7 Destination Bike Rides For Families In The US

The US is packed full of fantastic places to ride bikes.  Truly bike travel is one of the best ways to experience a new destination because it allows you to slow down enough to really appreciate the details, but go fast enough to cover a good amount of area.

If you’re looking for some new bike trail suggestions, here are 7 fantastic destination bike rides that are perfect for kids.

[Guest post from my “outdoor family” friend, Jessica Albert.]

7 Destination Bike Rides For Families Map

This gives a nice overview of the destinations recommended below. Hopefully can find one in your region… or in an area you’d like to visit. Click the numbers for more details!

 

Route Of The Hiawatha, Mullen Idaho

The Route of the Hiawatha, located in Mullen Idaho, is one of the best destination bike rides in the United States. This 15-mile bicycle trail follows an old railroad grade and takes riders on a journey through 10 tunnels and over 7 sky-high trestles. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of  the surrounding mountains and forests.  The highlight for kids is the 1 mile tunnel at the beginning that’s completely dark, so everyone has to have their own bike light. 

This is a very family friendly bike trail and can easily be done by younger kids and is always wide enough to pull a bike trailer as well.  While most people simply ride from top to bottom and shuttle back up to the top, it’s not too steep that you can’t also pedal back up the trail (though it may be too hard for young kids to ride back up).  A bike hydration pack is really convenient for this ride, since you’ll be out all day and it’s a great place to carry not only water, but your bike light, repair kit and lots of snacks.

 

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Every spring and fall, Yellowstone opens its roads to bikers, but not to auto visitors for a few weeks.  While there are occasional maintenance vehicles, it’s still the perfect time to bike around Yellowstone.  

The Mammoth-Norris route is the most popular, but there are plenty of other routes to take as well.

You can either bring your bike with you on your trip to Yellowstone, or you can rent a bike when you get there. Just make sure to plan ahead, since bike rentals can be hard to come by during  peak season.

If you can’t make it during the spring or fall, there are several paths within the park and near main attractions, like Old Faithful, that welcome bikers.

 

Katy Trail, St Charles Missouri

Located in the heart of America, the Katy Trail is a 240-mile long bike trail that takes riders through some of the most picturesque scenery in Missouri. The trail follows the path of an old railroad and takes you past small towns, wineries, and rolling hills.

The Katy Trail is a fairly easy ride, making it perfect for families with younger kids. There are a few climbs, but nothing too strenuous. And, since the trail is so well-maintained, you won’t have to worry about any rough patches or obstacles.

One of the best things about the Katy Trail is that it’s accessible from a number of major cities, including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia. So, if you’re looking for a great weekend bike ride, the Katy Trail is a great option.

South Lake Tahoe Bike Path, Tahoe California

 

The South Lake Tahoe Bike Path is a great option if you’re looking for a scenic ride with plenty of downhill sections. This 24-mile bike path starts in the town of Tahoe City and winds its way down to the shores of Lake Tahoe. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The South Lake Tahoe Bike Path is an easy ride, with only a few small hills. The path is paved and well-maintained, making it perfect for families with younger kids. And, since the route is mostly downhill, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing ride back to town.

If you’re looking for a great place to bike with kids in California, the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path is a great option.

White Rim Trail, Canyonlands Utah

The White Rim Trail is a unique bike trail that takes riders through the stunning Canyonlands National Park in Utah. This 100-mile trail follows a jeep road along the edge of a cliff, providing riders with amazing views of Canyonlands National Park.  The trail is remote and a bit rugged, so it’s best suited for older kids who have experience mountain biking.  While expert riders may attempt to do the trail in one day, there are campsites along the trail that can be reserved and taking a support vehicle along on a White Rim ride is quite common. 

Make sure to take plenty of food and lots of water, since the White Rim trail is very remote and there is no access to any sort of facilities.  Since this trail is rough and long, we recommend that you get good bike gloves for everyone, including the kids.

 

Mount Vernon Trail, Washington DC

The Mount Vernon Trail is a great option for riders looking for a scenic and easy bike ride. This 18-mile trail starts at the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia and winds its way to the banks of the Potomac River. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the river and Washington DC’s famous monuments. 

The Mount Vernon Trail is a paved and well-maintained trail, making it perfect for riders of all ages. And, since the trail is located close to Washington DC, it’s a great option for a biking day trip near DC.

If you’re looking for a great destination bike ride in the Washington DC area, the Mount Vernon Trail is a great option.

 

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage Alaska

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a beautiful bike path that winds its way along the coast of Anchorage, Alaska. This 14-mile trail offers riders amazing views of the ocean and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an easy ride, with only a few small hills. The path is paved and well-maintained, making it perfect for riders of all ages. And, since the trail is located close to Anchorage, it’s a great option for a day trip. Along the trail you might see  whales, seals, bald eagles, moose and even bears.  

 

These 7 rides are all incredible and are in places that will stay in your family’s memories forever.   As you plan your next family vacation, be sure to consider an amazing bike ride to make your trip even more special.

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Jessica Averett is an outdoor loving mom of 5 kids. She believes that the best memories are made outside and mixed with a little bit of dirt!  You can follow some of her best outdoor advice at BikingKids.com