Turning old train tracks into scenic biking routes is one of the most beautiful ways America has reinvented its past. The 10 Rail-Trails in the U.S. Perfect for Biking Weekends highlight how historic railways once built for freight and passengers now serve weekend adventurers seeking nature, history, and community. Each route tells a story—of industry, migration, and the American love for wide-open landscapes.
1. Great Allegheny Passage – Pennsylvania to Maryland
Stretching 150 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) connects with the C&O Canal Towpath, creating a 335-mile route all the way to Washington, D.C. Completed in 2013, it’s a favorite for multi-day rides past rivers, tunnels, and steel bridges that echo the region’s industrial roots. The trail passes charming towns like Ohiopyle and Frostburg, perfect for food stops and overnight stays. You can even cross the Eastern Continental Divide, one of the most scenic high points on the entire route — and link it with our guide to things to do in Pittsburgh.
2. Katy Trail – Missouri
Following the Missouri River for 240 miles, Katy Trail State Park is one of the longest rail-trails in the country. Built along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, it winds through wine country, limestone bluffs, and Civil War landmarks. Boonville and Hermann offer excellent rest stops with cozy inns and local wineries to toast your ride. Autumn is especially beautiful, with golden foliage reflecting off the river’s calm bends — an ideal pairing with a scenic drive to St. Louis or Columbia.
3. Virginia Creeper Trail – Virginia
The Virginia Creeper Trail, once part of the Norfolk & Western Railway, runs 34 miles from Abingdon through Damascus to Whitetop Station near the North Carolina border. Opened as a trail in 1987, it’s beloved for its gradual downhill stretches, lush forests, and rustic wooden trestles that frame the journey. Cyclists often combine their ride with the nearby Appalachian Trail, making it one of the most well-rounded outdoor getaways in the South — similar to what we covered in 8 Spectacular Desert Destinations in the USA.
4. High Bridge Trail – Virginia
Once a Civil War supply route, the High Bridge Trail State Park offers 31 miles of crushed stone pathway and history. Its crown jewel—the High Bridge—soars 125 feet above the Appomattox River, offering breathtaking views. Near Farmville, Virginia, this trail invites riders to experience both natural beauty and a crucial piece of 19th-century railroad history. The sunsets from the bridge are some of the best photo ops in central Virginia — especially if you’re combining it with a fall trip to see Virginia’s autumn colors.
5. Elroy-Sparta State Trail – Wisconsin
America’s first rail-trail, established in 1967, the Elroy-Sparta Trail covers 32 miles of rolling countryside. Famous for its three hand-dug tunnels from the 1870s, this route showcases Wisconsin’s rural charm and small-town hospitality. Towns like Kendall and Wilton provide classic Midwest comfort food to refuel. You’ll need a flashlight for the tunnels—they can stretch over a mile long and stay cool even on summer days. Pair it with a visit to nearby La Crosse or a weekend exploring Midwestern lake towns.
6. Banks–Vernonia State Trail – Oregon
Spanning 21 miles between Banks and Vernonia, this Oregon gem cuts through dense Pacific Northwest forests. The Banks–Vernonia State Trail follows an abandoned logging railroad and includes towering trestles like the Buxton Trestle, a must-stop for photos. It’s a perfect day trip from Portland, especially during autumn when the colors explode. Many riders extend their visit to explore nearby Tillamook State Forest, adding mountain scenery to their weekend ride or continuing toward the Oregon Coast — as seen in our feature on 20 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in the USA.
7. Minuteman Bikeway – Massachusetts
Tracing Revolutionary War history, the Minuteman Bikeway runs 10 miles from Cambridge through Lexington to Bedford. The path follows the route of the old Boston and Maine Railroad, and riders can pause at Lexington Battle Green, where the first shots of the American Revolution rang out in 1775. Along the way, you’ll find cafés and bookstores that celebrate the region’s deep literary and political heritage. For history lovers, it’s a perfect ride to pair with trips to Concord or the Freedom Trail in Boston.
8. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes – Idaho
This 73-mile paved path in northern Idaho glides through mountains, wetlands, and historic mining towns. Once a route for the Union Pacific Railroad, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is now an environmental success story, part of a restoration project completed in 2004. Keep an eye out for moose and bald eagles as you pedal. The route’s tranquility and wildlife sightings make it one of the most peaceful rail-trail experiences in the U.S., on par with scenic routes featured in our Top 10 U.S. Mountains to Visit.
9. Withlacoochee State Trail – Florida
Located in Central Florida, this 46-mile trail runs through Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties. The Withlacoochee State Trail, once part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, passes through quiet towns like Inverness and Floral City, making it ideal for year-round biking thanks to the state’s mild climate. Many visitors combine their rides with kayaking or manatee spotting at nearby Crystal River, one of the best spots for wildlife viewing in Florida — also mentioned in our Florida Keys travel guides.
10. George S. Mickelson Trail – South Dakota
Carved through the Black Hills, the George S. Mickelson Trail stretches 109 miles along the path of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, built in 1890. It passes through Deadwood, Hill City, and Custer, blending Old West history with rugged pine landscapes. Summer and early fall bring the best weather—and unforgettable views of the South Dakota wilderness. Don’t miss the chance to stop at Mount Rushmore, just a short detour away, or explore nearby Custer State Park for bison herds and scenic drives that rival the best national park routes.
