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12 Jaw-Dropping Landscapes That Are Perfect For Pedal-Powered Exploration
Seeing the United States through a windshield is certainly convenient. You cover vast distances quickly, the climate control is always set to your preference, and the cup holders keep your coffee within reach.
But watching the world pass by at 60 miles per hour creates a barrier between you and the environment. You miss the scent of pine needles baking in the sun or the sudden drop in temperature as you pedal through a shaded hollow.
But exploring our national treasures on two wheels removes that glass separation and immerses you directly in the landscape. Cycling through these protected spaces allows for a pace that is fast enough to see plenty of ground yet slow enough to appreciate the intricate details of the terrain.
The popularity of bicycle tourism in national parks and historic landmarks has surged in recent years, leading to better infrastructure like dedicated multi-use paths and bike-friendly shuttle systems. And whether you are a road cyclist looking for steep mountain climbs or a casual rider seeking a flat, paved path for a family outing, these destinations offer unmatched beauty.
It’s time to unlock a completely different perspective on America’s most stunning outdoor spaces.
Medicine Wheel At Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark, Wyoming
Situated high atop the Bighorn Range, this location offers one of the most physically demanding and spiritually significant rides in the West.
Reaching the vicinity of Medicine Wheel requires navigating U.S. Highway 14A, a route often cited as one of the steepest paved highways in the country. For serious road cyclists, the grueling climb is a badge of honor. You battle grades that frequently exceed 10%, pushing your endurance to the limit while surrounded by sweeping alpine scenery and limestone cliffs.
Once you reach the high elevations near Medicine Mountain, the air is thin and crisp. The landscape here is stark and windswept, dominated by alpine tundra that blooms with wildflowers during the short summer season.
Medicine Wheel itself is an ancient stone circle approximately 80 feet in diameter. It remains an active sacred site for many Native American tribes. While you can ride your bicycle on the forest service roads leading up to the site, visitors are typically asked to walk the final 1.5 miles from the parking area to the wheel itself out of respect for the site’s spiritual nature and ongoing ceremonies.
Because of the extreme elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, the riding season here is incredibly short. Snowdrifts often block the roads well into June, and winter returns quickly in September.
Riders must be prepared for rapid weather changes, even in a single day. A sunny morning can turn into a freezing afternoon thunderstorm in minutes.
Minute Man National Historical Park, Massachusetts
History buffs and casual cyclists will find a perfect pairing at this Massachusetts park. Unlike the vertical challenges of the western mountains, the terrain here is gentle and inviting.
The park commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolutionary War. It preserves the landscape where colonial militia and British regulars clashed in April 1775. And cycling through this area offers a tangible connection to the past that feels immediate and personal.
The centerpiece for cyclists is Battle Road Trail. This 5-mile trail connects historic sites from Meriam’s Corner in Concord to the eastern boundary of the park in Lexington.
The surface is primarily crushed stone and boardwalks, suitable for most hybrid and mountain bikes, though thin-tired road bikes might struggle in softer sections. As you pedal along, you pass restored colonial homes, farming fields, and the stone walls that provided cover for the militia forces. Interpretive signs along the route explain the significance of the skirmishes that took place on the very ground you are riding over.
It is a shared-use path, so you will likely encounter walkers and families, necessitating a leisurely pace. But this slow speed works to your advantage. It gives you time to absorb the historical atmosphere.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The jagged skyline of the Teton Range is arguably the most recognizable mountain profile in North America. For years, cyclists had to contend with narrow highway shoulders to enjoy these views, but recent infrastructure improvements have transformed the park into a premier cycling destination.
The Grand Teton Multi-Use Pathway is a gem that separates cyclists from motorized traffic. It allows you to focus entirely on the scenery without the stress of passing cars.
This paved system stretches roughly 20 miles, connecting the town of Jackson to South Jenny Lake. The path runs parallel to the Teton peaks, offering unobstructed views of the Grand, Middle, and South Tetons rising sharply from the valley floor.
As you ride through the sagebrush flats, keep your eyes scanned on the horizon. Pronghorn antelope, bison, and elk frequently graze in these open spaces.
Mornings are the best time to ride here. The temperatures are cool, the winds are generally calm, and the alpenglow on the mountains provides a stunning backdrop.
Riders need to stay bear-aware, even on paved paths. Carrying bear spray is highly recommended, as both black and grizzly bears inhabit the valley floor. If you prefer road cycling, the park roads offer wide shoulders in many places, but the separated pathway is the safest and most relaxing option.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Valley is famous for its granite monoliths and thundering waterfalls, but navigating the valley floor by car can be frustrating due to traffic congestion. A bicycle solves this problem instantly.
With over 12 miles of paved, flat bike paths, you can bypass the vehicle lines and move freely between major sights. The paths wind through meadows and forests, offering spectacular views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls without a windshield frame getting in the way.
The park enforces a strict 15 mph speed limit on these paths to ensure safety for all users. This is not a place for speed records. It is a place for cruising and observation. And you can stop anywhere to take a photo or watch deer grazing in Cook’s Meadow.
Bicyclists are also permitted on regular roadways if they obey traffic laws, but the dedicated paths are far more relaxing. E-bikes are allowed as long as they are Class 1 pedal-assist models, making the park accessible to a wider range of fitness levels.
If you do not have your own gear, the park operates a bike share program and rental stands at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge. These rentals are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18 years of age.
Be aware that bikes are prohibited on hiking trails and in wilderness areas, so stick to the pavement.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, Wisconsin & Minnesota
This linear park protects 252 miles of the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers, forming a natural border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
While the water is the main attraction for paddlers, the surrounding river valley offers exceptional riding for cyclists who enjoy lush, wooded landscapes. The terrain varies from flat river bottoms to rolling uplands, providing a mix of difficulty levels.
Road cyclists often favor the county roads that parallel the riverway. These routes offer glimpses of the water through the trees and pass through small, historic river towns that define the region’s character. The traffic is generally light compared to urban centers.
For those preferring off-road experiences, the Woolly Mountain Bike Trail in St. Croix Falls offers miles of singletrack winding through glacial topography. The trail system is known for its flow and is maintained by dedicated local volunteers.
Another highlight near the riverway is the Gandy Dancer State Trail. This crushed limestone rail trail runs for miles and is accessible from various points along the river. It is flat and non-technical, making it ideal for families or gravel bike enthusiasts.
Riding here in early fall is a sensory delight. The hardwood forests turn vibrant colors, and the mosquito population dwindles significantly. Please check local hunting seasons if you plan to ride in the fall, as wearing blaze orange is a smart safety precaution in rural areas.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Spanning 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, this parkway is a designated bicycle route and a favorite among long-distance touring cyclists. The road follows a historic travel corridor used for centuries by Native Americans, European settlers, and soldiers.
What makes it unique for cyclists is the ban on commercial traffic. You will not be buzzed by 18-wheelers or heavy dump trucks, which significantly lowers the stress level of road riding.
The parkway is managed by the National Park Service, and the speed limit is generally 50 mph. This keeps vehicle speeds relatively low. However, there are no paved shoulders, so cyclists must ride in the travel lane.
The standard practice is to ride single file to the right. Drivers are generally accustomed to seeing cyclists here, but high-visibility clothing and flashing lights are absolutely essential for safety.
The route is characterized by heavy forests that form a green tunnel in the summer. Historical markers and pullouts appear every few miles, giving you plenty of excuses to rest and learn about the Old Trace. The terrain is mostly rolling hills, though the northern section into Tennessee becomes noticeably hillier.
The heaviest traffic occurs near Jackson, Mississippi. In this area, the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail offers a separated path for cyclists who want to avoid the commuter rush.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Cycling in Yellowstone offers a rare opportunity to see the world’s first national park without the roar of tour buses, but it requires precise timing. Each spring, usually in early April, the park roads open to non-motorized traffic while still closed to public automobiles.
This brief window allows cyclists to ride miles of the Grand Loop Road in relative solitude. You can pedal past steaming geysers and bison herds with only the sound of your tires on the pavement.
This experience is for the adventurous and self-sufficient. The weather in spring is volatile. You might start in sunshine and end in a blizzard.
Services are almost non-existent during this time, so you must carry all the food, water, and repair gear you need. There is no support van to pick you up if you get a flat tire ten miles from the gate.The roads are plowed, but can still have icy patches in shaded corners.
Wildlife safety is paramount. Bears are emerging from hibernation during the cycling season and are often found near the roads foraging for food. Carrying bear spray is not just a suggestion. It is a necessity. And riding in daylight hours is crucial to avoid surprising animals in the dark.
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Capitol Reef is often less crowded than its Utah neighbors, offering a rugged solitude that appeals to gravel and road cyclists alike.
The park protects Waterpocket Fold, a massive wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that extends for nearly 100 miles. The scenery is a dramatic mix of white Navajo sandstone domes, red cliffs, and twisting canyons.
The Scenic Drive is a paved out-and-back route that takes you past some of the park’s most famous rock formations. While beautiful, the road lacks shoulders, so vigilance is required if you tackle this one.
But the real adventure lies on the unpaved roads. Burr Trail, which starts paved near Boulder, Utah, and turns to gravel inside the park, features spectacular switchbacks that drop into the fold. It provides one of the most scenic descents in the Southwest.
Heat is a major factor here. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. So riding is best done in the early morning or during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. And flash floods are a genuine risk in canyon country. Never enter a slot canyon or cross a wash if rain is in the forecast, even if the storm is miles away.
Water is scarce, so carry more than you think you need. The stark beauty of the desert is unforgiving of dehydration.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is synonymous with vertical sandstone walls that tower thousands of feet above the canyon floor. The scale of the landscape is humbling.
For cyclists, the Pa’rus Trail is the perfect introduction. This paved, multi-use trail runs for just under two miles along the Virgin River. It is the only trail in the park that allows bikes. It connects the Visitor Center to Canyon Junction and offers magnificent views of the Watchman without the worry of cars.
For a longer ride, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a top-tier experience. During most of the year, this road is closed to private vehicles and accessible only by the park shuttle system.
Cyclists, however, are allowed to ride the road. This means you share the pavement only with the occasional shuttle bus. Park rules require cyclists to pull over and stop completely to let buses pass. This simple courtesy keeps the road safe for everyone.
Shuttles are equipped with front racks that hold two bicycles. This allows you to ride one way and take the bus back, or bypass steep sections. Note that e-bikes are generally not allowed on the shuttle bike racks due to weight, so e-bike riders should plan to ride the full distance.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
While the cavernous depths draw the crowds, the surface of Mammoth Cave National Park preserves a beautiful slice of the Kentucky woodlands. The Green River winds through the park, and the dense hardwood forests offer shade and scenery.
Cycling here has expanded beyond just paved roads with the development of the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail. This trail follows the bed of an early 20th-century railroad that once brought tourists to the caves. The terrain is relatively flat and wide, surfaced with crushed stone. It is approachable for families and gravel bikes.
Along the 9-mile route, you can see remnants of the old rail infrastructure and scenic overlook. It provides a quiet escape from the busy Visitor Center area.
Road cyclists can also explore the park roads, though they are narrow and winding.
Be aware that ticks are prevalent in the Kentucky woods. Checking yourself after a ride is a smart habit. And the humidity in summer can be thick, making hydration important even on the shaded trails.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of ridge-top riding connecting Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. But this is not a ride for the faint of heart or legs.
The route is a continuous series of climbs and descents, with total elevation gain that rivals high mountain passes. However, the reward is unending panoramic views of the Appalachian Highlands.
Commercial traffic is banned here, similar to the Natchez Trace. However, the speed limit is 45 mph, and the road is popular with motorists and motorcyclists who are also there to enjoy the curves. There are no bike lanes, so riders must be comfortable claiming their space in the lane.
Tunnels are a distinct feature of the parkway, and cyclists are required to have a white light on the front and a red reflector or light on the rear to enter them.
Weather at these elevations can be vastly different from the valleys below. Fog can roll in thick and fast, reducing visibility to near zero. If you get caught in dense fog, it is often safer to pull off at an overlook and wait it out.
Spring brings an explosion of rhododendrons and azaleas, while October draws huge crowds for the leaf-peeping season. Be aware that the parkway also closes sections frequently in winter due to ice and snow.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Located along the northwest coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this park is a stunning landscape of towering sand dunes, blue water, and birch forests.
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail has opened up this terrain to cyclists of all abilities. This hard-surfaced, multi-use trail spans roughly 22 miles, connecting the town of Glen Arbor to major park attractions like the Dune Climb.
The trail is mostly paved asphalt, with some sections of crushed limestone and boardwalk. It winds through the forest, keeping you separated from the high-speed traffic on the main roads. It is an excellent way to access the beaches without dealing with parking lots.
You can ride to the base of the dunes, hike up for the view, and then pedal into town for ice cream.
Winter converts the trail into a cross-country ski route, but from spring through fall, it is a cycling haven. Some sections do have steep gradients that might challenge casual riders or small children. But the trail is well-marked with trailhead parking at various points.
Riding along the lakeshore offers a coastal mood that feels almost oceanic, despite being in the Midwest. And the contrast between the white sand, the turquoise water, and the green forest is visually striking.
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