Biking is a fantastic way for families to explore the outdoors, stay active, and create lasting memories together. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or a longer biking vacation, there are plenty of family-friendly destinations that cater to all skill levels and provide a safe and enjoyable experience. From scenic bike paths through forests to coastal trails with stunning views, these biking destinations are perfect for families looking to have fun on two wheels.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best biking destinations for families, focusing on routes that are safe, scenic, and suitable for riders of all ages. Pack your helmets, gather the kids, and get ready for an unforgettable biking adventure.
1. The Great Allegheny Passage, USA
The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a 150-mile trail that stretches from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail is perfect for families, as it offers a smooth, well-maintained surface and gentle gradients that make it accessible for riders of all skill levels. The GAP winds through beautiful countryside, lush forests, and charming small towns, providing plenty of opportunities for rest stops and family-friendly activities along the way.
Families can choose to ride shorter sections of the trail or take on the entire journey, depending on their comfort level. The trail is also dotted with campsites, picnic areas, and places to explore, making it a great destination for a multi-day adventure. The combination of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and family-friendly amenities makes the Great Allegheny Passage an ideal choice for a family biking trip.
2. The Tissington Trail, England
Located in the Peak District National Park, the Tissington Trail is a delightful 13-mile route that follows an old railway line, making it an easy and safe option for families. The trail runs through picturesque countryside, offering stunning views of rolling hills, wildflowers, and charming villages. With a mostly flat and even surface, the Tissington Trail is perfect for young riders and beginners.
Along the way, families can stop at the village of Tissington, where they can explore the historic Tissington Hall and enjoy a picnic in the village green. The trail also passes by several cafes and tea rooms, providing a perfect opportunity to take a break and refuel. The Tissington Trail’s gentle terrain, beautiful scenery, and convenient amenities make it a fantastic choice for a family biking adventure.
3. Central Otago Rail Trail, New Zealand
The Central Otago Rail Trail is a 93-mile trail that follows the path of a former railway line through New Zealand’s South Island. This iconic trail is known for its stunning landscapes, including sweeping views of mountains, valleys, and vineyards. The trail is well-suited for families, as it offers a smooth, wide path and gentle gradients that are easy for riders of all ages to navigate.
The trail passes through several small towns and historic sites, providing opportunities for families to learn about the region’s rich history and culture. With plenty of accommodation options, including family-friendly lodges and campsites, the Central Otago Rail Trail is perfect for a multi-day biking adventure. Families can take their time exploring the trail, stopping to enjoy local attractions, wildlife, and delicious food along the way.
4. The Greenbelt, Boise, Idaho, USA
The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile paved trail that follows the Boise River, providing a scenic and family-friendly biking experience. The Greenbelt is perfect for families, as it offers a flat, well-maintained surface that is easy for young riders to navigate. The trail passes through several parks, nature reserves, and urban areas, providing a mix of natural beauty and city amenities.
Families can enjoy stopping at Julia Davis Park, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, and the Boise Zoo. The Greenbelt also provides access to the Idaho Botanical Garden and the Discovery Center of Idaho, making it a great destination for a day of exploration and fun. With its beautiful scenery and numerous attractions along the way, the Boise River Greenbelt is an excellent choice for a family biking outing.
5. The Carriage Roads, Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Acadia National Park’s Carriage Roads offer over 45 miles of gravel paths that are perfect for family biking. The Carriage Roads were originally built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and are open only to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carriages, making them a safe and enjoyable option for families. The roads wind through the park’s stunning landscapes, including forests, lakes, and mountains, providing plenty of opportunities for families to take in the natural beauty of Acadia.
The Carriage Roads feature gentle slopes and are well-maintained, making them accessible for riders of all ages and skill levels. Families can stop at several scenic spots along the way, including Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake, where they can enjoy a picnic or simply relax and take in the views. Acadia’s Carriage Roads offer a peaceful and picturesque biking experience that the whole family will love.
6. The Danube Cycle Path, Europe
The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most famous long-distance bike routes, stretching over 1,700 miles from Germany to Romania. For families, the section between Passau, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, is particularly popular, as it offers a flat, well-marked path with stunning views of the Danube River, vineyards, and charming villages.
This section of the trail is ideal for families, as it passes through numerous towns with family-friendly accommodations, playgrounds, and attractions. Families can take their time exploring the picturesque towns along the way, such as Linz and Melk, or enjoy a river cruise on the Danube. The combination of beautiful scenery, cultural experiences, and easy riding makes the Danube Cycle Path a wonderful option for a family biking holiday.
7. The La Route Verte, Quebec, Canada
La Route Verte (The Green Route) is an extensive network of cycling trails that stretches across the province of Quebec, Canada. With over 3,000 miles of well-maintained trails, La Route Verte offers plenty of family-friendly biking options, ranging from short day trips to longer multi-day adventures. The trails pass through diverse landscapes, including forests, rivers, and charming small towns.
One of the most family-friendly sections of La Route Verte is the P’tit Train du Nord, a 144-mile trail that follows an old railway line through the Laurentian Mountains. The trail is mostly flat and features several rest areas, picnic spots, and swimming holes, making it perfect for families. With plenty of accommodations, including family-friendly inns and campgrounds, La Route Verte offers a fantastic biking experience for families looking to explore the beauty of Quebec.
8. The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
The Otago Peninsula, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is a great destination for families looking for a scenic biking experience. The Peninsula offers a mix of paved roads and well-marked trails that are suitable for riders of all ages. Families can enjoy stunning views of the coastline, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife, including seals, penguins, and albatrosses.
One of the highlights of biking on the Otago Peninsula is the chance to visit the Royal Albatross Centre, where families can learn about the unique wildlife of the region and observe the majestic albatrosses in their natural habitat. The Otago Peninsula offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly activities, making it a perfect destination for a day of biking and exploration.
9. The Silver Comet Trail, Georgia, USA
The Silver Comet Trail is a 61-mile paved trail that runs from Smyrna, Georgia, to the Alabama state line. The trail is built on a former railway line, providing a smooth, flat surface that is ideal for family biking. The Silver Comet Trail is surrounded by beautiful forests, farmlands, and scenic views, making it a peaceful and enjoyable ride for families.
Along the trail, families can stop at several parks and rest areas, as well as explore historic landmarks and small towns. The trail is well-maintained and features plenty of amenities, including restrooms and picnic areas, making it a convenient and family-friendly option for a day of biking or a longer adventure.
10. The Island Line Rail Trail, Vermont, USA
The Island Line Rail Trail in Vermont is a unique and picturesque biking destination that is perfect for families. The trail runs for 14 miles along the shores of Lake Champlain, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains. One of the highlights of the trail is the “causeway,” a narrow strip of land that extends into the lake, providing a truly unique biking experience.
The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for riders of all ages. Families can stop at several beaches along the way for a swim or a picnic, and there are plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. The Island Line Rail Trail’s beautiful scenery and unique features make it an ideal destination for a family biking adventure.
Making Memories on Two Wheels
Biking is a wonderful way for families to spend time together, enjoy the outdoors, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re exploring the lush trails of New Zealand, the scenic paths of Europe, or the historic routes of the United States, these biking destinations offer something for everyone. With gentle terrain, stunning views, and family-friendly amenities, these trails provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable biking adventure with your loved ones. So grab your bikes, pack your gear, and get ready to hit the trails for a family experience like no other.
