Top Ten Lists

Incredible Bike Paths

 
Biking is a wonderful way to explore any new area. Many cities offer beautiful bike paths, which enable both residents and tourists to take advantage of nature and recreation simultaneously. Unfortunately, many people skip these great natural attractions in favor of pricey tourist attractions.

On your next trip, be sure to research scenic local bike paths and add a ride or 2 to your itinerary. Or, plan a vacation based on the 10 incredible bike paths listed below. You are sure to leave with a great workout and incredible pictures!
 
 
  • 1. Marvin Braude Bike Trail
    Marvin Braude Bike Trail
    387 Paseo de la Playa, , 90501
    What better way to explore all of L.A.'s most iconic beachfront attractions in a single day than by enjoying a sun soaked ride along the 22 mile long "Strand" bicycle path?

    This ride, which passes through the beach towns of Los Angeles, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast for the entire 44 miles! You will pass numerous iconic landmarks such as the Santa Monica Pier, the end of Route 66 marker, the Venice boardwalk, the Manhattan Beach pier, and many more.

    A ride along this path is one of the best people-watching opportunities in LA; as you glide by you will catch a glimpse of just about everyone and everything including surfers, paddle boarders, volleyball players, and the crazy street performers in Venice. Plan a spot on your itinerary for this beautiful ride along the coast.
  • 2. Chicago Lakefront Path
    Chicago Lakefront Path
    1600 N Lake Shore Dr, , 60657
    There is no better way to explore all Chicago has to offer than a summer bike ride along the 18 mile long Lakefront Path.

    Along this incredibly scenic city route, you will have the opportunity to explore some of Chicago’s top attractions such as the famous Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, The Field Museum, and Soldier Field), Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, Lincoln Park Zoo, and so much more!

    Make sure to plan for a full day so you have enough time to stop at any desired attractions. In addition, there are plenty of easy detours for restaurant breaks, such as those located near Millennium Park. Oak Street and North Ave. beaches are ideal places to take a relaxing cool down break during the hot, humid summer months.

    The views here rival any bike path in the country, with gorgeous skyline and Lake Michigan views the entire length of the trail. This is an easy, flat paved path, which is suitable for all levels. Just make sure to plan your ride for a weekday morning to avoid the hefty crowds.
  • 3. Huntington Beach Bike Trail
    Huntington Beach Bike Trail
    Pacific Coast Hwy and Warner Ave, , 92649
    When picturing the ideal Southern California beach town, Huntington Beach often springs to mind. This lively Orange County beach oasis has a seemingly never ending supply of energy.

    Surfing competitions, volleyball games, and summer concerts are frequent occasions. The icing on the cake is a gorgeous 7.5 mile multi-use path, which rivals any bike path in the country in terms of scenery and excitement.

    The path tends to get quite crowded on weekend afternoons, so visit on a weekday morning for the fewest crowds & easier parking (tip: look for free parking on side streets near the beach!).
  • 4. Boise Greenbelt
    Boise Greenbelt
    700 S Capitol Blvd, , 83706
    The 25 mile tree-lined multi use Boise Greenbelt is the perfect option for an easy day of cycling. The route is flat, well-marked, and scenic. The picturesque views of the Boise river make this bike ride one of the prettiest in the country.

    Wildlife sightings are frequent , especially early on in the day. It's not uncommon to see a deer crossing the path in the early morning hours. Along the way, there are ample opportunities for interesting breaks including the Boise Zoo, the Anne Frank memorial, and Julia Davis Park.
  • 5. Virginia Beach Boardwalk
    Virginia Beach Boardwalk
    Atlantic Ave, , 23451
    Besides the 3 miles of breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views, the Virginia Beach bike path has another prime advantage: separate biking and walking paths. This helps cyclists avoid running into those using the path for other purposes such as walking, jogging, or skating.

    Don’t let the short distance keep you away. This path packs in a lot of beauty in its’ short distance. Plus, there are dozens of oceanfront restaurant and bars to choose from after your ride. Or, you can just lazy around on one of the best East coast beaches.

    During the summer months, concerts and festivals add to the excitement. Don’t forget to take your picture with the iconic Neptune Statue: a 35 foot tall bronze statue located right on the boardwalk.
  • 6. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath
    Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath
    7900 Rockside Road, , 44131
    Cleveland has an unfortunate reputation of being an ugly city. Those who venture out on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath will find that there is plenty of nature and beauty to be found if you know where to look.

    This stunning 84 mile multi-use path runs through 4 different counties in northeastern Ohio (Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas). Beautiful river and forest scenery follow you along your journey.

    The most scenic portion of the trail runs 20 miles through Cuyahoga Valley National Park (tip: take a hiking break to visit the beautiful Brandywine Falls, an 86 foot tall waterfall located within the park).

    One of the unique aspects of this path is a ride and bike program called Bike Aboard! This handy program allows you to bike the trail (you can stop at any selected station) and take a relaxing, scenic train ride back to your car (bikers get a reduced rate of only $5 which is an excellent deal).
  • 7. East Bay Bike Path
    East Bay Bike Path
    Thames St, , 02809
    The best attraction in Rhode Island enables you to enjoy beautiful scenery, a bit of history, and healthy exercise, simultaneously. The East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5 mile ride, stretches a scenic course from Bristol to East Providence, Rhode Island.

    This easy path encompasses views of Narragansett Bay, coastal marshes, the Providence skyline, a lighthouse, state parks, and beautiful forested land.

    Riders will enjoy the well-marked and relatively flat ride (you will only encounter 2 hills). Note: views at sunset are particularly breathtaking, especially at the starting point (Independence Park in Bristol).
  • 8. Minuteman Bikeway
    Minuteman Bikeway
    110 South Rd, , 01730
    This 10 mile suburban Boston trail meanders through the towns of: Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge. The path follows the route of a former railway through the beautiful forests of Massachusetts.

    Fall is a particularly scenic time to take a ride as the trees are alive with the bright colors of autumn. This fresh, easy ride is suitable for bikers of all levels. Many local residents use the path as an easy way to commute between the different towns.

    Like almost anywhere in Massachusetts, the path passes a handful of historic landmarks. It just isn't New England if you do not come across at least a few unique historical sites! The course is historic in itself as it follows the approximate route that Paul Revere took to Lexington.

    Bonus: there is a Trader Joe’s right on the path around mile 6. Take a break and refuel with a few healthy snacks.
  • 9. Myles Standish State Forest Bicycle Trails
    Myles Standish State Forest Bicycle Trails
    194 Cranberry Rd, , 02366
    Myles Standish is a 12,000+ acre forest located in Southeast Massachusetts, in both Plymouth and Carver. The park is home to 15 miles of paved biking trails, all of which run through the heart of the forest.

    The trails are a bit hilly and are better suited for mountain bikers. Beautiful views of the woods and reservoir keep you company during your ride. You must pack your camera and take advantage of the beautiful landscapes, especially during the scenic fall foliage season.

    So on your next trip to Boston, take the hour drive to the Plymouth area. Aside from all the great waterfront & historical attractions in the area, you can also get in a great workout while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of one of Southeast Massachusetts’s largest recreation areas.
  • 10. Cape Cod Rail Trail
    Cape Cod Rail Trail
    Rt 134, , 02660
    Cape Cod is an area well known for its' abundance of beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and great seafood restaurants. Many tourists come and go without knowing anything about the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a beautiful 25 mile path which winds through the Cape's gorgeous forested lands.

    As you travel from South Dennis to Wellfleet, you will be immersed in gorgeous natural landscapes. The path has a slight incline at times, although it is mostly flat with no major hills.

    There are plenty of breaks along the way for food (Cobie's, a clam shack and fried seafood stand), swimming (Nickerson State Park), and beaches (Cape Cod is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world).