America’s landscape is crisscrossed with thousands of miles of former railway corridors that have found new life as recreational pathways. These rail trails preserve historical transportation routes while providing car-free environments perfect for cycling adventures. The gentle grades originally engineered for locomotives mean most rail trails offer manageable terrain suitable for riders of all abilities and ages. Many follow scenic waterways, traverse lush forests, or connect charming small towns that grew alongside the original rail lines, creating perfect weekend getaway opportunities for cyclists seeking both exercise and exploration.
Here is a list of 19 bicycle rail trails across America that make for perfect easy weekend trips.
Katy Trail
Stretching 240 miles across Missouri’s midsection, this limestone pathway follows Lewis and Clark’s route along the Missouri River. The trail connects dozens of former railroad towns now reinvented as cycling destinations with wineries, B&Bs, and café stops.
Particularly picturesque sections include the towering river bluffs near Rocheport and the rolling Manitou Bluffs, which offer panoramic river views.
Great Allegheny Passage
This 150-mile crushed limestone pathway connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, through the Appalachian Mountains. Highlights include crossing the Eastern Continental Divide, the iconic Mason-Dixon Line, and the sweeping Salisbury Viaduct, which spans nearly half a mile across the Casselman River Valley.
Charming trail towns like Ohiopyle, Confluence, and Meyersdale offer comfortable accommodations perfectly spaced for two—or three-day adventures.
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Virginia Creeper Trail
This 34-mile route through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands features a gentle downhill section from Whitetop Mountain to Damascus that’s perfect for casual riders. The trail crosses more than 40 wooden trestles and bridges over the tumbling Whitetop Laurel Creek, creating countless photo opportunities.
Shuttle services in Damascus make one-way rides accessible, while local bike shops offer rental packages including return transportation.
Island Line Trail
Vermont’s premier rail trail includes a unique causeway crossing Lake Champlain with water on both sides, creating the illusion of riding across the lake’s surface. The 14-mile route connects Burlington to the Lake Champlain Islands through scenic farmland and shoreline.
A seasonal bike ferry bridges the 200-foot gap where an old swing bridge once carried trains, allowing cyclists to complete the entire route during summer months.
Elroy-Sparta Trail
Wisconsin’s first rail trail features three rock tunnels hand-carved in the 1870s, including the 3,800-foot-long Tunnel #3, where cyclists must dismount and walk through the cool, dark passage. The 33-mile route connects five small towns with charming downtown areas, offering hearty Midwestern meals to fuel your journey.
The trail’s crushed limestone surface and gentle grade make it accessible for families, while the tunnels add excitement for younger riders.
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Root River Trail
This 42-mile paved pathway winds through southeastern Minnesota’s dramatic bluff country and the charming Norwegian-influenced town of Lanesboro. The trail follows the Root River through limestone bluffs, traversing lush deciduous forests and pastoral farmland.
Abundant wildlife, including bald eagles and wild turkeys, make regular appearances along this route, which is known for its concentration of Amish farms and artisan shops.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Traversing Massachusetts’ famous peninsula, this 25-mile paved trail connects charming coastal towns and provides access to numerous beach areas. The route passes through tranquil forests, alongside cranberry bogs, and past freshwater ponds perfect for mid-ride swimming breaks.
Food options abound along the route, from clam shacks to ice cream parlors, making this a culinary cycling adventure through classic New England landscapes.
Mickelson Trail
Winding 109 miles through South Dakota’s Black Hills, this trail follows an 1890s mining railroad route that once carried gold seekers to Deadwood. The crushed limestone and gravel surface traverses pine forests, meadows, and rugged high-country terrain.
More than 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels provide constant reminders of the pathway’s industrial heritage amid breathtaking natural surroundings.
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Swamp Rabbit Trail
This 22-mile greenway follows South Carolina’s Reedy River, connecting Greenville to the nearby town of Travelers Rest. The paved pathway showcases both urban development and natural landscapes, featuring public art installations alongside river views.
The trail’s proximity to Greenville’s celebrated downtown dining scene makes it ideal for cyclists seeking culinary rewards after moderate exercise.
Flint Hills Nature Trail
Crossing tallgrass prairie ecosystems unique to Kansas, this 96-mile route offers an immersive experience in a critically endangered landscape. The crushed limestone trail passes through small farming communities while providing expansive views across the rolling prairie.
Spring and early summer bring spectacular wildflower displays, while fall transforms the grasses into a golden sea stretching to the horizon.
Paul Bunyan Trail
Minnesota’s longest paved trail stretches 120 miles through the lake country that inspired legendary tales of the giant lumberjack. The route connects 14 communities and passes more than 20 lakes, with numerous swimming spots and fishing piers accessible directly from the trail.
Abundant lodging options in trail towns make this ideal for customizable weekend trips focused on both cycling and water activities.
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Tallahassee-St. Mark’s Historic Railroad Trail
Florida’s first rail trail spans 16 paved miles from the state capital to the Gulf Coast through lush coastal lowlands. The route passes through the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, where alligators, wading birds, and even bald eagles make regular appearances.
The trail ends at the fishing village of St. Marks, where seafood restaurants serve fresh catch just steps from where riders complete their journey.
Rio Grande Trail
This 42-mile route through Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley connects Glenwood Springs to Aspen and offers spectacular Rocky Mountain views. The paved pathway follows the crystal-clear Roaring Fork River past ranchlands, red rock formations, and wildlife habitats.
The trail’s gradual uphill grade toward Aspen means riders can enjoy a nearly effortless return journey, aided by the valley’s consistent afternoon breezes.
Great Miami River Trail
This 86-mile paved pathway through western Ohio follows its namesake waterway through a landscape rich in aviation history. The trail connects vibrant city centers like Dayton with smaller communities, featuring numerous parks and river access points along the way.
Interpretive signage highlights both natural features and the region’s technological innovations, making rides both recreational and educational.
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Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
This immaculately maintained trail spans 73 paved miles across Idaho’s panhandle. It includes a memorable 7-mile stretch crossing Lake Coeur d’Alene on a former railroad causeway.
The route passes through diverse ecosystems, including marshlands, pine forests, and mountain terrain rich with wildlife. Historical mining towns along the route have embraced cycling tourism, offering services perfectly aligned with weekend adventure needs.
Switchback Trail
This unique 18-mile pathway in eastern Pennsylvania follows America’s first railroad, constructed to haul coal from the mines to canal boats. The trail features the original “switchback” gravity railroad technology, where loaded coal cars would coast downhill on the tracks using only gravity for power.
Stunning views of the Lehigh Gorge complement the fascinating industrial archaeology preserved along this historic route.
Raccoon River Valley Trail
This 89-mile paved loop through central Iowa connects 14 communities through scenic farmland and river valleys. The trail features a distinctive artwork series called “Art Along the Trail” with installations reflecting local culture and history.
The western segment includes an engaging “pass through the planets” solar system model extending for 26 miles, providing educational points of interest for family rides.
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New River Trail
This 57-mile pathway follows one of North America’s oldest rivers through Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands region. The crushed stone surface passes through tunnels, over numerous bridges, and alongside more than 40 miles of waterway.
The trail’s remote nature—often far from roads and development—creates a genuine back-country experience despite the gentle terrain and well-maintained surface.
Bizz Johnson Trail
Following the old Fernley and Lassen Railroad line, this 25-mile route through northeastern California traverses the Susan River Canyon through mixed conifer forests. The trail crosses the river on 12 bridges and passes through two tunnels, including the 800-foot Tunnel #2, which is curved in a distinctive “S” shape.
Fall colors transform the canyon into a spectacular display of yellows and reds, making autumn weekends particularly rewarding for cyclists.
Wheeled History
These rail trails offer more than just pleasant cycling—they provide immersive journeys through America’s transportation heritage while showcasing diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The converted railway corridors preserve historical engineering achievements while creating accessible outdoor recreation opportunities, connecting communities once linked by commerce.
Beyond the physical exercise, these pathways invite cyclists to experience the rhythms of travel from an earlier era when the journey itself was as significant as the destination.
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