Why 7? Because we just couldn’t fit all of our favorites in a Top 5!
When we’re at an RV park or near a place with good biking trails, we try to take advantage of them as much as we can (weather permitting). As Steve keeps reminding me, If we have to lug these bikes around let’s use them. Okay, lets do it!
Our parameters for favorite biking trails are similar to those for hiking trails, but with the emphasis on visual treats. We don’t take many tough mountain bike trails, instead preferring to meander along and enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the surroundings. Click on the red links to take you to our detailed posts.
Here we go!
- Quartzsite, AZ – This was fun for there were no established trails – just head off the road into the desert and make your own! We first followed Dome Rock Road and then went off the beaten path. This was where we encountered a natural golf course in the desert amidst the cacti – very interesting.
- Talkeetna, AK – We began our trek at the Talkeetna river for a rare view of Mt McKinley, which happened to be visible that morning. We rode 15 miles of bike trails along the road to Talkeetna, laden with beautiful wildflowers.
5. Sacramento River Trail – Redding, CA – A nice 9 mile ride along the banks of the beautiful Sacramento River. We passed on the west end Keswick dam, cross over the Stress Ribbon Bridge across the river and around the highlight of this trail: the Sundial Bridge.
- Riverfront Trail at The Dalles, OR – The paved trail winds along the southern bank of the Columbia River for ten miles. Beautiful views of the gorge on this one.
- San Juan Islands, WA – By far the longest and toughest ride we have undertaken, 28 miles around the island and will not do it again! Why? I don’t like biking along narrow roads with no space for bikers. We also encountered some really big hills on this one. But it was beautiful, and if you’re a serious cyclist you would love it.
2. Fort Stevens State Park – Astoria, OR : When the path is packed with yellow wildflowers, how can you not enjoy your ride? This excellent paved path took us through forests to the beach and a lake.
1. Historic Columbia River Trail – Columbia River Gorge, OR : This was the coolest, greenest ride we have taken. The path is a section of restored portion of the historic highway that curves through the forest over gentle hills. One end terminates at the Cascade Locks, where we were able to enjoy a small farmer’s market when we were there.
How about you – do you have a favorite biking trail? We we’d love to hear about it so we can give it a shot when we’re in that area.
Lowes Travels 
Can’t wait to hit those trails, they look awesome!
For a city trail we really enjoyed the Boise River Greenbelt. It meanders through beautiful city parks and then into the more natural country settings and can be made into a long (about 25 miles) loop ride.
Thanks, Lisa we will make a note of that when we get to Idaho.
There are lots of great trails around Moab Utah – I did a 3 day ride on the White Rim trail a few years ago – totally amazing.
Thanks for sharing yours – I will keep the list for when we are in these places.
We will make a note of White Rim Trail when we get to Utah. Thank You.
Thanks for the suggestions! We also travel with bikes and enjoy a good trail ride. We are not mountain bikers at all.
Good we are of the same breed, non mountain bikers. We like paved and less bumps trails.
What a beautiful shot of Mt. McKinley! I’m with you, I don’t like narrow roads with traffic….prefer trails. Once the weather in CO warms up, we’ll be on the trail along the Arkansas River. One of my favorite bike rides is along Chicago’s lakeshore. You can ride for miles, but no wildflowers!
Chicago? Hmm . That was one of the rarest view of Mt Mckinley. It was covered by clouds again in an hour.
Very cool little series here. I’ve only done one of these (Astoria, agree it’s fabulous) so there’s lots of new ideas here. It’ll be interesting to see if these same trails remain in your top 7 as you continue to RV.
Nina
Oh and Quartzsite too of course. Love biking around Q!
We will know in another year if this top 7 will be pushed down or not 🙂
We have done your #1 and #2 and found both to be delightful. I’ve loved the two posts you have done on hiking and biking. Thanks for the other tips. 🙂
Glad that my anniversary blogs has given you tips. It was fun while we were picking our faves.
Another great Best Of post! Interesting biking trails – golf with cacti, in between forests of green and, the one I like the best, is that Sundial bridge.