Biking is an excellent way to get outside and explore the US—but for beginner trail riders or cyclists looking for a more casual experience, it can seem like some of the best views are out of reach. However, most of the routes on the list below offer great access to beautiful views and interesting landmarks while also being relatively flat, downhill, or paved paths. Plan a getaway to these stress-free trails for your next outdoor adventure.
This 23-mile, cobble aggregate-paved highway connects the sites and landmarks of Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown and the Yorktown Battlefield for a pleasant ride that’s also educational. If you have any interest at all in early American history, this location is a must. In the fall and summer seasons, bikers will also find very pleasant weather to enjoy on the route. On hotter days in the summer, visitors may want to schedule in some extra time to stop at any of the river-side beaches along the parkway or the longer two-mile beachfront in Yorktown. While the road itself is open to pedestrians and motor vehicles as well, the posted speed limit varies between only 35 and 45 mph and the road is wide with an extra third lane for passing.
There are also two tour roads in Yorktown: the seven-mile Battlefield Tour Road, marked by red arrows, and the nine-mile Encampment Tour Road (which typically has less traffic), marked by yellow arrows. Then, in Jamestown, the Jamestown Island Tour Loop is a one-way three/five mile scenic loop drive of the Island. These tour roads are open to pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles.
The Stowe Recreation Path in Vermont is an internationally recognized greenway stretching from Stowe Village to Top Notch Resort on the Mountain Road, featuring a 5.3-mile paved trail follows the West Branch of Little River and is open year-round for bikers as well as snowshoers, cross country skiers, roller bladers, and pedestrians. Along with mountain views, it has access to restaurants, lodges and local businesses.
In 2017, bike maintenance stations were also added to the path—one at the Lintilhac Park and another at Chase Park. These stations include all the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. Hanging the bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments.
“Madison By Bike” is a free digital passport program featuring four bike routes with suggested check-ins and stops, encouraging locals and visitors to explore the highlights of the greater Madison, Wisconsin area. Participants can earn prizes and redeem exclusive discounts at local businesses; the program also benefits Free Bikes 4 Kidz in Madison. Choose from four different trails—Capital City Trail, Cannonball Loop, Lakeshore Path and the Southwest Commuter Path. With more than 30 stops ranging from restaurants to parks to retail, “Madison By Bike” showcases the best of the Greater Madison area in an easy, mobile-friendly way.
“Biking is more than a ride in Madison — it’s our culture, and it’s for everyone,” said Destination Madison President and CEO Ellie Westman Chin. “’Madison By Bike’ makes biking approachable for cyclists of all experience levels. Whether you’re a longtime local rider or a first-time visitor, the trail connects you to the people and communities that make Dane County so special, and completing the experience makes them feel rewarded.”
Also known as the Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail, this 32-mile parkway follows the American River between Folsom Lake at Beal’s Point and Old Town Sacramento in northern California.
Most of the trail is level and around half is shaded by trees, but it does include some rolling terrain. For the easiest bike ride, start at the northeast end of the trail at Beal’s Point and travel downhill. The first 8.4 miles of the trail are managed by California State Parks; here, signage refers to the trail as the American River Bikeway. Beginning at Hazel Avenue, the trail is signed as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail and is managed by Sacramento County. The two-lane trail is fully paved, with mile markers, trailside maps, water fountains, and restrooms along the way.
The trail provides picturesque views of wildlife fields, Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, and the American River, connects with multiple other trails, passes by parks and swimming areas, and intersects with several hiking trails. Riders will also see beautiful pedestrian bridges along the route, such as the Fair Oaks Bridge, a truss bridge built in the early 1900s, and the Guy West Bridge, a suspension bridge that links the trail to the California State University, Sacramento, campus.
This scenic mountain trail in Idaho is 15 miles long with 10 train tunnels (nine that you ride your bike through) and 7 sky-high trestles. It begins with the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, or Taft Tunnel, following the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains. Don’t worry, though; visitors won’t need to deal with any strenuous inclines as the trail is almost all downhill and features shuttle buses back to the top.
Trail passes, shuttle tickets, and mountain bike rentals with lights are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located right alongside Interstate 90, take Exit 0, at the Idaho-Montana state line. From there, the start of the Hiawatha is a short 7 mile drive. This trail is open daily in the summer, closing in September due to the winter weather.