The best cycling routes in North Carolina

The Kitty Hawk to Corolla Bike Trail offers a delightful coastal cycling experience, winding through the northern Outer Banks. You'll enjoy open stretches with potential glimpses of the Currituck Sound and pass by the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, providing a natural backdrop to your ride. It's a straightforward route, ideal for those seeking a relaxed pedal rather than a challenging workout.

This moderate touring cycling route covers 22.3 miles (35.9 km) with a minimal 146 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for most riders. Expect to spend around 2 hours and 1 minutes on the trail. For the most comfortable experience, plan your visit during the spring or fall to avoid the intense summer heat and larger crowds.

This trail is a fantastic way to explore the unique coastal environment of the Outer Banks at a leisurely pace. While specific parking details aren't provided, numerous access points exist along the route in both Kitty Hawk and Corolla, allowing you to tailor your starting point. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for a scenic, low-impact ride.

The Little Sugar Creek Greenway: Huntingtowne Farms to South Boulevard offers a delightful, easy touring cycling route, perfect for a quick escape into nature within the city. This 2.5-mile (4.1 km) paved path follows the gentle meanders of Little Sugar Creek, providing an urban oasis experience with a mix of natural riparian scenery and glimpses of Charlotte's residential areas. With only 26 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, it's a consistently flat and smooth ride, ideal for a leisurely 13-minute spin.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this accessible greenway. You can easily find parking access near the Huntingtowne Farms Park, which serves as a convenient starting point. The trail is suitable for cycling year-round, and its paved surface means you won't encounter any challenging terrain or special conditions, making it a great choice for family friendly cycling or a relaxed outing.

This segment is part of the larger Little Sugar Creek Greenway network, a significant effort to connect different parts of Charlotte through active transportation. The continuous paved surface and easy accessibility are key features, promoting outdoor recreation and offering a pleasant blend of natural beauty and cityscapes for touring cyclists of all levels.

The Cherohala Skyway offers a touring cycling experience unlike any other, immersing you in the vast wilderness of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. As you climb, the scenery unfolds with expansive mountain views, earning its nickname 'a drive among the clouds.' You'll encounter landmarks like Rattlesnake Rock and enjoy long sight lines and flowing curves on the well-maintained, two-lane paved road.

This is a difficult route, covering 54.8 miles (88.2 km) with a substantial 5497 feet (1675 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 35 minutes. Be prepared for sustained climbs with grades reaching up to 10% in sections. There are no services or commercial developments along the Skyway, so you must be self-sufficient with all your supplies.

Known for its relatively light traffic, especially on weekdays, the Cherohala Skyway provides an uninterrupted riding experience. It's a favorite among experienced cyclists and consistently ranks as a top motorcycle ride in North America, celebrated for its breathtaking seasonal transformations from vibrant spring wildflowers to legendary fall foliage.

The Lake Crabtree gravel loop offers a refreshing escape into nature, circling the scenic Lake Crabtree on well-maintained paths. You'll experience a mix of open waterfront views and peaceful, tree-lined sections, particularly along the Cedar Ridge Trail. This route provides a good challenge for touring cyclists, covering 22.2 miles (35.8 km) with 1050 feet (320 metres) of elevation gain, making it a moderate ride that typically takes about 3 hours and 11 minutes.

For those planning a visit, the Lake Crabtree gravel loop parking and trailhead access is convenient, with several parking areas within Lake Crabtree County Park. To enjoy the best conditions and avoid crowds, consider cycling in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during warmer months. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for this kind of gravel touring.

This popular route stands out as one of the best gravel touring routes in the Raleigh area, providing a substantial ride without requiring a long drive out of the city. It's a fantastic option for cyclists looking for a consistent workout and a chance to enjoy the outdoors, making it a favorite among local gravel cycling enthusiasts.

The French Broad River Greenway offers a delightful, easy touring cycling experience along one of the world's oldest rivers. You'll glide along a smooth, paved surface, enjoying pleasant river views, shaded sections, and open grassy meadows, with the chance to see art installations in the vibrant River Arts District. This 13.0 miles (21.0 km) route, with a minimal 426 feet (130 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride, taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Planning your visit requires a quick check of local conditions, as a section within French Broad River Park is currently closed due to storm damage, preventing a continuous loop. However, the operational sections still offer significant distances for out-and-back rides, connecting parks like Carrier Park and Hominy Creek River Park, which provide amenities and easy access. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a flat, accessible route in an area known for its challenging hilly terrain.

Beyond just cycling, the greenway area is a popular hub for various recreational activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the French Broad River. Its unique position as a relatively flat, easy route in Asheville makes it a local favorite, offering a blend of natural beauty, urban connectivity, and cultural touches that set it apart from other Asheville NC cycling routes.

The East Coast Greenway (NC) offers a substantial touring cycling adventure, guiding you through a diverse North Carolina landscape. You'll experience a mix of developed greenways and natural areas, including a significant stretch along the popular American Tobacco Trail. This route provides a unique perspective on the region, blending urban convenience with tranquil natural settings, making it a rewarding ride for those seeking a long-distance challenge.

This difficult 53.4-mile (85.9 km) route, with 1335 feet (407 metres) of elevation gain, is estimated to take about 5 hours and 11 minutes to complete. Access points are available along the route, with facilities like Fred G. Bond Metro Park offering potential starting or resting spots. Given its length, it's wise to plan your hydration and nutrition carefully, and consider cycling during temperate seasons for the most comfortable experience.

This segment is a vital part of the larger East Coast Greenway network, showcasing North Carolina's commitment to interconnected cycling paths. It links various communities and natural features, such as the White Oak Creek Wetlands, providing both recreational opportunities and a glimpse into local ecosystems. The route's integration with existing greenways like the American Tobacco Trail highlights its importance as a regional cycling artery.

The Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, connecting three distinct greenways into one cohesive route. You'll pedal along the Waughtown Connector Greenway, transition to the Salem Creek Greenway, and then enjoy the serene Salem Lake Trail, which provides pleasant views of the water. The smooth, paved surfaces make this an ideal choice for a relaxed ride, perfect for families or those new to cycling.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking typically available at various access points along the Salem Lake Greenway and Salem Creek Greenway. This easy 16.7-mile (26.9 km) loop, with its modest 482 feet (147 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 38 minutes. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely outing, especially during the milder seasons of spring and autumn.

This route stands out as one of the best touring cycling routes in Winston-Salem for its accessibility and gentle nature. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly option, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. The connection between the Salem Lake Greenway and Salem Creek Greenway creates a continuous path, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural features surrounding Salem Lake without significant effort.

The Salem Lake Trail offers a refreshing escape, circling the tranquil waters of Salem Lake. This popular route is known for its smooth, well-maintained surface, making it an ideal choice for touring cyclists seeking a relaxed ride with continuous lake views. It's a fantastic option for those who appreciate a peaceful natural setting without demanding terrain.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with ample parking typically available at the main access points around Salem Lake Park. To ensure a more serene experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays. The trail is accessible throughout the year, though the mild weather of spring and autumn often provides the most comfortable cycling conditions.

This 7.2-mile (11.5 km) loop is rated easy, featuring only 162 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain and taking approximately 43 minutes to complete. It's a favorite among locals for its accessibility and gentle profile, making it a perfect family-friendly cycling destination or a quick, invigorating spin for any rider.

The Raleigh Greenway: Crabtree and Walnut Creek Loop offers a comprehensive touring cycling experience, linking two of the city's most popular greenway sections. You'll pedal through a mix of urban and natural settings, enjoying paved paths that provide a smooth ride. While specific scenic points are not detailed, the route connects you to various parts of Raleigh, making it a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

This moderate route covers 24.1 miles (38.8 km) with a total elevation gain of 531 feet (162 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a longer, continuous ride without extreme climbs. Ensure you have a well-maintained touring bicycle and carry sufficient hydration, especially if you plan to ride during warmer weather.

This loop is a fantastic way to experience the interconnectivity of the Raleigh greenway system, offering a substantial workout and a chance to explore different neighborhoods and parks. It's a popular bike trail in Raleigh NC, perfect for those who appreciate a blend of city views and natural surroundings, making it a rewarding option for a longer cycling excursion.