Do you love to travel, but prefer to explore at your own pace? Are you looking for a new adventure that will challenge you physically and mentally? Then cycling solo through the US might just be the option for you. Not only does it allow you to see the country from a unique and intimate perspective, but it’s also an excellent way to stay active and push your limits. Here are ten of the best cycling routes in the US for solo travelers to explore.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Stretching from San Francisco to San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most spectacular cycling routes in the US. The breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean along the way are awe-inspiring, and the challenging climbs and exhilarating descents offer a true test of endurance. Solo travelers can also enjoy the charming coastal towns dotted along the route, with plenty of great food and attractive accommodation options to explore.
Traversing the 1,100 miles course will take you through beautifully scenic routes overlooking the ocean with rest points in the charming coastal towns along the way. It is a journey that will test your physical limits while offering you a glimpse of the natural beauty of California.
You can also take time to rest and sample the coastal attractions, including camp, sightseeing, art, and enjoying the different cuisines during the 12-24 day trip.
2. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway thousand-mile stretch route encompasses stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains through Virginia and North Carolina. It is undulating but gentle, making it perfect for all solo travelers of various abilities. The route will offer unmatched sceneries and wildlife, and the ride is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
The Blue Ridge route is also an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of America, including the mountainous towns and friendly communities along the trail. There are also plenty of great accommodation options, such as mountain lodges and campsites, to choose from.
The route is best cycled during the summer when the wildflowers are blooming and the forests lush and green.
3. The Great Allegheny Passage, Maryland to Pennsylvania
This150-mile route takes you through the stunning Appalachian Mountains at a leisurely pace, allowing you to embrace the abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery. It’s perfect for solo travelers looking to combine a bit of adventure with their love for cycling. The trail includes 125 miles of rail-to-trail routes and 8 miles of bike lanes, making it ideal for both casual and avid cyclists.
The Great Allegheny Passage runs parallel to the C&O Canal Towpath, providing a unique view of both the waterways and the magnificent natural attractions of the region. Cyclists will pass through railroad towns and speak with the friendly locals, and explore the numerous shops and galleries along the way.
Solo travelers cycling during the summer may enjoy the natural summer bloom, colorful leaves in fall or the pristine landscape in winter’s snow.
4. The Katy Trail, Missouri
The Katy Trail, one of the country’s longest rail-trails, covers 240 miles of scenic terrain through the heart of Missouri. Solo travelers can enjoy the quaint towns dotting the landscape as they ride through one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of the Midwest.
The trail’s smooth and flat surface makes it especially popular with solo travelers who prefer well-maintained paths. The Katy Trail is also home to numerous campsites, lodges, and B&Bs, making it an ideal location for an extended cycle touring holiday.
The best time to cycle on the Katy Trail is during the fall when the colors of nature blend with the landscape, providing incredible views of the surrounding farmland foliage.
5. The C&O Canal Towpath, Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland
The C&O Canal Towpath runs 184.5 miles from Washington D.C to Cumberland in Maryland, offering a unique and historical perspective on America’s industrial past. Riders will get a glimpse of the region’s coal mining and transportation history, following in the footsteps of those who laid the railway lines that made American great.
The route includes long stretches of flat, well-maintained pathways, making it extremely popular with solo travelers of all ages. Along the trail, it’s possible to see a wide range of wildlife, including bald eagles, and numerous other bird species.
Solo travelers can enjoy various accommodation options along the C&O Canal Towpath, including park campsites, lodges, inns, and hotels, depending on their preference.
6. The Pacific Northwest, Oregon, and Washington
The Pacific Northwest is a vast area with an abundance of scenic cycling opportunities for solo travelers. Cyclists can enjoy everything from the beaches of Washington state to the rolling hills of Oregon, offering a diverse range of terrains, as well as stunning views of the region’s natural beauty. The level of difficulty will vary along the trail, but many include beautiful parks and campsites for riders to refresh.
Riding through this beautiful region solo is a chance to experience a beautiful realm very few have explored while savoring the incredible culinary diversity of the area.
Cycling through the Pacific Northwest is best enjoyed from late spring to early fall to take advantage of the sunny weather and beautiful views of the forest.
7. The Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a beautiful travel region with miles of flat, sandy beaches ideal for cycling solo. The area also offers a chance to explore historic lighthouses and charming seaside towns on the route, making it a fantastic choice for solo cyclists eager to blend adventure, leisure, and history.
Accommodation options include beach houses, hotels, and lodges along the trail, making it possible to relax and enjoy the amenities at popular spots along the coastline. However, the terrain is flat, making it ideal for a casual and slow ride.
The best time for solo travelers to enjoy the Outer Banks is in the early summer when the crowds are low and the temperatures mild.
8. The Erie Canalway Trail, New York
The Erie Canalway Trail offers a 360-mile journey through the heart of New York State’s history and culture, with stunning rural countryside, numerous museums, and historic landmarks to explore. Solo travelers cycling through this region will experience the historic significance of the canal that transformed America during the 19th century.
In addition to the museums and landmarks, cyclists can explore the region’s equestrian trails, wildlife, and forest regions, as well as indulge in local cuisines.
Solo travelers have several lodging options to choose from, including camping sites, comfy B&Bs or quaint inns, all serving refreshment along the way.
9. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer a beautiful and challenging cycling experience with over 100 miles of stunning coastline and mountains to explore. Solo travelers cycling through this region can take in the tremendous tropical beauty, breathtaking views of the ocean, and enjoy various local attractions along the way.
Accommodation options are numerous, and cyclists can select from boutique hotels, luxurious inns, and beachfront campsites sprinkled all over the region.
Cycling the Florida Keys is best enjoyed during winter season when tourists get to enjoy the largest seafood festival in Key West, take one of the famous “winter” tours or relax on one of the sandy beaches.
10. The Champlain Islands, Vermont
The Champlain Islands provide solo travelers with a scenic and unique cycling experience through stunning countryside and over rolling hills with picturesque farms surrounding Lake Champlain. The terrain and scenery along this trail are unmatched and provide a relaxing and tranquil escape from reality.
Solo riders cycling through Vermont will also have the opportunity to explore the region’s history, sculpture parks and taste local flavors in several small towns along the trail.
The best time to explore The Champlain Islands is from late spring to summers when nature is in full bloom, and the warm weather provides suitable cycling conditions.
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