Top 12 Epic Cycling Trails to Try in America's Great Outdoors This Summer
The sun is higher, the days are longer, and the great outdoors is calling your name. For cyclists, summer isn't just a season; it's a promise. It's the promise of dusty trails, sun-warmed asphalt, and breathtaking views earned one pedal stroke at a time. It’s the perfect time to trade your indoor trainer for an adventure that engages all your senses.
America's vast and varied landscape is a playground for anyone on two wheels. From the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the serene, forested paths of New England, there's a trail for every skill level and every type of bike. Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of a technical singletrack descent, the meditative rhythm of a long-distance road ride, or a leisurely pedal with the family, this country has it all.
Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we're all about chasing those epic experiences. That's why we've curated a list of 12 must-ride cycling trails across the United States. So, lube your chain, pump up your tires, and get ready to discover your next great summer adventure.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
For road cyclists who love a serious climb with a celestial payoff, there is no route more iconic than the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. This 50-mile paved marvel is an engineering feat that carves its way through the heart of the mountains, offering jaw-dropping views of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and jagged peaks. The ride is a true challenge, culminating in a breathtaking ascent to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet.
The real magic happens in the early season (typically May and June) before the road fully opens to cars. During this time, the upper sections are exclusively for hikers and bikers, giving you a serene, once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll pedal past the Weeping Wall, watch for mountain goats and bighorn sheep, and feel truly humbled by the scale of the wilderness around you.
- Pro Tip: The weather in Glacier is notoriously fickle. Dress in layers, pack rain gear, and bring plenty of water and snacks. Check the park's road status page religiously before you go, as opening dates are entirely dependent on snowplowing progress.
2. The Whole Enchilada, Utah
In the world of mountain biking, Moab is mecca, and The Whole Enchilada is its holiest shrine. This is not just a trail; it's a legendary, 34-mile point-to-point odyssey that drops over 7,000 vertical feet. Starting high in the alpine forests of the La Sal Mountains, the trail descends through every type of terrain imaginable—from loamy singletrack and aspen groves to technical slickrock and exposed desert ledges.
This ride is a full-body, full-day commitment that will test your skills, endurance, and nerve. It strings together several classic trails (Burro Pass, Hazzard County, Porcupine Rim) into one unforgettable package. The final miles along the rim of the Colorado River offer views so stunning they'll make you forget how tired your legs are. It’s a true bucket-list adventure for any serious mountain biker.
- Pro Tip: This is an expert-level trail. Book a commercial shuttle to the top. Start early to avoid the brutal afternoon heat, and bring more water and food than you think you’ll need. The upper sections are often snow-covered until mid-summer, so aim for a late summer or early fall ride for the full top-to-bottom experience.
3. George S. Mickelson Trail, South Dakota
If you're looking for scenery without the suffering, the Mickelson Trail is your ticket to paradise. This 109-mile rail trail winds through the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, offering a gentle grade and a crushed limestone surface perfect for gravel bikes, hybrids, or even mountain bikes. The trail feels like a journey through the history of the Old West.
You’ll pedal over more than 100 converted railroad bridges and through four hard-rock tunnels. The path takes you past granite peaks, through dense pine forests, and across open prairies. It’s an incredibly accessible trail, with 15 trailheads that allow you to ride it in manageable sections. It’s perfect for families, bikepackers, or anyone wanting to soak in the serene beauty of South Dakota.
- Pro Tip: Purchase a Mickelson Trail Pass online or at a self-service station at any trailhead. The towns of Deadwood, Lead, and Custer are all fantastic basecamps for exploring different sections of the trail.
4. Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia
Don’t let the name fool you; this trail is all about speed and smiles. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile multi-use path that’s famous for its family-friendly, mostly downhill profile. The most popular way to ride it is to take a shuttle from Damascus or Abingdon to Whitetop Station, the trail's highest point. From there, it's a gentle 17-mile coast back down to Damascus.
The trail follows the path of a former steam locomotive, meandering through the lush Jefferson National Forest. You'll cross dozens of picturesque wooden trestles high above rushing creeks and pass through pastoral farmland. Damascus, known as "Trail Town, USA," is a charming hub where you can rent bikes, book a shuttle, and grab a well-deserved post-ride meal.
- Pro Tip: While the downhill portion is easy, remember that the trail is shared with hikers and equestrians. Control your speed, announce your presence, and be courteous. For a bigger challenge, try riding the trail uphill from Damascus to Whitetop.
5. Flume Trail, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Perched high above the impossibly blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the Flume Trail delivers some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever witness from a saddle. This intermediate mountain bike trail follows the path of a 19th-century aqueduct (a "flume") that once carried water to the silver mines of the Comstock Lode.
The main attraction is a 4.5-mile section that hangs precariously on a steep mountainside, offering unobstructed, panoramic views of the entire lake basin. While not technically difficult, the trail is narrow and has significant exposure in places, so it's not for those with a fear of heights. The classic 14-mile point-to-point ride involves a bit of climbing to get to Marlette Lake before you reach the iconic Flume section.
- Pro Tip: Start your ride at Spooner Lake State Park (a fee is required). A shuttle service can take you back to your car from the end of the trail near Incline Village. Ride it on a weekday to avoid the crowds and give yourself more room to stop and soak in those incredible vistas.
6. Katy Trail State Park, Missouri
For the long-distance touring cyclist, the Katy Trail is a dream come true. As the longest developed rail trail in the United States, this 240-mile path stretches across most of Missouri, following the former route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad. The trail hugs the banks of the Missouri River, offering a unique glimpse into the state's rural heartland.
The flat, crushed limestone surface makes for easy pedaling, allowing you to focus on the scenery: towering bluffs, lush farmland, and quaint small towns. With numerous trailheads and charming B&Bs located right along the route, the Katy Trail is perfect for a multi-day bikepacking trip. You can ride for an hour or for a week, experiencing a slower, more intimate side of America.
- Pro Tip: The trail is lined with wineries, especially between Augusta and Hermann. Plan a stop for a tasting and enjoy some local flavor. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for a long-distance ride.
7. Maah Daah Hey Trail, North Dakota
This is the trail for the rugged soul seeking true solitude and a formidable challenge. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 144-mile singletrack ribbon that slices through the otherworldly landscape of the North Dakota Badlands. This is remote, wild country, and the trail is as unforgiving as it is beautiful. A ride here is what my friend Goh Ling Yong would call a true epic.
You’ll navigate sharp buttes, grassy plateaus, and rolling prairies, all while marveling at the vibrant, multi-colored layers of the land. The trail is well-marked but receives little traffic, meaning you’re likely to have it all to yourself—save for the bison, pronghorn, and wild horses. Tackling the entire thing is a serious bikepacking undertaking, but riding it in sections from one of the nine trailheads is just as rewarding.
- Pro Tip: Water is extremely scarce along the trail. Plan your caching strategy meticulously or carry a robust filtration system. The clay-based soil turns into an unrideable, bike-destroying "gumbo" when wet, so do not attempt to ride this trail after a rainstorm.
8. Acadia National Park's Carriage Roads, Maine
A gift from philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., Acadia's 45 miles of car-free carriage roads are a cycling treasure. These crushed-stone paths wind through the dense forests and around the granite mountains of Mount Desert Island, offering stunning, intimate views of the park's ponds, shores, and peaks.
The roads were engineered to blend seamlessly with the landscape, featuring magnificent stone bridges and a gentle grade that makes them accessible to riders of all ages and abilities. You can piece together loops of varying lengths, like the popular Jordan Pond loop, or create a longer ride that takes you deep into the park's interior. It’s a peaceful, timeless cycling experience.
- Pro Tip: Rent a Class 1 e-bike in Bar Harbor if you want a little assistance on the hills. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots, and don't forget your camera for the iconic cobblestone bridges.
9. Highway 1, Big Sur, California
Riding California's Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast is the quintessential American road cycling dream. This legendary highway clings to the cliffs where the Santa Lucia Mountains dramatically meet the Pacific Ocean. For 90 miles between Carmel and San Simeon, you’ll be treated to a relentless procession of soaring bridges, tight hairpin turns, and awe-inspiring ocean vistas.
This is a challenging ride with significant climbing and no bike lanes for most of the route. You’ll be sharing the road with cars, so confidence and visibility are key. But the reward is an unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes on Earth. The feeling of the sea breeze on your face as you crest a climb to see miles of coastline unfurl before you is pure magic.
- Pro Tip: Ride from north to south to stay on the ocean side of the road for the best views. The traffic is lightest on weekdays and in the early morning. Be sure to use bright, flashing lights on the front and rear of your bike.
10. Kingdom Trails, Vermont
Nestled in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, this sprawling network is consistently ranked as one of the best mountain bike destinations in North America. With over 100 miles of interconnected trails, Kingdom Trails offers something for everyone, from flowing, machine-built cruisers for beginners to technical, rooty singletrack for experts.
What makes this place special is the community. The trail network is built on the land of over 100 private landowners who graciously allow access. This spirit of cooperation has created a welcoming, friendly vibe. The trails on Darling Hill are famous for their fast, flowy descents with panoramic views of Willoughby Gap, while the trails on Burke Mountain offer lift-serviced, classic downhill terrain.
- Pro Tip: A Kingdom Trails membership or day pass is required to ride. Start your day at the welcome center in East Burke to get a map and the latest trail conditions. Don't miss the classic descent down "Tap 'n' Die."
11. Silver Comet Trail, Georgia
For a smooth, fast, and accessible ride in the Southeast, look no further than the Silver Comet Trail. This fully paved, 61.5-mile rail trail starts in the Atlanta suburb of Smyrna and travels west through peaceful forests and charming small towns until it reaches the Alabama state line, where it connects to the 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail.
The trail is a haven for road cyclists, skaters, and runners. It’s mostly flat with a few gentle rollers, making it perfect for long training rides or a casual family outing. Highlights include the Pumpkinvine Trestle, which towers 126 feet above a creek, and the 800-foot-long Brushy Mountain Tunnel. It’s a fantastic piece of infrastructure that provides a safe and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle.
- Pro Tip: The trail can get busy near the Smyrna starting point on weekends. For a quieter ride, start from one of the trailheads further west, like the one in Rockmart or Cedartown.
12. Monarch Crest Trail, Colorado
This is high-alpine mountain biking at its finest. The Monarch Crest Trail is a point-to-point adventure that starts at a staggering 11,312 feet atop Monarch Pass and spends much of its time above the treeline. The views are simply otherworldly, with 360-degree panoramas of the Rocky Mountains stretching out in every direction.
The classic route is over 30 miles long and features a phenomenal amount of descending, but it's not all downhill. You have to earn your turns with several tough climbs at high altitude. The trail itself is a glorious mix of buff singletrack, chunky rock gardens, and fast, forested descents. This is a physically demanding ride that requires proper acclimatization to the altitude.
- Pro Tip: Several shuttle companies in Salida and Poncha Springs can get you and your bike to the top of Monarch Pass. The riding season is short due to snow (typically July through September). Watch the afternoon weather closely, as thunderstorms can build quickly and dangerously in the high country.
America is a cyclist's paradise, and this list is just the beginning. Each trail offers a unique story, a different challenge, and a new way to connect with the landscape. So this summer, pick a trail, pack your bags, and go create some memories. The open road is waiting.
What are your favorite cycling trails in the U.S.? Did we miss one of your go-to spots? Share your top picks and summer cycling plans in the comments below
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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