The newspaper notes that in the past quarter-century, thousands of miles of rail lines have been converted to paths. They’re perfect places for exploring, especially during May, which is National Bike Month, says Jennifer Kaleba of the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (railstotrails.org). The paths are usually easy to ride, as rail lines were engineered to avoid steep grades. Many have attracted bike rental shops and other services geared toward cyclists. Kaleba shares some favorite trails with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
Here are the top rails to trails, according to the newspaper:
Route of the Hiawatha
Idaho and Montana
This beautiful trail includes the 1.7-mile St. Paul Pass tunnel, so bring a bike light. There’s also the magnificent Clear Creek trestle, a 760-foot span that stands 220 feet high. There’s even a shuttle so you don’t have to pedal back to the start. skilookout.com/hiawatha
Katy Trail State Park
Missouri
The nation’s longest rail-trail celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It stretches 225 miles from Clinton to St. Charles, passing through Missouri’s wine country. “You can ride from vineyard to vineyard, and there are tons of bed and breakfasts geared toward the trail,” Kaleba says. 800-334-6946; mostateparks.com/katytrail/index.html
George S. Mickelson Trail
South Dakota
This 110-mile trail through the Black Hills ranks as a favorite by conservancy members. “It’s really a stunning ride with these amazing landscapes: evergreen forests, rocky canyons, prairie-scapes, old mining towns and Wild West heritage,” Kaleba says. mickelsontrail.com
Island Line
Vermont
Running along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, this 12.5-mile trial is short but sweet. At one point it leads out on a causeway, and a seasonal bike ferry takes riders across an inlet. Kaleba loves the trail at sunset. “The sky’s ablaze with pinks and vermilions and the mountains are in the background.”
Greenbrier River Trail
West Virginia
Once a Chesapeake & Ohio rail line, this trail runs 79 miles through the Greenbrier River Valley, connecting three state parks and state and national forests. “Once you’re on it, you’re surrounded by trees and water,” Kaleba says. www.greenbrierrailtrailstatepark.com
Monterey Peninsula
Recreational Trail
California
This 18-mile trail, also called the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, takes in some of the California coast’s prettiest real estate. It starts in Pacific Grove and passes Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, before skirting a eucalyptus forest and finally ending in Castroville. “It’s kind of the quintessential California trail,” Kaleba says. “You get the spray of saltwater sometimes while you’re biking.” 831-372-3196; mprpd.org/parks/coastaltrail.htm
Silver Comet Trail
and Chief Ladiga Trail
Georgia and Alabama
Starting just outside Atlanta, the Silver Comet heads west and soon leaves the suburbs behind. It crosses a trestle and passes through a tunnel on its 61-mile route to the Alabama state line. There it becomes the Chief Ladiga and continues for another 33 miles. “It’s a lovely, smoothly flowing ribbon of trail,” Kaleba says. silvercometga.com
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