15 Scenic Rail Trails For Cyclists To Try
There’s something special about riding a trail where trains once rumbled through history. The crunch of gravel under your tires and the thrill of discovery around every bend—rail trails offer some of the most scenic and unforgettable cycling adventures. Here are ten incredible trails that should belong on every cyclist’s bucket list!
Katy Trail State Park, Missouri
Cruise past towering limestone bluffs and follow the mighty Missouri River along this breathtaking 240-mile adventure. As the longest rail trail in the country, the Katy Trail State Park follows the historic path of Lewis and Clark, which provides a ride steeped in history and natural beauty.
Little Miami Scenic Trail, Ohio
The trail stretches ahead, winding through sun-dappled forests where golden light filters through the leaves. The gentle flow of the Little Miami River keeps you company as you ride, its waters reflecting the changing sky. Once a bustling railroad corridor in the 1840s, this 78-mile path offers a peaceful escape.
Great Allegheny Passage, Pennsylvania
Ever dreamed of pedaling through the Appalachian Mountains, crossing sky-high viaducts, and coasting through century-old tunnels? The Great Allegheny Passage delivers 150 miles of adventure that stretches from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. The scenic rail trail winds past former industrial towns, offering stunning views and a ride through history.
Cape Cod Rail Trail, Massachusetts
Imagine pedaling past salt marshes and windswept dunes while the salty ocean breeze keeps you company. This 27-mile coastal gem, once an 1800s rail line, winds through classic New England scenery, with lighthouses standing tall along the way. And the best part? Bayside eateries serving up the freshest seafood you can dream of.
Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Wisconsin
Three dramatic rock tunnels define this 32-mile adventure. Once part of the Chicago and North Western Railway, the route features hand-dug tunnels spanning up to three-quarters of a mile. Bring a flashlight because darkness engulfs you inside! Besides, Summer’s lush greenery and autumn’s fiery foliage make for stunning rides.
Tarka Trail, England
Lose yourself in the rolling hills, quiet estuaries, and dense woodlands of Devon’s breathtaking countryside. The Tarka Trail, a 180-mile route inspired by the classic tale of Tarka the Otter, takes cyclists on a peaceful escape through some of England’s most stunning environments. Moreover, the Traffic-free sections make it perfect for a relaxed ride.
Via Verde de Ojos Negros, Spain
This 160-kilometer trail now welcomes cyclists to a journey through Spain’s stunning countryside. Rolling past ancient mining towns, sun-kissed vineyards, and rugged mountains, the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros offers a ride rich in history and breathtaking scenery. For the best experience, set out early—the Mediterranean sun waits for no one.
Great Western Greenway, Ireland
Ride where the rails once ran, and let the Atlantic breeze lead you along this breathtaking 42-kilometer trail. Stretching from Westport to Achill Island, the Great Western Greenway delivers dramatic cliffside views and picture-perfect Irish villages. Built in 1894 and abandoned in 1937, the railway may be gone, but its spirit lives on.
Whale Trail, New Zealand
Imagine cycling between rolling green hills and the endless blue of the Pacific. The Whale Trail, a developing route from Picton to Kaikoura, blends adventure and jaw-dropping scenery. Once a vital railway for New Zealand’s logging industry, it provides a front-row seat to some of the world’s best whale-watching.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Australia
Do you know the best part about cycling through the Australian hinterland? It’s the dynamic scenery—one moment, you’re gliding beneath sunlit rainforest canopies, and the next, you’re rolling past open farmland with kangaroos hopping in the distance. It is a 132-kilometer trail that winds through charming villages and historic timber towns.
High Trestle Trail, Iowa, USA
This 25-mile trail is best known for the breathtaking High Trestle Bridge, a half-mile-long structure towering 13 stories above the Des Moines River. At night, the bridge glows with blue LED lights, creating a surreal tunnel effect. The surrounding views of rolling farmland and peaceful Midwestern towns make for a scenic, relaxed ride.
Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand
New Zealand’s first and most famous rail trail takes cyclists through the stunning terrains of Central Otago. Once a steam train route, this 94-mile journey offers golden hills, deep gorges, and historic viaducts. With charming gold-mining towns and some of the best stargazing spots in the world, it’s a ride like no other.
Le P’tit Train du Nord, Canada
Winding through the picturesque Laurentian Mountains, this 145-mile Canadian rail trail offers lakeside views, dense forests, and charming French-speaking villages. Initially built in the early 1900s, the old railway stations have been converted into cozy cafes and inns, making it a perfect multi-day cycling adventure.
Hiawatha Trail, Montana & Idaho, USA
Despite being just 15 miles long, this trail is packed with adventure. It features 10 dark train tunnels and seven towering trestles as it winds through the rugged Bitterroot Mountains. The highlight is the 1.66-mile-long St. Paul Pass Tunnel, where riders need a flashlight to explore the pitch-black interior.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Canada
Spanning 400 miles through British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, the trail offers stunning mountain vistas, lush vineyards, and historic trestle bridges. The Myra Canyon section has 18 wooden trestles suspended high above the canyon floor and is a must-see. The mix of wilderness and history makes this a truly unforgettable ride.
