1. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes (Idaho)
Distance: 73 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Ride: Spring through Fall
Once a railway used to transport silver from Idaho's mining region, the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is now a scenic, paved cycling path that runs through mountains, lakes, and forests. The route follows the historic path of the Union Pacific Railroad, offering glimpses of old mining towns and Native American lands. Interpretive signs along the way share stories about the area’s rich mining and tribal history.
2. The Great Allegheny Passage (Pennsylvania & Maryland)
Distance: 150 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Ride: Spring to Fall
Stretching from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) follows old railway lines that were once crucial to America’s industrial boom. Along the way, cyclists pass through historic railroad tunnels, iron bridges, and abandoned coal towns. The route also connects to the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath, a trail that follows the historic canal system used for transporting goods in the 19th century.
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3. The Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama & Tennessee)
Distance: 444 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Ride: Spring & Fall
One of the oldest travel routes in North America, the Natchez Trace Parkway was originally a Native American trade route used for centuries before becoming a major pioneer road. Today, it’s a scenic, low-traffic cycling route passing through historic Civil War sites, ancient burial mounds, and early American settlements. The ride is both beautiful and educational, with historical markers and museums along the way.
4. The Katy Trail (Missouri)
Distance: 240 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
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Best Time to Ride: Spring through Fall
Built on the remnants of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad, the Katy Trail is the longest rail-trail in the country. It follows the path of Lewis and Clark’s 1804 expedition along the Missouri River and passes through historic small towns, old railroad stations, and even a section of the former Santa Fe Trail. This route offers a mix of history, culture, and stunning countryside views.
5. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia & South Carolina)
Distance: 330 miles (Multiple Segments)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Ride: Spring & Fall
This historic trail retraces the path of American patriot soldiers who marched to the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780, a key victory in the Revolutionary War. The cycling sections of this route pass through rolling hills, dense forests, and preserved battlefields where riders can stop to learn about the Revolutionary War’s impact on the region.
6. The High Road to Taos (New Mexico)
Distance: 56 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Ride: Spring & Fall
This historic route was once a major trade and migration path between Santa Fe and the Taos Pueblo. Today, it’s a breathtaking cycling road that winds through ancient Native American villages, Spanish colonial towns, and historic mission churches. The scenery includes dramatic mountain landscapes and deep cultural heritage, making it a ride through both history and nature.