By Ron Johnson
Cycling offers families a chance to bond, explore nature, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s resort-based stays with car-free paths or guided tours that handle all the details, these family-friendly bicycle spots across the United States and Canada promise a fun and immersive experience for all ages.
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island transports you back in time with its Victorian-era charm and car-free streets. Accessible by ferry, bicycles are the primary mode of transportation. The 8.2-mile Lake Shore Boulevard (M-185), the only U.S. highway banning cars, offers a scenic ride around the island. Explore landmarks like the state governor’s summer mansion and Fort Mackinac, and don’t miss the famous Mackinac Island fudge. Bike rentals are plentiful, and accommodations range from the historic Grand Hotel to the waterfront Mission Point Resort.
2. Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona
Escape Adventures offers a guided biking trip through the less-crowded North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The 18-mile Rainbow Rim Trail takes you past breathtaking canyon views. These trips include five-night camping or lodge-based stays, with everything from meals to flat tire fixes handled by the guides, making it an ideal adventure for families with older kids.
3. Petit Train du Nord, Quebec
This 200-kilometer trail in the Laurentians, part of the Route Verte, follows an old railway line, providing a gentle, scenic ride through forests, rivers, and charming villages. Ideal for families, the trail offers plenty of rest stops, picnic areas, and bike-friendly accommodations. Bike rentals and shuttle services are also available.
4. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
This 12,000-acre barrier island bans cars, reserving its roads for bikes and golf carts. The Stede Bonnet Wynd route winds through maritime forests and lagoons. Families can also kayak, swim, and participate in sea turtle conservation walks. Accommodation options include various vacation rental homes.
5. Banff Legacy Trail, Alberta
This 22-kilometer trail between Banff and Canmore offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. It’s a relatively easy ride with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and picnicking. Both Banff and Canmore provide bike rentals, family-friendly accommodations, and numerous dining options.
6. Brevard, North Carolina
Known as the “Cycling Capital of the South,” Brevard boasts an array of family-friendly biking opportunities. The Brevard Greenway is a popular paved trail, while the nearby Pisgah National Forest offers more adventurous routes. Families can also explore the scenic trails in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Brevard’s vibrant downtown offers various dining and lodging options.
7. Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, cycling enthusiasts can explore a variety of scenic routes and unique attractions. The state is home to the renowned Bicycle Heaven, the world’s largest bicycle museum and shop located in Pittsburgh. Here, visitors can delve into a vast collection of vintage bikes and bike-related memorabilia, offering a fascinating journey through cycling history. Pennsylvania also boasts the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail-trail that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. This trail offers scenic biking through forests, tunnels, and historic towns, making it a popular destination for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Pennsylvania’s commitment to cycling infrastructure and its rich cycling culture make it an ideal destination for families looking to combine outdoor adventure with educational experiences.
8. Cape Cod Rail Trail, Massachusetts
This 25.5-mile trail from South Yarmouth to South Wellfleet is perfect for leisurely family rides. Explore salt marshes, pine forests, and kettle ponds. The trail features several trailhead parking lots, and nearby bike shops offer rentals. Accommodations range from campgrounds to hotels along the Cape.
9. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia’s carriage roads provide over 45 miles of picturesque, car-free biking trails. Families can enjoy smooth rides with views of mountains, forests, and lakes. The park also offers hiking, boating, and ranger-led programs. Stay at nearby Bar Harbor, which offers a range of accommodations.
10. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands offer tranquil roads with minimal traffic, ideal for family cycling. Orcas Island’s Moran State Park has scenic trails leading to panoramic views from Mount Constitution. The islands also offer kayaking, whale watching, and charming towns with quaint lodging options.
11. Katy Trail, Missouri
The Katy Trail spans 240 miles, providing a flat and scenic ride through Missouri’s countryside. Families can explore small towns, state parks, and historic sites along the way. Many sections are suitable for shorter rides, and bike rentals and shuttle services are available. Accommodations range from charming B&Bs to campgrounds.
12. Shark Valley, Florida
Located in Everglades National Park, the 15-mile Shark Valley Loop offers an easy ride through sawgrass marshes, with opportunities to spot wildlife like alligators and birds. The park’s observation tower provides panoramic views of the Everglades. Nearby Miami offers a range of lodging and dining options.
13. Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island
This 273-kilometer trail stretches across Prince Edward Island, offering scenic views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and coastline. The relatively flat terrain is perfect for families. Bike rentals are available in towns along the trail, and accommodations range from charming B&Bs to campsites.
14. Canmore, Alberta
Located near Banff National Park, Canmore offers breathtaking mountain scenery and excellent biking trails for families. The Legacy Trail connects Canmore to Banff, providing a scenic 22-kilometer route suitable for leisurely rides with views of the Canadian Rockies. Families can also explore the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, which offers a network of mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Canmore’s downtown area boasts art galleries, cafes, and outdoor gear shops, perfect for post-ride exploration.
15. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail, British Columbia
Part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail offers spectacular views of vineyards, lakes, and mountains. Families can explore sections like the Myra Canyon with its trestle bridges and tunnels. Bike rentals and guided tours are available, and there are plenty of lodging options in nearby Kelowna and Penticton.
These destinations across the U.S. and Canada offer diverse biking experiences that cater to families, ensuring fun, exercise, and unforgettable adventures in nature.
