Love biking? A fabulous low-impact workout, biking is way less stressful on the joints than running and arguably a whole lot more fun than walking. Whether you’re a long-time, hardcore cyclist or have only recently purchased your first mountain bike, there’s lots of fantastic, challenging and ah-mazing bike trails to enjoy in the U.S. Check out some of the top bike trails our country has to offer:
Breakneck Ridge Trail: More Attractive Than Its Name
Okay, so the name of this trail doesn’t exactly inspire thoughts of biking over soft hills while admiring rainbows, however it does provide a whole lot of attractions, including the Hudson River, Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains vistas, an old fire lookout tower, stunning forests, tons of wildflowers and more. A 9.6-mile loop trail, it is described as “strenuous,” so maybe wait to attempt it if passing out is a concern. Located in Hudson Highlands State Park in upstate New York, Breakneck Ridge starts at river level before ascending some 1,500 feet.
Minuteman Bikeway: Yes, It’s Named After Paul Revere
Based on the route that dude who let everyone know the British were coming used, Minuteman Bikeway in Boston, Massachusetts is 10 miles total and actually connects to three other trails in the Cambridge area. A paved trail that follows a railroad, riding this trail in the fall is said to be full of stunning scenery. Don’t attempt it in the winter, however, unless you’re a masochist for frigid Northeast temperatures.
Centennial Trail: It’s Long. Like, Really Long.
[adrotate banner=”26″]The Centennial Trail in South Dakota includes a ride through Custer State Park and views of Sheridan and Pactola Lake. A trail if you’re interested in a biking trip, the route is 111 miles long and features “quintessential American scenery” that at times may make you think you’ve biked through a time warp and ended up in the old west. Think prairies, thick forests, buttes, grasslands and more. While some sections are quite easy, other parts include a steep incline followed by a rather sharp descent.
Chicago Lakefront Bike Path: For When You’re Sick Of Nature
This smooth, 18-mile bike path through the Windy City is a great way to see Chicago. Ideal for those who love urban bike rides, this trail is nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive. Keep in mind that you’ll be steering around other cyclists, walkers and runners, however there’s plenty of parks and “beach stops” along the way, making the ride well worth it.
Appalachian Trail: The Pinnacle: What To Do If You Don’t Want To Dedicate A Year Of Your Life To The Whole Shebang
If you aren’t interested in going a bit off-grid and hiking the entire frickin’ Appalachian Trail, this ride is a great alternative. A mere 8.7-mile trail, you’ll ascend over 800 feet and enjoy ridiculously gorgeous views of the Lehigh Valley, Blue Rocks and Hawk Mountain. Located in Pennsylvania, many believe some of the trail’s most amazing scenery is found around here. You’ll have to climb the rocky path to the top to reach this wide dirt trail, however there’s more than enough beauty to make up for a little sweat.
These are just some of the many awesome bike trails you’ll find throughout the U.S. Remember to bring at least one friend with you no matter where you bike in case of injury, such as falling off your bike or getting bitch-slapped by a bear. Have fun!
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