THE TOP RAIL TRAILS IN THE U.S. - Trails that belong on every bicycle tourist's bike-it list

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Almost everyone who rides a bicycle loves rails to trails. Whether you want to go for a leisurely ride from your back door or you want to string together a few bike trails to make a great bicycle touring route, rail trails are a great way to ensure your ride is comfortable, scenic, and traffic-free. So for all those bicycle trail fans out there, I’ve put together this list of MY favorite trails in the U.S., and what makes them so great. Without a doubt, these rail trails belong on everybody’s bike-it list. Enjoy!
Resources:
Route of the Hiawatha
www.ridethehiawatha.com/the-t...
www.traillink.com/trail/route...
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
friendsofcdatrails.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/trail...
George S. Mickelson Trail
www.mickelsontrailaffiliates....
bikemickelson.com/
www.traillink.com/trail/georg...
Olympic Discovery Trail
olympicdiscoverytrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/olymp...
Katy Trail
bikekatytrail.com/
mostateparks.com/park/katy-tr...
www.traillink.com/trail/katy-...
Rock Island Trail
mostateparks.com/park/rock-is...
bikerockisland.com/
www.traillink.com/trail/rock-...
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
www.parks.wa.gov/521/Palouse-...
www.palousetocascadestrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/palou...
Northern Rail Trail
www.fnrt.org/
www.bikethenorthernrailtrail....
www.traillink.com/trail/north...
Erie Canalway Trail
eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling
www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-c...
www.traillink.com/trail/erie-...
Ohio to Erie Trail
www.ohiotoerietrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/ohio-...
Great Allegheny Passage
gaptrail.org/
www.traillink.com/trail/great...
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail
www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-ca...
www.canaltrust.org/plan/thing...
www.traillink.com/trail/chesa...

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12 окт 2023

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Комментарии : 965

@jamisonr 7 месяцев назад

Another shout out to all the folks that fight the legal battles to turn these into trails in the first place. I'm always hearing about lawsuits from land owners that want the land back once the railroads leave them, and it takes time, money and the courts to figure things out. I can see both sides of the picture, but in this case, surely it's for the greater public good that we can take a 300 mile bike ride safely and see what the US has to offer outside of a freeway and strip malls.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

I agree completely.

@arrakisdef6771 5 месяцев назад

I love rail trails, but fuck the government effectively stealing land to make them.

@MarkBrigham 2 месяца назад

Rails to Trails Conservancy is definitely a worthwhile membership!

@outdoorfrenzy 2 месяца назад

Love seeing my local Virginia Creeper and New River Valley trails on your to do list!!

@mjve12son72 2 месяца назад

Just a shout out/heads up about an old rail bed that runs from Douglas/Bisbee, AZ. to El Paso, Tx.. the rails and trestle s are long gone. It's 36 miles shorter than I -10. The route follows historical hwy 80 to hwy 9 at Rodeo,NM. to El Paso. Lots of history that ties in with Cochise and Geronimo, the old Spanish trail, and silver ore from the Copper Queen mine in Bisbee (largest red light district in Az.) .And last but not least it's way safer than I-10. Oh!, Animas, NM. Was also a famous camp of 'The Cowboys ' gang back in the days of Wyett Earp.

@keithcyrus6321 7 месяцев назад

Honorable mentions: Elroy-Sparta / 400 / LaCrosse River / Great River. About 110 miles of uninterrupted gravel in Driftless region of Wisconsin. Delaware canal trail in NJ is about 50 miles along Delaware River. Des Plaines River trail in suburban Chicago nice surprise - 60 miles.

@keithcyrus6321 7 месяцев назад

Sorry. Skipped the end before commenting. You got Elroy-Sparta. Illinois Prairie Path is great too. Connecting with Fox River and Great Western you can loop all spurs for a 110 mile full day of fun.

@AlanWil2 7 месяцев назад

SPARTA!!!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Love the Elroy Sparta area. Spent a little time on the Delaware near New Hope(?) and loved it. The trails around Chicago -isn’t there a plan to create a big loop trail across Illinois using those trails?

@johnbienaszii7729 3 месяца назад

des plaines is okay, we do however have rail to trail across the whole state

@Chihirolee3 2 месяца назад

A close trail to LaCrosse I would also reccomend is the Root River State Trial on the Minnesota side. And a bit further west the Shooting Star Trail and Wapsi Great Trial (they are working on connected these trails together, which will stretch from Austin Minnesota to Elma Iowa).

@gloriashird3601 2 месяца назад

Don’t forget the Masabi trail in northern Minnesota. It’s also amazing

@TheBicycleTourists Месяц назад

I have heard great things about the Masabi.

@johnrohrer8581 7 месяцев назад

20:55 Creeper trail gets my vote!!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

You're in good company. Many people choose that trail.

@jerrymcgonigal9810 7 месяцев назад

May I add another trail for consideration. The Pine Creek trail in north central Pennsylvania. It is 62 miles from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro running through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, along side of Pine Creek. Rural trail with back packing available along the trail. Well maintained and been there from the 1980's.

@Ma_Ba 7 месяцев назад

Will try to map that into an itinerary.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

I've heard great things about that trail and hope to make it soon. I'll definitely be checking it out! thanks for the tip.

@1515cando 6 месяцев назад

Eventually, the Pine Creek RT will be part a trail stretching from Rochester, NY to Baltimore, MD!

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

Wow that sounds amazing! I have to do some research on that!

@andychase7693 7 месяцев назад

Another great rail trail is the Cannon Valley Trail in south central Minnesota. It's a relatively short (about 20 miles) trail, but it's completely paved, covering the distance between Cannon Falls, MN to the west, following the Cannon River downstream east to historic Red Wing, where the Cannon joins with the Mississippi River. It connects to other, shorter trails on either end. It's a beautiful area, less than an hour south of the Twin Cities, and if you ride it during the week, even in midsummer, you can ride for miles sometimes without seeing another trail user. Great video!

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

That's a great recommendation. My brother and I cycled that some years ago. Video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p7zcrpSh1Fs.html Someday I understand it will connect to the Sakatah (sp?) trail to the west. Gorgeous area.

@RoyRoy-wg2qq Месяц назад

….and a future planed connection to Redwing, Zumbrota and Pine Island/ The Douglas.👍

@clownworld33 7 месяцев назад

I have been on most of those trails listed with recumbent trike and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is the best. I would add Virginia Creeper Trail to the list.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

That is a strong contender for many people's fave.

@debbievokey8338 7 месяцев назад

I'd add the Mesabi trail on MN. They finally completed the portion at the end in Ely. There is still one small part to complete then you can ride from Grand rapids MN to Ely MN. The fall colors are amazing. If you like hills and forest and little towns with vistas and varied terrain this is your ride.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

That sounds amazing. Minnesota has built some incredible trails over the years, good to see that they're still improving!

@kelseyleppek 7 месяцев назад

I was wondering when you were going to mention the Paul Bunyan State Trail! Glad it made an honorable mention.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Are you familiar with the Paul Bunyan?

@somewhat.random 7 месяцев назад

As an Ohio native, have to admit I was not expecting to see my State anywhere in this top 10. And I have ridden the entirety of the Ohio to Erie trail. I HAVE ridden the Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga trail and let me tell: it's a good one! Same with the Greenbriar, and I highly recommend the Allegheny River Trail in PA. I did that one as an out and back for my 57th birthday. Was only supposed to go 57 miles, ended up doing almost 70 because......I love riding my bike. LOL. Keep riding!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Yes, the OTET is awesome just for its length alone, but Ohio has a lot of beautiful scenery as well. the Alleghey - is that part of the GAP?

@somewhat.random 7 месяцев назад

@@TheBicycleTourists The Allegheny River Trail is north of Pittsburgh and is part of the "Erie to Pittsburgh Trail" which the PA DCNR is trying to develop. It's a really nice ride along the Allegheny river north towards Oil City PA. There are a couple of tunnels, some waterfalls, old ruins of various industries (and earlier railways) and it connects at the Belmar Bridge with the Sandy Creek Trail.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Sounds like a great trail. Pennsylvania has such an amazing collection of trails. I would love to explore more of that area.

@jeeyberg 6 месяцев назад

Ohio is superior cycling EXCEPT in Winter! My much better half & I lived in Mansfield 1984-6, with much weekend riding. When one my brothers helped us relocate (move loaded boxes), he accepted payment in the form of biketouring around Lake Erie. Individually, I cycled the 2/3rds perimeter, but no SCIOTO (yet). Obviously, a return is due!

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

We followed Lake Erie from Cleveland to Buffalo on our cross country ride. It was a lovely stretch!

@freeshrugs63 Месяц назад

Good video. I used to bike moderately, (24 miles was my longest). I'm now 66 and haven't been very active lately. You've inspired me to get going again!

@TheBicycleTourists Месяц назад

Excellent! Biking is such a great activity for those in our age group and it's definitely never too late to start it up again. Take your time, work up to where you want to be, and ride your own ride. Best of luck!

@deanh7190 7 месяцев назад

May those trails become a lasting legacy to the folks that made them possible.

@juliannahenley4921 7 месяцев назад

I agree they are a true treasure

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Yes indeed!

@zimbobway3137 Месяц назад

1:28 The Route of the Hiawatha in Idaho 3:06 The Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes in Idaho 4:51 The George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota 6:04 The Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington 8:00 The Katy Trail & The Rock Island Trail in Missouri 9:56 The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail in Washington 11:47 The Northern Rail Trail in New Hampshire 13:03 The Erie Canalway Trail in New York 15:10 The Ohio to Erie Trail in Ohio 17:12 The Great Alleghany Passage & the C&O Canal Pittsburgh/D.C

@TheBicycleTourists Месяц назад

Thanks for the chapter add!

@bwbrady8372 7 месяцев назад

An absolutely lovely video! I love that you are not among the 20-30 year olds, which inspires us seniors to stay out there. My husband and I used to do a ton of biking and now have ebikes, and I can see us doing portions of the rides you've recommended. Thank you SO much! (Subscribed!)

@lars277 7 месяцев назад

Correct. I am 69 and still wearing out bike tires on a regular basis.

@andrewstroud782 7 месяцев назад

I toured the Oregon Coast last year (Amtrak station in Portland to Brookings), which was the sixth time in forty years. In all of the prior trips, or at least in the last three, I was usually among the older folks making the trip. It was a lot of fun listening to the younger riders who were discovering the coast for the first time, and for many it was their first bicycle tour. Last year, however, at sixty four I was one of the youngest riders. It was mostly old guys who had ridden the coast before, and the majority were on ebikes. It made for different conversations, as the topics turned to bike motors, batteries and charging sites. Still fun.

@tonyorme6446 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for your video…I’ve ridden the C & O Towpath and Gap trail. They’re fantastic…need to ride more trails you’ve mentioned in your video.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

One of the great things about cycling is that with a moderate degree of health you can keep riding well into the later years. EBikes make that even more true. I’ve met (and heard from) many riders, much older than us, doing amazing things. Inspiration everywhere you look!

@michaelball563 7 месяцев назад

I now know how I’m going to spend my retirement.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Haha. Me too!

@philiporourke7896 7 месяцев назад

Great vid, but I would like to hear about camping on these trails. Pitching a tent for a nite, then getting up early and be on your way. Again great vid, thanx.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

You may need to do some specific research for that. I can say that the C&O has a campsite (w/o showers or plumbing) every 5-10 miles. Amazing!

@Scor-ah 6 месяцев назад

Awesome video, I just retired two years ago and took up cycling. I live in Sandpoint ID so I have done the Hiawatha and trail of the Coeur d Alenes several times. But Wow there is so much more to do...thanks for all the great ideas

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

It can feel overwhelming, there really are so many great trails to ride, but I like knowing that there are always more on the bucket list.

@gbalock 7 месяцев назад

I loved the GAP trail. I have to include as an honorable mention the D&L trail in Pennsylvania. You can ride from just outside of Philadelphia all the way to Wilkes Barre PA. With the last third going through the beautiful Lehigh Gorge.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

The D&L is on my list, probably the most recommended trail from all the comments here. some day soon, I hope!

@jessicabrown729 Месяц назад

Appreciate your well-prepared narration and the beautiful shots of nature!!!

@TheBicycleTourists Месяц назад

thank you Jessica!

@jfmclaugh 7 месяцев назад

Did the GAP/C&O Canal some years back- it's the ride of a lifetime. Regarding the Canal path puddles: AIM FOR THE CENTER, not either side, if you want to stay in the saddle. Heck, that's the fun of it!

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

Exactly! Although it does seem to be getting resurfaced, I now understand.

@ronkirk5099 6 месяцев назад

Over the years, I've ridden ~25,000 miles of bicycle touring on the road, but now that I'm older (73), I seek out off-road routes to ride due to safety concerns. To this end, I've done the Great Divide mtn bike route and the Baja Divide as well as the Kettle Valley rail trail in B.C. Canada. Thanks for presenting these interesting rail trail routes. I know I will be riding some of them in the future.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

You've got a great resume of rides there. If you like the longer rides there are some very long trails in Europe as well, like The Danube, The Rhine, The Loire, etc. but I'm guessing you know about all that!

@bikeman9419 7 месяцев назад

Great video and thank for mentioning your no. 4 spot, The Northern Rail Trail. I lived on the rail trail for 50 years, I mean on it. My property line was the trail, my home was 50’ away. You must have ridden right buy. For the first 30 years it was a railroad track. Hardly ever used they decided to make it a rail trail. As an avid road cyclist I bought a more appropriate bike and started riding on the trail almost everyday. I used to ride to work on the trail. It is very beautiful and very New England. Great fishing spots along the way also.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Yeah, when we travel we try to find those “quintessential” trails. The Erie is so characteristic of upstate New York, the KATY is so Missouri. The Northern gives us bicycle tourists a beautiful glimpse into New England. You’re lucky!

@LiveYourSomedayNow Месяц назад

Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing all these great trails and the links to them.

@TheBicycleTourists Месяц назад

Thanks and you're welcome!

@bradleyhorton4949 6 месяцев назад

Rode the GAP/C&O... Pitt to Georgetown in 5 days...amazing. I'm also lucky enough to live just minutes off the C&O. I happen to love some of the less refined sections of the C&O. It's a national treasure.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

You're right. It really is a national treasure.

@zroyboyz 7 месяцев назад

I love the mesmerizing narration, the accompanying music, the thoughtful camera work and just seeing you guys biking together. I particularly liked your European tours. I have shared your channel many times.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for that! So appreciated! We hope to be back in Europe next spring.

@frankducett9 5 месяцев назад

My words exactly.

@larsonpark3819 7 месяцев назад

I rode the Florida Keys last summer, from Largo to Key West. About 120 miles. Comfortable three day ride. Totally recommend.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Good to hear! Sounds like it would be a great trail to ride.

@Gpas7144 7 месяцев назад

No mention of the Hudson Valley Railtrail. With the walkway over the Hudson. Absolutely stunning ride.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Yes, definitely a gem from all I've heard.

@dsonyay Месяц назад

The combo of Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet is excellent. All paved. No dirt.

@TheBicycleTourists Месяц назад

Lots of people lovin' on that trail. Gotta get down there!

@denisbessette7219 7 месяцев назад

What a WONDERFUL video, soothing to the soul and inspiring. We are Denis and Susan, super seniors (80s&70s) who ride recumbent trikes due to balance and mobility issues. The trikes gave us a new life. Last weekend we rode the GAP from Cumberland up 1 hr and back pulling our doggie in a trailer, then Frostburg thru Mt Savage tunnel and back, (2.5 hrs UP, and 45 min DOWN) A challenge even for young bucks. We have enjoyed several of your suggested trails, with others on our wish list. Thanks for this "escape" video. Susan

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Its so inspiring to hear stories like yours. At 64 now, hoping to do this for many years to come. Maybe switch to recumbents, trikes, or eBikes, but there is more to see than I can fit in a lifetime. Well done on your ride and your attitude. Happy trails!

@clamato54 7 месяцев назад

I grew up with an 8 mile rail trail behind my house in NJ and I still visit, biking it is like a recurring dream. I feel incredibly lucky to have had that. Amazing video, thanks

@robertewalt7789 7 месяцев назад

Where in NJ? I am looking for additional trails to check out.

@clamato54 7 месяцев назад

@@robertewalt7789 Entrance next to the Bethlehem Hermitage in Chester, part of the Black River Wildlife reserve

@wallacegrommet9343 7 месяцев назад

Me, too! I lived on the trail in Allenwood 1987-92

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

We had a little ditch with a dirt path up above our house. I don't think rail trails were a thing when I was a kid. But we rode that trail as often as we could!

@JR-playlists 6 месяцев назад

Your not done yet.... The Illinois Prairie Path is a gem that connects to the Fox River Trail to form a 40+ mile loop ride. There is car parking all around the loop so you can start from anywhere along it. With intersecting spur trails, you can shorten the ride as you see fit. About half of the loop is paved (all of the Fox River Trail) the rest is crushed limestone, with many parks along the way. The trails are built on old "3rd rail" electrified commuter train tracks, with glimpses of the old train infrastructures along the way, bridges & telephone poles. There's a living commuter train museum (you can ride the original passenger trains) next to the Fox River Trail in S Elgin.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

I've actually been wanting to ride this collection of trails. Maybe next time we attempt a cross country ride.

@stephenkohler3472 7 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for doing this video!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@timmmahhhh 7 месяцев назад

Thnaks for the great video. A relative strongly recommends your #1. We live a mile from the Illinois Prairie Path and we are weekend warrior users. We love that we can ride from our town of Glen Ellyn to Aurora for breakfast and Elgin for lunch and home, a 58-mike ride. I hope you get to experience it someday. It's a nice mix of urban and rural with the Fox River Trail connecting Aurora and Elgin having a fascinating old windmill on the Fabyan Estate. Many use these trails for commuting between burbs. It replaced the abandoned Chicago Aurora Elgin Interurban. For Indiana you mentioned the Cardinal Greenway. Even more popular is the Monon Trail from downtown Indianapolis through Carmel to Sheridan.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Yes, that's right. I've heard great things about the Monon. Also, aren't the trails you mentioned in Illinois part of a larger cross-Illinois trail project? Would love to ride that!

@deenadawnl.4588 7 месяцев назад

Connections Thanks for this wonderful analysis! I'm glad you gave the Elroy-Sparta Trail an honorable mention. This was the first Rails to Trails in the nation and connects to the 400 State Trail, and the very scenic Great River Road Trail along the Mississippi River. The 17 mile section from Onalaska to Trempealeau is gorgeous.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Just rode a bit of the River from La Crosse south last month. Beautiful!

@WesNorthOf45 7 месяцев назад

My personal honorable mention: The Charlevoix to Mackinac City Trail. Part paved/part hard packed. Trail conditions are good. Mostly all rail grade. Bike from Charlevoix, Petoskey, or Harbor Springs up to Mackinac City. Take your bike across on the ferry to Mackinac Island. Ride around the island some (weekdays are best, the crowds on Mackinac Island on the weekend, in the summer, can be daunting). Ride back via The Tunnel of Trees M-119 (this is a Michigan State Highway, but not terribly bike-unfriendly on the weekdays) a winding route that takes you back into Harbor Springs. Features of this ride are great vistas of Lake Michigan, The Mackinac Bridge, and quaint villages with numerous restaurant and trailside stops available. Unfortunate feature is that part of the trail collapsed into Lake Michigan just West of Petoskey, leading to the trail being diverted onto US-31 between Bay Harbor and Petoskey for about a mile/mile and a half. Wide shoulders on the highway and a 45 mph speed limit for motorists mitigate this somewhat.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

We were just there a few days ago, but sadly not on a bike trip. I kep looking at the trail wishing I was riding it. All those places are magnificent, and I would add to head up either of the peninsulas north of Traverse, absolutely magnificent scenery. Hope to get back and to exactly what you suggested!

@chriscon8463 6 месяцев назад

If you’re ever in Western PA, check out the Oil Creek Trail in Oil Creek State Park. The trail follows Oil Creek for 15 miles, from Titusville, PA (where the petroleum industry began) to Petroleum Center. It’s gorgeous in the fall!

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

I've heard great things about that trail, and others in Pennsylvania. Guess I'll have to get out there soon!

@dougmckinney7575 7 месяцев назад

Roland, you and Julianna rock! Thanks for continuing to make your videos. Some of us are your age and value your videos, lifestyle and opinions! Cheers!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you so much! Yep, we’re all about getting out there at any age. Keep on riding!

@rcj4046 7 месяцев назад

My wife and I have bicycled the entire length of several of the trails discussed here, and we both can verify the descriptions and assessments are accurate to our own experiences. Additionally, we're about the same age as this couple, and we rig our bikes & clothing in an almost identical fashion (fully-loaded traditional touring). Such a load is not difficult to haul on the trails discussed here... even when climbing over the eastern continental divide on the GAP. This is a wonderful video offering great advice, and it's a good starting point for anyone interested in cycling comfortable and beautiful routes.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the confirmation! It’s an amazing resource we have here, a great way to see the country!

@amandawong7005 6 месяцев назад

Absolutely beautiful. Thx for this.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@jeffmurphree2937 2 месяца назад

You need to give a shout out to the Biz Johnson Trail in Susanville, CA. It travels along a 25-mile former Southern Pacific RR trail starting in Susanville and ends in Westwood. It goes along some really cool trestles and through some long and dark tunnels, through a beautiful canyon and along the Susanville River. Stan Bales of the BLM deserves a lot of credit for getting this completed. You will enjoy it!!!

@TheBicycleTourists 2 месяца назад

I will definitely take a look, thanks!

@randallgd 7 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for taking the time give your thoughts on these awesome trails. More we want to do! Happy Trails to you two!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Happy trails, Randall!

@randallgd 7 месяцев назад

@@TheBicycleTourists Last summer we traveled all over BC in Canada for 2 months with a 4x4 van and also rode our bikes a ton on rail trails, amazing logging roads and challenging single track trail.. It's so awesome we could totally move from Idaho to BC and be so happy there. This upcomming summer are going stay in the US and You inspired us with some great routes this upcoming summer.We'll drive some but bike pack/tour way more and just use our van as a home base after each say week long tour then drive to new area and ride/tour something else. My wonderful Wife will be taking a summer online class and the US seems to have better traveling internet. Will be fun touring different parts of the US we never been too. I love that you two share all these experiences I know how important they are us and your videos show you have a wonderful fun relationship. Good on you two! You always have a place to stay in Pocatello Idaho if your biking through. :)

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

Well thank you Randall! Sounds like paradise where you are. We'll reach out next time in Pocatello!

@anthonybolante6962 7 месяцев назад

FAN-TASTIC summary and narration Roland and we can attest to a few on your list since we live in the PacNW as a Seattle-based bike-adventure family. Another 68-mile "short" but one that needs to be ridden and reassessed by you and Julianna is the Burke-Gilman Trail that lines the urban Seattle area/Lake Washington shoreline that connects to the Sammamish River Trail. While this route is more of a suburb-urban commuter's route, it's quality and importance to the Seattle area biker is undeniable and I challenge you both to ride this "day trip" on your next visit out to the PacNW. Thank you for the beta on the Idaho, Montana and South Dakota as those are RTTs that we'll look at in the future for our family bike camping adventures. Thanks a ton for what you do and for the quality of your video productions. ~ The Bolantes in Seattle

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thanks Anthony! In one of our earlier episodes from our cross country trip we rode a piece of the Burke-Gilman, as well as the Sammamish. Excellent trail system!

@lizard2425 4 месяца назад

Outstanding video! Thank you!

@TheBicycleTourists 4 месяца назад

You're so welcome!

@charlesphelps2730 7 месяцев назад

C&O is being improved. It's very nice from Shepherstown to DC.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

that's great news!

@garyseckel295 7 месяцев назад

A so-useful touring effort that includes best-ever videos! Was SO glad that an Ohio's trail was included in your choices. FWIW: These videos are totally about cycling, scenery and history. They are NOT at all about the huge efforts of Roland & Julianna! SO, so Beautiful to watch!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you Gary, how could we possibly leave the OTET out? Appreciate you!

@rossking3771 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the great video. I rode the Mickelson train in the summer of 2022 and it was fantastic. Such incredible scenery in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Yes, the long climbs at 4% can be a workout but it is worth it. Looking forward to your future videos.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

I did it years ago, can’t wait to ride it again.

@jacksonizor8928 7 месяцев назад

Fantastic video. Thank you!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

thank YOU!

@ABUMFAN 7 месяцев назад

An amazing video and reference. Thank you

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for watching!

@justpedal65 7 месяцев назад

Really good list! I'm gonna keep this in my favorites so I can reference it for bucket list items. I'm from St Louis and know the Katy a little too well. It's a great getaway (from traffic) day ride, as well as last-minute multi-day rides. However, "different" is much needed after the same old, same old becomes the same... and old. So it'll be nice to take the plunge and drain the bucket. 😊

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

We live in Colorado and love the change of scenery in the midwest and the east. Variety is a good thing!

@HermannKerr 7 месяцев назад

Your presentation intrigues me. Bookmarked your presentation so I can investigate some of your routes mentioned further, so thank you. I am from British Columbia where we have a few rail trails of note. The would be world class if our governments cared more. The Myra Canyon was thankfully preserved and reconstructed after a forest fire. Its 20 km length along the KVR rail trail is truly spectacular. A local group along the KVR in Naramada raised a substantial amount of money to do the necessary Engineering work on the Adra tunnel to open it . There are some other areas where it has fallen into disrepair. There is a section in the Coquihalla Canyon near Hope that will take your breath away.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

That sounds amazing! I will have to look into the trails in Canada

@Dano99118 3 месяца назад

Great video, from beginning to end!

@TheBicycleTourists 3 месяца назад

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed!

@brentcollins9727 7 месяцев назад

That was AWESOME!!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you!!

@thomaswalker7247 7 месяцев назад

Great video. I am lucky to live near the GAP trail so get to ride it regularly. One small correction. The New River Rail trail is a state park in Virginia and is very nice. The New River Gorge National park is in West Virginia, also very beautiful and great for mountain biking, hiking and ziplining. Bridge Day is there this weekend, a must see event.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the clarification. I would guess both are worth a visit!

@thomaswalker7247 7 месяцев назад

@@TheBicycleTourists Absolutely 😀

@Attoparsec 7 месяцев назад

I did (most of) the east half of the Palouse to Cascades last year, and I can confirm it gets *very* rough in places. I happened to be following the big yearly horse ride towards the end, and that left the trail chewed up enough that, with the help of some heavy rain, the trail was basically impassable by bike.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

I'm sure the horses made it tougher. I would actually like to ride it someday. We rode across the desert just to the north on US 2 and loved it.

@danwebber9494 6 месяцев назад

The eastern portion has some gaps and some very rough ballast sections, but also some beautiful bits of small town America.

@cyclistefroisse9267 7 месяцев назад

Bonjour Roland, What a beautiful country you are living in and what a diversity ! Climate(s), landscape(s), geology, fauna, flora, historic buildings, magnificent 19C, and earlier, bridges (so many of ours were no more in 1944) and canals, also, and these rail-trails spanning considerable, by european standards, distances, that’s cycling paradise on earth.😍

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Hey Claude, I live your appreciation of America! Usually it’s the other way around, Americans who are all about France. And as far as bike touring goes, the overall infrastructure in Western Europe is excellent. But our rail trails are a true treasure. Each of these (and many others) connect us to a beautiful region in the country. Yeah, there’s a lot to love on the side of the Atlantic!

@garyseckel295 6 месяцев назад

So, so, too many Americans within America do not even realize how beautiful OUR bicycle trails are! America IS literally the cycling paradise on earth! SHHHH, TOP SECRET!!! Dayton, Ohio Cycle Con Event is at Xenia's hub of 5 major bicycle trails!

@apkn1955 6 месяцев назад

They just opened the beautiful bike bridge in Piqua Ohio. My wife has some disability and I ride my bike with her on her electric scooter. We love the old Erie canal path through Tipp City, Troy and Piqua. Ohio.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

Nice! Good to see progress. You live in an area with a wealth of great trails.

@radiohobbyist13 7 месяцев назад

We have some really gorgeous rail trails here in Central Ohio. But sadly, there have been homeless camps springing up adjacent to the trails making it unsafe to use them anymore. 😢

@cbunix23 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the warning! We ride Central Ohio rail trails quite frequently and haven't noticed any so far.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Here's to hoping that we somehow get this homelessness thing under control soon. Very depressing.

@ionflow1073 6 месяцев назад

I think all this is the genesis of something amazing, wonderful, and awe inspiring! I envision a network of bike trails that connect cities and towns and span the entire nation. Something much grander than the boring interstates.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

I agree! I feel that if more people knew about these they would come!

@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb 4 месяца назад

Great selection. Thank you for putting the vlog together.

@TheBicycleTourists 4 месяца назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@tommcgregor7620 7 месяцев назад

Very well done!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@kathykeener3523 2 месяца назад

I have only done the Virginia Creeper and Silver Comet trails. But the rest of these sound wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

@TheBicycleTourists 2 месяца назад

Those are two of the top ten trails I'd like to do but haven't yet.

@robertganther3695 7 месяцев назад

Also the Grand Canyon of Pa. Short but beautiful. Thanks for the tour!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Yes, that trail comes up a lot, I have to get out there and check it out!

@terryatpi 7 месяцев назад

Really nice video. Well put together. Thanks!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you so much!

@carloszertuche9413 6 месяцев назад

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. Amazing!

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

Well thank you!

@wmbrice 7 месяцев назад

Terrific stuff, thank you!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

You’re very welcome!

@marknthetrails7627 3 месяца назад

Road the Ohio to Erie, was nice. Lacked free camp spots 👍✌🖖🥃

@TheBicycleTourists 3 месяца назад

Yes, the C&O kind of spoils us with free camping.

@417cycleguy 3 месяца назад

This was an awesome review! Thanks for the quality videography. I’ll keep this for reference for a long time

@TheBicycleTourists 3 месяца назад

thank you for the kind words. So glad you enjoyed!

@tehutiboi 2 месяца назад

Great video, I am adding these to my list! Thank you for sharing. 👏

@TheBicycleTourists 2 месяца назад

You are most welcome!

@randallgray8492 7 месяцев назад

Thanks so much for this video you did an outstanding job!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you Randall!

@josephpafundi404 7 месяцев назад

Many thanks! As per usual, great videos! Please keep traveling and filming!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

You’re very welcome and will do!

@anjjohns314 7 месяцев назад

Such a great and inspiring video! 💯👊🏻

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you so much!

@Tbobx1518 3 месяца назад

If you make it to Cape Cod, by all means ride the Cape Cod Trail. But also ride the Shining Sea Trail in Falmouth and Woods Hole. Its development was led by David Burrell and his mother. David went on the co-found the Rails to Trails Conservancy, which has given us so many trails across the country.

@TheBicycleTourists 3 месяца назад

I hope to someday, the Cap Cod trail was one of our ideas for where to end our cross country trip a couple of years ago. Interesting history about the Shining Sea trail.

@mikekearsley2407 7 месяцев назад

Wow, Fantastic video and info. Thanks from Seattle

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Your so welcome!

@mrlaw711 6 месяцев назад

Great video. Thanks for producing it.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

You're very welcome!

@TerrapinCyclist 7 месяцев назад

So stoked to find your video in my feed! Great presentation as always. So many great choices :-)

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Good to hear from you! Thanks!

@buffalobybicycle716 7 месяцев назад

Wonderful presentation! Thanks.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Glad you liked it!

@robertbotta6536 7 месяцев назад

Superb. Thank you

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Welcome 😊

@alastairgray5648 6 месяцев назад

Such an amazing video... thank you!! 💚💚💚

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@firdaushanapiah7691 4 месяца назад

Great video. As always!

@TheBicycleTourists 4 месяца назад

thank you so much!

@johndoiron9615 7 месяцев назад

This is great!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you!

@digitized4u 6 месяцев назад

Thnx for sharing !

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@ProfSalaway108 7 месяцев назад

Fantastic bicycle short!!! 🚴🏼‍♂️

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed!

@Rlaplante73 7 месяцев назад

An excellent overview, content, and majestic scenery. Thank you!

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

You're so welcome!

@mikenewberry4064 3 месяца назад

I've not had the opportunity to ride out west, but the GAP/C&O, OTET, and the KATY are indeed beautiful trails. Oh, and I've ridden the Comet trail in Ga too.

@TheBicycleTourists 3 месяца назад

Would love to do the Comet and Ladiga. What I like about the trails is that you get to have close experiences of all these different climates and landscapes. The east has more and better trails but the trails in the west are amazing as well.

@davidingram5965 7 месяцев назад

As one who has ridden a few of these, thank you.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

You're very welcome!

@jeeyberg 7 месяцев назад

I’ve been able to cycle a few of those fabulous trails, and now that I’m reTIRED, I can look forward to the rest! What I really want is to inspire my much better half to become as willing/enthusiastic about doing this with me!

@garyseckel295 7 месяцев назад

FWIW: Delta planform e-assist trikes can be immediately "tandem" OR "solo." Remove any intimidation of any spouse.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

I wish you the best of luck convincing her!

@jeeyberg 6 месяцев назад

She is a bit fearful of going out of country, so the rail-trails stateside could be the answer (I hope)!

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

They are definitely a great way to build confidence with riding - no traffic or any of that stress

@garyseckel295 6 месяцев назад

TOTALLY correct in her fear of going out of America right now! No better country to bicycle tour than in America!@@jeeyberg

@danbyl4582 2 месяца назад

Did a 6-day supported gapco ride last fall with two friends all in our mid-70s, Held my breath hoping to see it at the top of the list and was tickled to see it there. It was my first multi day rail trail ride but I am intending to add more to my list of accomplishments.

@TheBicycleTourists 2 месяца назад

That’s great to hear. I love the multi-day tours, love the trails, perfect way to experience the world

@tedpeck7993 7 месяцев назад

Roland...well done. I truly appreciate your insights and the review of trails. Thank you.

@TheBicycleTourists 7 месяцев назад

Thank you Ted, it's our pleasure.

@gwgorham 6 месяцев назад

Also loved the video, really impressive trails you review. Definitely enjoyed and subscribed.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

thank you! Glad you enjoyed!

@phild8095 6 месяцев назад

Mostly gentle rolling hills of agricultural Iowa, small towns, well paved, 89 miles connecting to other trails, more connections under construction, a 72 mile loop. Park benches on the trail. Sound interesting? Nearby hotels, bed and breakfasts, small town restaurants. Part of the American Discovery Trail, in the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. I'd bet I have your attention. Well marked, good parking. Suitable for road bikes. Some longer hills, no mountains. Safe Road Crossings. Miles with trees overhead. Routinely cared for by county trucks with leaf blowers, chain saws. Access to nearby town, county and state parks and camping. Access to trails leading into Des Moines. Nearby small river fishing. I think you want to know about this. Raccoon River Valley Trail in Iowa. Come visit sometime.

@TheBicycleTourists 6 месяцев назад

Yes, I've known about the Raccoon for a long time, and mentioned a bit later in the video. On my bucket list! Can't wait.