Top 6 'Ghost-Railway' Cycling Trails to start your journey back in time in the outdoors. - Goh Ling Yong
There’s something uniquely captivating about an abandoned railway line. It's a scar on the landscape, a whisper of a bygone era of steam, steel, and relentless progress. These corridors, once pulsating with the energy of locomotives, have now fallen silent, slowly being reclaimed by nature. They are linear parks, time capsules, and green arteries all rolled into one, holding stories of the communities they once served.
For cyclists, these "ghost railways" are more than just forgotten infrastructure; they are a gift. The engineers who laid these tracks a century ago unwittingly created the perfect cycling paths of the future. With their gentle gradients, sweeping curves, and sturdy bridges, they provide a ready-made route through some of the most stunning and inaccessible landscapes. It's an opportunity to pedal through history, to feel the echoes of the past beneath your wheels while surrounded by the beauty of the present.
Here at the blog, I, Goh Ling Yong, am constantly searching for adventures that blend physical challenge with a rich narrative. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of six incredible "ghost-railway" cycling trails from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned bike-packer or a weekend rider looking for a unique day out, these trails offer an unforgettable journey back in time, right in the heart of the great outdoors.
1. The Rail Corridor, Singapore
Let's start close to home with a true urban oasis. Singapore's Rail Corridor, often called the Green Corridor, is a shining example of thoughtful urban redevelopment. This 24-kilometre (15-mile) trail follows the path of the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line, which once connected Singapore to the Malaysian peninsula. After the last train ran in 2011, this strip of land was preserved, creating an almost unbroken green space that cuts through the heart of one of the world's densest cities.
Cycling the Rail Corridor is a surreal experience. One moment you're gliding under a modern flyover, the next you're enveloped in a lush, secondary forest, with the sounds of the city fading into a gentle hum. The trail offers a fascinating cross-section of Singaporean life, past and present. You'll pass by old housing estates, gleaming new condos, and remnants of the railway itself—like the iconic black steel bridge at Bukit Timah and the beautifully conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station, which now serves as a heritage gallery.
The path is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. It’s a chance to see a wilder side of Singapore, a linear nature reserve where you might spot macaques, monitor lizards, and a surprising variety of birdlife. As a local, this is one of my personal go-to spots for a quick escape, a reminder that adventure and history can be found right on our doorstep.
- Pro-Tip: For the most scenic and uninterrupted stretch, start near the old Bukit Timah Railway Station and head north towards the Hillview area. The restored truss bridges and deep green cuttings here are particularly photogenic.
- Bike Choice: A hybrid or gravel bike is perfect. While much of the path is paved, some sections are gravel or packed earth, so a pure road bike might struggle.
- Don't Miss: The conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station. Stop for a coffee at the adjacent cafe and soak in the 1930s colonial architecture. It’s the perfect place to pause and imagine the age of steam.
2. Route of the Hiawatha, Idaho/Montana, USA
If you're looking for sheer spectacle and a healthy dose of adrenaline, the Route of the Hiawatha is your trail. Often described as the "crown jewel" of America's rail-to-trail conversions, this 15-mile (24-km) path follows a decommissioned section of the Milwaukee Road railway through the rugged Bitterroot Mountains on the Idaho-Montana border. This is not your average gentle countryside ride; this is high-altitude adventure.
The Hiawatha's claim to fame is its incredible engineering marvels. The trail takes you through 10 cavernous, pitch-black tunnels and across 7 dizzyingly high steel trestle bridges. The journey begins with the Taft Tunnel, a 1.66-mile (2.7-km) bore that burrows straight through the spine of a mountain. Emerging from the cold, dripping darkness back into the brilliant sunshine on the other side is an experience you won't soon forget. From there, you'll feel like you're flying as you pedal across trestles suspended hundreds of feet above the forest floor.
The entire route is downhill, with a gentle 1.6% grade, making it accessible even for families with kids. Shuttle buses are available at the bottom to transport you and your bike back to the top, so you can enjoy the stunning mountain views without worrying about a gruelling uphill climb. The trail is immersed in deep national forest, offering a pristine wilderness experience far from any sign of modern civilization.
- Pro-Tip: You absolutely need a powerful headlight for the tunnels. A small handlebar blinky light won't cut it in the absolute darkness of the Taft Tunnel. Also, bring a light jacket, as the tunnels are consistently chilly, even on a hot summer day.
- Bike Choice: A mountain bike or sturdy hybrid with good brakes is recommended. Bike and helmet rentals (with powerful lights) are available at the trailhead.
- Don't Miss: The interpretive signs along the route. They tell the incredible story of the Milwaukee Road's construction and the devastating 1910 "Big Burn" wildfire that shaped the entire region.
3. Vennbahn Cycle Route, Germany/Belgium/Luxembourg
For the long-distance touring enthusiast, the Vennbahn Cycle Route is a dream come true. Stretching over 125 kilometres (78 miles), this trail is one of Europe's longest and most unique cross-border cycling paths. It follows the path of the Vennbahn, or "Fens Railway," a line built by the Prussians in the late 19th century primarily to transport coal and iron ore. The treaty following World War I created a bizarre geopolitical quirk: the railway line itself, even where it passed through German territory, became part of Belgium.
Riding the Vennbahn today means you'll be crisscrossing national borders constantly, sometimes without even realizing it. The route starts in Aachen, Germany, cuts through the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park in Belgium, and finishes in Troisvierges, Luxembourg. This unique journey offers a seamless blend of cultures, landscapes, and cuisines across three countries. You'll pedal through historic towns, rolling farmland, dense forests, and the starkly beautiful high moorlands that give the railway its name.
The trail is almost entirely paved and car-free, with a maximum gradient of just 2%, making it a relaxing and immersive multi-day trip. The signage is excellent, and the route is dotted with "bed+bike" accommodations, charming cafes, and museums dedicated to the region's rich industrial heritage. It’s a testament to how these old corridors of industry can be repurposed into bridges of peace, recreation, and international friendship.
- Pro-Tip: Break the journey into three manageable stages: Aachen to Monschau, Monschau to St. Vith, and St. Vith to Troisvierges. This gives you plenty of time to explore the historic towns along the way.
- Bike Choice: A touring or hybrid bike is ideal for this long, paved route. Make sure you have panniers to carry your gear for the multi-day journey.
- Don't Miss: The medieval town of Monschau in Germany. With its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets nestled in a deep river valley, it feels like you've cycled straight into a fairy tale.
4. Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand
Welcome to the trail that started it all in New Zealand. The Otago Central Rail Trail is the country's original "Great Ride" and set the standard for rail-to-trail conversions down under. This magnificent 152-kilometre (94-mile) journey cuts through the vast, semi-arid landscapes of Central Otago on the South Island, following the former Otago Central Railway line that operated from 1891 to 1990.
The experience is one of epic scale and dramatic beauty. The landscape is a character in itself—a vast expanse of tussock-covered hills, schist rock formations, and deep river gorges under an enormous sky. The trail is a journey through "Big Sky Country," where the isolation and emptiness are as breathtaking as the scenery. You'll pedal over historic viaducts, through old tunnels, and past beautifully preserved gold-rush era towns that seem frozen in time.
Because the trail was a key driver of rural tourism, a fantastic support network has sprung up around it. You'll find bike hire, shuttle services, comfortable lodging, and fantastic pubs and cafes in the small towns along the route. It's typically ridden over 3-5 days, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region's history, hospitality, and world-class pinot noir.
- Pro-Tip: Ride the trail from Clyde to Middlemarch (eastbound). This direction offers a slight net downhill gradient, and you'll have the prevailing wind at your back more often than not.
- Bike Choice: A comfort mountain bike or a gravel bike with wide, puncture-resistant tires is best for the compacted gravel surface.
- Don't Miss: The Poolburn Gorge section. This remote and dramatic part of the trail features two tunnels and the 37m-high Poolburn Viaduct, offering some of the most spectacular views of the entire ride.
5. The Camel Trail, Cornwall, UK
Proving that a great ghost-railway ride doesn't have to be an epic, multi-day expedition, the Camel Trail in Cornwall is one of the UK's most popular recreational routes. This 18-mile (29-km) trail is almost entirely flat and traffic-free, making it perfect for families, casual riders, and anyone looking for a beautiful and accessible day out. It follows the path of two former railway lines: a mineral line from Wenfordbridge to Wadebridge and the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway, one of Britain's first steam-powered lines.
The trail gets its name from the River Camel, whose estuary it follows for a significant portion of the route. This gives the ride a wonderful variety of scenery. The northern section near Wenfordbridge is a shady, wooded valley, cool and tranquil. As you head south, the valley opens up, and from Wadebridge to the charming fishing port of Padstow, you're treated to glorious, wide-open views of the tidal estuary, a haven for wading birds.
The trail is a true Cornish institution. On any sunny day, it will be buzzing with families on rental bikes, couples enjoying a leisurely pedal, and more serious cyclists using it as a safe spine route. The surface is excellent, and the towns of Wadebridge and Padstow at either end offer fantastic food, from traditional Cornish pasties to celebrity-chef seafood restaurants.
- Pro-Tip: Padstow can get extremely busy, especially in the summer. For a more peaceful experience, consider starting early in the day or exploring the quieter, wooded section between Wadebridge and Bodmin.
- Bike Choice: Virtually any bike will do! Road bikes, hybrids, and mountain bikes are all suitable for the smooth, well-maintained surface. Bike hire is plentiful in Wadebridge and Padstow.
- Don't Miss: A stop in Padstow is a must. Lock up your bike and explore the bustling harbour, grab some fish and chips, and watch the fishing boats come and go.
6. George S. Mickelson Trail, South Dakota, USA
For a taste of the American West, look no further than the George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota's beautiful Black Hills. This 109-mile (175-km) trail follows the historic Burlington Northern rail line that once hauled gold prospectors and ore from the boomtown of Deadwood. Completed in 1998, it's a superbly maintained trail that offers an immersive journey through the history and nature of this iconic region.
The Mickelson Trail is a true adventure, taking you through more than 100 converted railway bridges and four rock tunnels. The scenery is classic Black Hills: towering granite spires, ponderosa pine forests, sun-drenched meadows, and rolling ranchland. You'll feel a real connection to the Old West as you pedal past old mining sites, historic homesteads, and through towns that still retain their frontier charm.
While it can be ridden in sections as day trips, tackling the entire length over a few days is the ultimate experience. The trail has a crushed limestone and gravel surface, and with its gentle grades, it's manageable for most reasonably fit cyclists. You'll climb from the southern prairies near Edgemont up into the high country and then descend into the legendary gold-rush town of Deadwood at the northern end. It’s a ride that delivers on history, scenery, and a genuine sense of accomplishment.
- Pro-Tip: A trail pass is required to ride the Mickelson Trail. You can purchase one online or at self-service stations at any of the 15 trailheads. The small fee goes directly towards maintaining this incredible resource.
- Bike Choice: A gravel bike or a mountain bike with front suspension is your best bet for handling the crushed stone surface comfortably over long distances.
- Don't Miss: The stretch between Custer and Hill City. It features beautiful bridges, stunning rock formations, and views of the Crazy Horse Memorial in the distance.
Your Journey Awaits
Cycling a "ghost-railway" is more than just a bike ride; it’s an active history lesson and a deep immersion in nature. These trails are a powerful legacy, transforming corridors of industry into pathways for pleasure and preservation. They connect us not only to different towns and landscapes but also to the generations who came before us.
So, pump up your tires, pack some water, and pick a path. Whether you're exploring the urban jungle of Singapore or the wild mountains of Idaho, a journey back in time is waiting for you.
Now it's your turn! Have you ridden any of these ghost-railway trails? Or do you have another favorite you think should be on this list? Share your stories and recommendations 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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