For decades, there’s been a movement in the U.S. to create rail trails—former railroad lines converted to multi-use trails. Rail trails connect people to nature, cities, and small towns. As they are dedicated pedestrian paths, often paved and flat, rail trails are safer and easier to ride. If you want to see more of your own state or explore new areas of the country on bike, rail trails are perfect.
Many rail trails are now being linked into one epic bike path that will connect both coasts of the United States: the Great American Rail Trail. This project of the Rails to Trails Conservancy will make traveling through the U.S. by bike feel seamless. For some inspiration, check out these five amazing rail trails for the best ways to experience America on two wheels.
Photo by Gene Bisbee for Rails to Trails Conservancy.
1. The Olympic Discovery Trail
Where: Washington
Distance: 138 miles (90 miles are fully developed)
The Olympic Discovery Trail is the Pacific Coast ending for the Great American Rail Trail, running from Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean. The trail offers cyclists all the amazing views that come with the state of Washington, like forests, snow-capped mountains, and plenty of pristine water, making it really hard to beat.
2. Napa Valley Vine Trail
Where: California
Distance: 33 miles
Wine and bikes. What’s not to like? The Napa Valley Vine Trail in California runs 33 miles (with more planned) through Napa’s lush vineyards and charming towns, like Yountville and St. Helena. On top of a ride with a beautiful view of rolling hills and a connection between communities, one of the other obvious benefits is the ability to stop at wineries and tasting rooms as you ride the trail.
3. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Where: Ohio
Distance: 90.6 miles
The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail has everything. Starting from Cleveland, it runs through Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park and towns like Akron, which make for great food breaks or overnight stops. With the addition of short roadway rides, you can connect with the 293-mile Ohio to Erie Trail, which is part of the Great American Rail Trail and crosses the state through Columbus.
4. Silver Comet Trail
Where: Georgia
Distance: 61.65 miles
Originally, the Silver Comet Trail was home to the Silver Comet passenger train. Part of the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame, the route starts just outside of the greater Atlanta area and runs through a mix of scenery, including pine trees, rocky hillsides, and deciduous trees that make for perfect fall colors. It passes through small towns, like Cedartown, where there are opportunities to take a sightseeing break and get something to eat. If you’re interested in traveling further, the trail connects to Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama.
5. Ke Ala Hele Makālae
Where: Hawaii (Kauai)
Distance: 8.5 miles, with additional miles being added
Not every rail trail is on the mainland. If you’re in Kauai, the Ke Ala Hele Makālae (“The Path That Goes by the Coast”)—also part of the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame—is a ride with unparalleled views. It connects beaches and communities, and is a great reminder for tourists that just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing bike ride.
The Takeaway
It’s hard to be unhappy on a bike. Two-wheeled travel is a liberating adventure and also good for your health. There really is no downside. Every day I throw on my cycling kit, grab my daily ride (a Specialized Sirrus X 4.0), a good helmet (Lumos), my Garmin Instinct, and hit my local trail. To find your local trail, visit Trail Link.
