Jarone Ashkenzai | 27 May 2021
7 easy bike rides in the USA
Keen cyclist Jarone Ashkenzai shares his favourite bicycle trips across the US, from tunnel trails in Idaho to a path that loops around alligators in Florida
Keen cyclist Jarone Ashkenzai shares his favourite bicycle trips across the US, from tunnel trails in Idaho to a path that loops around alligators in Florida
Route of the Hiawatha, Idaho (Shutterstock)
This rail-to-trail experience near Coeur d’Alene leads riders on a 24km journey over seven trestle bridges and through 10 train tunnels that are so dark you need lamps to see. Surrounded by the spectacular Bitterroot Mountains, this ride is mostly downhill with shuttle buses available to transport you and your bike back to the top. Named a ‘Hall of Fame’ trail by the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy, one of only 15 trails designated as such in the country, this trail offers some spectacular scenery on one of the USA’s most scenic stretches of railroad.
For more information visit ridethehiawatha.com
Colonial Parkway, Virginia (Shutterstock)
This National Scenic Byway links Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown for a beautiful 37km ride via scenic overlooks, pull-off areas and fishing stops. If you are looking for a good place to start a leisurely ride, the Williamsburg Winery offers bike rentals. And for a quick snack along the way, grab a picnic lunch and wine from Gabriel Archer Tavern at The Williamsburg Winery.
For more information visit visitwilliamsburg.com
Alligators along the Shark Valley Trail, Florida (Shutterstock)
If you’d like the thrill of cycling around alligators, this 24km paved loop is for you. As one of the five biking trails in Everglades National Park, this trail is open to push bikes and e-bikes, and it takes between two and three hours to complete. Be prepared to stop along the way to take photos of birds, turtles and snakes, but ensure you maintain a safe distance from the alligators. Start behind the Visitor Centre and make your way to the Shark Valley Observation Tower, the highest accessible elevation by foot within the park, to see for miles on a clear day.
For more information visit nps.gov
Stowe, Vermont (Shutterstock)
An internationally recognised greenway stretching from the village of Stowe to Topnotch Resort on Mountain Road, this is a paved 8.5km ride which crisscrosses the West Branch of Little River. The neighbouring community created the path in 2010, and bike maintenance stations were added in 2017. But as well as cyclists, the route is open to walkers, runners and rollerbladers in warm weather and snowshoers and cross-country skiers in winter. As well as breathtaking mountain views, the path is close to restaurants if you need a pitstop.
For more information visit stowerec.org
Jekyll Island Bike Trail, Georgia (Shutterstock)
Cruising around on two wheels is one of the best ways to explore Jekyll Island, which is also known as the Golden Isles. The island features more than 40km of paved biking trails which encircle the island and offer a plethora of sightseeing options, from beaches and forests to a historic district and a miniature golf course. There are also campgrounds nearby. Other stops on the trail include the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where you can get up close to rehabilitated sick and injured sea turtles. Local hotels can organise bike hire.
For more information visit goldenisles.com
Blithewold in Bristol, Rhode Island (Shutterstock)
Made up of four phases, the East Bay Bike Path in Providence, Rhode Island is a 22km trail which starts in Providence and ends in Bristol, Rhode Island. The paved bike path goes over bridges and through marshes and includes plenty of spots to have a picnic or hike along the way. Popular among commuters and day trippers alike thanks to its carefree, easy-riding feel, the path offers gorgeous bay and river views. It is the first multi-town bike built in Rhode Island and follows the former Providence and Bristol Railroad.
For more information visit riparks.com
The view from Hermit Road, Arizona (Shutterstock)
On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Hermit Road Greenway Trail is a 4.5km path which passes along the rim of the Grand Canyon. Away from the busy road and tourists, this trail features six stunning overlaps and plenty of rest areas and is part of the scenic 11km Hermit Road. The paved multi-use trail provides a safe and active way to see the beauty of the Grand Canyon with stunning up-close viewpoints.
For more information visit nps.gov
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