If you are a passionate cyclist, we bet you’d love this article dedicated to the best cycling roads in the US. Let us start off by stating an obvious fact – the USA is a massive country, so there are a lot of fantastic cycling roads, so we can’t possibly include all of them.
We will, however, try to give you as many recommendations as possible based on the experience that American cyclists have shared online. Our criteria also include the quality of the roads and, of course, the scenic views on these tracks.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beloved roads for cycling. Situated in North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway captures the beauty of the state with its majestic mountains and diverse wildlife. This track is 469 miles long, so it’d take you quite a while to conquer it, but you can feel safe while doing it due to the speed limits imposed to drivers.
Crater Lake Rim Road, Oregon
The Crater Lake Rim Road has you cycling around the deepest lake in the country and it uncovers the beauty of the Oregon mountains and forests. What’s also interesting about this road is that it is actually the rim of a volcanic crater!
Although the road is only 33 miles long, don’t think it’d be a walk in the park to take on it. It takes an experienced cyclist, so we suggest that you gain some experience before cycling there if you’re an amateur.
Big Sur Highway 1, California
To those of you with a Mac, you are probably familiar with the beautiful desktop picture “Big Sur”. If you’re absolutely in awe of it, you should see the real thing! The Californian Big Sur Highway 1 is 71.2 miles long and it reveals some of the most breathtaking oceanic views. However, we suggest that you stay on alert as there are always a lot of cars around.
If you ever get tired of cycling, you can always visit the towns along the highway like Carmel-by-the-sea and Monterey. It’s needless to say that there are some really nice beaches too.
Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, Ohio
If you want to go back in time before cars even existed, go ahead and cycle on the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway in Ohio. As the name suggests, there are lots of old covered bridges that you’ll pass through idyllic scenery to observe. Keep in mind, however, that the terrain is not perfectly levelled, so you’d need an off-road bike to conquer the 82-mile-long byway.
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway in South Dakota is an adventurous 70-mile road that would take you to the most gorgeous rock formations in the state. Ride this beautiful highway along the dozens of rock tunnels to the reliefs of Mount Rushmore. Indulge in the beauty of the rocks that took million years to form.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
What better way to enjoy the breathtaking nature of Hawaii than cycling along the scenic Hana Highway? The 62-mile road will see you cross dozens of bridges and have you encounter the most heavenly waterfalls you have imagined. The highway is frequented by thousands of cyclists each year, so you will be in good company.
Highway 88 (Apache Trail), Arizona
Built in the beginning of the 20th century, Highway 88, also known as Apache Trail, is one of Arizona’s most spectacular highways and roads to cycle on. Put on your favorite music playlist and ride along the desert road to find amazing rock formations, and of course, canyons! The highway is 45.67 miles long, but keep in mind the heat.
Edge Of The Wilderness Scenic Byway, Minnesota
This specific trail has been in use since colonial times to procure trade. Now, the scenic Edge Of The Wilderness Scenic Byway in Minnesota is there to exemplify the beauty of the state by showing you dozens of lakes, streams, and rivers that look straight out of a Thomas Cole painting. This byway is 47 miles long and it’s considered to be one of the easier ones.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Let us finish our list with perhaps one of the most frequented roads for cyclists – the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Nobody knows why it’s called that way; some believe it cost a million dollars to build, while others think that the views are worth million dollars.
One thing is certain though, you will not regret visiting Colorado to ride on this road. It goes around the Juan Mountains to reveal the gorgeous mountain with its streams and waterfall. Every cyclist wants to ride there at least once, but keep in mind that the road is dangerous for the less experienced despite its short length of 25 miles.