There’s a timeless thrill in following the paths where locomotives once roared. Across the country, abandoned railroads that once carried coal, steel, passengers, and dreams have been reborn as bike trails. These routes now wind through mountains, along rivers, across wide prairies, and into small towns that grew up beside the tracks. Riding them offers more than exercise; it’s a journey through history, nature, and community. This summer, step back in time on two wheels and rediscover the stories written into America’s forgotten rails.
1. Katy Trail, Missouri
The Katy Trail is a living reminder of how railroads once shaped America’s heartland. Following the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, it stretches for nearly 240 miles across Missouri, making it the longest developed rail-trail in the country. Riders follow the Missouri River, pass through historic small towns, and roll beneath dramatic river bluffs. The crushed limestone surface is easy to ride, while old depots and iron bridges recall a time when trains carried goods and people through this very corridor.
2. Great Allegheny Passage, Pennsylvania & Maryland
The Great Allegheny Passage carries cyclists through a landscape once dominated by steel and coal trains. This 150-mile trail runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, before linking with the C&O Canal Towpath toward Washington, D.C. Along the way, riders pass through dark railroad tunnels, glide over high viaducts, and follow rivers that powered America’s industry. Small towns offer welcome stops, while the scenery mixes Appalachian wilderness with echoes of the railroad era.
3. Virginia Creeper Trail, Virginia
The Virginia Creeper Trail transforms a former logging and mining line into one of the most scenic rides in Appalachia. Stretching 34 miles, it runs from Abingdon through Damascus to Whitetop Station in the Blue Ridge Highlands. Riders travel past streams, farm fields, and more than 40 wooden trestle bridges. The downhill stretch from Whitetop is especially popular, offering an easy ride with sweeping mountain views. Once a lifeline for industry, the corridor now draws thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year.
4. Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Wisconsin
The Elroy-Sparta Trail holds a special place in history as the first official rail-trail in the United States. Opened in 1965, it follows 32 miles of a former Chicago and North Western Railway line. Its most famous features are three massive tunnels, each more than a quarter-mile long, where riders often walk their bikes by flashlight. The trail winds through dairy country, woodlands, and sandstone bluffs. Its success inspired hundreds of similar projects nationwide, proving that abandoned tracks could find new purpose.
5. Cape Cod Rail Trail, Massachusetts
The Cape Cod Rail Trail stretches 25 miles along a corridor once traveled by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, connecting the Cape’s historic villages and coastal scenery. Originally a vital route for tourists and goods, it now welcomes cyclists, runners, and walkers through sandy pine forests, cranberry bogs, and quaint seaside towns. Riders can stop at beaches, nature reserves, or local cafés along the way. Its gentle grades, smooth pavement, and ocean breezes make it perfect for families while offering a glimpse into Cape Cod’s rail-driven history and scenic charm.
6. Burke-Gilman Trail, Washington
Seattle’s Burke-Gilman Trail revives the corridor of the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway, once meant to connect the city with the Canadian border. Today, the 27-mile path begins near Puget Sound and winds past Lake Washington, the University of Washington, and leafy greenbelts before linking with other regional trails. For cyclists, it’s both a commuter route and a recreational escape. Historic markers along the way remind riders of the railway’s ambition, while modern use proves its enduring importance.
7. Silver Comet Trail, Georgia
Once the proud route of the Silver Comet passenger train, this Georgia trail now offers a 61-mile journey through quiet forests, rolling farmland, and small towns. The original line, run by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, was known for its luxury service between New York and Alabama. Today, cyclists ride smooth pavement across old trestles and through restored tunnels. Connecting with Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail, it creates one of the longest paved rail-trail systems in the nation.
8. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Idaho
Northern Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs 73 miles along a corridor once used by the Union Pacific Railroad to haul silver, timber, and ore. When the line was abandoned, it left behind environmental scars, but cleanup efforts transformed it into one of the country’s most beautiful rail-trails. Riders now enjoy paved paths that pass through wetlands, forests, and along Lake Coeur d’Alene. Moose, eagles, and other wildlife are common sights, turning an industrial corridor into a natural sanctuary.
9. Minuteman Bikeway, Massachusetts
The Minuteman Bikeway transforms the old Lexington Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad into a 10-mile journey through history and suburban charm. Once a busy commuter line, it now welcomes cyclists, joggers, and walkers along a flat, paved path. Riders pass Revolutionary War landmarks in Lexington and Arlington, cross bridges over scenic streams, and glimpse century-old rail artifacts. This trail combines recreation with living history, offering an accessible ride that connects the past with modern-day community life.
10. Hudson Valley Rail Trail, New York
New York’s Hudson Valley Rail Trail captures the spirit of transformation, reclaiming the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad corridor. Its highlight is the Walkway Over the Hudson, a former rail bridge converted into one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Riders cross high above the river, with sweeping views of the Catskills and Hudson Highlands. The trail links to the larger Empire State Trail, combining history, scenery, and accessibility in one of the state’s most spectacular cycling experiences.
