Biking trails are the ultimate vacation choice, offering adventure, wellness, and a unique connection to local culture and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual explorer, these routes, from Taiwan’s lake loops to Europe’s riverside paths and U.S. mountain roads, provide memorable experiences for families and cycling enthusiasts alike. Many trails are beginner-friendly, feature local food stops, and allow flexible trip lengths. Plus, with convenient services like Voodoo Cycle bike rental, accessing quality bikes and top cycling routes has never been easier.

U.S.

1. Katy Trail State Park (Missouri)

Source: traillink

Ride mostly flat crushed limestone paths along the Missouri River with river bluffs, forests, prairies, and historic towns. Great for leisurely touring. Best in spring and fall. Towns like Boonville and St. Charles offer cafes and historic sites. Amtrak allows bike transport; 26 access points with parking and restrooms.

• Time Needed: 5 days (full 240 mi), shorter segments possible
  
• Distance: 240 miles (386 km)
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Type: Rail-trail through countryside

 

2. Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) (Pennsylvania–Maryland)

Source: gaptrail

Crushed limestone path with gentle grades, tunnels, mountain views, rivers, and historic towns like Ohiopyle. Connects with C&O Canal Towpath for extended tours. Best late spring to early fall. Trail towns offer cafes, B&Bs, and campgrounds. Access at Cumberland or Pittsburgh; bike shops and lodging along the route.

• Time Needed: 4–5 days (150 mi)
  
• Distance: 150 miles (241 km)
  
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  
• Type: Rail-trail connecting urban and country landscapes
  

 

3. Pacific Coast Highway (U.S. Route 1/101)

Source: rollingexistence

Iconic ocean views, forests, cliffs, beaches, and coastal towns along the West Coast. Road riding with traffic and scenic pullouts. Best late spring to early fall; avoid winter storms. Coastal towns offer seafood and cafes. Train and bus access available; north-to-south direction recommended for safety.

• Time Needed: 2–4 weeks (full route), shorter sections possible
  
• Distance: ~1,850 miles (2,977 km)
  
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
  
• Type: Long-distance coastal road tour

 

4. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia–North Carolina)

 

Source: momentummag

Winding mountain roads with overlooks, forests, and Appalachian scenery. Mix of climbs and descents. Best late spring to fall, especially during fall colors. Visitor centers, picnic areas, and mountain lodges near Asheville and Charlottesville. Start near Asheville or Roanoke; ride early to avoid traffic; bring lights for tunnels.

• Time Needed: Varies (30–50 mi segments or full 469 mi)
  
• Distance: 469 miles (755 km)
  
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
  
• Type: Scenic mountain byway

 

5. Slickrock Trail (Moab, Utah)

Source: rimtours

Famous red sandstone slickrock terrain with steep drop-offs and challenging ascents/descents. Feels like riding on another planet. Best spring or fall to avoid heat. Moab offers gear shops, bike services, cafes, and restaurants. Access by car or shuttle; bring plenty of water and ride early to beat heat.

• Time Needed: 1–2 hours (main 10.5 mi loop)
  
• Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
  
• Difficulty: Hard (technical and physical challenge)
  
• Type: Technical mountain bike loop

 

Europe

1. Danube Cycle Path (Austria & Germany – EuroVelo 6)

Source: radreisen

A calm, mostly flat ride along the Danube River passing castles, vineyards, abbeys, and charming towns. This beginner-friendly European touring route features fully paved surfaces suitable for all bike types, including e-bikes. Best from May to September. Local stops include Linz, Melk, and Krems for Austrian cuisine and wine. Start in Passau with easy train connections; bike rentals and luggage transport services are available.

• Time Needed: 4–5 days (Passau to Vienna segment)
  
• Distance: ~350 km (segment)
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Type: Long-distance riverside bike route

 

2. Loire à Vélo (France)

 

Source: tourainevaldeloire

Cycle quiet country roads along the Loire River, famous for fairytale castles and vineyard views. Mostly paved with some gravel, suitable for hybrid or touring bikes. Best from April to October, especially May and September. Enjoy wine tastings, cheeses, and riverside cafes in towns like Amboise and Saumur. Accessible by train from Paris with bike rental and luggage transfer services along the route.

• Time Needed: 7–10 days (full route)
  
• Distance: 800–900 km
  
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  
• Type: River valley cycling trail with castles

 

3. Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15 – Switzerland to Netherlands)

 

Source: komoot

Ride along the Rhine River through four countries, passing castles, old towns, vineyards, and industrial heritage sites. Mostly flat and paved, ideal for touring or city bikes. Best May to September. Sample bratwurst, Swiss cheese, and Rhine valley wines. Multiple entry points with excellent rail access and bike-friendly trains. Start commonly at Andermatt (Switzerland).

• Time Needed: 10–14 days (full 1,230 km) or shorter segments
  
• Distance: 1,230 km
  
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  
• Type: Long-distance river trail

 

4. Via Claudia Augusta (Germany–Austria–Italy)

 

Source: suedtirolerland

Trace an ancient Roman route through forests, valleys, and mountains from Germany to Venice. Mostly paved with some gravel; road or hybrid bikes recommended. Best June to September. Enjoy German beer gardens, Austrian alpine inns, and Italian cafés. Start in Donauwörth with shuttle vans and public transport available for difficult passes. Bike rental and return possible in Venice.

• Time Needed: 5–7 days
  
• Distance: 500 km
  
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (alpine climbs)
  
• Type: Historic Roman road over the Alps

 

5. Amazon of Europe Bike Trail (Austria–Slovenia–Croatia–Hungary–Serbia)

Source: wwf

Explore quiet forests, floodplains, and river valleys along the Mura, Drava, and Danube Rivers. Mix of paved and gravel roads suited for touring or gravel bikes. Best May to October. Sample regional dishes like goulash and freshwater fish. Stay in eco-lodges and rural guesthouses. Access via Graz or Zagreb; guided tours and GPS navigation available.

• Time Needed: 2–3 weeks (full loop)
  
• Distance: 1,250 km
  
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Type: Cross-border eco-bike trail through river valleys

 

Taiwan

1. Sun Moon Lake (Nantou)

Source: sunmoonlakegov

A mostly flat, easy 30 km loop around Taiwan’s famous Sun Moon Lake, perfect for beginners and families. Enjoy stunning water views, temples, and bridges while cycling through this scenic, wellness-focused route. Best visited from October to April for cooler weather, with early mornings being the quietest time. Stop at Ita Thao and Shuishe villages for local treats like sun cakes and fresh fish. Accessible by bus or taxi from Taichung or Taipei, with convenient bike rentals available at visitor centers near the trailhead. Ideal for a family-friendly, cultural, and flexible biking vacation.

• Time Needed: 1.5 to 3 hours
• Type: Scenic lake trail
• Distance: ~30 km loop
• Difficulty: Easy

 

2. Tamsui to Bali Riverside Trail (New Taipei)

Source: taiwantrailsandtales

The Tamsui to Bali Riverside Trail in New Taipei is a flat, urban path that runs along the Tamsui River. This trail is great for people who want an easy ride with beautiful river views, boardwalks, and chances to try local street food. You can even take a ferry across the river to explore both sides. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon for sunset views, especially during spring or fall when the weather is comfortable. Along the way, you can stop at Tamsui Old Street and Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy famous seafood snacks and quick bites. Getting there is simple—just take the Taipei MRT to Tamsui Station, and you will find many YouBike rentals nearby.

• Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours (round trip)
• Distance: Not specified, but suitable for a short outing
• Difficulty: Easy
• Type: Flat urban riverside path

 

3. Hou‑Feng Bikeway (Taichung)

Source: taichungtravel

Enjoy a calm countryside ride along an old railway featuring a 1.2 km tunnel and a historic iron bridge. This mostly flat trail offers lovely views of rice fields and hills, making it ideal for beginners and casual cyclists. Best visited in spring and fall for mild weather. Local eateries near Fengyuan and Houli stations serve snacks and tea. Accessible by train with bike rentals available at trail entrances.

• Time Needed: 1 to 1.5 hours one way
  
• Distance: ~4.5 km
  
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (mostly flat with gentle slopes)
  
• Type: Rail trail converted to bike path

 

4. Kenting National Park Trail

Source: tripadvisor

Cycle along tropical beaches, coral cliffs, and scenic park roads with stunning ocean views in Kenting National Park. This warm, sunny coastal trail is perfect for hybrid and city bikes. Best from November to April to avoid heat and typhoons. Kenting town offers many seafood restaurants and street food vendors. Accessible by bus or taxi from Kaohsiung or Pingtung, with bike rentals available locally.

• Time Needed: 1.5 to 4 hours
  
• Distance: Variable
  
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (some gentle hills)
  
• Type: Coastal and park road ride

 

5. Yangmingshan (Taipei)

Source: Voodoo Cycles

Experience a rejuvenating cycling journey through Bamboo Lake's unique volcanic landscapes, just 40 minutes from Taipei. This area, nestled in Yangmingshan, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm, with stunning flower views during Calla Lily (March-May) and Hydrangea (late May-July) seasons.

Voodoo Cycles provides professional-grade mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and e-bikes for rent, ensuring a high-energy, transformative ride. Whether you seek a leisurely family ride or a more challenging exploration of the mountain roads and volcanic terrain, Bamboo Lake offers a perfect escape for body and mind. Consider combining your ride with a guided experience to truly immerse yourself in the art and culinary delights of this special region.

• Time Needed: 2+ hours (rental options for 1-3 hours available)
• Type: Scenic Volcanic Cycling, Mountain Roads, Cultural Ride
  
• Distance: Flexible, varies by route
  
• Difficulty: Moderate (with options for varied terrain)

 

Cycling offers a deep and personal connection with a region’s landscape and culture, making it an ideal way to explore diverse destinations. Taiwan’s mix of flat lakeside paths and challenging mountain roads caters to both beginners and experienced riders, with Voodoo Cycle’s bike rental service providing convenient access and comfort, especially near popular trails like Yangmingshan. Europe’s rich historical cycling routes wind through castles and vineyards, while the U.S. presents dramatic and varied trails from coastal roads to mountain byways. Whether you’re seeking adventure, wellness, or cultural exploration, these biking trails deliver unforgettable experiences for all levels of cyclists. Just hop on a bike and start your cycling journey today.