Blog Post:
Exploring the great outdoors on two wheels is an exhilarating and eco-friendly way to experience the beauty of nature. National parks offer some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the world, making them ideal destinations for biking adventures. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, there are national parks across the United States that cater to all levels of bikers. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most visited national parks for biking adventures.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine:
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a biker’s paradise. With over 45 miles of carriage roads and 27 miles of paved roads, this park offers a variety of biking trails for all skill levels. The carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offer scenic views of the park’s mountains, forests, and lakes. The paved roads provide a more challenging ride, with steep climbs and thrilling descents. Biking in Acadia National Park is a must for anyone looking for a picturesque and challenging adventure.
2. Zion National Park, Utah:
Zion National Park is a popular destination for hikers, but it also offers breathtaking biking trails. The Pa’rus Trail, a paved path that runs alongside the Virgin River, is perfect for beginners and families. For a more challenging ride, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive offers a 6-mile round trip with stunning views of the park’s red rock formations. The park also has a shuttle system that allows bikers to ride to the top of the canyon and enjoy a thrilling downhill ride back to the bottom.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina:
As the most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including biking. The park has over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, making it a great destination for bikers of all levels. The Cades Cove Loop Road, a popular 11-mile paved road, is closed to vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, making it a perfect time for bikers to enjoy the scenic views of the park without any traffic.
4. Glacier National Park, Montana:
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. Biking is a great way to explore the park and its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and glaciers. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile paved road, is a challenging but rewarding ride for experienced bikers. For a more leisurely ride, the 3-mile Trail of the Cedars offers a scenic route through ancient forests.
5. Yosemite National Park, California:
Yosemite National Park is a world-renowned destination for its stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs, and giant sequoias. Biking is a popular activity in the park, with over 12 miles of paved paths and 12 miles of dirt trails. The Yosemite Valley Loop, a 12-mile paved road, offers breathtaking views of the park’s iconic landmarks, including Half Dome and El Capitan. For a more challenging ride, the 12-mile Mariposa Grove Road takes bikers through the park’s famous sequoia trees.
The Most Visited National Parks on Two Wheels: Biking Adventures
6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming:
Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Grand Teton National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park has over 200 miles of biking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, making it suitable for all levels of bikers. The Jenny Lake Loop, a 7-mile paved path, offers stunning views of the park’s mountain peaks and crystal-clear lakes. For a more challenging ride, the 14-mile Teton Park Road provides a scenic route through the park’s rugged terrain.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine:
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park is a biker’s paradise. With over 45 miles of carriage roads and 27 miles of paved roads, this park offers a variety of biking trails for all skill levels. The carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offer scenic views of the park’s mountains, forests, and lakes. The paved roads provide a more challenging ride, with steep climbs and thrilling descents. Biking in Acadia National Park is a must for anyone looking for a picturesque and challenging adventure.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah:
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique hoodoos, tall spires of rock formations. Biking in this park offers an up-close and personal experience with these incredible natural wonders. The 18-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive is a paved road that takes bikers through the park’s most iconic viewpoints. For a more challenging ride, the 37-mile Under-the-Rim Trail offers a glimpse of the park’s less crowded and more secluded areas.
9. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado:
With over 355 miles of biking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is a paradise for cyclists. The park offers a variety of trails, from easy, flat paths to steep mountain climbs. The Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile paved road, is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, offering breathtaking views of the park’s mountain peaks and valleys. For a more challenging ride, the 11-mile Old Fall River Road provides a steep ascent with rewarding views at the top.
10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia:
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a popular destination for hikers, but it also offers scenic biking trails. The 105-mile Skyline Drive, a paved road that runs the length of the park, is a favorite among cyclists for its stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley. The park also has over 100 miles of backcountry roads for more experienced bikers looking for a challenging and secluded adventure.
Summary:
Exploring national parks on two wheels is an exciting and eco-friendly way to experience some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. From the rugged coast of Maine to the majestic Rocky Mountains, there are biking trails for all levels of riders in some of the most visited national parks. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a challenging ascent, these parks offer a variety of biking adventures for everyone to enjoy.
