Your Ultimate Guide to a Two-Wheeled American Adventure
There’s truly never been a better moment to discover the USA by bike — especially with all the exciting events and destinations lined up for late 2025 and into 2026. Whether you’re cruising scenic coastlines, exploring vibrant cities, or navigating mountain trails, cycling offers a unique, enriching way to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures that make America so extraordinary.
Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization, extends an open invitation to “Choose Your Trail.” As Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, puts it:
“The USA offers an incredibly diverse range of biking experiences — from thrilling mountain trails and scenic coastal routes to culinary tours and urban bike paths. No matter when or where you choose to cycle here, you’ll discover America’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and endless outdoor adventures.”
Why 2026 Is the Year to “Cycle-brate”
Get ready — 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for the United States, filled with events and celebrations that are perfect stops along any cycling journey:
- The 250th Anniversary of American Independence arrives on July 4, 2026, and cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are preparing with epic festivals and historical commemorations.
- The FIFA World Cup returns to the U.S., with matches hosted in major cities including New York–New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Miami.
- The 100th Anniversary of Route 66 is a perfect reason to ride from Chicago to Santa Monica and soak in the nostalgia of America’s Mother Road.
Don’t miss other cycling-centered events like:
- Race Across America (June): One of the world’s toughest cross-country endurance bike races.
- Open Streets Pittsburgh (June 29 & July 27): Community-wide events turning busy streets into vibrant pedestrian and cyclist zones.
- Conquer the Coast (Texas, September 20): A 66-mile shoreline ride for all levels.
- Discover Hudson Valley Ride (New York, October 12): Multiple routes (15–100 miles) through stunning river valley scenery.
Pedal Through the City
New Urban Bike Lanes
Cities across the U.S. are investing in cyclist-friendly infrastructure, and the results are impressive:
- Chicago’s Clark Street Protected Bike Lane (River North) comes complete with dedicated signals, curb bump-outs, and refuge islands — great for urban riders exploring shopping, food stops, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
- Pershing Bikeway in San Diego connects the nightlife-rich North Park neighborhood to downtown via Balboa Park — home to museums and the San Diego Zoo.
- Napa Valley Vine Trail now includes a new nine-mile stretch linking Calistoga to St. Helena — ideal for a relaxing wine-country ride.
- Moosup Valley State Park Trail (Connecticut): A newly extended six-mile route through wetlands and woodlands, connecting to the East Coast Greenway — a massive 3,000-mile trail from Maine to Florida.
Urban Parks
Big cities are home to peaceful green spaces made for bikers:
- Central Park (NYC): Loop through classic landmarks and leafy paths.
- Golden Gate Park (San Francisco): A scenic oasis with views of the iconic bridge.
- Shelby Farms Greenline (Memphis), Lakefront Trail (Chicago), and Emerald Necklace (Boston) also offer incredible biking within city limits.
Into the Mountains
Mountain biking enthusiasts (and beginners too!) can carve out their dream route in places like:
- Blue Ridge Mountains (Carolinas)
- Bentonville, Arkansas – dubbed the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” with 130+ miles of bike trails.
- Moab, Utah: For dramatic desert rides.
- Lake Tahoe, California, Sun Valley, Idaho, and Kingdom Trails, Vermont also offer trails for all skill levels.
- Whiskey Run, Oregon: A 32-mile adventure through Pacific coastal forests.
Outdoor Escapes
Bike & Camp
Love the outdoors? Combine your cycling trip with a rustic camping experience:
- Banks-Vernonia State Trail (Oregon): A 21-mile trail perfect for RV or tent camping.
- L.L. Stub Stewart State Park: Great for biking, horseback riding, and nature activities.
Inn-to-Inn Tours
Want a nomadic biking adventure with a dash of comfort? Go inn-to-inn with travel companies like:
- Discovery Bike Tours
- Pocono Biking
- Wilderness Voyageurs
These tours offer a mix of guided or self-guided options with gear transport and cozy overnight stays.
National & State Parks
Explore parks sustainably:
- Many national and state parks welcome cyclists with both shared and car-free paths.
- Remember to check entrance fees and have valid passes in hand.
Adaptive Biking
The USA is proudly inclusive, with trails and events designed for adaptive cyclists:
- Bolton, Vermont’s Driving Range trail
- Woodward Park City (Utah) and Awhee Trail (San Diego)
- Adaptive Mountain Biking World Championship, Sept. 5–7, at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Coastal Rides & Beach Bliss
Nothing says freedom like biking by the sea:
- Gordons Pond Trail (Delaware): Wind through salt marshes and WWII relics on your way to the beach.
- Marvin Braude Bike Trail (L.A.): 22 miles of uninterrupted ocean views.
- Sanibel Island Trails (Florida) and Olympic Discovery Trail (Washington) offer both nature and shoreline splendor.
Tasty Trails: Culinary Bike Tours
Blend food, drinks, and cycling:
- Flavors of Santa Fe or Margarita Trail Bike Tour (New Mexico)
- Bobby’s Bike Hike (Chicago)
- Food Carts of Portland
- Amelia Island Food & Bike Tour (Florida)
Wine and spirit fans can opt for:
- Hudson Valley Winery & Distillery Tour (New York)
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail with Backroads and Wilderness Voyageurs
- Oklahoma City Beer Tasting Tour
Ride the Rails
Rail trails turn abandoned train tracks into stunning bike paths:
- Great American Rail-Trail (Washington D.C. to Washington State): 1,900+ miles currently open, with plans to connect the full 3,700.
- Great Allegheny Passage (150 miles), Elroy-Sparta Trail (Wisconsin), Route of the Hiawatha (Idaho), and Georgetown-Lewes Trail (Delaware) are also fantastic.
In Birmingham, Alabama, the Red Rock Trail System features highlights like Railroad Park and Five Mile Creek Greenway.
Join a Guided Bike Tour
Let someone else do the planning:
- Exodus Travels: Adventure-heavy trips like their Alaska Wildlife & Wilderness tour.
- DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.: Offers luxury itineraries along the California coast.
- Backroads: From Death Valley deserts to gentle e-bike trips on Martha’s Vineyard.
- VBT: Custom tours in Colorado, Utah, Vermont, and more.
Tap Into Bike Share Programs
Want to bike spontaneously? Use local bike share programs:
- Citi Bike, Lime, Bird, and Lyft lead the way in most cities.
- Many state and national parks offer free bike shares, including:
- Yosemite National Park
- Gulf State Park (Alabama)
- Chatfield State Park (Colorado)
- San Antonio Missions National Historic Park (Texas)
Pro Tip: Download park apps for access. Some rentals may have time limits or be daytime-only.
A Few Final Tips
- Air Travel: Check airline policies and fees if you’re flying with your bike.
- Cash is king: Some park entrances may not accept cards.
- Lock it up: Invest in a strong lock and know the rules about where and how to secure your bike.
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned cyclist, there’s a USA biking trail waiting for you.
Explore more and start planning your next cycling vacation at AmericaTheBeautiful.com.
