9 Best Bike Paths in the US 2026

If you’re craving an urban cycling adventure that blends city energy with scenic escapes, Where to Bike Chicago delivers a surprisingly rich roadmap for both commuters and weekend riders. This compact guide punches above its weight by detailing over 50 routes across Chicago and its leafy suburbs, many of which weave through lakefront trails, historic neighborhoods, and repurposed rail corridors. What sets it apart is its laser focus on traffic-free and low-traffic pathways, making it a go-to resource for urban cyclists who want to avoid busy intersections and still cover serious ground. It solves the common city rider’s dilemma: how to ride safely without sacrificing variety or distance.

In real-world testing, the routes hold up well for everything from quick after-work spins to full-day explorations. The book highlights trail connectivity—like how the Lakefront Trail links to the North Branch Trail—giving riders the ability to create custom loops spanning 10 to 50 miles. Detailed turn-by-turn directions and hand-drawn maps make navigation straightforward, though some suburban paths assume basic bike-handling skills on shared sidewalks or gravel stretches. While it doesn’t cover mountain biking or off-road terrain, its strength lies in maximizing paved, accessible infrastructure—perfect for hybrid bikes, e-bikes, or road bikes with endurance tires.

Compared to broader regional guides, this one shines brightest for locals and visitors who want to unlock Chicago’s hidden greenways without guesswork. It’s more focused than Cycling St. Louis and far more urban than the scenic highway-centric Trails of M-22. While Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic offers deeper multiuse trail data, this guide excels in curating a dense network of city-adjacent rides. For urban riders seeking safe, diverse, and well-mapped paths, it offers better route specificity than general regional books—at a fraction of the cost of a bike tune-up.

For riders chasing breathtaking lake views and forested serenity, The Trails of M-22 is a visual love letter to Michigan’s most iconic highway and the hidden bike paths that flank it. This guide doesn’t just map rides—it curates experiences, spotlighting 48 hand-selected trails that connect charming lakeside towns like Traverse City, Suttons Bay, and Glen Arbor. Each route leverages the dramatic backdrop of Lake Michigan’s shoreline, with paths winding through dunes, orchards, and hardwood forests—making it ideal for cyclists who value scenery as much as mileage. It solves the traveler’s dilemma: how to turn a road trip into an active, immersive journey.

On the saddle, these routes deliver a mix of paved rail-trails, quiet country roads, and soft-surface connectors, accommodating everything from road bikes to gravel rigs. The guide shines in detailing access points to off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Pyramid Point Trail, where panoramic vistas reward every pedal stroke. While most paths are low-traffic, some require short hops on paved shoulders of M-22 itself, which can feel exposed during peak tourist season. The book’s photography and narrative flair elevate it beyond a mere route list, but riders should come prepared with GPS backup—some trails lack clear signage.

Positioned between pure guidebooks and travel memoirs, The Trails of M-22 offers a more scenic, destination-driven experience than the utilitarian Rail-Trails Southern New England. It’s less about connectivity and more about curated beauty, making it perfect for vacation riders or gravel enthusiasts exploring northern Michigan. While Best Bike Paths of the Southwest covers more trail types, this book wins on aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance. For riders who believe every journey should feel like a discovery, it’s a standout—offering scenery that doubles as motivation.

For riders who prioritize peace of mind and natural beauty, Best Bike Paths of New England is a trusted companion that unlocks a region rich in car-free cycling opportunities. This guide delivers on its promise of safe, scenic, and traffic-free routes, covering over 70 trails from coastal Maine to the Berkshire foothills. Many paths follow former railways and canal towpaths, offering smooth, flat terrain ideal for casual riders, seniors, or those returning to cycling. It directly addresses a key regional challenge: navigating New England’s dense, historic road networks where bike lanes are scarce.

In practice, the book excels at identifying well-maintained rail-trails like the East Coast Greenway and the Nashua River Rail Trail, where riders can enjoy uninterrupted miles beneath leafy canopies or alongside quiet rivers. The routes favor accessibility, with most requiring no technical skills or specialized bikes—perfect for hybrids or comfort cruisers. However, some entries feel sparse in detail, with minimal elevation data or surface condition notes, which can be a drawback for riders planning longer days. While it doesn’t cater to road cyclists seeking climbs or speed, it’s unmatched for low-stress, family-friendly outings.

Compared to Best Bike Rides in New England, which targets performance-oriented cyclists, this guide carves a niche for leisure and safety first. It’s more focused on paved, shared-use trails than Cycling St. Louis, and less technical than the Southwest counterpart. While Family Bike Rides narrows in on Northern California, this one offers broader regional coverage with consistent emphasis on separation from motor traffic. For riders who want to relax and enjoy New England’s charm without constant vigilance, it’s a calm, confident choice—balancing detail with simplicity.

For adventurers drawn to red rock canyons, desert vistas, and high-elevation trails, Best Bike Paths of the Southwest stands out as the most comprehensive and daring entry in the series. This guide covers a vast, often overlooked region—from Arizona’s Verde Valley to New Mexico’s Pajarito Plateau—offering routes that blend wilderness access with urban greenways. What makes it essential is its focus on climate-smart riding: early-morning desert loops, shaded canyon paths, and high-altitude rail-trails that stay cool when lowlands bake. It solves a real problem for Southwest riders: finding safe, rideable paths where heat and remoteness can be as dangerous as traffic.

Field-tested routes reveal a mix of paved urban connectors, decommissioned rail lines, and hard-packed desert trails, accommodating a range of bikes and skill levels. Riders will appreciate detailed notes on water availability, sun exposure, and seasonal access, crucial for desert safety. The book shines in places like the Santa Cruz River Path in Tucson and the Puerco Pinto Trail near Albuquerque, where scenic payoff meets practical routing. That said, some paths require shuttle logistics or long drives, and a few listed trails have since been altered or closed—highlighting the need for updated GPS verification.

Positioned as the most versatile and geographically ambitious of the series, it outshines Best Bike Paths of New England in terrain diversity and adventure potential. While Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic offers denser trail networks, this one wins for epic scale and solitude. It’s ideal for riders who want to explore the Southwest’s quieter side—away from interstates and crowds. Compared to other guides, it offers more contrast between urban and wild, making it the best overall pick for those who value both safety and adventure in one volume.

For road cyclists who crave winding backroads, rolling hills, and autumnal glory, Best Bike Rides in New England is a precision-crafted roadmap to the region’s most rewarding asphalt adventures. This guide skips the rail-trails and instead dives into 70 challenging road loops across Vermont, New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts—many exceeding 50 miles with significant climbing. It’s built for riders who want authentic New England character: covered bridges, farm stands, and long descents through maple-draped valleys. It solves the roadie’s problem: finding safe, scenic routes away from congested highways.

In real-world use, the routes shine for their elevation variety and surface quality, with detailed cue sheets and elevation profiles that help riders pace themselves. The book highlights gems like the Green Mountain Gran Fondo route and the Mohawk Trail loop, where smooth pavement meets dramatic views. Climbs are well-documented, but some rural roads have narrow shoulders and limited shoulder clearance—caution is advised during tourist season. While it doesn’t cater to families or e-bike riders seeking flat paths, it’s a must-have for endurance cyclists training for events or exploring the Northeast’s backroads.

Stacked against Best Bike Paths of New England, this guide is its high-performance twin—same region, entirely different mission. It’s more demanding than Cycling St. Louis and far more road-focused than Rail-Trails Southern New England. For riders who measure satisfaction in vertical gain and route elegance, it offers superior detail and challenge. While it lacks the accessibility of family guides, it excels where performance matters most—delivering rides that feel earned, not just enjoyed.

For trail users who value connectivity, accessibility, and shared-path convenience, Rail-Trails Southern New England is the gold-standard reference for the region’s converted railway corridors. This guide covers over 100 multiuse trails across three states, offering unmatched detail on surface types, gradients, and access points—making it ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. Its backbone is the East Coast Greenway and the Blackstone River Bikeway, both of which promise car-free travel across state lines. It solves a key regional issue: fragmented trail data across state borders.

On the bike, these rail-trails deliver predictable, low-grade riding ideal for commuting, training, or relaxed outings. The book excels in documenting trailheads, parking, and surface conditions, from paved urban segments to compacted stone dust in rural areas. Riders will appreciate notes on bridge clearances and tunnel lighting, crucial for long-distance planning. However, some newer trails lack amenities like water fountains or restrooms, and a few routes cross busy intersections requiring caution. While it doesn’t focus on scenic drama like Trails of M-22, it’s the most practical, data-rich guide in the collection.

Compared to Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic, this guide is slightly more localized but equally thorough. It’s more technical than Family Bike Rides and far more detailed than general regional books. For commuters, touring cyclists, or adaptive riders needing smooth, accessible routes, it’s indispensable. While less flashy than scenic guides, it outperforms in reliability and depth—making it the smartest choice for year-round, all-user trail navigation.

For riders who want one book to rule all disciplines, Cycling St. Louis is a rare hybrid that seamlessly blends road, path, and trail riding into a single, cohesive guide. This book stands out for its incredible local variety, covering everything from the Mississippi River Levee Trail to the rocky singletrack of Castlewood State Park. It solves a common regional gap: the lack of unified resources that span commuting, recreation, and adventure. Whether you’re an e-bike commuter, weekend roadie, or beginner mountain biker, this guide has a route that fits.

In practice, the diversity is both its strength and challenge. Road routes like the Al Foster Trail loop offer smooth, shaded miles, while mountain bike sections demand technical skill and durable tires. The book includes elevation charts, surface notes, and difficulty ratings, helping riders match trails to ability. However, some mountain bike trails have changed since publication, and a few road routes pass through areas with inconsistent bike infrastructure. While it doesn’t go as deep as Best Bike Rides in New England on road specifics, it covers more ground in every direction.

Compared to Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic, it’s less focused on connectivity but far more versatile in terrain and use. It’s more ambitious than Family Bike Rides and more localized than the Southwest guide. For riders in the St. Louis metro, it’s the ultimate one-stop resource—offering better variety than any other single-volume guide. When you want to switch from pavement to dirt without switching books, it delivers unmatched local range.

For regional riders who demand comprehensive trail intelligence, Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic is the most ambitious and meticulously researched guide in the series. Spanning six jurisdictions—including the nation’s capital—it maps over 150 multiuse trails with surgical precision on access points, surface conditions, and elevation changes. Its crown jewels—the C&O Canal Towpath and the Virginia Capital Trail—offer car-free, long-distance riding that’s perfect for touring cyclists and commuters alike. It solves a major regional pain point: navigating a fragmented patchwork of state and local trail systems.

On the bike, these routes deliver smooth, accessible riding across urban cores and rural corridors. The guide excels in detailing trail junctions, parking, and seasonal closures, helping riders plan complex itineraries. Routes like the Anacostia River Trail link directly to public transit, enhancing urban utility. However, some shared paths become congested on weekends, and a few rail-trails end abruptly in undeveloped areas—requiring shuttle planning. While it lacks the scenic drama of Trails of M-22, it dominates in connectivity and practical detail.

Compared to Rail-Trails Southern New England, this guide covers a larger, more diverse region with superior cross-state integration. It’s more extensive than Cycling St. Louis and far more focused than general scenic books. For commuters, bike tourists, or adaptive riders needing reliable, car-free corridors, it’s the definitive resource. While less adventure-driven than the Southwest guide, it offers unmatched regional cohesion and planning depth—making it the smartest investment for Mid-Atlantic trail users.