Jalama
Photo: 1wideopensky<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Jalama Beach Ride<\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Solvang, CA
\nDistance: <\/strong>34.5 miles (one way)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel: <\/strong>Intermediate
\nThis iconic route through the Santa Ynez Valley takes you on Santa Rosa Wine Road, past vineyards, ranches and rolling hills \u2014 plus involves a sweet view of the ocean. Stop for lunch by the sand and then head back<\/a> to the start to complete a more than 70-mile cruise. Or end your ride at a vineyard and taste some delicious wine<\/a>.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>April through June<\/p>\n

\"Valmont
Photo courtesy of bouldercolorado.gov<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4.\u00a0Valmont Bike Park<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Boulder, CO
\nDistance: <\/strong>42 acres (trail mileage varies)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Mountain
\nLevel: <\/strong>All levels
\nIt\u2019s difficult to choose a specific path in this park, because there\u2019s one for every type of rider, depending on what you want from your trip. (Plus it\u2019s better to ride multiple trails during your visit.) Try Escape Route or Hot Lap if you\u2019re a newbie to the sport and Mesa Flow or Corkscrew if you want to get more technical. There\u2019s also a terrain park with dirt jumps, a slopestyle portion and a double slalom race course. Get the family involved too \u2014 the kiddos can pedal around on the tot track.
\n When to Go: <\/strong>Mid to late spring and fall<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Bike Fittings: What Every Cyclist Needs to Know<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Shark
Photo by Duane Schoon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Shark Valley Trail, <\/strong>Everglades National Park<\/a>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Miami, FL
\nDistance: <\/strong>15 miles (round-trip)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel: <\/strong>Beginner
\nWhen you think of Florida, gators probably come to mind. And chances are, you\u2019ll see a few while spinning your wheels along this path. In fact, you may have to pedal your way around them. Birds, turtles and fish are also hanging out in plain view. It\u2019s a true down-south experience and the perfect escape if you\u2019re seeking warm temperatures and a wild ride.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>Winter<\/p>\n

\"Sand
Photo: gregmazu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Sand Hog Hill<\/strong>, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area<\/a>
\nLocation:<\/strong> Ironton, MN
\nDistance: <\/strong>1.1 miles (rim to rim)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Mountain
\nLevel: <\/strong>Beginner to Intermediate
\nBuilt on the remains of an old mine, this park\u2019s trails have deep red sand paths and beautiful lake overlooks as you ascend. Once you make your way to the peak, gain speed and have fun performing jumps, cutting around curves and hitting berms (aka artificial dirt banks that allow for speed and angle) as you race down the hill.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>Summer and fall<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>From Day Hikes to Mount Kilamanjaro: Why Women Are Hitting the Trails<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Going
Photo: Pat (Cletch) Williams<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7.\u00a0Going-to-the-Sun Road<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Glacier National Park, MT
\nDistance: <\/strong>48.7 miles (one way)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel: <\/strong>Advanced
\nIf climbing 3,300 feet (much of it in the final 10-mile stretch) and topping out at a 6,646-foot elevation sounds right up your alley, this destination is for you! There’s a sort of daredevil feel to the ride as you’re pedaling on a narrow path, carved out of the side of a mountain \u2014 but you can imagine the sights that come with it. During the spring months, you don’t have to worry about cars as it’s only open to bikers and hikers. Check here<\/a> for closures.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>Spring and summer<\/p>\n

\"Cedar
Photo: bobistraveling<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Cedar Rock Trail<\/strong>, DuPont State Recreational Forest<\/a>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Between Hendersonville and Brevard, NC
\nDistance: <\/strong>1.4 miles (half loop)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Mountain
\nLevel: <\/strong>Advanced
\nYou\u2019ll experience everything you love about mountain biking on this path, which is also open to hikers and horseback riders. Besides trees, dirt and sand, you\u2019ll ride over some of the best granite and slickrock trails in the East. At the summit, there\u2019s a seriously awe-inspiring panoramic view<\/a> of the park, which looks even better when the leaves start changing colors. Close up the loop by taking the Little River trail (an easier 1.2 miles) and you\u2019ll also get to see some waterfalls, too.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>Spring and Fall<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>15 Fun, Fast and Beginner Friendly Marathons<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Flume
Photo by Max Jones<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9.\u00a0Flume Trail<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Lake Tahoe, NV
\nDistance: <\/strong>14 miles
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Mountain
\nLevel: <\/strong>Intermediate
\nYou\u2019ll conquer more than 1,000 feet of climbing in the first four miles, but the views of the lake make it well worth the sweat. The rest of the ride involves some other steep spots, but you can always break at the top for a picnic under the pine trees. The Flume Trail bike shop makes this and the Tahoe Rim Trail Ride (for more advanced riders; up to 40 miles) super convenient, courtesy of their shuttle rides to the starting points and bike rentals if you need it. Cool down post-pedaling with a swim in the lake.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>Mid-June through mid-October<\/p>\n

\"Lehigh
Photo: DCNR<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10.\u00a0Lehigh Gorge State Park Trail<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Jim Thorpe, PA
\nDistance: <\/strong>26 miles (one way)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel<\/strong>: Beginner
\nHop on the shuttle in the cute, small PA town of Jim Thorpe and take it to the trail starting point in White Haven. Then pedal through the tree-lined path along the Lehigh River. You may even see a train on this rail-trail as one still operates along the end of the route. When you finish up in Jim Thorpe, stop for some shopping in the artsy downtown area. It\u2019s the perfect way to spend a Saturday.
\nWhen to go: <\/strong>March through November<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 17 Best Relay Races in the U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Bend
Photo: Pete Alport \/ Visit Bend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11.\u00a0Twin Bridges Loop<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Bend, OR
\nDistance: <\/strong>36.3 miles (round-trip)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel: <\/strong>Intermediate
\nPedal through one of the most bike-friendly (and beautiful!) towns in the US. You\u2019ll start and end at Drake Park downtown, cruising past forestry and catching amazing sights of the snow-topped Cascade Mountains. Expect about 1,000 feet of climbing and if you need a break, stop for a local brew in the charming little town of Tumalo.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>September<\/p>\n

\"Greenville,
Photo: VisitGreenvilleSC.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12.\u00a0Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Greenville, SC
\nDistance: <\/strong>19.5 miles (one way)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel<\/strong>: Beginner
\nYou can easily make this a casual ride that lasts for hours, thanks to the shops and restaurants along the multi-use route. It runs on an old railroad corridor along the Reedy River, which provides the picturesque scenery. Don\u2019t have a bike<\/a>? No problem. You can rent one from Reedy Rides just one block from the beginning of the trail.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>April or October<\/p>\n

\"Captain
Photo: Bruce Argyle \/ utahmountainbiking.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13. Captain Ahab<\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Moab<\/a>, UT
\nDistance: <\/strong>4.3 miles (one-way)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Mountain
\nLevel: <\/strong>Advanced
\nOne of the best things about Moab is its unique red rock landscape and trails that you can\u2019t get anywhere else. Take either the Amasa Back or Hymasa routes to reach your desired locale, both of which feature fun terrain. You\u2019ll also get amazing views of the Colorado River and Kane Creek anticline (a folded rock-like formation) \u2013 the ultimate pay-off for your hard work. Stop for a few bike selfies<\/a> at the most scenic spots, then climb the renowned Captain Ahab singletrack, where you\u2019ll make some thrilling, fast and technically-challenging descents.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>March through May; September\/October<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> The 13 Most Epic Mud Runs<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Virginia
Photo: Jason Barnette \/ Southeastern Traveler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14.\u00a0Virginia Creeper Trail<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Abingdon, VA
\nDistance: <\/strong>34.3 miles (one way)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Road
\nLevel: <\/strong>Beginner
\nStretching from Abingdon, VA to the North Carolina boarder east of Whitetop Station, VA, you\u2019ll roll past 47 trestle bridges and enjoy long stretches of spring blossoms (or fall foliage, depending on the season). The trail has been around since 1984 and goes through much of the state\u2019s private land. You\u2019re bound to see horseback riders on the course and listen closely \u2014 you might hear some banjo music playing as you pass the Iron Horse Music Hall.
\nWhen to Go: <\/strong>Spring and Fall<\/p>\n

\"Cady
Photo: Mike Hitelman Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15. <\/strong>Cady Hill Forest<\/strong><\/a>
\nLocation: <\/strong>Stowe, VT
\nDistance: <\/strong>9 miles (area total)
\nTerrain: <\/strong>Mountain
\nLevel:<\/strong> Intermediate, though there\u2019s options for all levels
\nVermont is one of the most loved destinations for outdoor adventures on the East Coast due to its jaw-dropping good looks and laid-back, welcoming vibe. (It’s particularly pretty in the fall, around the beginning of October when you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re riding through an autumn painting.) Cady Hill is a premiere spot for mountain biking, particularly for mid-level riders. Complete with single and double tracks, this is your chance to cut through trees, hop over rocks and glide around berms. If you want a lesson before hitting the trails, head over to the Von Trapp Resort<\/a>, a popular destination for VT visitors.
\nWhen to Go:<\/strong> June through October<\/p>\n

Originally posted May 2015.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Turn your next bike ride into an-all adventure with our picks for the best road and mountain bike trails in the nation. From beginner to advanced, there\u2019s something for every rider on this list. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51,"featured_media":40247,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,24,6],"tags":[157,212,345,346,174],"class_list":["post-40185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-biking","tag-spinning","tag-tax1conditions","tag-tax2thyroid","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/51"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40185\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}