The Best Urban Bike Paths
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Ladybird Hike & Bike trail
- Location: Austin
- Distance: 10 mile loop
- Attractions: Barton springs, Zilker park, Austin American-Statesman’s Bat Observation Center, downtown
This popular jogging and biking destination offers wonderful views of beautiful Ladybird lake and the Austin skyline. It was the first thing and the best thing I did on my first trip to Austin. It’s definitely the best place for exercise of any sort within the Austin city limits. The loop is 10 miles long so you can get in a nice long weekend ride or run. Be prepared for heavy traffic most weekends. The path is lush and green with many trees lining the course and parks along the way. A beautiful place to exercise anytime of the year. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee on the lakeside patio at Mozart’s Roasters, conveniently located along the route.
More pics from the Hike & Bike trail
Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway
- Location: Cleveland
- Distance: 17 miles
- Attractions: Edgewater Beach, Downtown, Rock n’roll Hall of Fame
This scenic bike trail follows the course of Lake Erie for 17 miles. It’s definitely the best place in Cleveland to enjoy the outdoors. The best portion of this bikeway travels through gorgeous Edgewater State park on the shores of Lake Erie. Here you will take in fabulous views of the Cleveland skyline and have access to many amenities including beaches and gorgeous leafy parks. One of the famous Cleveland script signs is also located here. One of the benefits of beginning your ride at Edgewater Park is the huge no-hassle free parking lot. This is my favorite place to spend a summer day in Cleveland!
A map on more info on the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway
Minuteman Bikeway
- Location: Greater Boston metro
- Distance: 11 miles
- Attractions: Lexington Center (“birthplace of American Liberty”), Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge, Arlington historic district, Charles River
This wonderful commuter trail connects the historic towns of: Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, and Cambridge. While many use this trail as a convenient means of transport, it also makes for one scenic ride. During the fall season, almost the entirety of the trail is lined with vivid orange, yellow, and red foliage. Both weather and scenery wise, fall is the way to go. Best leaf peeping I’ve experienced in Massachusetts. The path is mostly flat and paved leading to easy riding conditions for casual bike rides, jogs, and walks. There are numerous historic sights of interest along the route including the area where the American Revolution began in April 1775.
Pics of the incredible foliage along the Minuteman
Swamp Rabbit bike trail
- Location: Greenville, South Carolina
- Distance: 28 miles
- Attractions: Downtown Greenville, Falls Park, historic Traveler’s Rest, Cleveland Park
This beautiful bike trail travels 28 miles through Greenville, the hub of Upstate South Carolina. The paved trail is bustling each weekend with joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, and families. During my time living in Greenville, this was my go-to spot for a workout any spring or summer weekend. The best place to start your ride is near the Swamp Rabbit Cafe, a local co-op and coffeehouse which serves excellent homemade pastries. From here, continue on a mostly flat and fast course to downtown Greenville, today one of the hottest cities in the South. Take a break explore the foodie city and relax at beautiful Falls park – the shining centerpiece of Main Street.
A map/more info on the Swamp Rabbit trail
Boise Greenbelt
- Location: Boise
- Distance: 25 miles out-and-back
- Attractions: Zoo Boise, Julia Davis Park, Anne Frank memorial
This beautiful trail has been the most popular city recreation spot for over 50 years. It’s my favorite thing to do when visiting the city. The path follows the course of the Boise River for a picturesque 25 mile course. Meandering through beautiful forests for much of the journey, wildlife and bird sighting are frequent. A portion of the path also ventures into the heart of the city. Here you can enjoy many of the city’s best attractions including Zoo Boise. Featuring gorgeous mountain vistas, tranquil views of the river, easy access to parks and city amenities, and vivid fall foliage, it’s the gem of Boise.
A map and more info on the Greenbelt
Marvin Braude “The Strand”
- Location: South Bay beach towns
- Distance: 22 miles
- Attractions: Santa Monica Beach & pier, End of Rt 66 museum, Venice beach, Muscle Beach
SoCal’s most lively, beautiful, and active bike path travels past the various L.A. beach towns. This 22 mile path is flat, fast, scenic, and fun. Along the Marvin Braude trail, aka “The Strand,” you will have numerous opportunities to check out some of L.A.’s most iconic attractions including: Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and the historic Manhattan Beach Pier. It’s a great way to get in some fresh air and vitamin D, a healthy workout, and most of all sightsee and have a great time in beautiful Southern California! The ride starts in Torrance and ends in Pacific Palisades at Will Rogers Bach (where Baywatch filmed). While living in nearby Long Beach, I took on ride on this trail at least a few times per month. I really loved the scenery, beachy vibe, and the great workout!
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