THE TOP RAIL TRAILS IN THE U.S. - Trails that belong on every bicycle tourist's bike-it list

Almost everyone who rides a bicycle loves rails to trails. Whether you want to go for a leisurely ride from your back door or you want to string together a few bike trails to make a great bicycle touring route, rail trails are a great way to ensure your ride is comfortable, scenic, and traffic-free. So for all those bicycle trail fans out there, I’ve put together this list of MY favorite trails in the U.S., and what makes them so great. Without a doubt, these rail trails belong on everybody’s bike-it list. Enjoy!
Resources:
Route of the Hiawatha
www.ridethehiawatha.com/the-t...
www.traillink.com/trail/route...
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
friendsofcdatrails.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/trail...
George S. Mickelson Trail
www.mickelsontrailaffiliates....
bikemickelson.com/
www.traillink.com/trail/georg...
Olympic Discovery Trail
olympicdiscoverytrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/olymp...
Katy Trail
bikekatytrail.com/
mostateparks.com/park/katy-tr...
www.traillink.com/trail/katy-...
Rock Island Trail
mostateparks.com/park/rock-is...
bikerockisland.com/
www.traillink.com/trail/rock-...
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
www.parks.wa.gov/521/Palouse-...
www.palousetocascadestrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/palou...
Northern Rail Trail
www.fnrt.org/
www.bikethenorthernrailtrail....
www.traillink.com/trail/north...
Erie Canalway Trail
eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling
www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-c...
www.traillink.com/trail/erie-...
Ohio to Erie Trail
www.ohiotoerietrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/ohio-...
Great Allegheny Passage
gaptrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/great...
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail
www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-ca...
www.canaltrust.org/plan/thing...
www.traillink.com/trail/chesa...

Пікірлер: 1 000

  • @jamisonr
    @jamisonr8 ай бұрын

    Another shout out to all the folks that fight the legal battles to turn these into trails in the first place. I'm always hearing about lawsuits from land owners that want the land back once the railroads leave them, and it takes time, money and the courts to figure things out. I can see both sides of the picture, but in this case, surely it's for the greater public good that we can take a 300 mile bike ride safely and see what the US has to offer outside of a freeway and strip malls.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    I agree completely.

  • @arrakisdef6771

    @arrakisdef6771

    7 ай бұрын

    I love rail trails, but fuck the government effectively stealing land to make them.

  • @MarkBrigham

    @MarkBrigham

    3 ай бұрын

    Rails to Trails Conservancy is definitely a worthwhile membership!

  • @outdoorfrenzy

    @outdoorfrenzy

    3 ай бұрын

    Love seeing my local Virginia Creeper and New River Valley trails on your to do list!!

  • @mjve12son72

    @mjve12son72

    3 ай бұрын

    Just a shout out/heads up about an old rail bed that runs from Douglas/Bisbee, AZ. to El Paso, Tx.. the rails and trestle s are long gone. It's 36 miles shorter than I -10. The route follows historical hwy 80 to hwy 9 at Rodeo,NM. to El Paso. Lots of history that ties in with Cochise and Geronimo, the old Spanish trail, and silver ore from the Copper Queen mine in Bisbee (largest red light district in Az.) .And last but not least it's way safer than I-10. Oh!, Animas, NM. Was also a famous camp of 'The Cowboys ' gang back in the days of Wyett Earp.

  • @zimbobway3137
    @zimbobway31372 ай бұрын

    1:28 The Route of the Hiawatha in Idaho 3:06 The Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes in Idaho 4:51 The George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota 6:04 The Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington 8:00 The Katy Trail & The Rock Island Trail in Missouri 9:56 The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail in Washington 11:47 The Northern Rail Trail in New Hampshire 13:03 The Erie Canalway Trail in New York 15:10 The Ohio to Erie Trail in Ohio 17:12 The Great Alleghany Passage & the C&O Canal Pittsburgh/D.C

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the chapter add!

  • @aixpert291

    @aixpert291

    27 күн бұрын

    Hero!

  • @573998
    @5739987 ай бұрын

    My sister Lois Moss was one of the founders of the idea of turning old railroad beds into bike trails.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    How great is that!

  • @deanh7190
    @deanh71908 ай бұрын

    May those trails become a lasting legacy to the folks that made them possible.

  • @juliannahenley4921

    @juliannahenley4921

    8 ай бұрын

    I agree they are a true treasure

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes indeed!

  • @bwbrady8372
    @bwbrady83728 ай бұрын

    An absolutely lovely video! I love that you are not among the 20-30 year olds, which inspires us seniors to stay out there. My husband and I used to do a ton of biking and now have ebikes, and I can see us doing portions of the rides you've recommended. Thank you SO much! (Subscribed!)

  • @lars277

    @lars277

    8 ай бұрын

    Correct. I am 69 and still wearing out bike tires on a regular basis.

  • @andrewstroud782

    @andrewstroud782

    8 ай бұрын

    I toured the Oregon Coast last year (Amtrak station in Portland to Brookings), which was the sixth time in forty years. In all of the prior trips, or at least in the last three, I was usually among the older folks making the trip. It was a lot of fun listening to the younger riders who were discovering the coast for the first time, and for many it was their first bicycle tour. Last year, however, at sixty four I was one of the youngest riders. It was mostly old guys who had ridden the coast before, and the majority were on ebikes. It made for different conversations, as the topics turned to bike motors, batteries and charging sites. Still fun.

  • @tonyorme6446

    @tonyorme6446

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your video…I’ve ridden the C & O Towpath and Gap trail. They’re fantastic…need to ride more trails you’ve mentioned in your video.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    One of the great things about cycling is that with a moderate degree of health you can keep riding well into the later years. EBikes make that even more true. I’ve met (and heard from) many riders, much older than us, doing amazing things. Inspiration everywhere you look!

  • @michaelball563
    @michaelball5638 ай бұрын

    I now know how I’m going to spend my retirement.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Haha. Me too!

  • @toddeftsadams5909
    @toddeftsadams5909Күн бұрын

    We have a nice rail trail here in Southern Wyoming in the Snowy Range Mountains. 23 miles one way. Very nice through the mountains. Just over 9,000 feet in the middle.

  • @Gpas7144
    @Gpas71448 ай бұрын

    No mention of the Hudson Valley Railtrail. With the walkway over the Hudson. Absolutely stunning ride.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, definitely a gem from all I've heard.

  • @jfmclaugh
    @jfmclaugh8 ай бұрын

    Did the GAP/C&O Canal some years back- it's the ride of a lifetime. Regarding the Canal path puddles: AIM FOR THE CENTER, not either side, if you want to stay in the saddle. Heck, that's the fun of it!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Exactly! Although it does seem to be getting resurfaced, I now understand.

  • @jerrymcgonigal9810
    @jerrymcgonigal98108 ай бұрын

    May I add another trail for consideration. The Pine Creek trail in north central Pennsylvania. It is 62 miles from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro running through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, along side of Pine Creek. Rural trail with back packing available along the trail. Well maintained and been there from the 1980's.

  • @Ma_Ba

    @Ma_Ba

    8 ай бұрын

    Will try to map that into an itinerary.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    I've heard great things about that trail and hope to make it soon. I'll definitely be checking it out! thanks for the tip.

  • @1515cando

    @1515cando

    7 ай бұрын

    Eventually, the Pine Creek RT will be part a trail stretching from Rochester, NY to Baltimore, MD!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    Wow that sounds amazing! I have to do some research on that!

  • @keithcyrus6321
    @keithcyrus63218 ай бұрын

    Honorable mentions: Elroy-Sparta / 400 / LaCrosse River / Great River. About 110 miles of uninterrupted gravel in Driftless region of Wisconsin. Delaware canal trail in NJ is about 50 miles along Delaware River. Des Plaines River trail in suburban Chicago nice surprise - 60 miles.

  • @keithcyrus6321

    @keithcyrus6321

    8 ай бұрын

    Sorry. Skipped the end before commenting. You got Elroy-Sparta. Illinois Prairie Path is great too. Connecting with Fox River and Great Western you can loop all spurs for a 110 mile full day of fun.

  • @AlanWil2

    @AlanWil2

    8 ай бұрын

    SPARTA!!!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Love the Elroy Sparta area. Spent a little time on the Delaware near New Hope(?) and loved it. The trails around Chicago -isn’t there a plan to create a big loop trail across Illinois using those trails?

  • @johnbienaszii7729

    @johnbienaszii7729

    4 ай бұрын

    des plaines is okay, we do however have rail to trail across the whole state

  • @Chihirolee3

    @Chihirolee3

    3 ай бұрын

    A close trail to LaCrosse I would also reccomend is the Root River State Trial on the Minnesota side. And a bit further west the Shooting Star Trail and Wapsi Great Trial (they are working on connected these trails together, which will stretch from Austin Minnesota to Elma Iowa).

  • @zroyboyz
    @zroyboyz8 ай бұрын

    I love the mesmerizing narration, the accompanying music, the thoughtful camera work and just seeing you guys biking together. I particularly liked your European tours. I have shared your channel many times.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for that! So appreciated! We hope to be back in Europe next spring.

  • @frankducett9

    @frankducett9

    6 ай бұрын

    My words exactly.

  • @dougmckinney7575
    @dougmckinney75758 ай бұрын

    Roland, you and Julianna rock! Thanks for continuing to make your videos. Some of us are your age and value your videos, lifestyle and opinions! Cheers!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! Yep, we’re all about getting out there at any age. Keep on riding!

  • @johnrohrer8581
    @johnrohrer85818 ай бұрын

    20:55 Creeper trail gets my vote!!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're in good company. Many people choose that trail.

  • @amandawong7005
    @amandawong70057 ай бұрын

    Absolutely beautiful. Thx for this.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @stephenkohler3472
    @stephenkohler34728 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for doing this video!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @clownworld33
    @clownworld338 ай бұрын

    I have been on most of those trails listed with recumbent trike and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is the best. I would add Virginia Creeper Trail to the list.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    That is a strong contender for many people's fave.

  • @deenadawnl.4588
    @deenadawnl.45888 ай бұрын

    Connections Thanks for this wonderful analysis! I'm glad you gave the Elroy-Sparta Trail an honorable mention. This was the first Rails to Trails in the nation and connects to the 400 State Trail, and the very scenic Great River Road Trail along the Mississippi River. The 17 mile section from Onalaska to Trempealeau is gorgeous.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Just rode a bit of the River from La Crosse south last month. Beautiful!

  • @wmbrice
    @wmbrice8 ай бұрын

    Terrific stuff, thank you!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You’re very welcome!

  • @brentcollins9727
    @brentcollins97278 ай бұрын

    That was AWESOME!!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @kelseyleppek
    @kelseyleppek8 ай бұрын

    I was wondering when you were going to mention the Paul Bunyan State Trail! Glad it made an honorable mention.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Are you familiar with the Paul Bunyan?

  • @ronkirk5099
    @ronkirk50998 ай бұрын

    Over the years, I've ridden ~25,000 miles of bicycle touring on the road, but now that I'm older (73), I seek out off-road routes to ride due to safety concerns. To this end, I've done the Great Divide mtn bike route and the Baja Divide as well as the Kettle Valley rail trail in B.C. Canada. Thanks for presenting these interesting rail trail routes. I know I will be riding some of them in the future.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You've got a great resume of rides there. If you like the longer rides there are some very long trails in Europe as well, like The Danube, The Rhine, The Loire, etc. but I'm guessing you know about all that!

  • @lizard2425
    @lizard24255 ай бұрын

    Outstanding video! Thank you!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    5 ай бұрын

    You're so welcome!

  • @randallgray8492
    @randallgray84928 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for this video you did an outstanding job!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you Randall!

  • @debbievokey8338
    @debbievokey83388 ай бұрын

    I'd add the Mesabi trail on MN. They finally completed the portion at the end in Ely. There is still one small part to complete then you can ride from Grand rapids MN to Ely MN. The fall colors are amazing. If you like hills and forest and little towns with vistas and varied terrain this is your ride.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    That sounds amazing. Minnesota has built some incredible trails over the years, good to see that they're still improving!

  • @somewhat.random
    @somewhat.random8 ай бұрын

    As an Ohio native, have to admit I was not expecting to see my State anywhere in this top 10. And I have ridden the entirety of the Ohio to Erie trail. I HAVE ridden the Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga trail and let me tell: it's a good one! Same with the Greenbriar, and I highly recommend the Allegheny River Trail in PA. I did that one as an out and back for my 57th birthday. Was only supposed to go 57 miles, ended up doing almost 70 because......I love riding my bike. LOL. Keep riding!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, the OTET is awesome just for its length alone, but Ohio has a lot of beautiful scenery as well. the Alleghey - is that part of the GAP?

  • @somewhat.random

    @somewhat.random

    8 ай бұрын

    @@TheBicycleTourists The Allegheny River Trail is north of Pittsburgh and is part of the "Erie to Pittsburgh Trail" which the PA DCNR is trying to develop. It's a really nice ride along the Allegheny river north towards Oil City PA. There are a couple of tunnels, some waterfalls, old ruins of various industries (and earlier railways) and it connects at the Belmar Bridge with the Sandy Creek Trail.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Sounds like a great trail. Pennsylvania has such an amazing collection of trails. I would love to explore more of that area.

  • @jeeyberg

    @jeeyberg

    8 ай бұрын

    Ohio is superior cycling EXCEPT in Winter! My much better half & I lived in Mansfield 1984-6, with much weekend riding. When one my brothers helped us relocate (move loaded boxes), he accepted payment in the form of biketouring around Lake Erie. Individually, I cycled the 2/3rds perimeter, but no SCIOTO (yet). Obviously, a return is due!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    We followed Lake Erie from Cleveland to Buffalo on our cross country ride. It was a lovely stretch!

  • @tedpeck7993
    @tedpeck79938 ай бұрын

    Roland...well done. I truly appreciate your insights and the review of trails. Thank you.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you Ted, it's our pleasure.

  • @joshuatoledo8844
    @joshuatoledo88442 ай бұрын

    Thank you and respect 🙏

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    2 ай бұрын

    Well thank YOU!

  • @rossking3771
    @rossking37718 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the great video. I rode the Mickelson train in the summer of 2022 and it was fantastic. Such incredible scenery in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Yes, the long climbs at 4% can be a workout but it is worth it. Looking forward to your future videos.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    I did it years ago, can’t wait to ride it again.

  • @randallgd
    @randallgd8 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for taking the time give your thoughts on these awesome trails. More we want to do! Happy Trails to you two!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Happy trails, Randall!

  • @randallgd

    @randallgd

    8 ай бұрын

    @@TheBicycleTourists Last summer we traveled all over BC in Canada for 2 months with a 4x4 van and also rode our bikes a ton on rail trails, amazing logging roads and challenging single track trail.. It's so awesome we could totally move from Idaho to BC and be so happy there. This upcomming summer are going stay in the US and You inspired us with some great routes this upcoming summer.We'll drive some but bike pack/tour way more and just use our van as a home base after each say week long tour then drive to new area and ride/tour something else. My wonderful Wife will be taking a summer online class and the US seems to have better traveling internet. Will be fun touring different parts of the US we never been too. I love that you two share all these experiences I know how important they are us and your videos show you have a wonderful fun relationship. Good on you two! You always have a place to stay in Pocatello Idaho if your biking through. :)

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Well thank you Randall! Sounds like paradise where you are. We'll reach out next time in Pocatello!

  • @josephpafundi404
    @josephpafundi4048 ай бұрын

    Many thanks! As per usual, great videos! Please keep traveling and filming!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You’re very welcome and will do!

  • @ABUMFAN
    @ABUMFAN8 ай бұрын

    An amazing video and reference. Thank you

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you for watching!

  • @clamato54
    @clamato548 ай бұрын

    I grew up with an 8 mile rail trail behind my house in NJ and I still visit, biking it is like a recurring dream. I feel incredibly lucky to have had that. Amazing video, thanks

  • @robertewalt7789

    @robertewalt7789

    8 ай бұрын

    Where in NJ? I am looking for additional trails to check out.

  • @clamato54

    @clamato54

    8 ай бұрын

    @@robertewalt7789 Entrance next to the Bethlehem Hermitage in Chester, part of the Black River Wildlife reserve

  • @wallacegrommet9343

    @wallacegrommet9343

    8 ай бұрын

    Me, too! I lived on the trail in Allenwood 1987-92

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    We had a little ditch with a dirt path up above our house. I don't think rail trails were a thing when I was a kid. But we rode that trail as often as we could!

  • @anthonybolante6962
    @anthonybolante69628 ай бұрын

    FAN-TASTIC summary and narration Roland and we can attest to a few on your list since we live in the PacNW as a Seattle-based bike-adventure family. Another 68-mile "short" but one that needs to be ridden and reassessed by you and Julianna is the Burke-Gilman Trail that lines the urban Seattle area/Lake Washington shoreline that connects to the Sammamish River Trail. While this route is more of a suburb-urban commuter's route, it's quality and importance to the Seattle area biker is undeniable and I challenge you both to ride this "day trip" on your next visit out to the PacNW. Thank you for the beta on the Idaho, Montana and South Dakota as those are RTTs that we'll look at in the future for our family bike camping adventures. Thanks a ton for what you do and for the quality of your video productions. ~ The Bolantes in Seattle

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Anthony! In one of our earlier episodes from our cross country trip we rode a piece of the Burke-Gilman, as well as the Sammamish. Excellent trail system!

  • @cindydiggs.8721
    @cindydiggs.87218 ай бұрын

    Thank-you so much for this video! Seeing video of these trails will help rail-trail fans understand what each of these trails are really like. Thanks for the mention of the Rio Grande Trail in Colorado, where I fell in love with the rail-trail concept.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    The US has an amazing collection of these trails. I fell in love on the C&O, many years back. Took a walk on a trail that I learned could take me some 180 miles, and I was hooked.

  • @robertbotta6536
    @robertbotta65368 ай бұрын

    Superb. Thank you

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Welcome 😊

  • @larsonpark3819
    @larsonpark38198 ай бұрын

    I rode the Florida Keys last summer, from Largo to Key West. About 120 miles. Comfortable three day ride. Totally recommend.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Good to hear! Sounds like it would be a great trail to ride.

  • @denisbessette7219
    @denisbessette72198 ай бұрын

    What a WONDERFUL video, soothing to the soul and inspiring. We are Denis and Susan, super seniors (80s&70s) who ride recumbent trikes due to balance and mobility issues. The trikes gave us a new life. Last weekend we rode the GAP from Cumberland up 1 hr and back pulling our doggie in a trailer, then Frostburg thru Mt Savage tunnel and back, (2.5 hrs UP, and 45 min DOWN) A challenge even for young bucks. We have enjoyed several of your suggested trails, with others on our wish list. Thanks for this "escape" video. Susan

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Its so inspiring to hear stories like yours. At 64 now, hoping to do this for many years to come. Maybe switch to recumbents, trikes, or eBikes, but there is more to see than I can fit in a lifetime. Well done on your ride and your attitude. Happy trails!

  • @carloszertuche9413
    @carloszertuche94137 ай бұрын

    Thank you for taking the time to create this video. Amazing!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    Well thank you!

  • @alastairgray5648
    @alastairgray56487 ай бұрын

    Such an amazing video... thank you!! 💚💚💚

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @garyseckel295
    @garyseckel2958 ай бұрын

    A so-useful touring effort that includes best-ever videos! Was SO glad that an Ohio's trail was included in your choices. FWIW: These videos are totally about cycling, scenery and history. They are NOT at all about the huge efforts of Roland & Julianna! SO, so Beautiful to watch!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you Gary, how could we possibly leave the OTET out? Appreciate you!

  • @gloriashird3601
    @gloriashird36013 ай бұрын

    Don’t forget the Masabi trail in northern Minnesota. It’s also amazing

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    3 ай бұрын

    I have heard great things about the Masabi.

  • @buffalobybicycle716
    @buffalobybicycle7168 ай бұрын

    Wonderful presentation! Thanks.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Glad you liked it!

  • @osterizeme
    @osterizeme8 ай бұрын

    Wonder-full rides, all! Thanks for culling your experiences in this beautiful country.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're welcome and thanks for watching!

  • @Scor-ah
    @Scor-ah8 ай бұрын

    Awesome video, I just retired two years ago and took up cycling. I live in Sandpoint ID so I have done the Hiawatha and trail of the Coeur d Alenes several times. But Wow there is so much more to do...thanks for all the great ideas

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    It can feel overwhelming, there really are so many great trails to ride, but I like knowing that there are always more on the bucket list.

  • @justpedal65
    @justpedal658 ай бұрын

    Really good list! I'm gonna keep this in my favorites so I can reference it for bucket list items. I'm from St Louis and know the Katy a little too well. It's a great getaway (from traffic) day ride, as well as last-minute multi-day rides. However, "different" is much needed after the same old, same old becomes the same... and old. So it'll be nice to take the plunge and drain the bucket. 😊

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    We live in Colorado and love the change of scenery in the midwest and the east. Variety is a good thing!

  • @rahulrazdan1
    @rahulrazdan18 ай бұрын

    lovely

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @johndoiron9615
    @johndoiron96158 ай бұрын

    This is great!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @bikeman9419
    @bikeman94198 ай бұрын

    Great video and thank for mentioning your no. 4 spot, The Northern Rail Trail. I lived on the rail trail for 50 years, I mean on it. My property line was the trail, my home was 50’ away. You must have ridden right buy. For the first 30 years it was a railroad track. Hardly ever used they decided to make it a rail trail. As an avid road cyclist I bought a more appropriate bike and started riding on the trail almost everyday. I used to ride to work on the trail. It is very beautiful and very New England. Great fishing spots along the way also.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Yeah, when we travel we try to find those “quintessential” trails. The Erie is so characteristic of upstate New York, the KATY is so Missouri. The Northern gives us bicycle tourists a beautiful glimpse into New England. You’re lucky!

  • @Attoparsec
    @Attoparsec8 ай бұрын

    I did (most of) the east half of the Palouse to Cascades last year, and I can confirm it gets *very* rough in places. I happened to be following the big yearly horse ride towards the end, and that left the trail chewed up enough that, with the help of some heavy rain, the trail was basically impassable by bike.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    I'm sure the horses made it tougher. I would actually like to ride it someday. We rode across the desert just to the north on US 2 and loved it.

  • @danwebber9494

    @danwebber9494

    8 ай бұрын

    The eastern portion has some gaps and some very rough ballast sections, but also some beautiful bits of small town America.

  • @AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb
    @AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb5 ай бұрын

    Great selection. Thank you for putting the vlog together.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    5 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @ProfSalaway108
    @ProfSalaway1088 ай бұрын

    Fantastic bicycle short!!! 🚴🏼‍♂️

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed!

  • @rcj4046
    @rcj40468 ай бұрын

    My wife and I have bicycled the entire length of several of the trails discussed here, and we both can verify the descriptions and assessments are accurate to our own experiences. Additionally, we're about the same age as this couple, and we rig our bikes & clothing in an almost identical fashion (fully-loaded traditional touring). Such a load is not difficult to haul on the trails discussed here... even when climbing over the eastern continental divide on the GAP. This is a wonderful video offering great advice, and it's a good starting point for anyone interested in cycling comfortable and beautiful routes.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the confirmation! It’s an amazing resource we have here, a great way to see the country!

  • @andychase7693
    @andychase76938 ай бұрын

    Another great rail trail is the Cannon Valley Trail in south central Minnesota. It's a relatively short (about 20 miles) trail, but it's completely paved, covering the distance between Cannon Falls, MN to the west, following the Cannon River downstream east to historic Red Wing, where the Cannon joins with the Mississippi River. It connects to other, shorter trails on either end. It's a beautiful area, less than an hour south of the Twin Cities, and if you ride it during the week, even in midsummer, you can ride for miles sometimes without seeing another trail user. Great video!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    That's a great recommendation. My brother and I cycled that some years ago. Video here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/omuuxdSpg8uXdtY.html Someday I understand it will connect to the Sakatah (sp?) trail to the west. Gorgeous area.

  • @RoyRoy-wg2qq

    @RoyRoy-wg2qq

    2 ай бұрын

    ….and a future planed connection to Redwing, Zumbrota and Pine Island/ The Douglas.👍

  • @shartmann2008

    @shartmann2008

    4 күн бұрын

    it is SO beautiful!!

  • @terryatpi
    @terryatpi8 ай бұрын

    Really nice video. Well put together. Thanks!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @Rlaplante73
    @Rlaplante738 ай бұрын

    An excellent overview, content, and majestic scenery. Thank you!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're so welcome!

  • @timmmahhhh
    @timmmahhhh8 ай бұрын

    Thnaks for the great video. A relative strongly recommends your #1. We live a mile from the Illinois Prairie Path and we are weekend warrior users. We love that we can ride from our town of Glen Ellyn to Aurora for breakfast and Elgin for lunch and home, a 58-mike ride. I hope you get to experience it someday. It's a nice mix of urban and rural with the Fox River Trail connecting Aurora and Elgin having a fascinating old windmill on the Fabyan Estate. Many use these trails for commuting between burbs. It replaced the abandoned Chicago Aurora Elgin Interurban. For Indiana you mentioned the Cardinal Greenway. Even more popular is the Monon Trail from downtown Indianapolis through Carmel to Sheridan.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, that's right. I've heard great things about the Monon. Also, aren't the trails you mentioned in Illinois part of a larger cross-Illinois trail project? Would love to ride that!

  • @gbalock
    @gbalock8 ай бұрын

    I loved the GAP trail. I have to include as an honorable mention the D&L trail in Pennsylvania. You can ride from just outside of Philadelphia all the way to Wilkes Barre PA. With the last third going through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    The D&L is on my list, probably the most recommended trail from all the comments here. some day soon, I hope!

  • @ActiveTowns
    @ActiveTowns8 ай бұрын

    Great video, Roland. I look forward to diving deeper into your archive of videos and learning more about your adventures. Cheers! John

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Awesome! thanks for joining us!

  • @mrlaw711
    @mrlaw7118 ай бұрын

    Great video. Thanks for producing it.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're very welcome!

  • @philiporourke7896
    @philiporourke78968 ай бұрын

    Great vid, but I would like to hear about camping on these trails. Pitching a tent for a nite, then getting up early and be on your way. Again great vid, thanx.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You may need to do some specific research for that. I can say that the C&O has a campsite (w/o showers or plumbing) every 5-10 miles. Amazing!

  • @thomaswalker7247
    @thomaswalker72478 ай бұрын

    Great video. I am lucky to live near the GAP trail so get to ride it regularly. One small correction. The New River Rail trail is a state park in Virginia and is very nice. The New River Gorge National park is in West Virginia, also very beautiful and great for mountain biking, hiking and ziplining. Bridge Day is there this weekend, a must see event.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the clarification. I would guess both are worth a visit!

  • @thomaswalker7247

    @thomaswalker7247

    8 ай бұрын

    @@TheBicycleTourists Absolutely 😀

  • @Will-st2rl
    @Will-st2rl8 ай бұрын

    Pretty Awesome!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @JaqueParisien
    @JaqueParisien8 ай бұрын

    Well thank you so much for this. I was actually supposed to ride the GAP and C&O this year but an unexpected friendship ride from Gatineau to the Niagara peninsula forced me to postpone till next year. It is definitely on my bucket list. By the way, I really enjoyed your videos from across America and France. I hope to see more of you two. Take care.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks Jaque, your ride sounds awesome. Was it to the north or south of Lake Ontario? We will be back in Europe by Spring for a big ride, I have a couple smaller rides I’ll be posting in a few weeks.

  • @HermannKerr
    @HermannKerr8 ай бұрын

    Your presentation intrigues me. Bookmarked your presentation so I can investigate some of your routes mentioned further, so thank you. I am from British Columbia where we have a few rail trails of note. The would be world class if our governments cared more. The Myra Canyon was thankfully preserved and reconstructed after a forest fire. Its 20 km length along the KVR rail trail is truly spectacular. A local group along the KVR in Naramada raised a substantial amount of money to do the necessary Engineering work on the Adra tunnel to open it . There are some other areas where it has fallen into disrepair. There is a section in the Coquihalla Canyon near Hope that will take your breath away.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    That sounds amazing! I will have to look into the trails in Canada

  • @radiohobbyist13
    @radiohobbyist138 ай бұрын

    We have some really gorgeous rail trails here in Central Ohio. But sadly, there have been homeless camps springing up adjacent to the trails making it unsafe to use them anymore. 😢

  • @cbunix23

    @cbunix23

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the warning! We ride Central Ohio rail trails quite frequently and haven't noticed any so far.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Here's to hoping that we somehow get this homelessness thing under control soon. Very depressing.

  • @Minnesota_Matt
    @Minnesota_Matt8 ай бұрын

    Well done! This video is almost a checklist for bikepackers- thank you!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're so welcome, Matt!

  • @rickmason2579
    @rickmason25798 ай бұрын

    Thank you for publishing this great video! Having completed several epic tours, I'm ready to do some shorter, perhaps more level routes. Your GAP/C&O is on the top of my list as well, but getting your input on the others help build my bucket list 🙂

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Awesome! Glad we could be of service!

  • @jacksonizor8928
    @jacksonizor89288 ай бұрын

    Fantastic video. Thank you!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    thank YOU!

  • @johnezzard680
    @johnezzard6808 ай бұрын

    Beautifully narrated and super informative

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @garybarr1045
    @garybarr10457 ай бұрын

    Thank you for opening a new world for me and my bike!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    It's absolutely our pleasure!

  • @sargeroberts2430
    @sargeroberts24308 ай бұрын

    I have ridden several of the trails on your list, and I will agree with your assessment. Thanks for sharing. Keep pedaling!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You are most welcome! Thanks for watching.

  • @kevinwhited984
    @kevinwhited9848 ай бұрын

    What an excellent video! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Our pleasure!

  • @user-td9ul4bw8i
    @user-td9ul4bw8i4 ай бұрын

    One of the best, if not the best trail posts I’ve ever seen! You are one lucky couple who have put together a real winner here-Thanks!️

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! We are indeed lucky.

  • @maxdugan5319
    @maxdugan53198 ай бұрын

    Another great and unexpected video! Thanks Roland for an excellent review of Americas best!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Appreciate that, Max!

  • @TerrapinCyclist
    @TerrapinCyclist8 ай бұрын

    So stoked to find your video in my feed! Great presentation as always. So many great choices :-)

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Good to hear from you! Thanks!

  • @fitofito1001
    @fitofito10018 ай бұрын

    This is a great video. Thank you for let us know these 10 fantastic trails.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    So glad you appreciated it!

  • @amylipkin2116
    @amylipkin21168 ай бұрын

    Amazing list! After I retire next year, I will be riding these one by one..thanks, Roland. Keep up these rides, you guys are so much fun to watch!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Retirement definitely makes this all a lot more possible! thanks for watching, Amy!

  • @LovetheIPAs
    @LovetheIPAs8 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this comprehensive and beautiful video. We are looking at rails-to-trails for our next cycling adventure, so the timing of this is perfect. I'm looking forward to catching up on the videos you've already posted and the videos to come. Happy riding!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're most welcome. Happy riding!

  • @jessicabrown729
    @jessicabrown7292 ай бұрын

    Appreciate your well-prepared narration and the beautiful shots of nature!!!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    2 ай бұрын

    thank you Jessica!

  • @Dano99118
    @Dano991184 ай бұрын

    Great video, from beginning to end!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed!

  • @telepopepic
    @telepopepic8 ай бұрын

    Bike many of these trails. I found all of them lovely and worth the riding. Thanks for sharing and encouraging me to try those I have yet to cycle.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    So many gems out there!

  • @JustinDeClemente
    @JustinDeClemente7 ай бұрын

    I find this by far the most inspiring video I've watched. I wouldn't change a thing, and I'll look forward to the next one.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    Awesome! So glad you enjoyed!

  • @tehutiboi
    @tehutiboi3 ай бұрын

    Great video, I am adding these to my list! Thank you for sharing. 👏

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    3 ай бұрын

    You are most welcome!

  • @robertganther3695
    @robertganther36958 ай бұрын

    Also the Grand Canyon of Pa. Short but beautiful. Thanks for the tour!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Yes, that trail comes up a lot, I have to get out there and check it out!

  • @robertrupp2865
    @robertrupp28653 ай бұрын

    Fantastic video! Thanks for making it.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    3 ай бұрын

    You're very welcome!

  • @user-wx7wg5cn1m
    @user-wx7wg5cn1m4 ай бұрын

    One of the best, if not the best trail posts I’ve ever seen! You are one lucky couple who have put together a real winner here-Thanks!😂🌿🚴🏼‍♂️🙏

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    4 ай бұрын

    Wow, thanks! So glad you enjoyed!

  • @anjjohns314
    @anjjohns3148 ай бұрын

    Such a great and inspiring video! 💯👊🏻

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @don_sharon
    @don_sharon8 ай бұрын

    Just found this video and your channel. I am so happy to find others who hold these places in a special place, especially for cyclists. My wife and I are newly retired and now travel the US looking for Rail to Trails to experience. I really appreciate your insight and advice. Well done and you now have two more fans/subscribers.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks you so much! One of these days I'm going to get a camper and do the same thing. Sounds like a great way to see the country!

  • @LiveYourSomedayNow
    @LiveYourSomedayNow2 ай бұрын

    Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing all these great trails and the links to them.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks and you're welcome!

  • @glenbergman9040
    @glenbergman90408 ай бұрын

    Excellent combination of video and description of the trails and surrounding geography. I have done GAP and the C&O, and look forward to exploring more of the trails you described.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much! good luck with your adventures!

  • @417cycleguy
    @417cycleguy4 ай бұрын

    This was an awesome review! Thanks for the quality videography. I’ll keep this for reference for a long time

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    4 ай бұрын

    thank you for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed!

  • @alextheuxguy
    @alextheuxguy8 ай бұрын

    Great video, very inspiring, so many trails to ride! I live 15 minutes from the Ohio Erie trail and am planning to tackle it next year. I'm also fortunate enough to have the (much) smaller Heritage Rail Trail in Columbus pass right through my community.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you! You’re lucky; Ohio is awesome with the cycling infrastructure.

  • @juiceqc7716
    @juiceqc77168 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're so welcome.

  • @cathleen3192
    @cathleen31928 ай бұрын

    We agree #1 is gap/cando - we did it 4 yrs ago and loved it!!! Thanks for the tips on more trail rides

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're so welcome! I would love to do that ride again.

  • @janicemartell1211
    @janicemartell12117 ай бұрын

    Great video. Makes me want to get on my bike and just try all the trails mentioned. Very informative and inspirational.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you Janice. And yes! Go try them!

  • @MirbooMan21
    @MirbooMan218 ай бұрын

    Great video. Thankyou from 🇦🇺

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    You're welcome and thanks for watching!

  • @outbackwack368
    @outbackwack3688 ай бұрын

    You have done an exceptional job of editing and narrating this! Subcribed! I've been a monthly donor to Rails-to-Trails for over 20 years now! Thanks!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Rails to Trails is an incredible resource, and worth our donations for sure!

  • @rangersmith4652
    @rangersmith46528 ай бұрын

    Looks like I need to update my bucket list.

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    8 ай бұрын

    Mine is in a constant state of being updated.

  • @stickasockinit-do3hi
    @stickasockinit-do3hi5 ай бұрын

    A real well done video. Ride on!

  • @TheBicycleTourists

    @TheBicycleTourists

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you!