Whether you’re weaving through vibrant cityscapes, coasting past sandy shores, or carving trails through wild mountain terrain, there’s no better way to explore the USA than by bike.
With every turn of the pedal, travellers can uncover rich history, diverse landscapes and welcoming communities—and 2025 and 2026 are shaping up to be landmark years for cycling holidays in America.
Celebrate big moments on the move
Next year marks a string of unforgettable events across the States, starting with the nation’s 250th birthday on 4 July 2026. Cities like Philadelphia and Washington D.C. are planning massive celebrations—perfect pit stops on a memorable bike journey.
Sports lovers can ride the wave of energy around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted in cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Or join the centennial celebration of Route 66, tracing the iconic highway from Chicago to Santa Monica and soaking up classic Americana along the way.
Thrill-seekers can time their visit with the Race Across America in June, a gruelling coast-to-coast ride completed by elite cyclists in under 12 days. For something more community-oriented, Pittsburgh’s Open Streets program and Texas’ Conquer the Coast offer accessible and festive cycling events throughout the year.
City cycles and scenic detours
Urban cycling in the USA is booming. Chicago’s Clark Street Protected Bike Lane now offers safer routes through the trendy River North neighbourhood, while San Diego’s upgraded Pershing Bikeway connects buzzing nightlife to Balboa Park’s cultural treasures. In wine country, the expanded Napa Valley Vine Trail invites relaxed riders to sip and cycle between Calistoga and St. Helena.
On the East Coast, Connecticut’s Moosup Valley Trail winds through wetlands and woodlands, forming part of the 4,800-kilometre East Coast Greenway linking Maine to Florida. Meanwhile, the USA’s beloved urban parks—from New York’s Central Park to Boston’s Emerald Necklace—offer scenic loops away from the bustle.
Take your bike to new heights
Mountain biking in the USA delivers pulse-raising rides and panoramic views. In Arkansas, Bentonville’s 130 miles of singletrack make it the undisputed “Mountain Biking Capital of the World.” Moab, Utah serves up surreal canyonland routes, while Idaho’s Sun Valley offers alpine tracks and downhill thrills.
For cooler rides, Vermont’s Kingdom Trails and California’s Lake Tahoe trails offer scenic paths through forested highlands. Along Oregon’s Pacific coast, the Whiskey Run system winds through ancient forests with ocean breezes as your backdrop.
Outdoorsy escapes: camping, coastlines and culinary trails
Pair your pedal with a night under the stars on Oregon’s Banks-Vernonia State Trail, with campgrounds along the route and in nearby parks. Prefer comfort over campfires? Inn-to-inn bike tours—offered by operators like Discovery Bike Tours and Wilderness Voyageurs—combine daily rides with charming local stays and support along the way.
America’s national and state parks are also increasingly bike-friendly, offering both road-shared and car-free paths through some of the country’s most treasured landscapes. Many parks now support adaptive cycling, ensuring inclusivity for travellers of all abilities. In Vermont, Utah and California, adaptive trails are drawing global attention, including the Adaptive Mountain Biking World Championship in Colorado this September.
Coastal cruisers can roll along the 35-kilometre Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Los Angeles or explore Florida’s shell-lined Sanibel Island. Delaware’s Gordons Pond Trail delivers seaside serenity and local history, while Washington’s Olympic Discovery Trail blends beach views with forest adventure.
Ride, bite and sip your way across the States
Cycle your way through the USA’s culinary scenes—from Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail to Portland’s famed food carts. Chicago’s Bobby’s Bike Hike offers tasty tours through local neighbourhoods, while New York’s Hudson Valley pairs vineyards and distilleries with countryside riding.
In Kentucky, the Bourbon Trail calls for a slower sip-and-spin itinerary, while Oklahoma City’s craft beer rides offer laid-back fun for hop enthusiasts.
Rails-to-trails and epic bike tours
Cyclists love the USA’s rail trails—disused railway corridors turned into scenic, mostly flat bike paths. The Great American Rail-Trail aims to span nearly 6,000 kilometres from Washington, D.C. to Washington State, with more than half already rideable.
Other standout rail trails include the 241-kilometre Great Allegheny Passage, the tunnel-filled Elroy-Sparta Trail in Wisconsin, and Idaho’s Route of the Hiawatha, famed for its elevated trestles and forested tunnels.
Those craving a full cycling holiday can book multi-day bike tours with top operators like DuVine Cycling, VBT and Backroads. Choose your style—from Alaska wilderness expeditions and high-desert rides in Death Valley to luxury journeys along the California coast or the tranquil roads of Martha’s Vineyard.
Explore more with bike share programs
In cities across the USA, bike share programs like Citi Bike, Lime and Lyft offer easy, affordable access to two wheels. Some national and state parks now even provide free bike rentals—including Yosemite, Chatfield and Niagara Falls—with just a quick app download.
For new riders, New York’s free Citi Bike “Weekly Rides” introduce beginners to the city streets with the guidance of local experts.
Handy tips for Aussie cyclists
Planning your ride? Check airline policies for transporting bikes, pack some cash for park fees, and don’t forget a solid lock. Whether you’re coasting beside a canyon or café-hopping through the city, the USA’s cycling routes offer an unbeatable way to explore.
