The United States is an amazing place full of amazing scenery and diverse landscapes. And one of the best things about these many different landscapes? The many opportunities for beautiful, interesting, and challenging bicycle rides!
While nearly every state has at least a few awesome bike trails, there are some states that stand out as especially amazing biking destinations. To make things easy on you, we’ve compiled a list of these top biking destinations.
Each of these states has its own unique biking experiences to offer, and depending on your personal preferences and abilities—as well as the time of year you plan to visit—your favorite may not be the same as someone else’s. For this reason, we feel it’s worth exploring as many of the biking opportunities listed below as possible in order to find the best fit for you.
Arizona
We’ll start with the gorgeous state of Arizona. Arizona’s warm climate and diverse terrain make it an attractive biking destination, especially during the winter months when other states might be too chilly for comfortable riding. Locations like Sedona and Tucson offer trails that showcase the state’s desert beauty and stunning red rock formations, making even the longest rides endlessly entertaining.
Sedona, Arizona
Top Biking Trails
Mescal Trail — A moderately difficult ride, Mescal Trail is just two miles long but features wonderful slickrock riding, as well as some seriously amazing views from Courthouse Butte.
Bell Rock Trail — If you need something for beginners, check out this relatively easy trail. You’ll get a view of Bell Rock in the background for the entire trip, and the climb and descent are both smooth and simple.
RV Camping
Sedona offers a variety of RV camping options, making it an excellent place to take an RV bike riding road trip. Some of our favorite Sedona campgrounds include Rancho Sedona RV Park for luxury camping and the dry camping at Pine Flat Campground.
Attractions
Besides the amazing biking trails that wind their way through and around Sedona, you’ll also want to check out the many hiking opportunities in places like Slide Rock State Park. Sedona Heritage Museum is worth checking out as well.
Tucson, Arizona
Top Biking Trails
Mt. Lemmon Climb — If you’re looking for a good climb, this is the trail for you. It is rated as difficult, so you will want some experience and plenty of stamina, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with beautiful views and an epic ride.
Cactus Forest Loop — A gorgeous ride that takes you right through a thriving cactus forest, this is a moderate trail that is tons of fun and features plenty of lovely scenery.
RV Camping
Like Sedona, Tucson is very RV-friendly. You’ll find plenty of camping opportunities including the beautiful full-hookup sites at Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort and the totally free boondocking at Snyder Hill BLM.
Attractions
Obviously, you will want to do as much riding as you can, but we also recommend doing some hiking in Saguaro National Park and exploring Tucson Botanical Gardens and the Pima Air and Space Museum.
California
Next up, California! This beautiful and diverse state boasts a vast network of biking trails, including iconic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway and numerous mountain biking trails in areas like Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. You aren’t likely to get bored checking out the many different landscapes found in the Golden State.
Lake Tahoe, California
Top Biking Trails
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride — As the name suggests, this trail offers a wild (and challenging) ride. You will definitely want to have some experience under your belt before trying it out, but advanced riders are sure to love the thrills it has to offer.
Pope Baldwin Bike Path — A paved path that is suitable for beginners, this 3.4-mile path takes riders through several gorgeous spots, including Pope, Kiva, and Baldwin Beaches, along with Talladega Historic Site, Taylor Creek, and more.
RV Camping
As you might imagine, Lake Tahoe is an awesome place to do some RV camping. You can choose to stay overnight in one of the full-service campgrounds such as Lake Tahoe KOA, or do some no-frills camping at the Fallen Leaf Campground.
Attractions
Bicycling is just one of the awesome activities to enjoy near Lake Tahoe. You can also check out the beautiful Emerald Bay State Park, explore Sand Harbor State Park, see the Vikingsholm Castle, and more.
Yosemite National Park, California
Top Biking Trails
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail — An excellent trail for beginners or those with kids, the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail takes you right by several popular sights. It is partially paved, but can be muddy in some unpaved areas.
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail — Check out some gorgeous waterfalls on this short and sweet multi-use trail. It may only be 6.6 miles out and back, but this trail offers plenty of challenges along the way.
RV Camping
Considering it’s a national park, it should come as no surprise that visiting Yosemite in an RV is highly recommended. We really like Yosemite Lakes RV Campground for a full-hookup camping experience and Upper Pines Campgrounds for dry camping within the park.
Attractions
Obviously, biking is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Yosemite National Park. We also recommend doing some hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing, and you won’t want to miss Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and other iconic park sites.
Colorado
With its picturesque landscapes and mountainous terrain, Colorado is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts (and outdoorsy people in general, really). Destinations such as Crested Butte, Fruita, and Boulder offer world-class biking trails—and thanks to the aforementioned mountainous terrain, this is the state to visit if you’re looking for a challenge.
Crested Butte, CO
Top Biking Trails
Trail 401 — Considered by many to be the best of the incredible biking trails in Crested Butte, Trail 401 is a difficult ride with a tough climb, gorgeous views, and a seriously thrilling descent that is sure to get your blood pumping.
Lower Loop Trail — If you need something easier, head to the Lower Loop Trail in Gunnison National Forest. This relatively simple path will provide a pleasant ride without too many tricky spots.
RV Camping
You’ll find lots of fantastic RV camping spots when visiting Crested Butte. (Just know that you will have to drive up mountains to get there.)
Crested Butte RV Park is an excellent place to go if you prefer amenities. Meanwhile, the National Forest sites (such as the Kebler Pass Designated Dispersed Campsites) are great for boondocking.
Attractions
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the amazing biking opportunities in this area, be sure to check out attractions such as the Center for the Arts Crested Butte, Crested Butte Museum, and the many area hiking trails.
Fruita, CO
Top Biking Trails
Joe’s Ridge — A super fun trail for beginners and intermediate riders, Joe’s Ridge offers gorgeous views, a nice climb, and of course, a fun (but not too terrifying) ride down.
Zippity Do Da Trail — With a name like that, how could this trail not be fun? This is a harder trail, for sure, but it’s 8 miles of exhilarating challenges that advanced cyclists will adore.
RV Camping
Whether you’re looking for glamping accommodations or a simple place to park and dry camp, you’ll find it in Fruita. Monument RV Resort is great for those who prefer some amenities. Those in vans and smaller rigs might prefer dry camping at Pike Ridge Dispersed Camping.
Attractions
Mountain biking in Fruita is absolutely fantastic, but it isn’t the only good thing to do while you’re there. You might also want to visit the Museum of Western Colorado or check out the Devils Canyon Hiking Trails.
Florida
With its warm climate and diverse landscapes, Florida offers a fantastic biking experience for enthusiasts of all levels. From scenic coastal rides along the Florida Keys to exhilarating tree-covered trails in the Ocala National Forest, bikers in Florida can enjoy a wide range of adventures amidst beautiful surroundings.
Florida Keys
Top Biking Trails
Key West Cycling Loop — An excellent way to check out the beauty of Key West, the Key West Cycling Loop is a 10.3-mile paved trail that is perfect for cyclists of all levels and ages.
Grassy Key Trail — Located in Curry Hammock State Park, this is another easy trail that is used for both biking and hiking. It is a mere 3 miles long but provides a nice escape into nature.
RV Camping
The Florida Keys are a very popular spot for RVing, so campgrounds are plentiful. That said, if you plan to visit during the winter months, you will want to book early, as spots do fill up quickly.
Fiesta Key RV Resort and Sunshine Key RV Resort are two of our favorite places to stay while in the Florida Keys. Both provide excellent amenities and a wonderful luxury camping experience.
Attractions
Be sure to include kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring the many beaches and state parks while in the Keys. We especially love Bahia Honda State Park and John Pennekamp State Park.
Ocala National Forest
Top Biking Trails
Alexander Springs Loop — An easy 12.4-mile loop through a pine forest, Alexander Springs Loop provides a lovely trip into nature. Packed dirt and loose sand are both found along the trail, and the scenery is varied for an interesting ride.
Clearwater Lake Loop — Another fantastic loop through the forest, Clearwater Lake Loop is best for intermediate cyclists. A lake provides nice scenery and there is plenty of wildlife around. The trail is sandy, so wide tires are preferred.
RV Camping
Florida is a very RV-friendly state, and the Ocala National Forest is no exception. We highly recommend staying at Fiddlers Green RV Ranch in Altoona for a totally comfortable stay. For a more rustic camping experience, try the Clearwater Lake Campground located right by the Clearwater Lake Loop.
Attractions
While in this gorgeous national forest, be sure to head out on a hike, enjoy water play at Clearwater Lake, and take a scenic drive to the beautiful Silver Springs State Park.
New York
Biking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New York, but the state actually has a lot to offer bicyclists. Not only will you find amazing trails in picturesque regions such as the Hudson Valley and the Finger Lakes, but you’ll also find plenty of fun biking opportunities in NYC itself at places like Central Park.
Finger Lakes, NY
Top Biking Trails
Letchworth Finger Lakes Trail — Located in Letchworth State Park, this challenging trail features stunning views, but you will have to be willing to climb for them. Be sure to stay focused, as there are some drop-offs along the way!
Seneca Park Trail — A much easier urban multi-use trail, Seneca Park Trail is perfect for beginners and kids. It offers some pretty scenery, but is easy to get to and not too long.
RV Camping
The Finger Lakes Region encompasses a number of different towns and many RV parks. If you wish to bike the Seneca Trail, we recommend staying at the nearby Webster Park Campground. Meanwhile, those who want to try out the biking trails in Letchworth State Park should consider staying in the onsite campground.
Attractions
Letchworth State Park is of course a must-see while in the area, but so are Watkins Glen State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park. The Corning Museum of Glass is worth a stop, and there are many other great museums in the area as well.
New York City
Top Biking Trails
Central Park East and West Drive Loop — A lovely loop that takes you through the famous Central Park of NYC, this trail is paved, flat, and perfect for people of all ages and levels. It’s a great way to see the park while getting some exercise!
Prospect Park Lake Loop — Another paved loop trail that runs through a park, Prospect Park Lake Loop is less crowded than the Central Park Loop, making it a better option for some. We love that it circles a lake, giving you lovely views the whole way.
RV Camping
RV camping in New York City is pretty much impossible. That said, Liberty Harbor RV Park puts you right across the water from the Big Apple, making it incredibly easy to ferry over. Yes, you can take your bike on the ferry!
Attractions
Obviously, you will need to do some sightseeing while in NYC. The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and other landmarks provide excellent photo opportunities. Meanwhile, the Museum of Modern Art, the 9/11 Memorial, and other museums provide chances to learn. Lastly, you absolutely most make time to see a Broadway show!
Ohio
Ohio offers a diverse biking scene with its expansive network of trails and picturesque landscapes. Whether cycling along the scenic Ohio River or exploring the stunning trails of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, bikers in Ohio can enjoy a mix of urban rides and serene natural beauty, making it one of the best biking destinations in the US.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Top Biking Trails
Beaver Marsh via Hunt House — A short 3-mile stretch of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath, this gravel trail is perfect for beginners and offers lovely views of Beaver Marsh.
East Rim MTB Trail — Looking for something more challenging? The East Rim MTB Trail might be just the thing. This 2.3-mile trail offers some super fun riding with awesome views.
RV Camping
Believe it or not, you can’t camp in Cuyahoga National Park. That said, there are some RV camping options nearby. We recommend the Silver Springs city park campground or the Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA.
Attractions
Hiking the Ledges Trail, checking out Brandywine Falls, and riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway should all be on your to-do list when you visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
Cincinnati, OH
Top Biking Trails
Ohio River Trail — A wonderful paved path that runs right alongside the Ohio River, this 4.7-mile trail is great for beginners and advanced riders alike. We especially love the views of Downtown Cincinnati in the distance.
Harbor Loop Trail — A short 1.8-mile trail that loops around a big lake, the Harbor Loop Trail is good for riders of all levels. You’re sure to appreciate the breeze off the water, the nice views, and the paved path.
RV Camping
Camping options in Cincinnati proper are pretty sparse. If you want to stay in the city, we recommend Tucker’s Landing RV Park, which is located near all of the city’s attractions and offers a comfortable stay.
Attractions
We highly recommend making time for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens while in town. Additionally, you might want to visit Findlay Market and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Oregon
It’s no secret that Oregon is home to some seriously beautiful natural areas. On top of that, the state also boasts bike-friendly cities such as Portland. From the famous Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley wine country to the challenging trails of Bend, you’re sure to find a trail you adore when visiting the Beaver State.
Columbia River Gorge
Top Biking Trails
Whoopdee Trail — As the name suggests, this is a wonderfully fun trail to ride. It includes plenty of twists and turns as well as a good climb that is sure to get your heart pumping.
Coyote Wall Loop Trail — Though technically in Washington, this is one of the best biking trails in Columbia River Gorge and we just had to include it. It is best for intermediate cyclists and provides plenty of challenge, as well as some cool views and even flowers during certain times of year.
RV Camping
As you might have guessed, camping is a popular activity in Columbia River Gorge. Our favorite camping options include the absolutely gorgeous dry camping at Lost Lake Campground and the full-hookup Harvest RV Park.
Attractions
Aside from the many biking trails, you will also want to see Multnomah Fall and Bridal Veil Falls while in Columbia River Gorge. Fishing and hiking are also popular activities in the area!
Bend, OR
Top Biking Trails
Pilot Butte — Looking for a beautiful view of the city of Bend? a ride to the top of Pilot Butte will give you just that! This moderately challenging ride is a great workout on the way up, and tons of fun on the way down.
Tumalo Creek Falls via North Fork Trail #24.2 — This is a busy multi-use trail, so you will need to watch out for hikers. Other than that, it is a wonderful, steady climb with beautiful views of the falls, and is perfect for advanced beginners.
RV Camping
Bend is another popular RV camping destination. You can choose to stay at full-hookup resorts such as the Bend-Sunriver RV Campground or opt for free boondocking in places like Harrington Loop Road Dispersed Camping.
Attractions
Bend is home to some amazing hiking trails that are worth seeing. The High Desert Museum is also pretty cool, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument just begs to be explored.
Texas
Texas provides a vast playground for biking enthusiasts with its wide-open spaces and diverse terrain. From challenging mountain biking trails in the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park to the scenic paths along the San Antonio Riverwalk, cyclists in Texas can find thrilling adventures and picturesque routes to explore.
San Antonio, TX
Top Biking Trails
San Antonio Mission Trail — An easy and flat ride, this trail is the perfect way to explore the beautiful old missions of San Antonio. It is 13.9 miles long and offers plenty of places to stop and explore along the way.
San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach Trail — If you’re looking to explore the city, the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach Trail might be the right path for you. While there are some stairs that require you to carry your bike on occasion, the 10-mile path is excellent for checking out the river, the plaza, the Alamo, and more.
RV Camping
Despite being a bigger city, San Antonio is actually pretty RV-friendly. In fact, there are a number of RV resorts in the city. One of our favorites? The San Antonio KOA.
Attractions
The Alamo and San Antonio Riverwalk are the two must-sees while in San Antonio. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is also well worth visiting.
Big Bend National Park
Top Biking Trails
Paint Gap Road — This is another multi-use trail, meaning you’ll need to watch out for hikers and off-road drivers. That said, it isn’t super popular and is pretty wide for most of the way. The flat and easy-to-navigate path is 7.6 miles long and offers great views.
Glen Springs Primitive Road — Used mostly for scenic driving and mountain biking, this 4-mile unpaved road is quite scenic and a very easy ride, even for beginners.
RV Camping
Big Bend National Park offers several different primitive campsites. It is also home to the Chisos Basin Campground, which can accommodate RVs up to 24 feet in length.
Attractions
There are tons of amazing things to see in Big Bend National Park. Be sure to hit some of the awesome trails (Lost Mine Trail is a good one) and don’t miss the hot springs!
Utah
Utah is home to some of the most incredible geological formations and national parks in the country. While these are fun to explore by car or on foot, they are even better explored by bike, making Utah a popular destination for mountain biking. Places like Moab and St. George provide thrilling trails with stunning desert landscapes.
Moab, UT
Top Biking Trails
Shafer Trail — Located in Canyonlands National Park, this totally epic ride down into the canyon is not for beginners or the faint of heart. That said, if you are a more advanced rider, it’s a trail well worth checking out!
Slickrock Bike Trail — Slickrock Bike Trail is found in Sand Flats Recreation Area and is another difficult but worthwhile ride. The 8.9-mile loop offers beautiful views of the area and just the right amount of challenge.
RV Camping
If you are comfortable with dry camping, we highly recommend taking advantage of the free boondocking in the Moab area. That said, those who require hookups will likely love Sun Outdoors Moab.
Attractions
Obviously, you will want to explore both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park while in Moab. We also really love the town of Moab and encourage everyone to attend the events held there.
St. George, UT
Top Biking Trails
Turtle Wall and Paradise Rim Loop — Perfect for intermediate riders, Turtle Wall and Paradise Rim Loop is a 3.8-mile ride with some drop-offs, beautiful rock formations, and varying terrain to keep things interesting.
Virgin River North Trail — A lovely paved road-biking trail that is great for all levels, the Virgin River North Trail is about 18 miles long and follows the river for a beautiful view the entire way.
RV Camping
Temple View RV Resort is the place to go for full-hookup RV camping in St. George. Meanwhile, those who prefer partial hookups or primitive camping will want to check out Snow Canyon Campground.
Attractions
While in St. George, be sure to spend at least one day exploring Zion National Park. it’s also a good idea to see Red Hills Desert Garden and Snow Canyon State Park.
Washington
Lastly, we must mention Washington State. This gorgeous place offers a variety of biking experiences, ranging from the urban biking trails of Seattle to the mountain biking trails of the Cascade Mountains and Olympic Peninsula. These spots are ideal summertime biking adventures, as the weather in Washington stays quite cool even when the rest of the country is hot.
Seattle, WA
Top Biking Trails
Seattle Waterfront Pathway — This is a gorgeous 8.6-mile paved path that runs right along the waterfront, offering great water views and lovely breezes along the way. It’s perfect for kids, beginners, and anyone else who might want an easy ride.
Lake Union Loop — Another easy and very pleasant ride can be found on the Lake Union Loop. This is a 6.4-mile paved path that takes riders around the lake. Just be aware that you will be sharing the trail with walkers, vehicles, and others.
RV Camping
There really isn’t any RV camping in Seattle. That said, you can stay relatively close by in Tall Chief RV Resort and then ride the bus into the city. Alternatively, you might prefer to stay across the water and ride a ferry over.
Attractions
There are tons of things to see and do in Seattle! We highly recommend checking out the Museum of Pop Culture and Pike Place Market, and taking a ride in the Space Needle.
Olympic Peninsula
Top Biking Trails
Olympic Discovery Trail Adventure Route — An incredibly fun trail with moderately difficult climbs and a flowy descent, the Olympic Discovery Trail Adventure Route is great for intermediate riders.
Spruce Railroad Trail — Spruce Railroad Trail is located in Olympic National Park. It is 11.2 miles long and is great for beginners or advanced riders. A tunnel, a bridge, and epic scenery all make this an extra special ride.
RV Camping
From boondocking to luxury campgrounds, there are tons of great RV camping options on the Olympic Peninsula. We really love Quileute Oceanside Resort for its water views and Hoh Campground for its tree cover.
Attractions
Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, and the Hall of Mosses Trail through the rainforest are all must-see sights that you should absolutely add to your itinerary.
Clearly, the United States is an amazing place to get out and explore on a bicycle. That said, you will need some way to get to these awesome bike trails, along with a place to rest after a long day of biking. That’s where an RV comes into play.
Reserve a rental RV for your next bike riding adventure so you can really immerse yourself in the beautiful places you explore with your bike, and then relax in complete comfort after each ride!
