The Longest Biking Trails in the United States

Written by Jeremiah Wright
Updated: June 29, 2023
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Are you looking forward to fantastic long-distance trails to explore during the spring and summer seasons in the United States? Riding a bicycle allows you to take on as much or as little as your physical strength permits. While you may be having the time of your life with that five-mile run, remember that it could develop into a vacation lasting weeks.

In this article, we’ll talk about the longest biking trails in the United States. These routes require that you be an advanced cyclist with sufficient training to complete them. However, the fun they provide should be a motivation to ride through them.

Infographic of 7 Longest Biking Trails in the United States
These trails are designed for advanced cyclists with sufficient training and experience.

1. Lewis & Clark Bike Trail

mountain bike on sunny day in forest

©iStock.com/LuckyBusiness

Lewis & Clark Bike Trail
LocationFrom Hartford, Illinois to Portland, Oregon
Length4,589 miles

Are you searching for a rugged trail with something for everyone? The Lewis & Clark Trail for bikers offers just the right amount of challenge and excitement. Named after two adventurers tasked with inspecting and mapping the territory acquired in Jefferson’s Louisiana, it traces their path from the Great Plains to the Pacific.

This path is 4,589 miles long, stretching from Hartford, Illinois, to Portland, Oregon. However, it may be divided into eight sections, the first of which is 554 miles long and runs from Hartford to Council Bluffs. The Missoula, Montana to Clarkston, Washington section is the shortest at 245 miles. This trail will take you through various terrains, including rivers, mountains, flatlands, and so on. The experience is simply mesmerizing. 

2. TransAmerica Bike Trail

Near the highest point on the route- Hoosier Pass in Colorado

The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail started in 1973 as the path for the Bikecentennial, a mass bicycle trip across the country from Alaska to Argentina.

©Mcaplanides / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

TransAmerica Bike Trail
LocationFrom Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia
Length4,228 miles

The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail started in 1973 as the path for the Bikecentennial, a mass bicycle trip across the country from Alaska to Argentina. It was an ambitious project to commemorate America’s 200th birthday. The trail is 4,228 miles long and runs from Virginia’s Atlantic Coast to Oregon’s Pacific Coast. As a result, it qualifies as a coast-to-coast route. You’ll pass through the Rockies, the heart of the United States, and by the time you get to the Pacific coast, you’ll be elated that you took this route.

3. The Great Divide Bike Trail

The Great Divide Bike Trail

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the first biking trail from the Adventure Cycling Association.

©rybarmarekk/Shutterstock.com

The Great Divide Bike Trail
LocationFrom Alberta, Canada to New Mexico, U.S.
Length3,084 miles

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the first biking trail from the Adventure Cycling Association, and it passes through the Continental Divide in the US and southern Canada. 

The Adventure Cycling Association established and documented the trail in 1997, and it is recognized by most as the origin of bikepacking as a sport. The course follows the Continental Divide and is 90% off-road, with a few minor parts of poorly maintained tracks. Bikepacking the GDMBR demands moderate off-road mountain biking abilities, but the route’s sheer magnitude, with over 200,000 feet of altitude gains and losses, makes it a difficult endurance challenge.

There are parks, rest spots, mountains, and many more sights to view along the journey. Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, some of the best in the United States, are located along the trail. You’ll also see why this route has remained popular ever since. The terrain will likely alter from flat river valleys to mountains and so forth.

4. East Coast Greenway

East Coast Greenway

The East Coast Greenway is a long urban trail system that connects 15 states.

©Jim.henderson / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

East Coast Greenway
LocationFrom Maine to Florida 
Length3,000-mile main trail and 2,000 miles of additional paths

The East Coast Greenway is a long urban trail system that connects 15 states, 450 cities, and towns along the eastern shore between Calais, Maine and Key West, Florida. It is the United States’ longest single trail for walking and biking.

The Greenway caters to non-motorized people of all ages and capabilities, with a 3,000-mile main trail and 2,000 miles of additional paths connecting major towns, cities, and natural sites. This trail is entirely car-free, allowing cyclists to complete the entire course without fear of being hit by cars. This is achieved via a blend of dedicated trails and roadside right-of-ways.

5. Mississippi River Trail Bicycle Route

The Mississippi River Trail

The Mississippi River Trail runs alongside the Great River Road, a scenic byway established by the National Park Service.

©Dominic / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Mississippi River Trail Bicycle Route
LocationFrom Lake Itasca in Minnesota to Venice, Louisiana
Length3,000 miles

The Mississippi River Trail includes 3,000 miles of bike and pedestrian routes from the Mississippi River’s source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to Venice, Louisiana, at the Mississippi’s mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. The trail follows paved highways for the majority of its length. During President Bill Clinton’s presidency, it was named one of 17 National Millennium Trails.

The Mississippi River Trail runs alongside the Great River Road, a scenic byway established by the National Park Service. According to a comprehensive description by the Federal Highway Administration, this road travels through 10 states.

6. The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route

Pedal and shoe of a racing bicycle

The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route was created to teach, appreciate, and help raise awareness of our heritage.

©iStock.com/photoschmidt

The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route
LocationFrom Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario
Length2,028 miles

This trail is for cyclists who want to pedal along a route with history and charm. With the help of abolitionist movements, an estimated 100,000 enslaved people were able to obtain freedom by traveling over the Underground Railroad. This is a connected path to liberty for African-Americans held captive before and during the Civil War. Another route, The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route, was created to teach, appreciate, and help raise awareness of our heritage.

Riding your bike through the route, you will gain valuable knowledge while having fun. This trail’s 2028 miles should appeal to you in every way. It’s not actually underground; it’s just not well-known.

7. Pacific Coast Bicycle Route

Pacific Coast Bicycle Route

The Pacific Coast Bicycle Route passes through some of America’s most spectacular terrain.

©Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Pacific Coast Bicycle Route
LocationFrom the U.S./Canada border in Vancouver to the U.S./Mexico border in San Diego
Length1,848 miles

The Pacific Coast Bicycle Route passes through some of America’s most spectacular terrain. You’ll encounter marine species like sea lions along the Pacific Coast Route, and you can hear them barking as you pass. Take a look as they jump off their ledges one after the other to pursue their daily catch of fish from the sea.

You’ll begin at the Washington-Canada border and pedal all the way to San Diego. The main attraction is that the route follows the coast, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the fresh sea breeze. The route is 1,848 miles long, but it can be extended further north to British Columbia and south to Mexico.

Summary of the Longest Biking Trails in the United States

Here’s a recap of the U.S.’s longest biking trails.

RankBiking TrailLocationLength
1Lewis & Clark Bike TrailFrom Hartford, Illinois to Portland, Oregon4,589 miles
2TransAmerica Bike TrailFrom Astoria, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia4,228 miles
3The Great Divide Bike TrailFrom Alberta, Canada to New Mexico, U.S.3,084 miles
4East Coast GreenwayFrom Maine to Florida 3,000-mile main trail and 2,000 miles of additional paths
5Mississippi River Trail Bicycle RouteFrom Lake Itasca in Minnesota to Venice, Louisiana3,000 miles
6The Underground Railroad Bicycle RouteFrom Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario2,028 miles
7Pacific Coast Bicycle RouteFrom the U.S./Canada border in Vancouver to the U.S./Mexico border in San Diego1,848 miles

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/photoschmidt


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About the Author

I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music.

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