Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park and the surrounding Maine
communities offer a truly spectacular setting for the
bicycling enthusiast or professional alike. The Park has
approximately 45 miles of suitable road surfaces
comprised of the famous Carriage Roads (financed and
directed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., between 1913 and
1940) and portions of paved motor vehicle roadways.
Carriage Roads wind through the heart of the park and
have crushed rock surfaces. Some of the Carriage Roads
are on private land and are posted as closed to
bicycles.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Gazing across the horizon from the peaks of Shenandoah
National Park it’s hard to believe you are just 75 miles
from the bustle of our nation’s capital. Take Skyline
Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods
and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak
trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories
from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of
wilderness.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big Bend a
premier bicycling location. Over 100 miles of paved roads,
and 160 miles of backcountry dirt roads provide challenges
for riders of all types and abilities. Bicyclists must be
extremely cautious and well-prepared, but bicycling allows
outstanding panoramic views, unobstructed by a windshield.
It also allows the bicyclist to see and hear some of the
smaller wonders of Big Bend from a more intimate viewpoint.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Mountain biking on paved roads in Rocky Mountin National
Park offers dramatic scenery. Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake
Road and Old Fall River Road are frequented by bikers
looking for a challenge.If you choose to skip the uphill
part, local companies will drive you to the top and you can
ride downhill to town. The Park advises mountain bikers: Be
aware park roads have narrow or no shoulders, and often
carry heavy traffic. To minimize conflicts with vehicles,
plan your ride for the early morning hours. Try to be off
the road in late afternoon when thunderstorms and lightening
create serious hazards
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Biking is a popular activity in the park. Currently, there
are no formal bikepaths, but beginning in 2009 a section of
the park's new multi-use pathway is scheduled to open to the
public. The pathway section from Taggart Lake Trailhead to
South Jenny Lake is scheduled to open in the spring of 2009
with the section from Dornans property line to Taggart Lake
Trailhead scheduled to open during the fall of 2009. Unique
regulations apply to the multi-use pathway. More information
will follow upon opening. Some roads in the park have only a
very narrow shoulder, or lack one altogether. Extreme
caution must be used
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands is famous for its mountain biking terrain,
particularly for the 100-mile White Rim Road at the Island
in the Sky. The Maze also offers some multi-day trip
possibilities, though the logistics and roads are more
difficult (for the support vehicles, not the bikes). Many of
the roads in the Needles travel up wash bottoms and are
unsuitable for bikes due to deep sand and water. Permits are
required for all overnight trips in the backcountry. Permits
are not required for day rides. During the spring and fall,
demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available.
If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season,
especially to camp along the White Rim Road, it is
recommended that you make reservations well in advance.
These permits can be reserved starting the second Monday in
July for the next calendar year.
Zion National Park, Utah
Bikes are allowed on established roads in Zion National Park
but not on the trails. The one exception is the paved Pa'rus
Trail. This trail runs along the Virgin River and connects
with the Zion National Park Campgrounds. This is a great
place for the family to get out and bike inside of the park.
Although biking through Zion Canyon is safer now that the
majority of cars do not travel this road, there is still
danger from the wide turns of the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Bike
groups are often seen riding on the main highway through
Zion National Park, the Zion -Mt. Carmel Highway that runs
from the south side of the park to Mount Carmel Junction.
Redwood National Park, California
Explore the secluded habitats of majestic redwoods towering
more than 350 feet over hushed forest floors, whose saplings
took root up to two millennia ago. Hike through a fern-laced
slot canyon, ride past rolling farmland and paddle across a
pristine lagoon, home to abundant birdlife. There's plenty
of time to swim in rivers, play on the beach and relax in
peaceful surroundings. From off-the-beaten-track national
and state parks to rugged Pacific shoreline, discover this
regal region by foot, bike and kayak, savoring tranquil
nights beside coastal meadows and beneath ancient canopies.
Crater Lake National Park,
Oregon
Each year, increasing numbers of cyclists come to Crater
Lake National Park to ride around the lake on the 33-mile
Rim Drive. The route is physically demanding. Steep hills at
high elevation may encourage even the most fit riders to
pause at many of the road's thirty overlooks and pullouts.
The payoff, however, is spectacular scenery, seen at a pace
that few visitors choose to take enough time for.
Death Valley National Park, California
Bicycles can be used on all park roads that are open to
public vehicular traffic. They can also be used on routes
that have been designated for bicycle use in developed areas
such as the path between the visitor center and the Harmony
Borax Works. They are not allowed on closed roads, service
roads, off of roadways, or on any trails. Riding a bicycle
abreast of another bicycle on our narrow roads is dangerous
and is also prohibited. Death Valley has more than 785 miles
of roads including hundreds of miles suitable for Mountain
Biking.
Cycling Tours & Bicycle Web Sites
BACKROADS -
the premier active travel company, offering
fully supported, upscale and distinctive bicycling, hiking, multisport
vacations.
New Mexico
Mountain Bike Adventures
- These New Mexico Mountain Biking Adventures cover climate zones from
desert lowlands to high alpine meadows on the same biking trip.
Vermont Bicycle
Touring - We have been the leader in bike tours for 35 years. We are
committed to offering you exceptional quality and value. Enjoy
time-tested itineraries, a variety of cycling routes, full van support,
expert trip leaders, outstanding hotels, and regional cuisine.
Bike
Riders Bicycle Tours - Distinctive, small group cycling vacations in
New England, Canada and Europe. Guest chef tours and self-guided tours
are available.
Rocky
Mountain Worldwide Cycle Tours - All-incusive multi day cycling,
mountain biking and multi sport adventures in
the Canadian Rockies and on the West Coast.
Breaking
Away Cycling Tours - Since 1985 Breaking Away has invited fitness,
touring and racing cyclists to join us on cycling vacations that "exceed
all expectations." Our guests have spread the word that Breaking Away
offers trips that are very special in the world of cycling, with
referrals comprising of nearly 75% of our clientele each year. We are
honored to have been selected as "must do trips" by Bicycling Magazine,
VeloNews, Outside Magazine and Men's Journal as well as featured in the
New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and ESPN.
Getaway Bike Tours - Why choose Getaway Adventures over other
outdoor tour companies in Wine Country? Come bike, kayak, and hike in
our backyard!
The
World Outdoors - Extraordinary Off-the-beaten-path Bike Adventures.
Bicycle Adventures - Outstanding bicycle tours, active vacations,
hiking trips, and multisport tours throughout the Pacific Northwest,
Hawaii, and western Canada.
Timberline Adventures
- Denver, CO
A small "ma & pa" bicycle and hiking tour operator, currently into our 27th
year of creating and staging an extensive collection of bicycling and hiking
adventure vacations, primarily in the western (liberally defined) U.S. &
Canada. Ours is a program addressed to those who love to bike and hike, and
are looking for athletic content and unique itineraries. Our program also
focuses on the national parks of the U.S. & Canada, with programs planned in
38 parks and monuments in 2009.
Digngo Bike Tours
A company that organizes luxury and customize bike tours in France.Unique
and personalized bike tours in France. Our tours are designed to immerse you
in the French culture through hands on and cultural encounters.
Bike Magazines
Asphalt Magazine - Asphalt is a
magazine for the dedicated road cyclist. Whether you race, ride centuries or
just make it out to the local group ride a few days a week, Asphalt addresses
your lifestyle like no other publication. From gorgeous photos of bikes and
destinations, to real stories you can curl up with in bed, Asphalt is a magazine
of substance.
Bike Magazine
- Bike Magazine takes its readers on a ride of his own. You will enjoy
the style, substance and highest quality photography that only Bike can deliver
to its subscribers. Product and accessory reviews keep you informed and up to
date on everything you need for the ride of your life!
Bicycling Magazine - Bicycling Magazine is the
number one road and mountain biking magazine. Bicycling has all the practical
tips you need to make every ride more enjoyable in this informative publication.
This magazine provides key research from industry organizations to help bring
more people into the sport, to create and maintain bike paths and off-road trail
access.
Cycling Plus
- This is a magazine for
anyone who appreciates the all-out effort of time-trialing, the freedom of
touring, the cut-and-thrust of commuting, and the sheer joy of just being out on
the road. It covers new developments in the world of UK cycling and reviews and
tests products.
Cycling Utah covers road and
mountain-bike racing, road tours and rides, festivals, new products, and road
tests. It also provides maps, information on trails, and an events calendar.
Gearhead.com
- Online Magazine
At
Gearhead, you can create a lasting identity via your own profile page, join
discussion groups, read and submit product reviews, find and review local
trails, and easily communicate with others who share your interests. And this is
just the beginning!
Mountain Bike
Action Magazine - Mountain Bike Action Magazine is the magazine for
the off-road bicycle enthusiast, from the trail rider to the commuter to the ATB
competitor. Each monthly issue contains bike tests, technical how-to articles,
riding tips, racing coverage, buyer's guides and more.
Triathlete
Magazine -
Triathlete Magazine is a monthly publication
of, about, and for triathletes. It tracks and details the updates in the
triathlon world, including the bikes of the month, and shoes of the month. It
gives summaries on leaders in the sport, gives tips on clothing apparel, and
gives attitude notes.
Bike Forums
Bycling Forums - Buy sell or trade any cycling related item in this
classified forum. Plus, touring and mountain biking information and
equipment.
Bike Forums
- A collection of bicycle discussion forums. Road Cycling, mountain
biking, equipment, touring,
triathlon, winter cycling, and much more.
Cycling Plus - Over the past five years the Cycling Plus forum has
made a tremendous contribution to the British cycling community it is a
fantastic and well used source.
RAGBRAI Forum -
Bike ride across Iowa forum
RoadBikeReview: Cycling
gear reviews, forums, and classifieds product reviews, ratings and
classifieds for road bikes, cycling, bicycle, bike, parts,
components, mountain biking, used bike, bicycle classifieds.
Womens Cycling Forums
- A forum for discussing primarily women cycling. The discussions
range from low key intro forums to racing.
America's Best Top 10 Outdoor
Activities
Cycling Tours -
USA's Top 10 Bicycling Tours and
by
State
Climbing - Guide
Service to America's highest mountains and more
Fly Fishing
-Discover America's best fly fishing hot spots
Fishing Vacations -
Great American Fishing Holes and Links
Hot Air Balloon Racing
- Hot Air Balloons and Festivals
Golf Courses -
America's 25 Greatest Golf Courses
Rafting Trips -
America's favorite Rafting Adventures
Rock Climbing in
National Parks
Rock Climbing in the
United States
Sea Kayaking - Best
of the East and West Coasts
Kayaking - Top 10
White Water Rivers in the US
Skydiving - Top 10
most scenic places to skydive in the US.
Sleigh Rides -
Romantic and Family Sleigh Rides
Snowboarding - Best
in the West and East
Snowmobiling - USA's
Top 10 Snowmobiling Areas
Ski Areas - USA's
Top 10 Western & Eastern Ski Areas
Cross Country Skiing
- From Alaska to Maine
Equestrian Vacations
- Best horseback vacations
This listing of the
best national park biking in America is constantly being revised as we experience and ride on new tours or hear about other bike tours offered in the United States. So, if you feel we are missing one,
please email
us and let us
know!