Cycling holds limitless adventures for us all and what’s better than experiencing an adventure in some breathtaking landscapes? From the high peaks of Blue Ridge Parkway to the red rocky coastline of Pacific Coast Highway, we have the best routes in the USA and worldwide like the La Route Verte (Canada) and the EuroVelo 6 (Europe).
I also have included insight from my trip to the world’s longest cycling route The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. So are you ready to find what options you have?
Breathtaking Cycling Routes In The USA
Throughout my cycling journey, I have come across some really marvelous routes in The USA. These routes are scenic, clean, and bicycle-friendly. Here are some of my favorite routes that I would love for you to enjoy:
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching from Virginia and all the way to North Carolina, The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long. It stretches through the Appalachian Mountains. How does it connect Virginia to North Carolina? Well, it passes through the Shenandoah National Park of Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of North Carolina, connecting the two.
This route is ideal for all cycling enthusiasts because it is well-paved. The cascading waterfalls and hardwood forests make it very scenic. You get a variety of terrain to cover including small hills and some very challenging climbs. It’s the best option to put your cycling abilities to the test.
Imagine riding through natural views of forests, smelling wildflowers at the stops you make, and even the chance to spot some wildlife like deers and turkeys, it’s the perfect weekend getaway. To make things more accommodating, throughout the route, you will find various lodges, compounds, and centers to make your journey more comfortable.
If you have set your mind to try out this route, I will recommend that you take your mountain bike out for this adventure. It will be most suited since it can easily cover a vast variety of terrain.
Do you commute via bicycle? Here are pro bike commuting tips that might work for you.
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is located in Montana in Glacier National Park. It is a 50-mile paved route that passes through mountain peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. Although this route is open only for a limited period. You can visit it from late June to mid-October. I visited this route in the early season and that is the best time to go there.
There was no vehicle traffic because the road was not yet open for it but it was accessible for cyclists. At this time you can really focus on the scenery around you rather than the traffic. I also rode through the Logan Pass, one of the most challenging climbs and it surely did take a lot of effort. But it was worth it. The awe-inspiring view makes it all worthwhile.
But then again, I would recommend you pursue this track on a mountain bike. I took my Canyon Spectral 125 CF 7 on the trip and that was the best decision I made on the trip. It made riding through the mountains so much easier.
If you are going for the longer routes, it is important to know how to prevent injuries while cycling to keep you safe!
3. Acadia National Park
Located in Maine, the Acadia National Park is 76 miles long. Some part of it is privately owned. The landscapes include glacier-scoured granite peaks and rocky beaches. The route is famous because it houses the highest point of the glacier-scoured granite peaks, Cadillac Mountain.
You will find various wildlife here such as the whales, seabirds, and moose, but watch out for the bears. You can visit this route any time of the year but I would suggest you visit it in the early hours to avoid crowds.
4. Pacific Coast Highway
Situated in California, this route is more commonly known as California State Route 1. This route is stretched over 600 miles and it has some really breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There are cliffs as well as coastal landscapes so you can take a stop to spot any marine life.
Well, I did find some parts of this route very challenging such as the part in Big Sur. It is listed in the top 35 tourist destinations in the world. It’s challenging because the majority part of it is underdeveloped. But this also helps retain its natural beauty.
There are many attractions on the Pacific Coast Highway including the Bixby Bridge, beaches, and the redwood forests.
4. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway measures around 44 miles. It starts from Natchez, leading to Mississippi, and from there to Nashville Tennessee. The route follows the Natchez Trace which is a famous historic trail. Natchez Trace Parkway has a well-maintained infrastructure. Usually, it’s not very busy and experiences only light traffic so you can easily enjoy the breathtaking forests.
There are plenty of historic sites on this route to explore too.
Did you know that cycling makes you healthier and happier?
Best Cycling Routes In The World
Jotting down the best cycling routes in the world is a difficult task, given that there are so many scenic routes. But these are some of the most popular and scenic routes that are very popular among cycling enthusiasts like you and me!
1. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is 3,083.8 miles long. It starts from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, USA. This route was developed Adventure Cycling Association and it was completed in 1997.
What I really loved while cycling across The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route was the Rocky Mountains. The scenery and the diverse ecosystem alongside the challenging terrain are enough to allow you to unplug and recharge. The trail is long and it took me around 7 days to complete. I hiked as well as tried the bicycle route so the time it will take you depends on your plan.
Along the way, you will come across mountain towns and some wildlife. The trip to The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route was truly the much-needed adventure for the off-road cycling enthusiast within me.
2. EuroVelo 6
Also known as the EV6, the EuroVelo 6 is the most iconic route in Europe. It spreads across ten countries from the Atlantic Ocean in France to the Black Sea in Romania, covering an area of 1,768 miles. If you choose to bicycle on the EV6, you’ll follow the route through the Danube River.
It covers many historic cities, villages, and amazing landscapes. All of this gives you a chance to take in the real beauty of Europe. You can explore Belgrade, Vienna, and Budapest making it a cultural journey on two wheels. How cool is that?
3. Munda Biddi Trail
Next, we have the Munda Biddi Trail from Western Australia. This trail is quite famous because it is among the world’s longest continuous off-road cycle trails. It covers an area of 621 miles. If you choose to ride on this track, it gives you the option to explore both majestic forests as well as stunning coastal plains.
There are also designated camping sites alongside the trail where you can set up a camp for the night and come closer to the Australian wilderness. The Munda Biddi Trail is definitely the next on my bucket list, how about you?
4. The North Sea Cycle Route
Stretching over an area of 3,728 miles, The North Sea Cycle Route is the world’s longest signed international cycle route. It covers a total of eight countries! It includes dunes, coastal paths, cliffs, in short, a wide variety of landscapes.
Guess what? There are various fishing villages alongside the route so you can also gain a cultural experience. You can explore the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, and Denmark. I know I have to travel at least once across The North Sea Cycle Route before retiring!
Planning to take a trip to Japan? You have to try cycling at The Shimanami Kaido. But wait! You need to read this Japan Cycling Guide before you pack your bags!
Tips For Riding On Cycling Routes
Want to know some tips I learned along the way while cycling on different routes? I am so glad you asked:
- Be mindful of your riding terrain and watch where you are going.
- If you are riding on long routes, take breaks so you don’t overtire yourself.
- Carry water! It is important to stay hydrated.
- Don’t forget to wear a sunscreen. Even if it is cloudy!
- Put on the helmet before you head out. Check out our best mountain bike helmets.
- If you need help, ask for it. Don’t be shy.
- Cycle in a straight line. Don’t zig-zag on the road. It will cause confusion for the other traffic.
- Carry a small repair tool kit. If you are heading to an under-developed route, it’s important you carry an extra tire tube.
- Obey the traffic laws.
- Don’t forget to have fun!
Helmets are for safety reasons but Australia’s helmet laws are doing more harm than good!
Watch This Video To Learn How To Do Long Distance Rides?
If you have your mind set on going on a cycling tour, you will be riding for longer hours than usual. It can get tough to enjoy your ride without getting tired. So here is a video that explains how you can ride longer:
If you don’t have a bicycle of your own, you can make use of the bicycle-sharing programs!
FAQs
How Long Is The North Sea Cycle Route?
The North Sea Cycle Route is around 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles) long. It is officially the world’s longest signposted cycle path. A significant part of the route also touches the German coastline.
How Many Km Does It Take To Cycle The World?
It takes around 29,000 km (18,000 miles) to cycle the world, or at least that’s the record in the Guinness World Record.
Which Country Is Best For Road Cycling?
Italy and France have been named the best countries for road cycling. They are followed by Spain, Belgium, and the USA.
How Far Can You Cycle In 24 Hours?
Generally, in 24 hours you can cycle about 160-240 kilometers. But this depends on many factors like your fitness level, the weather, the terrain, etc.
What Are Asia’s Most Cycling-Friendly Cities?
Tokyo, Kyoto (Japan), Taipei (Taiwan), and Hangzhou (China) are some of the most cycling-friendly cities in Asia.
Conclusion
The route that you will find best depends on your preferences. All of these routes cater to your different needs. They have road cycling options alongside rivers as well as some serious off-roading in the wilderness. Nonetheless, no matter which route you like the most, each one of these will leave you with a remarkable experience.
So which of these routes are you going to try? Do you have a favorite cycling route? Let me know in the comments below. Happy Ridding!
Also Read:
121 Bikepacking Experts Share Their Routes Around The World
Long Distance Cycling: Tips And Tricks
The Safety Impacts of Bicycle Laws
How To Bike 4239 Km From Belgium To Turkey In 10 Days
