8 Top Rail Trails for Biking

Few trails can match the stunning Pacific scenery of this California path, which follows the Monterey Bay coast. Along the way, riders pass by the sand dunes of Monterey State Beach, a eucalyptus grove and surfers at Lovers Point Beach.

The trail also has a rare connection to literature. It's built over a Southern Pacific railroad line that served historic Cannery Row, familiar to any fan of John Steinbeck. Adventures by the Sea and Big Sur Adventures rent traditional and e-bikes.

Insider tip: Take time to look for harbor seals (the best spot is a few blocks west of the Monterey Bay Aquarium), along with sea lions, sea otters and even an occasional whale.

Danita Delimont / Alamy Stock Photo

Katy Trail State Park

Distance: 239.6 miles from Machens to Clinton, Missouri

The nation's longest rail-trail offers a bucket list adventure, passing through dozens of railroad towns, and tracing the route of Lewis and Clark beside the Missouri River. Along the way, the route passes four restored depots and crosses 30 trestles.

Spur trails lead to the state capital, Jefferson City, and to the Kansas City suburbs. Several companies, including Bike Stop Cafe, Show Me MO Tours and Red Wheel Bike Shop, offer rentals and shuttles. It's also possible to bring bikes on Amtrak, which connects several trail towns.

Insider tip: Visit wineries in Hermann, Missouri, just 2.5 miles off the trail. During the late 19th century, this was one of the world's great winemaking regions.

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Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Distance: 33.8 miles from Elroy to Sparta, Wisconsin

The nation's first rail-trail, Elroy-Sparta passes through five small towns and three rock tunnels as it crosses through Wisconsin wetlands, farm fields and prairies. The crushed stone path opened as a hiking trail in the 1960s, and now provides an easy connection to other routes leading from Elroy, including the 400 State Trail, which runs 22.3 miles to the east, and the Omaha Trail, which heads 12.5 miles north.

Cyclists must purchase a $5 trail pass (or $25 for the season.) Rentals and a shuttle service using your own car are available through Kendall Depot, the trail headquarters.

Insider tip: Cyclists must walk through the stone-arch tunnels, which are open May through October. Remember to pack a flashlight: The longest is 3,810 feet.

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Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail

Distance: 34 miles from Whitetop Station to Abingdon, Virginia

Named for an historic steam engine, the Virginia Creeper offers bikers an easy Appalachian adventure, crossing dozens of wooden trestles and passing Christmas tree farms and trout streams along the way.

With several shuttle and rental companies, including Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop, Sundog Outfitter and Abingdon Adventures, it's easy to arrange a day trip. Afterwards, take in a play at the Barter, Virginia's state theater, where Gregory Peck and Patricia Neal got their start, and then nurse your sore muscles at the historic Martha Washington Inn and Spa.

Insider Tip: As you pass the trail's halfway point in the town of Damascus, look for the Appalachian Trail, a hiking path that stretches from Georgia to Maine. With several routes crossing here, the city has earned the nickname Trail Town USA.

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Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

Distance: 73 miles from Mullan to Plummer, Idaho

This Bitterroot Mountains ride takes in some of the best of Northern Idaho's Panhandle, including silver mining towns, mountain lakes and the Coeur d'Alene tribal reservation.

For many, the highlight is the 28-mile stretch between Harrison and Cataldo. At times it can feel like riding through a zoo with sightings of elk, moose, bear, eagles and more. Most riders do the trip in three days. The Friends of the Coeur d'Alene Trails can help set up shuttles, rentals and lodging.

Insider tip: The Coeur d'Alenes is only 20 miles from another top-rated rail-trail, the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha, which includes 10 tunnels.

Billy Blume / Alamy Stock Photo

Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga trails

Distance: 94.5 miles from Smyrna, Georgia, to Anniston, Alabama

This Deep South adventure starts in suburban Atlanta on the Silver Comet trail, taking cyclists 61.5 miles to the Alabama state line. The path then changes its name to Chief Ladiga and continues another 33 miles, crossing Appalachian foothills through the Talladega National Forest. Taken together, it makes for one of the longest paved pedestrian trails in the nation.

Rooted Trading Company in Powder Springs, Georgia, offers rentals, along with local and long-distance shuttles. On the Alabama side, Wig's Wheels has rentals and can provide limited local shuttles.

Insider tip: The small college town of Jacksonville, Alabama, has a restored train depot and a downtown square.