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Do you remember your first freedom ride without training wheels or with just a parent’s hand on the back of your seat? What makes bike rides even better as a kid is if your parents and siblings tag along. It’s much safer to enjoy bicycling without the worry of vehicles (if you’ve ridden on the road you know car and bike crashes can be deadly), and so many rail trails go through fabulous, scenic areas full of local history, culture, cuisine, and other eclectic characteristics that will appeal to all members of your family.
In skimming the nation’s over 2,000 rail-trails adding up to more than 23,000 miles of paved or graveled glory, we chose to highlight six shorter distance, family-friendly trails with plenty of access points and stops to take in the sights (and tastes) of unique locations across the U.S. Whether your family enjoys the great outdoors or the bustling city, these six rail trails offer great aesthetic appeal.
#1 Virginia Creeper: Damascus, VA – 34 miles
The minimal grade of six percent makes this trail appealing to those of all ages, even grandma. You can hitch a ride with one of the eight bike shops that provide a shuttle service for as little as $15 if you have your own bikes, or you can rent bikes for the entire family (even a bike trailer if you have a wee one). Parking is always provided if you plan to ride the shuttle, but if you want access from your own backyard, there are plenty of cabins to rent along the trail.
Take in the gorgeous views of Christmas tree farms and pumpkin patches crossing over 50 wooden trestle bridges. Countless stops to soak up some railroad history and indulge in a calorie-loading lunch or freshly made ice cream make the Creeper an ideal day trip. And if you want to break a sweat, just pivot your back wheel and ride “up” for a bit before cruising back down. Book now for peak leaf season in October for one of the more peaceful and natural rail trails on our list.
#2 Swamp Rabbit Trail: Greenville, SC – 20 miles
Plan to meander because there are so many irresistible stops, you could make an entire day out of it and still get in some casual exercise. The trail begins in the adorable town of Travelers Rest, passes Furman University, and runs through downtown Greenville. Swamp Rabbit Cafe is known far and wide for their stecca bread that’s baked fresh daily. Pick up some locally grown produce, have a swamp pizza, and enjoy the first of five breweries along the trail.
A nice side peddle is Furman University ranked as the fourth most beautiful campus of 2016 by USA Today “10best.” And if food, beer, and sights aren’t enough, the trail goes right by the Greenville Zoo as well. For more information about parking and restrooms, check out the interactive map.
#3 Chattanooga Riverwalk: Chattanooga, TN – 13 miles
This “lucky 13” along the Tennessee River is complete with more-than-a-day of fun in food, drink, art, gardens, and even an aquarium. The city’s bike share program cost as little as $8 for a day pass, or you can rent bikes from a local bike shop.
Roll through four of the city’s parks, splash around in the fountains at Ross’s Landing, grab a fresh-baked artisan loaf at Bluff View Bakery, check out a few art galleries, have a cup of fresh roasted and ground coffee at Rembrandt’s, and end the trip with an award-winning dinner and refreshing drinks at the Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar. If you have only one day to experience Chattanooga, Riverwalk is the way to do it.
#4 Chicago Lakefront trail: Chicago, IL– 19 miles
Lakefront trail in Chicago is exactly what it sounds like; the entire 19 miles borders Lake Michigan offering exquisite views of the beach, lake, and the downtown skyline. Although it’s not a traditional rail trail, Lakefront boasts multiple stops to include a science museum, zoo, six block amusement park, and two boat harbors. All of these attractions are accessible from the trail and include food and drink.
Rent bikes for the entire family from one of eight bike rental shops scattered along the trail, or use Chicago’s bike share program for only $15 per day. Where else can your family take in the views of one of the nation’s largest lakes and largest cities?
#5 High Trestle Trail: Madrid, IA – 25 miles
If you don’t mind driving through acres upon acres of corn fields, in the smack-dab middle of Iowa is one of the brightest rail trails in the country. If you time your journey just right, you can top off the evening with a ride through cascading blue light across the Des Moines River Valley. The 130 foot high and the half-mile-long bridge is lit up until 9 p.m. November to March and until midnight April to October. Like the VA Creeper, this trail provides connection with nature and plenty of plant and wildlife viewing.
The town of Madrid offers a quaint coffee shop and bakery. If you’d like to add dinner, drinks, and live music to your trip, visit the Whistling Donkey in Woodward just 2.6 miles from the bridge or one of three breweries along the remainder of the trail. For the more adventurous family, the trail includes a first-come, first-serve campground (includes electric sites). And if you want to explore by peddle and foot, the campground has hiking trails as well. We are impressed, central Iowa!
#6 Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike Trail: Park City, KY – 9 miles
That’s right, folks. This rail trail snakes among the largest cave system in the world! Perhaps more appropriate for your tweens and teens or hauling your toddlers in a bike trailer, Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike Trail isn’t completely flat like your more traditional rail trails. In fact, there are three steep hills, some of which require a hop-off-and-walk, but traillink.com comments say it’s manageable with hybrid bikes.
Start the day in the quaint town of Park City and bike this (nine miles one way) out-and-back, or ride smaller sections via six different parking and access points. Make reservations ahead of time for a 54 degree, cool down, by-foot tour of the caving system. There are multiple touring options lasting one to three hours guided by the National Park Service in addition to a privately owned cave-touring company. It’s a history lesson with four cemeteries and country store, but it will also appeal to those who enjoy more civilized amenities with two hotels and a restaurant.
For the more nature-loving family, add paddling on the Green River, campground or backcountry camping, and hiking. There’s also an additional nine-mile single-track mountain biking trail for more advanced riders. This rail trail has it all!
We couldn’t begin to scratch the surface of the many rail trail options across the country, but the ones described above are guaranteed to cover the interests and abilities of most families. Load up your helmets, bike trailers, cruisers, and kids, and enjoy the ride!
Zaneta is a Research Specialist and Writer for autoinsurance.org and www.exercise.com. Writing and research has been an integral component of her studies in anthropology, instructional technology, technical and professional communication, and adult education. A mountain biker-turned-paddler, she lives in Greenville, SC with her spouse, 12-year-old daughter, three lizards, and two Daschunds.
