Cycling in America is about far more than getting from A to B. With awe-inspiring views, abundant wildlife and historic sites, the country is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered on two wheels. We’ve ranked what we think are America’s 22 most scenic and inspiring cycle routes, from imposing mountains and stunning coastlines to vibrant cities and vast open roads. While the routes vary in length and difficulty, each promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
Click through this gallery to explore our ranking of America’s most beautiful cycle routes...
Iron Mountain Road is an 18-mile (29km) stretch of the 68-mile (109km) Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, which snakes through South Dakota’s rugged Black Hills. Starting just south of Mount Rushmore National Park, the route winds through tunnels and over pigtail bridges, offering dramatic vistas galore.
The highlight of this route is Mount Rushmore, a towering tribute to four US presidents carved into granite. Visitors can marvel at the monument from afar or, for a closer look, leave their bikes at one of the racks near the entrance and continue on foot.
Spanning over 337,000 acres, Utah’s Canyonlands National Park is a labyrinth of deep canyons, towering mesas and jagged rock formations. The 51-mile (82km) Island in the Sky Cruise route traverses one of the park's three main districts, also extending into neighbouring Dead Horse Point State Park – a premier stargazing destination featuring a staggering Colorado River overlook.
The route follows state highways and national park roads, making for a largely smooth ride, though there are some steep climbs and winding paths. Notable landmarks include the Upheaval Dome and Whale Rock monuments.
There are many ways to explore Everglades National Park, but perhaps the most enthralling is on two wheels. This 15-mile (24km) loop shows why the park is the jewel in Florida’s crown – you might spot basking alligators or even an endangered Everglade snail kite.
The terrain is smooth, with a few twists and turns. At the loop's furthest point is a 65-foot (20m) observation tower, offering jaw-dropping views of the Everglades, nicknamed the 'river of grass'. Despite the route's name, there aren't any sharks – they live in nearby Shark River.
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This route takes riders through the awe-inspiring landscapes of northern New Mexico, from the jagged peaks of Bobcat Pass, home to the state’s highest mountain road, to the historic towns of Red River and Questa. The loop starts and ends in Taos, which features the old adobe settlement of Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 84-mile (135km) – or extended 100-mile (160km) – route features demanding climbs, fast descents and tight turns. But riders are rewarded with spectacular scenery and the chance to journey into the historic heart of New Mexico.
Extending for 11 miles (18km) from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, this route allows riders to explore Alaskan nature on two wheels. Enjoy panoramas of the Chugach Mountains, Mount McKinley (also known as Denali) and Cook Inlet, while keeping an eye out for moose, eagles and even beluga whales.
Named after former Alaska governor Tony Knowles, the route passes through Earthquake Park, where visitors can discover the area's seismic history. The route is easy and accessible year-round but cycling here in winter requires a fat-tyre bike.
The 18-mile (29km) Chicago Lakefront Trail, which became a designated bike route in 1963, sits snugly between downtown Chicago and the waters of Lake Michigan. The route winds past landmarks like Navy Pier and Lincoln Park, while sandy shorelines along Oak Street Beach and Montrose Beach offer spots to rest and admire the views of the city skyline and lake.
Riders might also enjoy glimpses of urban wildlife like migrating birds and the occasional fox. A popular bike-sharing programme sees hire stations dotted along this easy-going urban trail.
From October to March, Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in Acadia National Park, is the first place in the US to witness the sunrise. This short (but challenging) 0.5-mile (0.8km) loop circles the 1,530-foot (466m) peak, offering views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands.
The 27-mile (44km) Park Loop Road offers a longer exploration of the park. This scenic route extends around the east side of Mount Desert Island, taking in rocky shores, lakes and mountains, and linking up with Cadillac Summit Loop. This is a popular area which gets busy during peak season.
History, nature and urban discovery come together on this 18-mile (29km) trail that traces a former railroad route, linking Denver – 'the mile-high city' – to the charming town of Golden in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Connecting with the South Platte River Trail, riders can enjoy enchanting riverside views, and in Golden can tour the Coors Brewing Company or view quirky art installations. Most of the route is gently graded, though there are a few steeper sections.
Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge is perhaps the single best way to get up close and personal with one of the most famous monuments in the world. A bike path leads along the Golden Gate Promenade towards Golden Gate Bridge Plaza, yielding fabulous bridge views, before giving way to a mixed-use path across the 1.7-mile (2.7km) structure itself. Be aware that crossing the bridge is not for the faint of heart – the winds can be strong and fog can set in quickly, so bring layers.
Comprising more than 90 miles (145km) of paved multi-use paths, this trail offers an alternative route to US Highway 1 for exploring the Florida Keys. The trail winds through the lively communities of Key Largo and Key West, where you can sample local specialities like Key Lime Pie.
It offers access to wildlife refuges, parks and beaches, as well as 23 historic Flagler Railroad bridges including Seven-Mile Bridge, where guided tours share insights into the region’s rail heritage. The trail even shadows America’s only coral barrier reef, currently under threat from rising ocean temperatures.
Known as the wildflower capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is also one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, with riders flocking since the 1970s to enjoy its beauty and its challenging trails. This 14-mile (23km) alpine route starts with a climb up Gothic Road to Schofield Pass, where riders are welcomed by views of the Elk Range, part of the Rocky Mountains.
From there, it’s a steep descent down rocky paths and through fields of knee-high flowers. Only open during the warmer months, this is a tough route for experienced riders, but the scenic rewards are more than worth the effort.
Cutting through Glacier National Park, this 50-mile (84km) scenic route is a paradise for wildlife-watchers, with mountain goats, bighorn sheep and grizzly bears common sights. Crossing Logan Pass, riders are greeted by unparalleled views of snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks, alpine lakes and glaciers.
This is a paved route but challenging to cycle, with steep grades and varying temperatures (including the risk of year-round snow). Spring is a great time to ride here, as the road is closed to cars.
Opened in 2020, this 750-mile (1,207km) trail has quickly become a popular way to explore New York State's industrial heritage, countryside and urban hubs. Among the many highlights are the Erie Canal, the state capital Albany and the splendour of the Adirondack Mountains. Cyclists can meander along several shorter connecting routes, including the nine-mile (15km) Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the 12.5-mile (20km) urban Manhattan Greenway Trail, which runs along the west side of the New York City borough.
A patchwork of astonishing natural beauty, Yosmite's granite cliff faces, sprawling meadows and giant sequoia groves make it a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is known particularly for the El Capitan rock formation, Bridalveil Fall and Mirror Lake, which can be partly explored via the park's 12 miles (19km) of paved cycle paths. Most of these are flat and fine for families, while spring and autumn are the best windows for avoiding the crowds.
This 444-mile (715km) route is soaked in 10,000 years of history, with 350 archaeological sites, 22 burial and ceremonial mounds and Civil War battlefields. Largely following Old Natchez Trace, a corridor used by Native Americans, the trail extends from Nashville, Tennessee across a corner of Alabama and deep into Mississippi, ending in Natchez.
The parkway is flat, with little traffic. For a shorter adventure, there’s a 27-mile (44km) loop starting in Fernvale, which detours away from the parkway to the historic village of Leiper's Fork.
This sprawling 569-mile (916km) route extends from Cedar City in southern Utah to Tempe in Arizona, traversing a great swathe of the American West. Cyclists can access both sides of the Grand Canyon on this route, as well as Zion National Park and the Navajo Nation. In some parts the route has limited services and desolate stretches where extreme weather and dust storms are not uncommon, so riders should plan accordingly and expect heavy traffic during the tourist high season.
Part of the epic 1,863-mile (2,998km) Pacific Coast Route that stretches from Canada to the Mexican border, the 370-mile (595km) Oregon Coast Bike Route encompasses sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, verdant forests and picture-book towns. Historic lighthouses dot the shore, off which lucky riders might spot dolphins and whales.
This route is mapped and signed but is nevertheless challenging, with sharp ascents, limited bike lanes and unpredictable year-round weather. For a less taxing detour, consider the 33-mile (53km) Three Capes Scenic Route.
Stretching 240 miles (386km) between Clinton and Machens, Katy Trail claims to be the longest developed rail trail in the US. The route passes through some of the state’s most picturesque countryside – lush forests, rolling hills, vineyards and stretches of the Missouri River. Built over the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, part of the trail follows the route taken by Lewis and Clark during their 19th-century expedition, and markers signpost their momentous journey.
This spectacular 23-mile (37km) route between Fruita and Grand Junction takes in Colorado National Monument’s red-rock canyons, towering formations and grand mesas, which have been carved over millions of years. There are scenic outlooks along the route where riders can stop and marvel at the views, while encounters with desert bighorn sheep are not unlikely.
With tough gradients, narrow roads and sheer drop-offs, not to mention oppressive summer heat, the route is best suited to proficient bikers. For those looking to lengthen their adventure, challenging off-road mountain biking routes are nearby.
Stretching from South Dennis to Wellfleet, this 26-mile (42km) scenic trail passes through six Cape Cod towns, offering views of forests, marshlands, beaches, cranberry bogs and kettle ponds – glacial remnants now enjoyed as swimming holes. The route also extends through Nickerson State Park, which contains a network of wooded trails and ponds, and to Orleans, a former whaling port perfect for lunch and visits to nearby attractions like Nauset Beach. The flat, paved terrain makes this trail suitable for riders of all levels.
This 150-mile (241km) rail trail from Cumberland in Maryland to downtown Pittsburgh is among the best-regarded cycling routes in the US. Crossing the Eastern Continental Divide and the Mason-Dixon Line, it extends through lush woodlands and charming towns, with a number of key Civil War sites a short detour away. This route combines easy riding conditions with stunning scenery.
For a shorter ride, the 10-mile (16km) Ohiopyle State Park section showcases the trail at its best.
This delightful three-mile (5km) meander along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, is our pick for America's most beautiful cycle route. It may be short, but it’s packed with awesome sights. The trail begins in Incline Village and ends in Sand Harbor State Park, known for its crystal-clear water, sandy beaches and kayaking.
Along the way, 15 'vista points' serve up superb views, while plaques detail the area's geology and history. Keep an eye out for ospreys and other birdlife, while a hike up Monkey Rock affords breathtaking panoramas. This paved and mostly flat route is suitable for families.