Top 9 Unforgettable Cycling Trail Adventures to Start in 2025
There's a unique magic that happens when you clip in, push off, and feel the world unfurl before you at the speed of a pedal stroke. The new year is just around the corner, and for many of us, that means dreaming bigger, planning further, and seeking adventures that truly stir the soul. While your local loops are fantastic for training, 2025 is the year to take that passion for two wheels and transport it to somewhere truly unforgettable.
This isn't just about cycling; it's about cycle-touring. It’s about experiencing a country's culture from the saddle, earning your breathtaking views with every climb, and connecting with the landscape in a way that simply isn't possible from behind the window of a car. It's about the stories you'll tell, the challenges you'll overcome, and the quiet moments of awe you'll find on a deserted mountain pass or a vibrant coastal road.
We’ve curated a list of nine incredible cycling adventures that span the globe, offering something for every type of rider. From epic, self-supported bikepacking odysseys to scenic day trips on perfectly paved paths, these are the trails that should be on your radar for 2025. It’s time to start dreaming, planning, and preparing for the ride of a lifetime.
1. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA & Canada
For the Epic Bikepacker
If your idea of a perfect ride involves vast wilderness, self-sufficiency, and a monumental sense of accomplishment, then the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is your ultimate calling. Stretching over 4,300 kilometers from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, this is the granddaddy of off-road bikepacking routes. It follows the Continental Divide through the soaring Rocky Mountains, traversing remote service roads, gravel paths, and singletrack.
This is not a casual tour; it's a serious undertaking that demands meticulous planning and a rugged spirit. You'll pedal through grizzly country in Montana, navigate the high-altitude plains of Wyoming's Great Basin, and conquer the challenging climbs of Colorado and New Mexico. The reward is an unparalleled connection to nature, a journey through some of North America’s most stunning and isolated landscapes, and a profound test of your own endurance and resourcefulness.
- Pro-Tip: The ideal window for a thru-ride is during the summer months (June to September) to avoid snow in the north and monsoon season in the south. A durable gravel bike or a hardtail mountain bike with bikepacking bags is the weapon of choice. Plan your resupply points carefully, as services can be hundreds of kilometers apart.
2. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
For the Scenic Road Cyclist
Imagine a ribbon of asphalt clinging to dramatic coastal cliffs, dipping into lush valleys, and winding through charming fishing villages. That's the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. This roughly 300-kilometer loop is consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful road cycling destinations, offering a perfect blend of challenging climbs and breathtaking rewards. The scenery is a stunning tapestry of the deep blue Atlantic, the rolling green Cape Breton Highlands, and a vibrant Celtic and Acadian culture.
While it can be ridden in a few long days, the real joy is taking four or five days to soak it all in. This allows you to tackle the infamous climbs of North Mountain and French Mountain with fresh legs and still have time to stop for a lobster roll, listen to a local fiddle player, or watch for whales from a cliffside viewpoint. The climbs are tough, but the sweeping, joyous descents with panoramic ocean views make every drop of sweat worthwhile.
- Pro-Tip: Ride the loop counter-clockwise. This keeps you on the outside lane, offering unobstructed, jaw-dropping views of the coastline for the majority of your ride. The best time to go is late summer or early fall when the traffic thins and the autumn colours begin to ignite the highlands.
3. Yungas Road ("Death Road"), Bolivia
For the Thrill-Seeker
There are few rides on earth with a reputation as fearsome and thrilling as Bolivia's Yungas Road. Once dubbed the "World's Most Dangerous Road," this narrow, cliff-hugging track has since been bypassed by a modern highway, transforming it into a bucket-list adventure for mountain bikers. The ride is a spectacular 64-kilometer descent, dropping over 3,600 meters from the snow-dusted, high-altitude plains of La Paz into the lush, steamy Amazon jungle.
The route starts on pavement before quickly turning into a winding, gravelly path barely wide enough for a vehicle, with sheer 600-meter drops just a pedal's width away. While the name is intimidating, the ride is now very safe when done with one of the many reputable tour operators in La Paz. They provide high-quality full-suspension bikes, safety gear, and expert guides, allowing you to focus on the incredible scenery and the adrenaline rush of the descent.
- Pro-Tip: Don't skimp on your tour operator. Read reviews and choose a company known for its safety record and well-maintained equipment. The weather can change in an instant, so dress in layers that you can easily shed as you descend from the cold highlands to the humid jungle.
4. The Sellaronda Loop, Dolomites, Italy
For the Climbing Aficionado
For road cyclists who dream of pristine tarmac, hairpin bends, and monumental mountain scenery, the Sellaronda is pure nirvana. Located in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 58-kilometer loop circumnavigates the colossal Sella massif. The route takes you over four legendary passes—Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, and Passo Campolongo—each offering its own unique character and staggering views of the pale, jagged limestone peaks.
This is a route steeped in the history of the Giro d'Italia. While relatively short, it packs a punch with over 1,700 meters of vertical ascent. The climbs are steady and manageable, and the descents are technical, fast, and exhilarating. Every corner reveals a new, postcard-perfect vista, making it feel less like a grueling workout and more like a ride through an art gallery. It's the perfect, quintessential day out for any serious road cyclist.
- Pro-Tip: Plan your trip to coincide with the Sellaronda Bike Day. Held twice a year, this event closes the four mountain passes to all motorized traffic, giving thousands of cyclists a safe and festive atmosphere to enjoy the route. A road bike with a compact crankset or a wide-range cassette will be your best friend on the climbs.
5. The North Coast 500, Scotland
For the Rugged Adventurer
Often called "Scotland's Route 66," the North Coast 500 (NC500) is an 830-kilometer monster of a ride that showcases the wild, untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Starting and ending in Inverness, the route hugs the coastline, taking you past ancient castles, mysterious lochs, windswept beaches, and remote crofting communities. This is a journey through a landscape that is both beautiful and brutal, where the weather is a character in its own right.
Cycling the NC500 is a serious challenge. You'll face leg-burning gradients, most notably the infamous Bealach na Bà with its 20% ramps, and battle relentless headwinds. But the rewards are immeasurable. You'll experience the profound solitude of the far north, the warmth of Highland hospitality in a local pub, and scenery so epic it will be seared into your memory forever. This is cycle touring at its most raw and rewarding.
- Pro-Tip: Be prepared for all four seasons in a single day, even in summer. High-quality waterproof gear is non-negotiable. Book your accommodations far in advance, as options are limited in remote areas. A sturdy touring bike or a gravel bike with wide, puncture-resistant tires is highly recommended to handle the variable road surfaces.
6. The Bloemenroute (Tulip Route), Netherlands
For the Leisurely Explorer
If your cycling dreams are less about elevation gain and more about pure, simple joy, look no further. The Bloemenroute offers a quintessential Dutch experience: pedaling on perfectly flat, dedicated bike paths through a mind-bogglingly colorful landscape. In the spring, the region between Haarlem and Leiden explodes into a geometric patchwork of vibrant tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils.
This isn't a single, defined trail but a network of well-signed paths that allow you to create your own adventure, from a short afternoon jaunt to a multi-day tour. It's an incredibly accessible and relaxing ride, perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to simply slow down and soak in the beauty. The experience is a feast for the senses—the sight of the endless flower fields, the scent of millions of blooms on the breeze, and the gentle whir of your tires on smooth pavement.
- Pro-Tip: Timing is absolutely critical. Aim for mid-April to early May for the peak tulip bloom, but check the "flower forecast" online before you go. Renting a classic, upright Dutch bike is part of the fun and is perfectly suited for the terrain. A visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens is a must-do detour.
7. Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
For the Tropical Climber
Made famous globally by a certain British motoring show, the Hai Van Pass, or "Ocean Cloud Pass," is a legendary ribbon of road winding up and over a spur of the Annamite Range in central Vietnam. This 21-kilometer pass was once the main thoroughfare between the cities of Da Nang and Hue, but a modern tunnel has since diverted most of the traffic, leaving the old road a paradise for cyclists and motorcyclists.
The climb is a steady, manageable gradient that rewards you with ever-more-stunning views of the glistening South China Sea and the lush, jungle-covered mountains. After reaching the summit, marked by an old French-built gate, you're treated to one of the most glorious and flowing descents in all of Southeast Asia. The combination of epic coastal scenery, smooth tarmac, and light traffic makes this a must-ride for any cyclist visiting Vietnam.
- Pro-Tip: Ride early in the morning to beat the midday heat and the majority of the tourist traffic. Many local companies offer one-way bike rentals and tours, allowing you to ride the pass from Hue to Da Nang (or vice-versa) and have your luggage transported for you.
8. Sun Moon Lake Bikeway, Taiwan
For the Lakeside Cruiser
Often lauded by travel publications as one of the most beautiful bike paths in the world, the loop around Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake is a pure delight. This dedicated bikeway hugs the shoreline of a stunning emerald-green lake, surrounded by forest-clad mountains. The route offers an incredibly serene and picturesque experience, suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.
The full loop is approximately 30 kilometers and is mostly flat, with a few gentle, rolling hills to keep things interesting. What makes it so special are the sections of path built on stilts out over the water, giving you the feeling of floating across the lake's surface. As an avid cyclist, Goh Ling Yong often highlights how accessible yet stunning routes like this can ignite a passion for cycle touring in new and experienced riders alike. It’s a perfect, peaceful day out.
- Pro-Tip: The area can get very busy, especially on weekends. For the most tranquil experience, start your ride early in the morning as the mist is lifting off the lake. You can easily rent a wide variety of bikes, from cruisers to e-bikes, from the numerous shops in the main towns of Shuishe and Xiangshan.
9. Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand
For the Laid-Back Adventurer
As New Zealand's original "Great Ride," the Otago Central Rail Trail set the standard for accessible, multi-day bike adventures. The 152-kilometer trail follows the route of a decommissioned railway line through the vast, arid, and spectacular landscapes of Central Otago on the South Island. With a gentle gradient that never exceeds 2%, it's perfect for families, novice cycle tourers, or anyone seeking a relaxed journey through a unique environment.
The trail takes you over historic viaducts, through old railway tunnels, and past charming gold-rush era towns. The landscape is one of big skies and golden tussock-covered hills, a stark and beautiful contrast to the lush greenery many associate with New Zealand. The trail is extremely well-supported, with numerous companies offering bike hire, luggage transfers, and accommodation packages, making the logistics a breeze.
- Pro-Tip: While the trail is easy, give yourself at least four to five days to truly enjoy it. This allows for shorter riding days and plenty of time to explore the quaint towns, visit local pubs, and learn about the area's rich history. The seasons of autumn and spring offer the most pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery.
The world is full of incredible roads and trails just waiting to be explored by bike. Whether you're chasing the adrenaline of a death-defying descent or the tranquility of a flower-lined path, there’s a perfect adventure out there for you. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe adventure is a mindset, and planning is the first pedal stroke of the journey. So, start researching, start training, and get ready to make 2025 your most memorable year in the saddle yet.
Which trail is calling your name for 2025? Share your dream cycling destination 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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