Editor’s note: This article offers general ideas for trail-based weekends.
Not all bike trips require epic distances. Sometimes all you want to do is leave your car at your lodging, explore nearby trails and return to your lodging at night. In addition to nearby trail access, these 21 American towns are bike-friendly. You can easily hop on your bike and visit local restaurants and other attractions without a car.
The goal is to make it easy to ride your bike, enjoy a few bites and return to your lodging. We’ve included trails with a short spin from the downtown area for your arrival day, but keep in mind there are plenty of options for longer outings.
21. Salida, Colorado
It’s an excellent destination for a relaxing weekend of riverside lounging on patios, sampling the local cafés and exploring the Arkansas River. Salida’s Monarch Spur Trail is a paved, approximately 2.5-mile path that starts near the Arkansas River in Salida’s historic district and weaves its way through town, taking in mountain vistas along the way.
The path is a blast, weaving through Salida’s historic district, with the whitewater park nearby.
20. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is famous for skiing and hiking. You can also enjoy Stowe on two wheels via the paved, 5.3-mile Recreation Path that starts behind the Community Church in Stowe’s historic village. Follow the path along the West Branch of the Little River to the covered bridge.
It’s a popular trail so be aware of other users and make sure to give them plenty of space. The trail becomes Nordic skiing terrain during the winter, so check local conditions.
19. Missoula, Montana
The Riverfront Trail meets downtown Missoula at Caras Park and travels alongside the Clark Fork, with roughly seven central miles paved. Watch out for surfers paddling at Brennan’s Wave as the trail makes its way through cottonwood trees with views of Mount Sentinel.
Adventurous riders can continue on the Kim Williams Trail (gravel/dirt) which heads east.
18. Durango, Colorado
Durango has plenty of trails and paths. One of the most convenient is the roughly seven-mile Animas River Trail, a hard-surface trail that connects Durango’s center with several parks and residential neighborhoods. Keep an eye out for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway as it travels alongside the Animas River.
Like all things at altitude, it’ll take some adjusting but Durango’s seven-mile Animas River Trail is a blast, albeit busy so yield to pedestrians.
17. Marquette, Michigan
Marquette’s Iron Ore Heritage Trail (IOHT) trailhead is located in Marquette Commons on South Third Street, in the middle of Marquette’s downtown.
The entire IOHT spans 47 miles and has sections of pavement, crushed aggregate, natural dirt and sand.
16. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City’s TART Trail is a paved path that connects downtown Traverse City with Clinch Park Beach and about 10.5 miles of neighborhoods and resort areas. If you’re staying downtown, you’ll be able to access the trail.
The four-mile Boardman Lake Loop also makes for a scenic ride, albeit one with some hills. The trail has a combination of surfaces: boardwalk, gravel, paved. Check current official conditions for any detours along the TART Trail’s eastern section.
15. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The paved, approximately 23-mile North Idaho Centennial Trail leads from Higgins Point to the Washington state line. The trail passes McEuen Park which is located on the waterfront in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
The route offers beautiful vistas of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Tubbs Hill and downtown’s marina. Look for osprey along the way. Tubbs Hill itself is for walking; bikes aren’t allowed on its trails.
14. Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum is a year-round hub of adventure. In summer, hop on the paved, 20-plus mile Wood River Trail that connects Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey and Bellevue.
During the winter, the trail is used by Nordic skiers so check conditions. Read more: U.S. vacations planned around one favorite outdoor hobby.
13. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s Rail Trail starts at the Santa Fe Railroad station at the Railyard. The trail is roughly 15-to-18-miles depending on your endpoint.
The first three-and-a-half miles are paved; after that it’s a hard-packed, natural surface. Keep in mind you’re in the high desert, with altitude and sun to allow for. Read more: scenic drives that improve when travelers stop often.
12. Burlington, Vermont
The eight-mile paved path in Burlington runs along the city’s downtown waterfront. When you get to the causeway on the Island Line, the path becomes gravel.
A bike ferry runs seasonally across the causeway gap, so the full crossing depends on its operating dates. Check schedules and conditions before riding. Read more: scenic train rides worth booking for the view.
11. Winter Garden, Florida
In Winter Garden, FL, the paved, 22.26-mile West Orange Trail runs along Plant Street through the middle of Winter Garden’s historic district.
Cafés, shops, restaurants, and the like are in and around town. The trail is open sunrise to sunset; review local e-bike class rules. Plan for Florida’s potentially hot and humid summers, when thunderstorms are possible. Read more: beach towns near the water.
10. Dunedin, Florida
The 47-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail goes right through Dunedin’s downtown area, crossing Main Street in front of the historic Dunedin Depot.
The paved Pinellas Trail is open 7 a.m.-sunset; review local e-bike class rules. Read more: coastal small towns that remain worth the drive.
9. Decorah, Iowa
Decorah has a marked trailhead/spur leading to the 11-mile Trout Run Trail, which is an asphalt loop through Iowa’s Driftless Area featuring limestone bluffs, trout-filled streams, a fish hatchery, and river views.
Also, it passes farms and has several fun climbs with switchbacks. Read more: unexpected items experienced travelers pack.
8. Lanesboro, Minnesota
Lanesboro has restaurants and hotels, and sits along the 42-mile Root River State Trail. The paved, relatively flat trail follows the Root River past picturesque bluffs and bends.
Minnesota lists construction and temporary closures on the Root River State Trail in 2026. Check the current trail alert before choosing a direction. Read more: historic U.S. hotels worth the premium.
7. Park City, Utah
Several connected paved trails lead from Park City’s Old Town toward Prospector Square, where the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail heads nearly 30 miles through the valley toward Wanship, Coalville, and Echo.
The first few miles of the rail trail are paved, then it’s mostly road base. Elevation starts near 6,900 feet. Read more: historic hotel checks before booking.
6. Cumberland, Maryland
The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the C&O Canal Towpath converge at Canal Place beside Cumberland’s train depot in Maryland, just steps from the Cumberland Visitor Center (CV Center).
The GAP is largely crushed limestone and climbs westbound toward the Eastern Continental Divide. The C&O Canal Towpath can be rugged with dirt, mud, rocks, and roots.
5. Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
About 26.75 miles of the GAP goes through Ohiopyle State Park with lots of gorgeous vistas, waterfalls, high bridges, and views of the wooded gorge.
Enjoy a few restaurants and ice-cream stands (seasonal), as well as lodging. Read more: small campground courtesies experienced travelers notice.
4. Damascus, Virginia
The Virginia Creeper Trail comes right into Damascus’ small but interesting and vibrant downtown. About 17 open miles from Damascus to Abingdon make for a scenic out-and-back ride.
As of September 2026, the Whitetop-to-Damascus portion of the VC is closed for reconstruction from Hurricane Helene damage. Check the official closure page for reopening before planning the shuttle-assisted downhill ride.
3. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
The Mansion House pedestrian bridge leads right from Jim Thorpe’s small, energetic, artsy downtown to the D&L Trail for a lovely ride on crushed stone along the Lehigh River through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge.
Riders can plan an out-and-back on roughly 24 uninterrupted miles of trail through the Lehigh Gorge area. Check the current trail-condition map.
2. Bentonville, Arkansas
Several paths lead from Bentonville’s lively downtown to the roughly 40-mile Razorback Greenway trail system.
Visit the official interactive trail map for current conditions and any detours. Read more: carry-on habits that prevent gate trouble.
1. Greenville, South Carolina
Over 32 miles of connected Swamp Rabbit Trail goes through Greenville’s central area with quick access to Falls Park and Unity Park. Follow the trail toward Travelers Rest.
The ideal cycling weekend is a combination of easy-to-access lodging, food, and top-notch riding. Parking your car once at lodging and seeing a town on a bicycle is rewarding. You might not rack up the largest mileages, and that’s OK. Short spins upon arrival/departure can be some of the best rides. Popular sections are shared with pedestrians and other users, so plan to be courteous and follow local rules.
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