While the state’s own century ride from Morganton to Asheville (Fonta Flora Trail) is still in the planning phase, put tar heels to pedals on this wide track in Johnston County (JoCo in local vernacular) instead. It travels for four miles along the Neuse River’s edge until crossing over it. It’s free of motorized vehicles except for occasional patrol aboard ATVs, but you’ll have to share the road with dogs and butterflies.
Bike Ride
euqreuqublThe Paseo del Bosque Trail is a shady 16-mile corridor that follows the languid Rio Grande west of downtown. Don’t pass up a visit along the way to the Rio Grande Botanical Garden, a 20-acre desert oasis that includes a butterfly pavilion and is bordered by the world’s largest cottonwood gallery.a
Views of the beautiful bay and San Diego skyline makes this palm tree-lined path one of the most memorable in county. The trail ties a handful of communities, including National City, Chula Vista and Coronado, as well as several wildlife preserves. Look up every once in a while to spot birds crossing the Pacific Flyway, a major avian highway that runs from Alaska to Patagonia!
PROVO RIVER PARKWAY, PROVO, UT (15 miles) Meander along the Provo River in Utah Lake State Park to the mouth of Provo Canyon on this path that picks up a slight gradual incline. Some short, steep climbs make it challenging at times, but its well-worth it. The reward: Bridal Veil Falls. The rushing water, which drops 600+ feet through a double cascade, is the perfect escape.
IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL, CONCORD, CA (24.5 miles) Stretching two counties and 12 cities along I-680 (from Concord to Dublin), this trail is the ultimate connector – and a beautiful ride, to boot. With multiple access points to each town’s commercial districts, you’ve got your pick of rest stops for a coffee, bathroom break or bench to kick up your cleats. You can even tee up at the San Ramon Golf Club – the path slices through the green before reaching Dublin
SPRINGWATER CORRIDOR, PORTLAND TO BORING, ORnaltro (40 miles) Portland is synonymous with biking thanks to trails like this one, which runs through the city along the Willamette River and over the famous, double-lift Steel Bridge (a boat, train, cars, runners and cyclists can simultaneously cross above or under it) to the town of Boring. This loop, which may eventually link to the Pacific Crest Trail, ends in Boring, however, it’s anything butp
SAMMAMISH RIVER TRAIL, REDMOND, WA (11 miles) The Sammamish connects to the northeastern terminus of Seatttle’s popular Burke-Gilman trail (make a left at the fork after crossing 96th NE). The scenic 11-mile Sammamish, continues past the wineries in Woodinville to Redmond and the popular Redhook Brewery. Info: