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

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  • čas přidán 12. 10. 2023
  • 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...

Komentáře • 993

  • @jamisonr
    @jamisonr Před 8 měsíci +125

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +7

      I agree completely.

    • @arrakisdef6771
      @arrakisdef6771 Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @MarkBrigham
      @MarkBrigham Před 3 měsíci +4

      Rails to Trails Conservancy is definitely a worthwhile membership!

    • @outdoorfrenzy
      @outdoorfrenzy Před 3 měsíci +1

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

    • @mjve12son72
      @mjve12son72 Před 3 měsíci +1

      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.

  • @573998
    @573998 Před 7 měsíci +3

    My sister Lois Moss was one of the founders of the idea of turning old railroad beds into bike trails.

  • @keithcyrus6321
    @keithcyrus6321 Před 8 měsíci +20

    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
      @keithcyrus6321 Před 8 měsíci

      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
      @AlanWil2 Před 8 měsíci +1

      SPARTA!!!

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      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
      @johnbienaszii7729 Před 4 měsíci

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

    • @Chihirolee3
      @Chihirolee3 Před 3 měsíci +2

      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).

  • @jerrymcgonigal9810
    @jerrymcgonigal9810 Před 8 měsíci +21

    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
      @Ma_Ba Před 8 měsíci

      Will try to map that into an itinerary.

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      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
      @1515cando Před 7 měsíci

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

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @bwbrady8372
    @bwbrady8372 Před 8 měsíci +61

    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
      @lars277 Před 8 měsíci +1

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

    • @andrewstroud782
      @andrewstroud782 Před 8 měsíci +3

      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
      @tonyorme6446 Před 8 měsíci

      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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +5

      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!

  • @dougmckinney7575
    @dougmckinney7575 Před 8 měsíci +3

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

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

  • @amandawong7005
    @amandawong7005 Před 7 měsíci

    Absolutely beautiful. Thx for this.

  • @wmbrice
    @wmbrice Před 8 měsíci +1

    Terrific stuff, thank you!

  • @clownworld33
    @clownworld33 Před 7 měsíci +12

    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.

  • @rossking3771
    @rossking3771 Před 8 měsíci +3

    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.

  • @randallgray8492
    @randallgray8492 Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @terryatpi
    @terryatpi Před 8 měsíci +1

    Really nice video. Well put together. Thanks!

  • @deenadawnl.4588
    @deenadawnl.4588 Před 8 měsíci +4

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @zroyboyz
    @zroyboyz Před 8 měsíci +25

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +1

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

    • @frankducett9
      @frankducett9 Před 6 měsíci

      My words exactly.

  • @ABUMFAN
    @ABUMFAN Před 8 měsíci

    An amazing video and reference. Thank you

  • @AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb
    @AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb Před 5 měsíci

    Great selection. Thank you for putting the vlog together.

  • @kelseyleppek
    @kelseyleppek Před 8 měsíci +5

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

  • @Scor-ah
    @Scor-ah Před 7 měsíci +4

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci

      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.

  • @gwgorham
    @gwgorham Před 7 měsíci +2

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

  • @mrlaw711
    @mrlaw711 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Great video. Thanks for producing it.

  • @justpedal65
    @justpedal65 Před 7 měsíci +3

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @deanh7190
    @deanh7190 Před 8 měsíci +10

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

  • @josephpafundi404
    @josephpafundi404 Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @alastairgray5648
    @alastairgray5648 Před 7 měsíci +1

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

  • @garyseckel295
    @garyseckel295 Před 8 měsíci +4

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +2

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

  • @denisbessette7219
    @denisbessette7219 Před 8 měsíci +3

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      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!

  • @tehutiboi
    @tehutiboi Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @stephenkohler3472
    @stephenkohler3472 Před 8 měsíci

    Thank you so much for doing this video!

  • @somewhat.random
    @somewhat.random Před 8 měsíci +18

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +1

      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
      @somewhat.random Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci +1

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

    • @jeeyberg
      @jeeyberg Před 7 měsíci

      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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci +1

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

  • @anthonybolante6962
    @anthonybolante6962 Před 8 měsíci +7

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      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!

  • @paulchapman112
    @paulchapman112 Před 4 měsíci

    Great comprehensive review! Got to do some of those.

  • @417cycleguy
    @417cycleguy Před 4 měsíci

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

  • @philiporourke7896
    @philiporourke7896 Před 8 měsíci +8

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +2

      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!

  • @randallgd
    @randallgd Před 8 měsíci +5

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      Happy trails, Randall!

    • @randallgd
      @randallgd Před 7 měsíci

      @@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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci +1

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

  • @Dano99118
    @Dano99118 Před 4 měsíci

    Great video, from beginning to end!

  • @TerrapinCyclist
    @TerrapinCyclist Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @bikeman9419
    @bikeman9419 Před 7 měsíci +3

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci

      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!

  • @zimbobway3137
    @zimbobway3137 Před 2 měsíci +6

    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

  • @lizard2425
    @lizard2425 Před 4 měsíci

    Outstanding video! Thank you!

  • @michelebrown1341
    @michelebrown1341 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Great video! Thank you for this...we enjoyed it so much! Planning to make our way to some of these soon!

  • @timmmahhhh
    @timmmahhhh Před 8 měsíci +3

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      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!

  • @debbievokey8338
    @debbievokey8338 Před 8 měsíci +9

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +3

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

  • @robertbotta6536
    @robertbotta6536 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Superb. Thank you

  • @carloszertuche9413
    @carloszertuche9413 Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @ronkirk5099
    @ronkirk5099 Před 7 měsíci +6

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci +1

      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!

  • @clamato54
    @clamato54 Před 8 měsíci +11

    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
      @robertewalt7789 Před 8 měsíci +1

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

    • @clamato54
      @clamato54 Před 8 měsíci +2

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

    • @wallacegrommet9343
      @wallacegrommet9343 Před 8 měsíci

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

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      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!

  • @tedpeck7993
    @tedpeck7993 Před 8 měsíci +2

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

  • @fitofito1001
    @fitofito1001 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is a great video. Thank you for let us know these 10 fantastic trails.

  • @gbalock
    @gbalock Před 8 měsíci +4

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

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

  • @thomaswalker7247
    @thomaswalker7247 Před 8 měsíci +3

    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.

  • @robertrupp2865
    @robertrupp2865 Před 3 měsíci

    Fantastic video! Thanks for making it.

  • @buffalobybicycle716
    @buffalobybicycle716 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Wonderful presentation! Thanks.

  • @larsonpark3819
    @larsonpark3819 Před 8 měsíci +3

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

  • @rcj4046
    @rcj4046 Před 7 měsíci +8

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci +1

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

  • @kevinwhited984
    @kevinwhited984 Před 7 měsíci +1

    What an excellent video! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us.

  • @anjjohns314
    @anjjohns314 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Such a great and inspiring video! 💯👊🏻

  • @HermannKerr
    @HermannKerr Před 8 měsíci +3

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

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

  • @gloriashird3601
    @gloriashird3601 Před 2 měsíci +3

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

  • @Rlaplante73
    @Rlaplante73 Před 8 měsíci +1

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

  • @maxdugan5319
    @maxdugan5319 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Another great and unexpected video! Thanks Roland for an excellent review of Americas best!

  • @andychase7693
    @andychase7693 Před 7 měsíci +5

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci

      That's a great recommendation. My brother and I cycled that some years ago. Video here: czcams.com/video/p7zcrpSh1Fs/video.html
      Someday I understand it will connect to the Sakatah (sp?) trail to the west. Gorgeous area.

    • @RoyRoy-wg2qq
      @RoyRoy-wg2qq Před 2 měsíci

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

  • @Attoparsec
    @Attoparsec Před 8 měsíci +4

    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
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      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
      @danwebber9494 Před 7 měsíci

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

  • @johncornbread
    @johncornbread Před 6 měsíci

    An absolutely lovely video!

  • @johnezzard680
    @johnezzard680 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Beautifully narrated and super informative

  • @johnrohrer8581
    @johnrohrer8581 Před 7 měsíci +3

    20:55 Creeper trail gets my vote!!

  • @radiohobbyist13
    @radiohobbyist13 Před 8 měsíci +3

    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
      @cbunix23 Před 8 měsíci

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

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +2

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

  • @johndoiron9615
    @johndoiron9615 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is great!

  • @LiveYourSomedayNow
    @LiveYourSomedayNow Před 2 měsíci +2

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

  • @janicemartell1211
    @janicemartell1211 Před 7 měsíci

    Great video. Makes me want to get on my bike and just try all the trails mentioned. Very informative and inspirational.

  • @ActiveTowns
    @ActiveTowns Před 8 měsíci +1

    Great video, Roland. I look forward to diving deeper into your archive of videos and learning more about your adventures. Cheers! John

  • @ProfSalaway108
    @ProfSalaway108 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Fantastic bicycle short!!! 🚴🏼‍♂️

  • @stickasockinit-do3hi
    @stickasockinit-do3hi Před 4 měsíci

    A real well done video. Ride on!

  • @LovetheIPAs
    @LovetheIPAs Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thank you for this comprehensive and beautiful video. We are looking at rails-to-trails for our next cycling adventure, so the timing of this is perfect. I'm looking forward to catching up on the videos you've already posted and the videos to come. Happy riding!

  • @scottlindall157
    @scottlindall157 Před 5 měsíci

    Just found you, thanks for the list. We will be following, and can't wait for the next adventures!

  • @osterizeme
    @osterizeme Před 8 měsíci +1

    Wonder-full rides, all! Thanks for culling your experiences in this beautiful country.

  • @dondonner1095
    @dondonner1095 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Excellent, excellent video. I knew something like this was coming but this exceeded my expectations for sure. I will save this on my computer and try to do them all. I better get busy. Thanks.

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks Don! Yeah, and like we mention toward the end, there are a LOT of trails left on OUR list. Hopefully we'll never run out of inspiration!

  • @gandyands
    @gandyands Před 7 měsíci

    I just now discovered you and subscribed. What an excellent commentator you are! I think I’m going to pull my bike out again! Thanks for the motivation!!!

  • @cindydiggs.8721
    @cindydiggs.8721 Před 7 měsíci +2

    Thank-you so much for this video! Seeing video of these trails will help rail-trail fans understand what each of these trails are really like. Thanks for the mention of the Rio Grande Trail in Colorado, where I fell in love with the rail-trail concept.

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 7 měsíci

      The US has an amazing collection of these trails. I fell in love on the C&O, many years back. Took a walk on a trail that I learned could take me some 180 miles, and I was hooked.

  • @rickmason2579
    @rickmason2579 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thank you for publishing this great video! Having completed several epic tours, I'm ready to do some shorter, perhaps more level routes. Your GAP/C&O is on the top of my list as well, but getting your input on the others help build my bucket list 🙂

  • @garthdebruyn7195
    @garthdebruyn7195 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is a spectacular video providing information and inspiration on what is available out there. Great Job making this video. many thanks!

  • @Minnesota_Matt
    @Minnesota_Matt Před 8 měsíci +1

    Well done! This video is almost a checklist for bikepackers- thank you!

  • @papamartino
    @papamartino Před 2 měsíci

    Very nice video, well made and informative 😊

  • @brentcollins9727
    @brentcollins9727 Před 8 měsíci +1

    That was AWESOME!!

  • @leijenburgh01
    @leijenburgh01 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This great video really make’s me want to go out on the road again.

  • @user-td9ul4bw8i
    @user-td9ul4bw8i Před 4 měsíci +1

    One of the best, if not the best trail posts I’ve ever seen! You are one lucky couple who have put together a real winner here-Thanks!️

  • @Rino-bicycle
    @Rino-bicycle Před 3 měsíci

    Very interesting, I got a few on my wish list. Thanks.

  • @outbackwack368
    @outbackwack368 Před 8 měsíci +1

    You have done an exceptional job of editing and narrating this! Subcribed! I've been a monthly donor to Rails-to-Trails for over 20 years now! Thanks!

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      Thank you! Rails to Trails is an incredible resource, and worth our donations for sure!

  • @jacksonizor8928
    @jacksonizor8928 Před 8 měsíci

    Fantastic video. Thank you!

  • @JustinDeClemente
    @JustinDeClemente Před 7 měsíci +1

    I find this by far the most inspiring video I've watched. I wouldn't change a thing, and I'll look forward to the next one.

  • @amylipkin2116
    @amylipkin2116 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Amazing list! After I retire next year, I will be riding these one by one..thanks, Roland. Keep up these rides, you guys are so much fun to watch!

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      Retirement definitely makes this all a lot more possible! thanks for watching, Amy!

  • @sargeroberts2430
    @sargeroberts2430 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I have ridden several of the trails on your list, and I will agree with your assessment. Thanks for sharing. Keep pedaling!

  • @mikekearsley2407
    @mikekearsley2407 Před 8 měsíci

    Wow, Fantastic video and info. Thanks from Seattle

  • @melvinsperez
    @melvinsperez Před 7 měsíci

    Great video. Not only was it very informative but it was done sone tastefully as you portrait the beauty of the landscape and history of each trail.

  • @billysbikesbrews7183
    @billysbikesbrews7183 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Amazing Video 🎥.. Great List 📝 of Rail to Trails.. I’ve biked a few.. but now I can refer to your list of bike trails.. Well Done.. Thank You 🚴‍♂️😎🍁

  • @jessicabrown729
    @jessicabrown729 Před 2 měsíci +1

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

  • @RideAlongAdventures
    @RideAlongAdventures Před 7 měsíci +1

    Great video. I appreciate the details.

  • @chrissanborn5013
    @chrissanborn5013 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Great video! We just started ebiking and hope to get to a lot of these trails!

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 8 měsíci

      Thanks! We've noticed and appreciate how eBikes have given so many people a chance to experience some of these gems. Happy trails!

  • @thomasheaney4235
    @thomasheaney4235 Před 6 měsíci

    Spectacular & useful video. So inspirational to Wisconsin based riders like me. Thanks for the honorable mention trails. Most of all, thanks for doing this!

    • @TheBicycleTourists
      @TheBicycleTourists  Před 6 měsíci

      So glad this worked for you! Wisconsin is a great place to ride, our latest series covers the Driftless Area in your state, as well as Minnesota and iowa. Here's the link: czcams.com/video/rQmzOyLWQ3w/video.html

  • @russellberg3410
    @russellberg3410 Před měsícem

    Thank you! Very well done, lots of good ideas here. Hope to get out on some of these

  • @glenbergman9040
    @glenbergman9040 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Excellent combination of video and description of the trails and surrounding geography. I have done GAP and the C&O, and look forward to exploring more of the trails you described.