In the mid-twentieth century, the United States largely moved away from train travel and, in doing so, abandoned tens of thousands of miles of railroads. It took a few decades, but communities across the country soon realized that these large swaths of abandoned tracks could be converted into pedestrian and bike-friendly trails. These rail trails often stretch for hundreds of miles, connecting towns, cities, and states. If you’re an avid cyclist, you’re likely familiar with the rail trail system in the United States. At Bicycle Adventures, we’re big fans, and we include many rail trails in our tours. Dive in below to learn everything you need to know about riding rail trails in the US.
America’s First Rail Trail
The first rail Trail in the United States was the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin. When the trail was constructed in 1965, no one knew that it would spark a nationwide movement; the local community just wanted to use the space abandoned by the railroad. The trail spans 32.5 miles of the former Chicago & North Western railway corridor between Elroy and Sparta. The route includes three massive railroad tunnels blasted through ridges in the 1870s. Even today, these tunnels remain the trail’s signature attractions: Kendall Tunnel (1,690 feet), Wilton Tunnel (3,810 feet), and Norwalk Tunnel (3,140 feet). Combined, they total more than a mile and a half of underground riding.
What Makes a Great Rail Trail?
Generally speaking, rail trails make for great cycling. Often, they offer riders gentle grades because the routes were originally engineered for trains. There’s typically no vehicle traffic to deal with, and many of the routes include historic tunnels. Thanks to the length and grade, they’re a great way for riders of all abilities to take on a multi-day tour.
The George S. Mickelson Trail: South Dakota’s Black Hills Classic
The George S. Mickelson is one of the premier rail trails in the West. Snaking through the Black Hills of South Dakota, the George S. Mickelson Trail stretches for 109 miles with more than 100 converted railroad bridges and several historic tunnels. Ride through Deadwood, Hill City, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and the state’s rich mining history. Take on the George S. Mickelson Trail on Bicycle Adventure’s Mickelson Trail Bike Tour to see some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.
The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Idaho’s Rail Trail Giant
The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is one of the country’s premier rail trails, following a former Union Pacific railroad corridor through northern Idaho’s historic mining country. Once used to transport silver, lead, and timber from the communities of the Silver Valley, the corridor has been transformed into a scenic paved route stretching more than 70 miles. On the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Bike Tour, riders pedal through the landscapes that shaped Idaho’s mining history while exploring destinations like Wallace, the Coeur d’Alene River, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and the communities that continue to define the region today.
The Route of the Hiawatha: America’s Most Famous Rail Trail
Perhaps the best-known rail trail in the United States, the Route of the Hiawatha was built along the former Milwaukee Road railroad, which was once considered one of the most ambitious engineering feats of its time. This rail Trail passes through the St. Paul Pass Tunnel and the Seven Towering Trestles, offering enjoyable, gradual downhill riding among stunning mountain scenery. While The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes forms the backbone of Bicycle Adventures’ Idaho itinerary, a highlight for many riders is the opportunity to ride the entire length of Silver Valley, the legendary Route of the Hiawatha.
Québec’s Véloroute des Bleuets
The Véloroute des Bleuets is a 256-kilometer (159-mile) cycling route that loops around the shores of Lac Saint-Jean in Québec, Canada. The ride offers an immersive introduction to French-Canadian culture while showcasing one of Canada’s most developed cycling networks, with approximately 80 percent of the route on dedicated bike paths and the remainder on quiet country roads.
Along the way, riders pass through Pointe-Taillon National Park, visit the historic village of Val-Jalbert, and experience the region’s lakeside communities, forests, and agricultural landscapes. Explore the splendors of Quebec and French Canadian culture on Bicycle Adventures’ Quebec’s Blueberry Route.
Washington’s Olympic Discovery Trail
Built in part on former railroad corridors that once connected communities across Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic Discovery Trail stretches more than 130 miles from Port Townsend on Puget Sound toward the Pacific Coast. Much of the modern route follows older rail service corridors that connect logging communities, farms, and coastal towns across the peninsula. Today, that same infrastructure gives cyclists access to some of the Peninsula’s most pristine wilderness areas, including Olympic National Park. To explore everything the peninsula has to offer, from cycling the Discovery Trail to exploring the mountains, coastline, and rainforests, join us on the Olympic National Park & Discovery Trail Multisport Tour.
Rail trails preserve pieces of history while creating some of the most accessible and enjoyable cycling routes in North America. Their gentle grades, scenic routes, and access to local communities make them ideal for riders of all experience levels. At Bicycle Adventures, we’ve built tours around some of the continent’s most memorable rail Trail experiences, allowing you to focus on the ride while we handle the logistics. Explore our tours and discover where the railroad can take you next.