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Best Road and Mountain Bike Trails Across the U.S.

America is well-known for its wide-open spaces, mountains, lakes, and stunning coastlines – which happens to be everything one would need for a great bike trail. Seeing the country on two wheels is one of the best ways to get out in nature and explore something new, whether that means hitching your bike to the car and taking a road trip, or simply finding a new trail in your home state.

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With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a list to help you get started. Here are some of the coolest, most visually stunning, and fun bike trails across the country – from the desert to the snow-peaked mountains, and everywhere in between (even a race track!).

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Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area is full of natural wonder; an ideal spot for those who appreciate a convergence of outdoor activities and stunning visuals. The beautiful natural lake looks more like a tropical Carribean escape than a desert waterway, and the surrounding Flume Trail allows cyclists to experience the sparkling lake views from above with insane panoramic views of the lake and surrounding nature. Visitors can cycle the entire Flume Trail or grab a lift to the top of the trail from Tunnel Creek Cafe.

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Bike the Golden Gate bridge, one of America’s most iconic landmarks, for the ultimate San Francisco experience – a ride over the rough bay waters with hilly SF rising behind. There are, of course, many ways to experience but going with a group is the best (who else will take your Insta pics?!). Contiki, the social travel company for 18-35 year olds, take travelers across the famous bridge on bikes on their Wild Western trip.

Penn State

Featuring small town charm meets metropolitan amenities and one of the nation’s largest universities, the region, often called “Happy Valley,” is surrounded by some of the country’s top outdoor biking & hiking experiences. Travelers can head to the beautiful 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park and bike along a variety of scenic trails ranging from easy to difficult with lush greenery as far as the eye can see.

NCM Motorsports

If you’re looking for a more unique road biking trail, head to Bowling Green’s NCM Motorsports Park. While it’s built for racing cars, every Tuesday from April to the end of September, the race track opens up for cyclists, allowing visitors to explore the same race track that hosts legions of corvettes ... on two wheels. A large, 22-acre flat paved paddock is available for anyone doing speed work, but the track also offers light elevation changes and a number of configurations so that visitors can pick the length of their track, as well as being wide with adequate space for more leisurely rides.

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This recreational property in Stowe, Vermont, is on 258 wooded acres and boasts a multi-use trail network for cyclists and trekkers alike. We recommend making the trip during the fall months, when the canopied forest is in full orange-and-red bloom. The expert’s loop within Cady Hill Forest includes over 6 miles of technical singletrack and fast-flow downhill tracks.

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Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an impressive 11-mile stretch, great for all levels of cycling. It’s entirely paved and free of cars, and takes riders through the forest through to Mount Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. Nature lovers will particularly love this route, which boasts all kinds of wildlife sightings from moose to beluga whales.

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For one reason or another, the natural beauty that envelopes Montana is often overlooked, but the state has arguably some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country – including Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Not for the faint of heart, this 50-mile stretch climbs more than 4,000 vertical feet, but the jaw-dropping mountain views will be worth it.

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The name itself says everything you need to know about this striking cycling trail in Tucson. The city itself was voted a gold-medal bike-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists – so you’re set wherever you end up – but the 20-mile Fantasy Island trail is particularly notable. Great for all skill levels, this trail is located right in the city, and boasts steep declines, striking views, and, oddly, the trail has become home to tons of quirky artifacts along the way – from cowbells to old cars.

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Located just off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island is packed with historic hotel properties, beautiful beaches, and upscale restaurants – but it also happens to be one of the best spots to spend a day on two wheels. The 16-mile bike trail runs along the beach, on a mostly paved, easy path. Highlights include cycling close to the gorgeous sandy beaches and wildflowers and peeping the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

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What comes to mind when you think of Jersey shore? Probably not a wildlife-lovers bike trail, right? Well, Island Beach State Park, located just south of Seaside Park on the Barnegat Peninsula, is about to blow you away. The park’s eight-mile road boasts trails that lead to the Barnegat Lighthouse at the tip of Long Beach Island. Note that while the road is very cyclist-friendly, it is not reserved for bikes – be on the lookout for cars heading to the beach!

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Kaitlyn McInnis, Khareem Sudlow