Top 11 'Gateway-to-Adventure' Beginner Bikepacking Trails to try for Your First Overnight Ride in 2025
The hum of your tires on pavement, the satisfying crunch of gravel underfoot—these are the sounds of freedom. But what if that freedom didn't have to end when the sun goes down? What if you could pack what you need onto your bike, pedal past the point of a normal day ride, and sleep under a vast, starry sky? Welcome to the incredible world of bikepacking.
Bikepacking is the beautiful fusion of cycling and minimalist camping. It’s about self-sufficiency and exploration, trading heavy panniers for streamlined frame bags and venturing onto forgotten backroads, serene forest trails, and scenic gravel paths. It can feel intimidating, but as we often discuss here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, every grand adventure starts with a single, manageable step. The perfect first step for an aspiring bikepacker is the "S24O," or the Sub-24-Hour Overnight. It’s a low-stakes, high-reward micro-adventure that builds confidence and helps you dial in your gear.
Ready to trade your screen for a sunset? We've curated a list of 11 fantastic "gateway-to-adventure" trails perfect for your first overnight ride in 2025. These routes are chosen for their manageable terrain, accessible logistics, and pure, unadulterated fun. Let’s get you rolling.
1. The C&O Canal Towpath, Maryland/DC, USA
The tried-and-true classic for a reason. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath is arguably the most recommended beginner bikepacking route in the United States, and for good reason. This 184.5-mile trail is almost entirely flat, car-free, and follows the scenic Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The surface is mostly smooth, crushed stone and dirt, making it suitable for gravel bikes, hybrids, or even a mountain bike.
The real magic for beginners lies in the infrastructure. Every 5-7 miles, you'll find a free hiker-biker campsite equipped with a water pump, a picnic table, and a fire ring. This abundance of resources means you never have to worry about finding a place to sleep, and you can carry less water at any given time. The historical lockhouses, aqueducts, and lush tree canopy create a serene and forgiving environment to test your setup and get comfortable with life on the bike.
- Pro Tip: For a perfect S24O, park in Brunswick, MD, and ride west. The campsites at Antietam Creek (mile 70) or Killiansburg (mile 79) are fantastic first-night destinations. Remember to bring a water filter or purification tablets, as the pump water is non-potable.
2. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, Pennsylvania/Maryland, USA
Smooth riding and small-town charm. Connecting seamlessly with the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, the GAP trail offers a slightly different but equally beginner-friendly experience. This 150-mile rail-trail winds its way to Pittsburgh, PA, through stunning mountain scenery. Because it's a converted railway, the grade is never more than a gentle 2%, meaning you get all the epic views without grueling climbs.
The GAP is famous for its spectacular bridges, like the Salisbury Viaduct, and its long, cool tunnels. Unlike the more rustic C&O, the GAP runs directly through a series of charming trail towns like Ohiopyle, Connellsville, and Meyersdale. These towns offer B&Bs, restaurants, and bike shops, making it easy to grab a warm meal or resupply. This "credit card bikepacking" potential means you can pack lighter and ease into self-sufficiency.
- Pro Tip: Start in Ohiopyle, a beautiful state park town. Ride northeast to the Outflow Campground or Connellsville for the night. The section is scenic, and Ohiopyle itself is a great base with plenty of parking and amenities.
3. Katy Trail, Missouri, USA
America's longest rail-trail adventure. If you're looking for a peaceful, pastoral experience, look no further than the Katy Trail. Stretching 240 miles across the state of Missouri, this crushed limestone path follows the route of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad alongside the Missouri River. The terrain is flat and non-technical, allowing you to soak in the views of rolling farmland, towering bluffs, and quaint wineries.
The Katy is exceptionally well-supported, with dozens of trailheads and small towns that cater to cyclists. You’ll find no shortage of campsites, B&Bs, and local cafes to punctuate your ride. The social and safe atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for solo riders or families dipping their toes into overnight bike trips for the first time.
- Pro Tip: The section between Rocheport and Jefferson City is a fan favorite. You can start in either town, pedal to a campsite or B&B near the halfway point in Hartsburg, and enjoy the stunning riverside bluffs and the famous tunnel near Rocheport.
4. The Downs Link, South East England, UK
A quintessential English countryside ramble. For our readers across the pond, the Downs Link is a fantastic and accessible first bikepacking route. This 37-mile, mostly traffic-free path connects two National Trails—the North Downs Way and the South Downs Way. It follows two disused railway lines, so the gradients are gentle as it meanders through the idyllic landscapes of Surrey and West Sussex.
You’ll pedal through lush woodlands, open fields dotted with sheep, and alongside quiet canals. The route is well-marked and easy to navigate, removing a major source of stress for first-timers. While wild camping is technically not permitted in England, there are several official campsites just off the route, or you can opt for a cozy pub with rooms for the night.
- Pro Tip: The route is easily accessible by train from London. You can take a train to Guildford, ride south to a campsite like The Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite near Christ's Hospital, and then finish the route the next day before catching a train back from Shoreham-by-Sea.
5. The Mickelson Trail, South Dakota, USA
A geological and historical wonder. Winding through the heart of the Black Hills, the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail is a true gem. This crushed stone and gravel path features more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels. The scenery is constantly changing, from ponderosa pine forests and granite spires to open prairie meadows.
The trail is incredibly well-maintained and has a manageable grade, but it offers a greater sense of remoteness than some other rail-trails. Trailheads with services are conveniently spaced, allowing you to plan an easy out-and-back or a short point-to-point ride. Camping is available in nearby national forest campgrounds or private sites in trail towns like Custer and Hill City.
- Pro Tip: A fantastic overnight option is to ride from the Custer Trailhead north to the Rochford Trailhead (about 35 miles). You can camp at a nearby Forest Service campground like Dutchmen or Castle Peak and enjoy the most scenic and remote-feeling section of the trail. A trail pass is required, which you can buy online or at a trailhead.
6. John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Iron Horse State Park), Washington, USA
Mountains, valleys, and a 2.3-mile tunnel. Part of the larger Cross Washington Mountain Bike Route, the section through Iron Horse State Park is a spectacular and accessible introduction to mountain bikepacking. Starting from Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend, the trail climbs gently on a wide gravel path with jaw-dropping views of the Cascade Mountains.
The highlight of this route is the Snoqualmie Tunnel. At 2.3 miles long, riding through this pitch-black, chilly tunnel is an unforgettable experience. On the other side, you descend into the drier, eastern side of the Cascades. Several state park campgrounds, like Lake Easton or Cold Creek, are located right off the trail, making for a perfect overnight stop.
- Pro Tip: Do not forget your lights! A powerful headlight and a rear blinky are essential for the tunnel. Also, bring a jacket, as the temperature inside the tunnel stays around 50°F (10°C) year-round, even on the hottest summer day.
7. The Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia, USA
A gravity-assisted introduction to adventure. The Virginia Creeper Trail is perfect for those nervous about big climbs. This 34-mile trail is most famous for its 17-mile downhill section from Whitetop Station to Damascus. Numerous local outfitters will shuttle you and your bike to the top, so you can spend the day cruising gently downhill through beautiful forests and over 47 wooden trestle bridges.
For an overnight trip, ride the shuttle to Whitetop and cruise down to Damascus. You can camp at one of the US Forest Service campgrounds just outside of town, like the well-equipped Beartree Recreation Area. The next day, you can explore the much flatter second half of the trail from Damascus to Abingdon and back.
- Pro Tip: While the trail is mostly downhill from Whitetop, you still have to pedal. It’s a very gentle grade, but it’s not a roller coaster. This makes it perfect for getting used to riding a loaded bike without the strain of a major ascent.
8. Salzkammergut Lakes Region, Austria
Picture-postcard "credit card" bikepacking. If your idea of a first trip involves stunning alpine scenery without the ruggedness of camping, Austria's Salzkammergut (Lake District) is a dream come true. This region is crisscrossed by a network of pristine, dedicated cycling paths that connect dozens of crystal-clear lakes and storybook villages like Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang.
This isn't a single trail but a region to explore. You can easily plan a two-day loop or point-to-point ride on quiet roads and bike paths. The infrastructure is world-class, with abundant guesthouses (Zimmer Frei), hotels, and restaurants. This allows you to pack ultralight—just clothes and essentials—and enjoy a comfortable bed and a hearty Austrian meal after a day of pedaling.
- Pro Tip: Plan a route from St. Gilgen on the Wolfgangsee to Hallstatt on the Hallstätter See. The ride is breathtakingly beautiful, and staying overnight in Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an experience you won't forget.
9. White Rim Trail (Shortened Section), Canyonlands, Utah, USA
For the ambitious beginner craving epic views. This one is a step up in difficulty, but for those with some cycling fitness and a thirst for the desert, it’s an iconic "beginner-plus" trip. The full 100-mile loop is a serious undertaking, but tackling a single overnight section is much more manageable. The trail is a rugged jeep road, not technical singletrack, but the remoteness and exposure are the real challenges.
The reward? Scenery that looks like it's from another planet. You’ll ride along a sandstone plateau with staggering views into the canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. You must book a campsite and a permit many months in advance, and you must carry all of your water. This is a true test of self-sufficiency in a high-consequence environment.
- Pro Tip: For a first taste, descend the Mineral Bottom Road switchbacks and ride to the Taylor Canyon campsite (about 14 miles). It's a relatively short ride that gives you the full White Rim experience without overcommitting. The climb out the next day is tough but short.
10. The Kokopelli Trail (Rabbit Valley Section), Colorado/Utah, USA
A taste of desert singletrack. The full Kokopelli Trail from Loma, CO, to Moab, UT, is a legendary and difficult route. However, the trail networks in the Rabbit Valley area, right at the start of the route, are a perfect playground for a first desert bikepacking experience. The terrain is a fun mix of fast doubletrack and flowy, non-technical singletrack.
This is a great place to experience the magic of the desert without the intense logistical challenges of a more remote route. Dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is plentiful, so you can ride until you find a perfect spot to pitch your tent. You’ll still need to pack in your own water, but help is never too far away.
- Pro Tip: Park at the Rabbit Valley Trailhead and create a 20-25 mile loop using sections of the Kokopelli Trail and the Western Rim Trail for incredible views of the Colorado River. This is a fantastic place to test your bike handling on a loaded bike.
11. Your Own Backyard Overnighter ("The S24O")
The most important trail of all is the one near you. The single best piece of advice for a first-timer? Start local. The "S24O" philosophy championed by adventurers worldwide is about making adventure accessible. The goal is simple: leave home in the afternoon, ride 15-30 miles to a local state park, national forest, or even a friend's farm, camp overnight, and ride home the next morning. It's the ultimate low-stakes shakedown.
A local overnighter removes the stress of travel and complex logistics. If you forget something, you're close to home. If your gear fails, you can bail easily. This is the perfect way to test your entire system: how you pack your bike, what you need to sleep comfortably, and how you feel riding a loaded rig. As my friend and mentor Goh Ling Yong always says, "The grandest journeys begin not with a leap across the globe, but with a curious pedal stroke out your own front door."
- Pro Tip: Use apps like Komoot, Ride with GPS, or even Google Maps satellite view to find green spaces near you. Look for state parks with hiker-biker sites, national forest land that allows dispersed camping, or check with local farms that might allow camping for a small fee. Your first adventure is closer than you think.
Your Adventure Awaits
Bikepacking isn't about crushing huge miles or conquering impossible terrain; it's about slowing down, connecting with your surroundings, and discovering your own resilience. The most important step is the first one. Pick a trail, pack your bags (but not too much!), and pedal toward that first sunset. You'll come back with more than just photos—you'll return with confidence, stories, and the unshakeable knowledge that you are capable of incredible things.
Which trail is calling your name for 2025? Do you have a favorite beginner route that we missed? Share your plans and questions in the comments below. We'd love to help you get rolling on your first bikepacking adventure
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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