In May, we’re turning our attention to the outdoors and adventure. When 2020 rolled around, many folks found solace in nature, looking to escape the challenges of spring by trying out new activities and exploring fresh paths. Now, in 2021, our features offer insights into mastering 15 essential outdoor skills, discovering the top state parks nationwide, learning about a trend in hotels near once-remote national parks, and one person’s mission to make outdoor experiences accessible to everyone.
Few things compare to the thrill and freedom of biking. Whether you’re cruising through your neighborhood, biking to work, or pushing yourself in a workout, a good bike ride is pure joy. It’s a bonus that cycling boosts your health and benefits the environment—no wonder the sport’s popularity has surged.
Bikes have become a go-to for many travelers, offering a cheap, reliable, and invigorating way to explore new places. They’re perfect for soaking in the sights at a leisurely pace while covering a lot of ground. Once you’ve experienced the delights of biking around, it’s hard to return to other ways of travel.
Trust us, there’s something magical about pedaling through a new place. Some destinations are particularly bike-friendly. Below, we’ve chosen the top U.S. spots to explore on two wheels.
Let’s start with Boulder. A must-mention in any list of great U.S. biking spots, Boulder draws road and mountain biking enthusiasts with its relaxed vibe, stunning views, and certified trails. Mountain bikers will revel in over 300 miles of trails right from town, while road cyclists will find endless pavement to ride on. The beautiful Colorado scenery is irresistible, but don’t forget to pace yourself—the 5,400-foot altitude can make any ride feel tougher than expected.
Asheville offers a lively arts scene, tasty pubs and eateries, and fantastic hiking. It’s also incredibly bike-friendly thanks to courteous drivers, ample bike lanes, and straightforward routes. What’s really special is the combination of mountain biking in nearby Pisgah National Forest and incredible road riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway, arguably the most picturesque ride east of the Mississippi. Expect some uphill climbs, but reward yourself with a visit to Asheville’s breweries—Burial Beer Co. is a favorite.
For an unforgettable urban biking experience, Manhattan is the place. Watch for traffic as you navigate city streets, but hop on the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway for a new view of New York City. This 31-mile loop trail winds along the East Side, through The Battery, East Harlem, 83rd Street, and Midtown, offering food and drink stops. Besides a few short stretches, cyclists are separate from cars, making for a peaceful and unique city ride.
Seattle has worked hard to create top-notch bike routes, making it one of the nation’s bike-friendliest cities. A network of greenways and neighborhood routes offers nearly 60 miles of easy, safe biking. Riders can explore any part of the city, including the scenic trail in Green Lake neighborhood, hugging a beautiful shoreline for 2.5 miles. From there, cycling routes connect to Seattle’s hotspots and calm suburban areas.
San Francisco has seen a transformation over the last decade, moving towards bike-friendly living. Expanding bike-only lanes offer access to great rides, even in bustling neighborhoods. Top spots include the biking path through Presidio, spanning the bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge. For a farther challenge, try the Paradise Loop—a 38-mile cycling route with magnificent city views from across the water.
While Moab, Utah, has plenty of roads for biking, it’s the extraordinary mountain biking that attracts enthusiasts. Close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab offers first-class trails. Slickrock is famous but suited to expert bikers. For a scenic, leisurely ride, try Gemini Bridges Trail. It has dramatic vistas and the Whole Enchilada trail, which is practically a rite of passage. Refuel at the Desert Bistro or Moab Brewery afterward.
Minneapolis prioritizes preserving green spaces, resulting in miles of trails weaving through the city. These trails make bike commuting easy, even during winter, and provide accessible routes for visitors. Experience Minneapolis by biking the Chain of Lakes trail, a 15-mile path around a few of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, or venture onto the Midtown Greenway, lit even at night and cleared in winter—perfect midwestern hospitality.
Portland is a constant contender for America’s best biking city. Cycling is integral to its culture, with the highest cyclists per capita in the nation. Well-integrated trails make every part of the city accessible. Popular rides include routes to Kelly Point Park and the scenic Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Starting your Portland bike adventure with coffee and ending at a brewery is a must.
Madison has thoughtfully built its biking infrastructure, with bike lanes and trails offering directions and distances to top spots, making visiting easy. The vibrant downtown is highly accessible, with bike-share options aplenty. For a longer ride, the UW-Madison Arboretum Trail offers rural-feeling cycling amidst nature.
Tucson’s 700 miles of bike trails and excellent year-round weather make it a cyclist’s dream. The 55-mile Loop trail encircles the city, passing through parks and connecting with other routes. It leads to nearby Santa Catalina Mountains for trail riding, all while keeping city amenities in reach.
Embracing its cycling culture, Greenville boasts protected bike lanes and the 22-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail traversing urban and green areas. This trail stops at local eateries and attractions. For accommodation, Hotel Domestique, owned by cyclist George Hincapie, provides insights on local rides.
With sunny weather all year, Austin is perfect for cycling. The city offers legendary group rides and diverse neighborhoods like the South Congress area, known for its food, art, and unusual shops. Nearby, the Texas Hill Country invites cyclists to test their endurance. After exploring, enjoy Rudy’s BBQ or Torchy’s Tacos.
D.C. may not seem bike-friendly, but exploring iconic monuments is easy with Capital Bikeshare. Biking to view the National Mall is efficient and fun. For a challenge, try the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail, a 185-mile route from Washington through Maryland’s scenic beauty.
Bend offers road cycling but excels in mountain biking, accessible from town. Nearly 500 miles of nearby trails cater to different riders, from fast downhill runs to scenic paths. Recommended routes include Peterson Ridge Loop and Tiddlywinks. Refuel at local spots like Bangers & Brews and Jackson’s Corner.
Louisville is rising as a cycling hotspot, developing the Louisville Loop, a planned 100-mile trail network. Road cyclists will find inviting country backroads in the Ohio Valley with smooth, low-traffic roads. For unique dining, The Rudyard Kipling offers music, food, and conversation, while Biscuit Belly serves up creative Southern dishes.
