RVer-Friendly Bike Trails in the Southern United States

Trail Length

14 miles

Trail Start and End Details

From Gulf State Park, you can bike along a paved bike path and wooden platform to a town area with restaurants and a Walmart. You can also bike to the beach via a bike bridge that goes over the road. There are wonderful relatively flat and very scenic biking/walking trails throughout the gorgeous coastal state park.

Description and Tips

You'll bike through diverse habitats: marsh, forest, bayou, beach, and a wooden platform about 4 miles long that is wide and bike-friendly. There are many places to stop to picnic and watch birds, and there are bathrooms available along the way. The town has all services, and Park camping is large and quiet, within walking/biking distance from the beach, and has all services including a pool and tennis courts.

Submitted By

Michel Paul Cote, Leigh Mundhenk

Trail Length

36 miles

Trail Start and End Details

This trail is connected to Bella Vista RV Park in Bella Vista, Arkansas, and runs all the way to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Trail end points are at Bella Vista Lake, Bella Vista, and Town Branch Trail south of Walker Park, Fayetteville.

Description and Tips

This path goes through beautiful park areas, creeks, and lakes. The route is fully paved and on trails, with very few crosswalks or bike lanes. There is a bike shop right on the trail, and it passes close by stores and restaurants.

Submitted By

Richard Pitts

Photo Source

Richard Pitts

Trail Length

3.5 miles

Trail Start and End Details

This paved trail winds through Cape Henlopen State Park, with wide views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.

Description and Tips

You can begin your ride right from within the campground at the Park – no need to drive to a trailhead!

Submitted By

Sharon Padbury

Trail Length

20 miles

Trail Start and End Details

There are currently nine official trail access points, with more to come as the trail is expanded and new parking areas are set aside for bicyclists.

Description and Tips

This extremely popular smooth, paved trail runs right through Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Florida, so you can camp while you enjoy the trail. The Legacy Trail runs along an old railroad grade, with some of the best scenery found in the stretch going north from the Venice Train Depot and through Oscar Scherer State Park. This stretch passes over waterways in several spots via bike bridges and through undeveloped woods and wetlands. Along with scenery, you'll find interesting signage highlighting local history. The Legacy Trail directly connects to Venetian Waterways Park Trail, offering a continuous 20-mile ride. The waterfront scenery along the Waterways section is lovely and a great way to visit the beach, but be aware this section has very little shade. This trail offers rest areas and tire stations, and some of the trailheads have restrooms and water fountains. Enjoy nearby attractions like Nokomis Groves, Historic Downtown Venice, and Venice Beach. In a few years, the Legacy Trail will be extended to go from North Port/Warm Mineral Springs to downtown Sarasota, for a total of 30 miles of continuous paved trail.

Submitted By

Bill Semion, David Stacy, Denise Semion, Ilene MacDonald

Trail Length

20.8 miles

Trail Start and End Details

There are several parking lots along the way to help you access West Orange Trail. See this map for parking locations.

Description and Tips

West Orange Trail runs from west of Winter Garden, Florida, to Apopka, Florida. The 20-mile route is a very enjoyable ride through woodlands, communities, and a golf course, ending near Wekiwa Springs. West Orange Trail is one of the main sections of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, an ongoing project that is about 50% completed. The West Orange Trail section is mostly level riding. Try a stop in Winter Garden for lunch!

Submitted By

Roger Sevigny

Trail Length

18.6 miles

Trail Start and End Details

The Timpoochee Trail parallels the length of scenic Highway 30A from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach, beginning on the west side of Highway 30A where it separates from US Highway 98 in Dune Allen. The final mile marker appears just after Rosemary Beach, and the trail ends about half a mile later at Inlet Beach. You can easily hop on and off the trail at any point.

Description and Tips

The Timpoochee Trail is wide and relatively flat, winding past dune lakes, state parks, and beach access points through several charming beach neighborhoods. Stay at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park or Grayton Beach State Park – this trail goes right by these two campgrounds. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the beach via several beach access points, and lots of restaurants to choose from along the route, including Shade’s Bar & Grill where the trail ends at Inlet Beach. The starting point at Dune Allen has a gas station, mini-mart, and Subway. Find area descriptions for each mile marker at the website link. Check out the wonderful farmers market at Seaside on Saturdays from 9am - 1pm.

Submitted By

Colleen Gabrielle

Trail Length

38.2 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a rails-to-trails route in Pinellas County, Florida. It stretches from Tarpon Springs at the north end, through Clearwater, and south to the St. Petersburg downtown waterfront, with plans for future extension. There are plenty of places to start and end your ride along this trail.

Description and Tips

The Pinellas Trail is likely the best urban bike trail in Florida. The most scenic part of the trail is its northern portion, between Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, where you can explore the spectacular beaches on barrier islands north of St. Petersburg. The trail crosses many roads, so be prepared for stops at intersections, but many of the busier streets have overpasses for the trail. While you're exploring The Pinellas Trail, check out Fort De Soto Park, downtown St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park, and Tarpon Springs.

Submitted By

Marc Desmarais, Trevor Lazarus, George Colberg, Tom Shipley

Trail Length

6 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Cyclists are asked to take this off-road trail counterclockwise, as hikers use the trail as well. The trail is located adjacent to the park drive and accessible at many points along the park drive (Fort Clinch Road). Parking is available at the visitor centre, or if camping, you can start at the beach campground and cycle to the trail to complete the loop – see a map of this route here.

Description and Tips

This is an intermediate-level off-road trail with fun twists and turns through maritime forests and minor dune elevations along the way. There are several miles of beach that can be explored during low tide if you have large tires, and the Fort itself is well worth checking out as well.

Submitted By

Joel Smith

Trail Length

80+ miles

Trail Start and End Details

Santos Trailhead and Campground offers 80+ miles of both mountain bike and road bike trails for all levels. Trailheads can be found at Santos Trailhead (3080 SE 80th Street), Historic Santos Ball Fields (3550 SE 80th Street), and Bridge Stanchion Historic Site (3260 SE 80th Street) in Ocala, Florida.

Description and Tips

Santos is well-known as one of the best mountain bike facilities not just in North America, but internationally. The trail network provides an incredible opportunity to explore the extreme terrain that Florida's flatlands offer, including the Vortex Freeride area, located in a former limerock quarry. There are no fees required for day-use of the trails, and the campground is great, if you want to stay awhile. Check out the Fat Tire Festival in March.

Submitted By

Mark Eldridge

Photo Source

Mark Eldridge

Trail Length

61 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Silver Comet Trail starts 13 miles northwest of Atlanta at Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna, Georgia. It ends at the Georgia/Alabama state line, near Cedartown and Esom Hill Trailhead. Trailheads can be found at Powder Springs, Rockmart, and Cedartown.

Description and Tips

Thick forests and undisturbed natural scenery abound on Silver Comet Trail, with the added bonus of a smooth trail surface and safe riding. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk Counties. This quiet, non-motorized, paved trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, and dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible. Avoid the mid-summer heat, start early, and bring your lunch. At the Georgia/Alabama state line, Silver Comet connects to the 33-mile long Chief Ladiga Trail. Both Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga are fully paved rail-trails built on abandoned railroad lines. The combined Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga trail length is estimated to be 94.5 paved miles from Smyrna, Georgia, to Anniston, Alabama. For camping, there is a Boondockers Welcome location less than a mile from Powder Springs, and Chief Ladiga Trail Campground in Alabama.

Submitted By

Lori Black, Susan Edmonson

Trail Length

24 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Park next to the visitor center, where you can find trail maps. The trail can be accessed at any point.

Description and Tips

This flat and well-groomed trail circles Jekyll Island, and you'll see the beach, old mansions, and historical sites along your ride. Bike rentals are available near the miniature golf course or at many of the Island's hotels. Stop at Zachry's Riverhouse for lunch.

Submitted By

Diane Pawlowicz

Trail Length

9 miles

Trail Start and End Details

There are three great trails to try in Bogue Chitto State Park: Gorge Run Trail (double track), Bird Dog Trail (single track), and Zephyr Trail (single track).

Description and Tips

Most sections of Gorge Run Trail could be handled on any bike, but the other two are designed for mountain or fat tire bikes. Bird Dog Trail has some great sections for speed, and Zephyr Trail has lots of twists and turns. Both Bird Dog and Zephyr are in the Trailforks app. If you're camping, the Bottomland campground has much prettier spots than the Upland campground, but the Upland area offers sewer connections.

Submitted By

Brian Delfanti

Trail Length

37 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Beginning in Slidell and ending in Covington, “The Trace” travels through five communities along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. There are trailheads in each community.

Description and Tips

Slidell, LaCombe, Mandeville, Abita Springs, and Covington are unique communities rich in Cajun and Creole history. The Northshore, as the area is commonly called, was traditionally a vacation spot for people escaping the oppressive heat of New Orleans. Each town offers playgrounds, rest areas, Saturday farmers markets, and restaurant options. Saturday mornings are special on The Trace, with events and festivals dotting the trails. You'll find crafts, live music, local produce, and Cajun food to help you “carb load” during your ride.

Submitted By

Sandra Bourgeois

Trail Length

20 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail starts just north of Baltimore and continues just over the border into Pennsylvania. The southernmost trailhead and parking area is located just off of York Road (State Route 45) in Cockeysville, Maryland. A larger and more popular parking lot is located just a half-mile farther north along Paper Mill Road. There are numerous other access points and parking areas along the entire route.

Description and Tips

This rails-to-trails route passes through the charming towns of Monkton, Parkton, Falls Overlook, and Bentley Springs, Maryland. Along the route you'll find amenities like picnic tables and benches, drinking fountains, and restrooms. Just off the trail are a small art gallery, an antique shop, and several places to buy food and drinks. Learn more about the trail's history at Monkton Station, which dates back to 1898 and is now used as a visitor center and museum. If you wish to go further, the trail continues past the Maryland/Pennsylvania border as Heritage Rail Trail County Park.

Submitted By

Katie MacFarlane

Photo Source

Katie MacFarlane

Trail Length

29.8 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Neuse River Greenway Trail starts in Clayton, North Carolina, and ends in North Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Army Corp of Engineers Falls Lake Dam.

Description and Tips

This is an uninterrupted greenway path, part of the East Coast Greenway system. The paved trail travels along the Neuse River and offers diverse scenery along the way. Neuse River Greenway Trail connects to other parts of the Capital Area Greenway system, and to parks with bike repair tools, bathrooms, water, and more.

Submitted By

Deanna Brocker

Trail Length

22 miles

Trail Start and End Details

This trail runs north/south through Greenville, South Carolina, from Tate Road south of White Horse Road/CR 59 to Lake Conestee Nature Park. Vehicle parking is available in the municipal lot for the county government buildings.

Description and Tips

This multi-use trail through the city of Greenville follows the Reedy River for sections and connects various parks in the area. The beautiful falls in downtown Greenville are near the downtown portion. Asphalt and boardwalk along the trail are well-maintained. Try a stop to eat at Passerelle Bistro.

Submitted By

Diane Pawlowicz

Trail Length

30 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Start your ride at the pull-off just before the vehicle turnoff to Bald River Falls. You can bike into the Falls and back (15 miles total), or continue on to the small community of Green Cove before returning (30 miles total).

Description and Tips

This is a beautiful ride along Bald River any time of year, suitable for regulars bikes or e-bikes. Green Cove has a nice little store with bathrooms. Bald River Falls is a lovely 90-foot waterfall.

Submitted By

Sam Marcum

Photo Source

Sam Marcum

Trail Length

9.5 miles

Trail Start and End Details

This rails-to-trails path links the towns of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Elizabethton, Tennessee. In Johnson City, park at the Memorial Park Community Center, Cardinal Park, or the Municipal and Safety Building (City Hall). In Elizabethton, park at Elizabethton High School.

Description and Tips

This scenic trail between two towns includes several bridges crossing along the way. The surface is compacted stone, the grade is relatively flat, and the trail is wide, especially for the first five miles out of Johnson City. Benches can be found along the route to stop to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Submitted By

Diane Pawlowicz

Trail Length

10 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Spider Mountain Bike Park is located on the banks of Lake Buchanan, 60 miles northwest of Austin, Texas.

Description and Tips

Grab your bike and explore the only year-round lift-served mountain bike park in the US! A lift will bring you to the top – an elevation of 350 feet – and from there you can make your way back down Spider Mountain via nine trails of varying difficulty, from beginner to expert. While you're in the area, try Bill's Burgers for burgers or El Rancho for Mexican food. Or, eat like an insider by visiting the Thai restaurant in a nearby Shell station, which was named one of Texas’ Top 25 Roadside Eats in Texas Monthly.

Submitted By

John Jackson

Trail Length

20 miles

Trail Start and End Details

The Trailway begins in downtown Mineral Wells, Texas, and continues to just northwest of Weatherford, Texas. There are four trailheads, including one in Lake Mineral Wells State Park.

Description and Tips

This trail follows a reclaimed railroad bed, with a flat grade and winding curves. Most of the trail surface is crushed limestone, with a section of asphalt around Mineral Wells. There are 16 bridges along the length of the trail, including a 500-foot bridge adorned with 104 Lone Stars. The Trailway is especially enjoyable in the spring and fall, as summers in Texas are hot! For a fun day trip, ride the trail from the state park trailhead toward Weatherford, then ride into downtown Weatherford for lunch (adds around 6 miles to the trip).

Submitted By

Sandy Sticken

Trail Length

34.3 miles

Trail Start and End Details

This trail runs from Abingdon, Virginia, to Whitetop, Virginia. The midpoint of the trail is Damascus, Virginia, and this is where most people start or finish their ride. Town Park is another great place to start. There are various other trailheads available.

Description and Tips

The Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the finest rail-to-trail conversions in the country. The majority of the trail goes through scenic national forest land and rural areas. The trail was originally a logging railroad, and many of the original wooden trestle bridges survive along the trail route. The trail parallels rivers as it traverses some of the most beautiful mountains in the area. Spring and summer are popular times to ride the trail, thanks to the canopy of trees providing shade, and fall is also popular when the leaves are changing. If you choose, a shuttle service from Damascus can take you up to Whitetop Station, and from there it is a 17-mile downhill ride back to Damascus. Damascus, the mid-point of the Creeper Trail, is known for being a "trail town" on the Appalachian Trail and is the location for Trail Days, an annual celebration devoted to the Appalachian Trail. (A short section of the Creeper Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail.) There are various places to eat and snack along the trail – try the Creeper Trail Cafe for their world-famous chocolate cake. Abingdon is another great town to visit, with the Barter Theatre for more entertainment. In Meadowview, about ten minutes north of Abingdon by car, have a meal at the farm-to-table Harvest Table restaurant. Find good camping in the Mount Rogers area east of Damascus, at Grayson Highlands State Park, or in a nice city park called Sugar Hollow, south of Abingdon.

Submitted By

Joel Bourquin, Tom Cheney, Jim Emelander, Steve Lafon, Tom McAllister, Barb McCampbell, Jeff Clay

Photo Source

Jim Emelander

Trail Length

52 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Virginia Capital Trail runs from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Richmond, Virginia. The eastern trailhead can be found across the street from the Jamestown Settlement, 2110 Jamestown Road in Williamsburg, and there is a large, free parking lot available. The trail's western end is at Great Shiplock Park in Richmond, where congestion makes it somewhat less RV-friendly.

Description and Tips

52 miles of asphalt greenway through historic Virginia make for easy, scenic cycling. Chickahominy Riverfront Park, a wonderful, well-equipped RV park, is directly adjacent to the trail. From Chickahominy, you can either drive or pedal into colonial Williamsburg. Charles City Courthouse has two restaurants worth the visit: Culs Courthouse Grille and Indian Fields Tavern. If you make it all the way to Richmond, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing offers fine dining directly overlooking the trail and the James River.

Submitted By

Dave Connelly

Photo Source

Dave Connelly

Trail Length

18 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Mount Vernon Trail at George Washington Memorial Parkway starts on the Virginia side at Theodore Roosevelt Island. The trail passes through Old Town, Virginia, and past Regan National Airport, ending at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.

Description and Tips

Mount Vernon Trail is paved, mostly flat but for a hill toward the southern end, and free of vehicles, making for a relaxing ride for any type of bike. Enjoy beautiful views of Washington, DC! Both end points are worth exploring, and Old Town offers many great places to eat.

Submitted By

Mary Kraft

Trail Length

45 miles

Trail Start and End Details

Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Park stretches from Four Mile Run Drive and Shirlington Road in Arlington, Virginia, to 21st Street/SR 690 in Purcellville, Virginia. The W&OD trail has multiple access points with parking areas.

Description and Tips

Formerly the train bed of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, this trail is often called "the skinniest park in Virginia." W&OD Railroad Regional Park is a paved trail that runs through the urban heartland and into the Virginia countryside. While there, check out Beltway Brewing Company, Sweet Signatures, and Adroit Theory Brewing Company.

Submitted By

Jeremiah Ledda

Trail Length

78 miles

Trail Start and End Details

This is an easy and beautiful ride stretching from the town of Caldwell at the south end of the trail, to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park at the north end. To reach the northern trailhead at Cass, take US 219 to State Route 66 East or SR 28 to SR 66 West, and look for the trailhead at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park along SR 66 (Back Mountain Road). To reach the southern trailhead at North Caldwell, take Interstate 64 East and take Exit 175 to US 60 West. Travel 2.7 miles to SR 38 (Stone House Road). If you're coming from I-64 West, take Exit 169 to US 219 North, then travel 0.5 mile to SR 30 (Brush Road). From here, drive another 0.5 mile to SR 38 (Stone House Road).

Description and Tips

One of America's premier rail-trails, Greenbrier River Trail is popular with bicyclists, hikers, walkers, and cross-country skiers. Most of the trail winds through the picturesque countryside found in the river valley along the gorgeous Greenbrier River. You will see many species of interesting wildlife. The mile posts start at the southern end, but the trail can be traveled either way. Starting at the north end begins your trip on a slightly uphill grade and follows the river downstream, winding 20 miles through some of the most scenic and remote wilderness landscapes in West Virginia. There are overnight campsites and many restroom and water facilities scattered along the route, but is mostly a remote trail with few amenities, and your cell phone may not have service at times. The trail features two spectacular tunnels: the 402-foot-long Droop Mountain Tunnel, built in 1900, and Sharps Tunnel, 511 feet long and built in 1899. At mile 15, the trail crosses two old railroad bridges. The only large town you will encounter along the trail is Marlinton, near mile 55. Here you can find some great lunch spots and B&Bs, as well as a trailside information center at the old train station. At the south trailhead, check out Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. At the latter, visit The Greenbriar Resort for a tour of Cold War bunkers that were secretly constructed for federal government officials. Greenbrier River Trail hosts the popular annual Great Greenbrier River Race.

Submitted By

Howard Blauser