October 20, 2020

The Best Urban Bike Trails in the U.S.

The Best Urban Bike Trails in the U.S.

Autumn brings a special brand of weather across the United States, making conditions absolutely perfect for holding classes outside, going on a picnic, or exploring bike trails wherever you are. Similarly, fair weather causes more travel to nearby cities, being that the conditions are perfect for urban exploration, so why not combine the rush of a bike ride, the utilization of American’s bike trails, and the visiting of everything a great U.S. city has to offer from historic landmarks to unforgettable parks? Travel and Leisure has the answer with their catalogued list of the “11 Best Bike Paths to Explore U.S. Cities.”

Before immediately jumping on the old Schwinn and merging onto a metropolitan highway, it’s suggested that you should forgo that unsafe and stressful path and instead find a dedicated bike path, as nowadays many U.S. cities have paths that allow for bikes to traverse for miles and miles through diverse terrain and not ever have to cross a multi-lane street. Bike paths also allow you to explore the city at your own pace, allowing you to take a pitstop (or several) to partake local parks, ice cream shops, public art exhibits, and historical landmarks, all without the stresses that accompany looking for a parking spot.

Katy Trail; Dallas, Texas

While only three and a half miles long, this trail has a history of being an abandoned railroad line from 1865, but it’s since been revamped into a shade-filled peaceful route that’s owned by the city of Dallas and managed by a nonprofit. The local community regularly comes together to maintain the trail’s accessibility and aesthetic for its hundreds of daily travelers who bike, jog, walk, and rollerblade atop its winding path. Once finished, stop by the Katy Trail Ice House,  since its patio borders the trail, making it a perfect people (or dog)-watching station.

Poudre River Trail;  Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins, Colorado is widely recognized as one of the best cities in America for biking, as its 285 miles of trails tends to reflect enthusiasm in its cycling-friendly culture. The Poudre River trail runs a 15-mile path diagonally through northern Fort Collins, and there are plans to connect it to another 22-mile section along the Poudre River, giving locals a lengthier path to explore northern Colorado. While riding along the river, look out for the expansive wildlife of the area, as deer, bald eagles, hummingbirds, foxes, and (sometimes) mountain lions are visible to respectful travelers.

Lake Monona Loop; Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is a beautiful city, and that beauty is highly visible from this 13-mile scenic bike path that winds through small parks, cozy lake-side neighborhoods, and botanical gardens. Riders will also take in wonderful views of Lake Monona and the city’s skyline, as the loop is a part of Madison’s extensive cycling infrastructure, which includes a growing total of 240 bike paths and trails. If planning a visit, try and get the most out of the scenery with an autumn visit, as the scenery is magical when set against leaves cast in deep reds, oranges, and yellows.

Burke-Gilman Trail; Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a very bike-friendly city, and it has been for some time, so while it might seem intimidating to bike through one of the country’s largest cities, this 20-mile trail takes you across the city and surrounding areas in a peaceful introduction to the majesties of the Pacific Northwest. Burke-Gilman trail follows a historic railroad route, and as it passes through several Seattle neighborhoods and nearby cities, it’s a popular choice for commuters, experienced cyclists, and casual bikers alike.

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