Top Bicycle Touring Routes In The USA 2025

The Evolution of Bicycle Touring in America

Bicycle touring in the United States has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. What was once considered a niche activity for hardcore cycling enthusiasts has evolved into a mainstream travel choice embraced by adventure seekers of all experience levels. The expanded U.S. Bicycle Route System now encompasses over 18,000 miles across 34 states, creating unprecedented opportunities for cross-country travel and regional exploration.

In 2025, several trends are reshaping the bicycle touring landscape:

• Integration of e-bikes: Electric bicycles have democratized long-distance touring, making challenging routes accessible to a broader range of cyclists.
• Gravel bike dominance: The versatility of gravel bikes has made them the preferred choice for touring, with wider tire clearance (up to 57mm in 2025 models) enabling riders to tackle varied terrain.
• Tech-enabled navigation: Advanced GPS systems and specialized apps have revolutionized route planning and navigation.
• Sustainable tourism focus: Bicycle touring aligns perfectly with the growing demand for eco-friendly travel experiences.
• Infrastructure improvements: Many states have invested in dedicated bicycle paths, cyclist-friendly accommodations, and support services.

With these trends in mind, we've compiled our definitive guide to the most extraordinary bicycle touring routes across the United States for 2025. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country odyssey, these routes offer unforgettable experiences for cyclists of all abilities.

Cross-Country Epic Routes

1. TransAmerica Trail

The original long-distance bicycle route in America, the TransAmerica Trail was established during the 1976 "Bikecentennial" celebration and remains the quintessential cross-country cycling experience. Spanning 4,262 miles from Yorktown, Virginia to Astoria, Oregon, this route takes riders through the heart of America across ten states.

Route highlights:

• Rich historical sites in Virginia's colonial heartland
• The rolling hills of Kentucky and the Ozarks
• Crossing the Continental Divide in Colorado
• Breathtaking scenery through Yellowstone National Park
• The Columbia River Gorge leading to the Pacific Ocean

The TransAmerica Trail can be tackled in its entirety (typically requiring 2-3 months) or broken into regional sections for shorter adventures. The route primarily follows paved roads with moderate traffic, making it accessible to most touring cyclists with reasonable fitness levels.

Best time to ride: May to September (to avoid mountain snow)

2. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

For those seeking a more rugged cross-country adventure, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route offers North America's ultimate off-pavement experience. Following the Continental Divide from Jasper, Canada, to the US-Mexico border, the American portion covers approximately 2,700 miles through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

What makes it special:

• Over 90% unpaved surfaces (forest roads, jeep tracks, and doubletrack)
• Incredible mountain scenery along the Continental Divide
• Remote wilderness sections with abundant wildlife viewing
• Challenging terrain that tests both technical skills and endurance
• Opportunities to experience authentic small-town America

With the rising popularity of gravel bikes featuring wider tire clearance in 2025, this once-impossible route for traditional touring bikes is now accessible to properly equipped gravel enthusiasts. The route demands self-sufficiency, as services can be widely spaced.

Best time to ride: June to September (due to high-altitude snow)

3. Pacific Coast Route

The Pacific Coast Route offers one of America's most scenic coastal journeys, stretching 1,853 miles from Vancouver, Canada, to the Mexico border. Hugging the coastline through Washington, Oregon, and California, this route provides breathtaking ocean views for nearly its entire length.

Unique features:

• Dramatic coastal cliffs and beaches
• Ancient redwood forests in Northern California
• The iconic Golden Gate Bridge crossing in San Francisco
• Central California's picturesque Big Sur coastline
• Comfortable climate year-round in most sections

The route primarily follows established roadways, many with dedicated bicycle lanes or wide shoulders. Services are readily available throughout, making this an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a supported touring experience.

Best time to ride: Spring or fall for optimal weather and fewer tourists

Eastern Seaboard Adventures

4. East Coast Greenway

The ambitious East Coast Greenway project continues to develop, aiming to create a continuous 3,000-mile route from Maine to Florida. As of 2025, approximately 35% of the route consists of protected greenways and dedicated bicycle paths, with the remainder following carefully selected roads with bicycle accommodations.

Key segments:

• Maine's pristine coastline and Acadia National Park
• Historic colonial cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
• The diverse ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay
• South Carolina's lowcountry and Georgia's coastal islands
• The tropical paradise of the Florida Keys

The East Coast Greenway can be experienced as a complete journey or in shorter regional sections. The increasing prevalence of e-bikes has made this route more accessible, especially for navigating urban sections and tackling the varied terrain along the eastern seaboard.

Best time to ride: Spring and fall in the mid-Atlantic; winter months in Florida

5. Underground Railroad Bicycle Route

The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route traces the historic pathways that enslaved Americans used to seek freedom in the North and Canada. This 2,028-mile route from Mobile, Alabama, to Owen Sound, Ontario, offers a profound journey through American history.

Historical highlights:

• Significant Underground Railroad sites and museums
• Historic churches and safe houses
• Major river crossings that marked freedom milestones
• African American heritage sites throughout the route
• Cultural and historical interpretation signs and exhibits

Beyond its historical significance, the route showcases the diverse landscapes of the American South, Midwest, and the Great Lakes region. The Adventure Cycling Association provides detailed maps and historical context for this educational journey.

Best time to ride: April to October

Mountain Majesty Routes

6. Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive

The combined Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive create one of America's most spectacular mountain cycling routes. Stretching 574 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, this purpose-built scenic roadway follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering unparalleled mountain vistas.

Why it's extraordinary:

• Dedicated scenic parkway with commercial traffic restrictions
• Countless scenic overlooks with panoramic views
• Access to numerous hiking trails and waterfalls
• Vibrant fall foliage displays (peak in October)
• Moderate traffic and cyclist-friendly road design

This route features significant elevation changes and challenging climbs, but the steady grades and abundant services make it accessible to reasonably fit cyclists. The growing popularity of e-bikes has made this once-intimidating route achievable for a broader range of touring cyclists.

Best time to ride: May to October (Note: In 2025, some sections remain closed for Hurricane Helene recovery - check current conditions before planning)

7. Glacier to Yellowstone

For an unforgettable Northern Rockies experience, the Glacier to Yellowstone route connects two of America's most beloved national parks via some of Montana's most spectacular landscapes. This approximately 400-mile route showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Greater Yellowstone region.

Natural wonders:

• The alpine splendor of Glacier National Park
• The expansive Paradise Valley along the Yellowstone River
• Historic mining towns turned mountain getaways
• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities
• Geothermal features in Yellowstone National Park

The route combines sections of Adventure Cycling's Northern Tier and TransAmerica Trail, providing well-documented navigation through remote mountain terrain. Services can be limited in some sections, requiring careful planning.

Best time to ride: July to September (to ensure mountain passes are snow-free)

River Valley Explorations

8. Mississippi River Trail

Follow America's greatest river on the Mississippi River Trail, which traces the mighty Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. This 2,000-mile journey passes through ten states and offers a unique perspective on America's heartland.

River highlights:

• The pristine upper river in Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Historic river towns with distinctive architecture
• The confluence with the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois
• Antebellum plantations and Civil War sites
• The vibrant music culture of Memphis and New Orleans

The route primarily follows paved roads and dedicated bicycle paths, with varying levels of traffic. The terrain is predominantly flat, making this an accessible option for cyclists of different abilities. The southern portions are particularly well-suited for winter touring.

Best time to ride: Spring and fall for the entire route; winter for the southern sections

9. Katy Trail

The Katy Trail remains one of America's premier rail-trail conversions, offering 240 miles of dedicated, car-free cycling through the heart of Missouri. Following the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor along the Missouri River, this limestone path provides a family-friendly touring experience.

Trail features:

• Completely traffic-free crushed limestone surface
• Scenic river views and limestone bluffs
• Historic railroad towns with cyclist services
• Connection to Missouri wine country
• Interpretive signage detailing Lewis and Clark's journey

The flat, well-maintained surface makes this an ideal route for families, beginners, or cyclists seeking a relaxed touring experience. The trail's crushed limestone surface is best suited for touring bikes with slightly wider tires (35mm+) or gravel bikes.

Best time to ride: April to November

10. Erie Canalway Trail

The historic Erie Canal transformed American commerce in the 19th century, and today its towpath offers cyclists a 360-mile journey across New York State. The Erie Canalway Trail, a cornerstone of the larger Empire State Trail network, connects Buffalo to Albany along this engineering marvel.

Canal attractions:

• Historic locks, aqueducts, and canal structures
• Charming canal towns with preserved 19th-century architecture
• Museum exhibits detailing canal history
• Flat, accessible terrain following the original towpath
• Connections to the Finger Lakes wine region

The trail surface varies from paved sections to crushed stone, suitable for most touring bikes. The flat terrain and abundant services make this an excellent choice for novice bicycle tourists or those seeking a historically rich experience.

Best time to ride: May to October

Western Adventure Routes

11. Pacific Northwest Trail

For a challenging wilderness adventure, the Pacific Northwest Trail traverses some of America's most dramatic landscapes across 1,200 miles from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean. The route crosses Montana, Idaho, and Washington, including three national parks and seven national forests.

Wilderness experiences:

• The rugged North Cascades mountain range
• Olympic National Park's diverse ecosystems
• Remote sections of the Idaho panhandle
• Spectacular Puget Sound island hopping
• Olympic Peninsula's rainforests and beaches

This demanding route includes significant off-pavement sections and wilderness hiking segments, making it best suited for experienced bikepackers with self-sufficient touring setups. The 2025 trend toward more capable gravel bikes with wider tire clearance makes this route more accessible than ever.

Best time to ride: July to September

12. Arizona Trail

The Arizona Trail offers an incredible desert and mountain experience across 800 miles from Mexico to Utah. While traditionally considered a hiking trail, the growing popularity of bikepacking has made cycling sections of this route increasingly common, with approximately 70% accessible to mountain bikes.

Desert highlights:

• The iconic Grand Canyon (requires bike portaging)
• The sky island mountains of southern Arizona
• Ancient saguaro cactus forests
• Historic mining towns and ghost towns
• Dark sky viewing in remote wilderness areas

This route requires specialized equipment, including mountain bikes or plus-tire gravel bikes, and demands self-sufficient touring capabilities. Water planning is essential in this arid environment. For 2025, many cyclists are choosing specific sections rather than attempting the entire route.

Best time to ride: Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November)

Emerging Gravel Routes

13. The Dirty Kanza XL Route (Kansas)

The influence of gravel racing has transformed bicycle touring, with many iconic race routes now serving as touring destinations. The extended version of the famous Unbound Gravel race (formerly Dirty Kanza) offers a 350-mile tour through the Flint Hills of Kansas, showcasing America's remaining tallgrass prairie.

Gravel highlights:

• Endless rolling hills with panoramic vistas
• Historic ranching communities
• Native American historical sites
• Spectacular prairie wildflower displays in spring
• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities

This route requires gravel-specific equipment, with the trend in 2025 favoring bikes with clearance for 45mm+ tires. The route can be challenging in wet conditions, making weather monitoring essential.

Best time to ride: May to June for wildflowers; September to October for stable weather

14. Lost and Found Route (California)

California's Sierra Nevada mountains provide the backdrop for the Lost and Found gravel route, a spectacular 100-mile loop through pine forests, alpine meadows, and along the shores of pristine mountain lakes. The route can be extended for multi-day touring through this stunning region.

Mountain highlights:

• High-elevation views of the Sierra Nevada range
• Secluded mountain lakes for swimming and camping
• Historic Gold Rush sites and ghost towns
• Wildlife viewing, including black bears and eagles
• Connections to additional forest service roads for extended touring

This route requires gravel-specific equipment and preparation for remote riding with limited services. The 2025 trend toward "underbiking" (using drop-bar gravel bikes on terrain traditionally requiring mountain bikes) makes this challenging route increasingly popular.

Best time to ride: June to September

15. Steamboat Ramble (Colorado)

The Steamboat Ramble route connects Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs across approximately 200 miles of Colorado's spectacular front range mountains. This mixed-surface route combines gravel roads, forest service tracks, and sections of singletrack trail to create an immersive mountain experience.

Colorado features:

• Rocky Mountain panoramic views
• Alpine lakes and meadows
• Historic mining routes and ghost towns
• Diverse wildlife habitats
• Hot springs for post-ride recovery

This challenging route requires proper equipment and preparation for high-altitude touring, with some sections exceeding 10,000 feet elevation. The growing trend of purpose-built gravel touring bikes with mountain bike-inspired features makes this route increasingly accessible in 2025.

Best time to ride: July to September

Coastal Escapes

16. Oregon Coast Bicycle Route

Oregon's commitment to bicycle tourism shines on the Oregon Coast Bicycle Route, a 370-mile journey along the state's spectacular coastline. Following primarily Highway 101, this well-established route offers consistent coastal views with excellent infrastructure for cyclists.

Coastal features:

• Dramatic headlands and sea stacks
• Pristine beaches and tide pools
• Historic lighthouses and fishing villages
• Ancient temperate rainforests
• Whale watching opportunities (seasonal)

Oregon's cyclist-friendly policies ensure good shoulder conditions on most highway sections, with abundant state parks offering hiker/biker camping sites at affordable rates. The route can be challenging due to prevailing winds, elevation changes, and occasional tunnel crossings.

Best time to ride: Summer for reliable weather; shoulder seasons for fewer tourists

17. Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

For a tropical bicycle touring experience without leaving the continental United States, the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail follows the route of the historic Overseas Railroad through the Florida Keys. This 106-mile route from Key Largo to Key West crosses 37 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.

Tropical highlights:

• Caribbean-blue waters visible throughout the route
• Historic bridges repurposed for bicycle use
• Abundant marine wildlife viewing
• Access to snorkeling and diving sites
• The unique cultural experience of Key West

This accessible route features dedicated paths for much of its length, with some sections sharing the road with vehicle traffic. The flat terrain makes this suitable for cyclists of all abilities, while the tropical climate allows for year-round touring.

Best time to ride: November to April for cooler temperatures and lower humidity

Urban-Connected Routes

18. Empire State Trail (New York)

Completed in recent years, the Empire State Trail creates a 750-mile bicycle touring network connecting New York City to Canada and Buffalo. The route combines the Hudson Valley Greenway, Erie Canalway Trail, and Champlain Valley Trail to showcase New York's diverse landscapes.

Route diversity:

• New York City's extensive bicycle infrastructure
• The scenic Hudson Valley wine region
• Historic sites from the American Revolution
• The engineering marvel of the Erie Canal
• The spectacular Lake Champlain Valley

This well-developed route features a high percentage of dedicated paths and trails, with thorough signage and developing support services. The varying terrain accommodates different riding styles, from urban exploration to rural touring.

Best time to ride: May to October

19. Grand Illinois Trail

The Grand Illinois Trail creates an 575-mile loop through northern Illinois, connecting Chicago with scenic rural landscapes and historic towns along the Mississippi River. This route showcases the surprising diversity of America's heartland.

Illinois discoveries:

• Chicago's extensive lakefront bicycle path system
• Historic canal towns along the Illinois & Michigan Canal
• The majestic Mississippi River
• Rolling hills of the driftless area
• Galena's preserved 19th-century architecture

The predominantly flat terrain and plentiful services make this an accessible route for novice bicycle tourists. The route combines dedicated trails and quiet country roads, with excellent Amtrak connections allowing for flexible section riding.

Best time to ride: May to October

National Park Routes

20. Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway offers 444 miles of scenic cycling from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. This historic travel corridor predates European settlement and later served as a critical return route for river traders in the early 19th century.

Parkway benefits:

• Limited commercial traffic and low speed limits
• No traffic lights or stop signs for the entire route
• Well-maintained road surfaces with good shoulders
• Regular interpretive sites explaining the route's history
• Convenient campgrounds and services

The route's gentle grades and excellent road conditions make it accessible to cyclists of all abilities. The National Park Service designation ensures consistent maintenance and tourist facilities throughout the route.

Best time to ride: April to May for spring blooms; September to October for fall colors

21. Olympic Peninsula Loop (Washington)

The Olympic Peninsula Loop showcases the incredible diversity of Washington's Olympic National Park, circling this UNESCO World Heritage Site for approximately 350 miles. The route combines the Olympic Discovery Trail with scenic highways to create an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience.

Olympic wonders:

• The stunning coastline with massive sea stacks
• The world's largest temperate rainforests
• Hurricane Ridge's alpine landscapes
• Diverse wildlife including Roosevelt elk and black bears
• Vibrant Native American cultural heritage

Sections of this route now utilize the developing Olympic Discovery Trail, a dedicated multi-use path replacing some highway riding. The remaining road sections generally feature good shoulders and visitor services.

Best time to ride: July to September for reliable weather

Planning Your Bicycle Tour

Equipment Trends for 2025

The bicycle touring equipment landscape continues to evolve, with several key trends shaping the 2025 season:

• Wider tire clearance: The latest gravel and touring bikes now accommodate tires up to 57mm wide, allowing for more comfortable riding on varied surfaces.
• Electronic shifting systems: Increasingly reliable and affordable electronic shifting options are appearing on touring-specific bikes.
• Integrated navigation: Purpose-built GPS units and smartphone mounts with extended battery capabilities simplify navigation.
• Lightweight bikepacking setups: Traditional panniers are increasingly complemented or replaced by frame, handlebar, and seatpost bags for improved weight distribution.
• E-bike touring options: Purpose-built electric touring bikes with extended range batteries make challenging routes accessible to more riders.

When selecting equipment for your tour, consider the specific demands of your chosen route and your personal preferences for comfort and convenience. The growing range of specialized touring equipment offers solutions for every style of bicycle touring.

Planning Resources

Several excellent resources can help you plan your bicycle touring adventure:

• Adventure Cycling Association: Offers detailed maps, route information, and guided tours for many of the routes featured in this article.
• State tourism websites: Many states now provide specific cycling information, including California, Oregon, and Minnesota.
• U.S. Bicycle Route System: Provides information on officially designated bicycle routes across the country.
• Digital platforms: Apps like Komoot, Ride With GPS, and Strava offer route planning and community insights for popular touring routes.
• Local bicycle shops: Often provide regional knowledge and updated information on route conditions.

Touring Styles

Bicycle touring accommodates diverse preferences and approaches:

• Credit card touring: Staying in hotels/motels and eating at restaurants, requiring minimal equipment.
• Supported touring: Commercial tours provide sag support, accommodations, and meals while you ride.
• Self-contained camping: Carrying camping equipment for overnight stays in campgrounds.
• Bikepacking: Lightweight, minimalist approach using frame bags instead of traditional panniers.
• Mixed-mode touring: Combining cycling with public transportation to create flexible itineraries.

Consider which style aligns with your preferences and the specific route you're planning to ride. Many cyclists begin with supported or credit card touring before progressing to more self-sufficient approaches.

Conclusion: The Future of Bicycle Touring in America

As we look toward the future, bicycle touring in the United States continues to grow in popularity and accessibility. The expanding network of dedicated bicycle routes, improved infrastructure, and technological advances are making this immersive travel experience available to more people than ever before.

The routes highlighted in this guide represent some of America's most extraordinary cycling experiences, but countless more regional and local routes await discovery. The joy of bicycle touring lies not just in the famous routes but in the personal discoveries and unexpected encounters along the way.

Whether you're planning your first overnight tour or dreaming of a cross-country odyssey, America's bicycle touring routes offer adventures for every interest, ability level, and time frame. The simple act of exploring by bicycle creates a deeper connection to landscapes and communities, turning a journey into a transformative experience.

The open road awaits—all you need to do is ride.