Cycle the sights: Five exciting biking trails for your travel wish list
Ride this way for leisurely touring or endurance feats
No matter how much you love your spin classes, nothing quite compares to riding through nature. Here are just a few impressive bicycling trails in North America worth travelling for:
Empire State Trail, New York
For a new endurance challenge, head to New York’s Empire State Trail, which opened to hikers and cyclists at the end of 2020. It runs from the southern tip of Manhattan right to the Canadian border, connecting some pre-existing segments to create a route that spans more than 1,200 kilometres — making this the longest multi-use trail in the U.S. Visitors can stop to take in some of the state’s iconic landscapes, or stroll alongside the Hudson River or the Erie Canal in Buffalo. Head up to the northern section of the route, through Champlain Valley, to get up close to the Adirondacks.
Véloroute des Bleuets, Quebec
There’s something for everyone on Quebec’s iconic Véloroute des Bleuets (“blueberry cycle route”). Located in the Saguenay—Lac St-Jean region, the idyllic, 256-kilometre trail circles around Lac St-Jean, and gets its name from the rolling blueberry fields that run alongside sections. It’s apt for all levels and perfect for a three- to five-day trip, as it takes riders past beaches, farmland and 15 charming municipalities, including Alma and Saint-Félicien. Parc national de la PointeTaillon is also accessible via the route.
Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island
There’s perhaps no better way to take in all PEI has to offer than the Confederation Trail. Totalling 449 kilometres, the route stretches from tip to tip across the province. The 273kilometre main path — Tignish to Elmira — is built upon a decommissioned railway line and connects to six branch trails; depending on your chosen route, you can cycle to breathtaking scenery, landmarks like the Cape Bear Lighthouse and Cabot Beach Provincial Park, or right to the heart of Charlottetown.
The Whole Enchilada Trail, Utah
The name of this popular, 53-kilometre trail tells you what you can expect: a bit of everything. Starting atop Geyser Pass in the La Sal Mountains, travellers will descend the rocky terrain and come across ledges, drops and ultrathin paths, making the Whole Enchilada best suited to more advanced riders. But if you have the experience, the journey is worth it — you’ll bike through dense forests, aspen groves and desert, eventually nearing the Colorado River as you approach the canyon floor. Come prepared for the high-elevation area.
Greenbrier River Trail, West Virginia
This nearly 126-kilometre historic route was once part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, which carried timber to local businesses. Now, hikers, bikers and horseback riders take to the scenic Greenbrier River Trail, one of the longest trails in the state. Starting in Caldwell, it passes through a number of small towns, and some of West Virginia’s most remote areas, and offers views of the Greenbrier River and Allegheny Mountains. You can make a camping trip out of your visit, too: You can stay overnight at places like Cass Scenic Railroad.