One of the greatest ways to experience the beauty of our nation is by hopping on a bike and checking out the hundreds of trails the U.S. has to offer. Whether it’s mountains or beaches you’re dreaming about (or both!) bike trails offer an inexpensive, family-friendly and adventurous way to explore the sites on your next vacation. Given the rise in cycling’s popularity over the pandemic, we wanted to offer our take on three of the best biking trails in the U.S.
Rio Grande Trail
Without question, the Rio Grande Trail is one of the best bike trails in the U.S. with the world-famous Rocky Mountains serving as a stunning backdrop. The trail spans 42 miles between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, Colo., but there are several trailheads if you prefer a shorter ride. The trail is made of asphalt, concrete, and gravel which make it super family-friendly, and is best used between April and October (some parts of the trail close seasonally between November and April). There is a 2,200-foot elevation increase between Glenwood Springs and Aspen, but you’ll be so distracted by the fantastic views, you’ll barely notice.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae
The next time you visit Kauai in Hawaii, don’t miss the eight-mile Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail, located along Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast. The name translates to “The Path that Goes by the Coast” and the views are nothing short of spectacular. The trail is family-friendly as it’s away from the highway, flat and paved for an easy ride. Plaques along the path highlight local archaeological, historical, and cultural sites, flora and fauna, and native names of canals and streams. Schedule your ride between December and March and you could be lucky enough to spot whales breaching or monk seals lounging on the shoreline!
Chicago Lakefront Trail
Chicago is famous for its remarkable architecture, deep-dish pizza, and dominant sports teams, but in the middle of this sprawling land-locked metropolis is the beautiful Chicago Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile paved trail along the western shore of Lake Michigan. This family-friendly trail traverses through 13 scenic neighborhoods, beaches and waterfront parks offering breathtaking views of the lake and city skylines alike. You can also hop off your bike and visit one of Chicago’s many museums or cultural institutions located just off the path (we love the Aquarium!) Given its immense popularity, the trail is heavily trafficked, but thankfully there are plenty of restrooms, concessions, and water fountains along the way. The Chicago Lakefront Trail is truly a treasure of the Windy City and one that makes this fabulous city so unique.
Photo Credit: Pixabay, Unsplash, Twitter
