Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy some fresh air and incredibly scenic views? Join us as we explore North America’s most scenic bike trails.
North America is home of the world’s best biking trails with water features and wildlife sightings. It’s time to rediscover your love of cycling with your friends and family. Grab our bike helmet, saddle up, get those pedals pumping, and join us as we visit some of North America’s most scenic bike trails.
Nestled within the sprawling Florida Everglades National Park, Tram Road, located in Shark Valley Trail, is a flat, 15-mile paved looped bicycle trail. Thriving on the absence of commercial vehicles and an abundance of scenic lookout points and observation decks; it’s ideally suited for cyclists of any standard.
Visitors can cycle through the Everglades National Parks’ lush cypress tree forests, vast swamps and wetlands. Tram Road, in the Shark Valley Trail, is undoubtedly one of North America’s most scenic bike trails and benefits from an ever-present chorus of the native exotic wildlife filling the air.
You can bring your bicycles with you; however, rental bikes are also available from the bike shop at Shark Valley Tram Tours. While there may not be any sharks to see on the Shark Valley Trail, for many bikers, the highlight of this incredible bike trail is a chance encounter with one of the Florida Everglades National Park’s most iconic residents – the American alligator (just don’t forget to bring your camera).
Enjoy a restful night’s sleep after an afternoon of cycling, at the Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel & Suites in Kendall, Florida.
Next, on our exploration of North America’s most scenic bike trails, we head over to South Carolina, home of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This beloved paved pathway doubles as a bike trail and follows an old railroad as well as parts of the Reedy River. Designed to offer a bike-friendly path connecting the City of Greenville with Travelers Rest, its relatively flat terrain is perfect for riders of all skill levels and ages.
As you ride through the picturesque Greenville County, the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail passes several local historic landmarks, including the magnificent Falls Park on the Reedy, where a short bike detour takes visitors over the Liberty Bridge. With plenty of bike rental shops along the way, you can join the Swamp Rabbit Trail at any point; however, once you’ve built up an appetite, be sure to stop off for lunch at The Lazy Goat.
End your ride in style with a relaxing stay at the Urban Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection, in Greenville, South Carolina.
Heading north of the border, we arrive next at Niagara Falls, Ontario, for an outstanding Canadian cycle ride on our tour of North America’s most scenic bike trails. Created in 1986, the Niagara River Recreation Trail runs 32 miles along the Niagara River’s Canadian riverbanks, making it the perfect cycling trip for family and friends to enjoy. Here you can coast down from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, passing the legendary Niagara Falls itself, before finishing in Fort Erie, just across the water from Buffalo, New York.
As a paved path dedicated to non-motorized vehicles, many cyclists who ride the Niagara River Recreation Trail declare it to be North America’s most scenic bike trail. It’s a claim hard to disagree with, as the Niagara River Recreation Trail takes in the powerful and raw beauty of Niagara Falls, the picturesque Niagara River surroundings, and wineries, all culminating in an unbeatable view of the Buffalo skyline in the distance.
Take in the superb sights and sounds of this incredible Canadian bike ride before enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep at the Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
When it comes to breath-taking views and exhilarating descents, the White Rim Road in the heart of Canyonlands National Park has earned its reputation for being one of North America’s most scenic bike trails. This ultimate mountain bike trail consists of a 100-mile loop across some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the American Southwest.
Surrounded by towering red rock formations and expansive canyon vistas, riding the White Rim Road provides an unforgettable adventure. Mountain bikers can catch spectacular views from The Island in the Sky Mesa and Dead Horse Point, as well as marvel at the natural wonders that created the Mesa Arch. It’s perhaps one of the tougher rides in our shortlist of North America’s most scenic bike trails, but trust us, every pedal is worth it.
After a day of mountain biking, cool off and relax in style at the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn in Moab, Utah.
Our next stop on a tour of North America’s most scenic bike trails is the impressive Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Parkway. Here, cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a 32-mile paved trail that winds along the American River’s tranquil riverbanks and into the heart of Sacramento, California.
As you pedal along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, you can stop off at family-friendly landmarks such as the educational Nimbus Fish Hatchery and cycle across the American River via the Guy West Bridge (which looks like a mini Golden Gate Bridge!) The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail has numerous picnic areas and rest stops and makes for a perfect day out with friends and family or a picturesque solo bike trail ride.
Enjoy a soothing night’s sleep after a great bike ride at the Best Western Capital City Inn in Sacramento, California.
Seattle is the jewel in the Pacific Northwest’s crown, so next on our shortlist of North America’s most scenic bike trails is the tree-lined bike path of the Burke-Gilman Trail. This popular route stretches for 20 miles around the King County area of Seattle and benefits from a well-maintained and flat riding surface ideal for first-time riders or seasoned cyclists.
Take the kids on this family-friendly bike ride or join your friends for a refreshing outdoor adventure. Either way, the enchanting Burke-Gilman Trail promises an unforgettable journey packed with historical landmarks, stunning vistas, and friendly locals. There is much to see, from the glorious lakeside views from Matthews Beach Park to the insightful section on the University of Washington campus.
However, the pinnacle attraction of cycling the Burke-Gilman Trail has to be the glorious views of Lake Washington along the way and a magnificent Seattle skyline as you ride into Freemont, WA.
After a day in cycling through the clean Pacific Northwest air, relax when you book at the Hotel Nexus, BW Signature Collection in Seattle, Washington.
Where better to end our impressive shortlist of North America’s most scenic bike trails than the beautiful city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. First constructed in 1917, The Seawall in Vancouver is the ultimate bike route to explore and experience this fantastic city and its skyline overlooking English Bay.
As a biking enthusiast, you can ride the full 17-mile Seaside Greenway trail along the entirety of the city’s expansive waterfront. Alternatively, if you’re riding with children, the Stanley Park Seawall section is a perfect 5.5-mile cycle loop around the city’s lush Stanley Park, including a range of lookout points offering panoramic ocean views.
Cyclists riding the Stanley Park Seawall can also explore this public park’s exciting attractions, including the First Nations Totem Poles to the west of the park and the amazing animals at the Vancouver Aquarium in the center. However, once you’ve built up a hunger riding along The Seawall, stop in for some fine dining at the impressive Teahouse in Stanley Park on the park’s western shoreline.
After a perfect day’s cycling ride around Vancouver, British Columbia, enhance your stay with a great night’s sleep at the Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites & Conf. Centre.