The following article presents the best bike trails in the Midwest, featuring a variety of landscapes and difficulty levels to cater to different cycling preferences and abilities.
Iowa: High Trestle Trail
The High Trestle Trail in Iowa offers stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley, featuring 41 steel frames that create a 'whirlwind' effect as they ascend and descend the bridge. The trail extends between Ankeny and Woodward and includes numerous wildlife species, scenic viewpoints, and a unique artistic display of light and colors at night.
Illinois: Chicago's Lakefront Trail
The Chicago Lakefront Trail spans 18 miles from north to south, connecting parks, beaches, and gardens in Chicago. The trail is popular with tourists and includes attractions such as Buckingham Fountain and Soldier Field. The crushed limestone path provides a pleasant riding experience and offers views of Lake Superior.
North Dakota: The Maah Daah Hey Trail
The Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota offers breathtaking views of the Little Missouri National Grasslands during its 144-mile route. The trail's northern point is located near Watford City, about 180 miles northwest of Bismarck. The challenging terrain provides opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and spotting wildlife.
Missouri: Katy Trail State Park
The Katy Trail State Park in Missouri stretches 240 miles through the heart of Missouri, featuring diverse landscapes such as fields, forests, rivers, and towns. The crushed limestone path maintains a relaxed pace for riders, allowing ample time to enjoy the natural environment, flora, and fauna. The trail eventually connects to three other trails, adding more options for extensions.
Michigan: The Little Traverse Wheelway
The Little Traverse Wheelway in Michigan presents stunning scenery as it connects the charming towns of Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. The 26-mile trail offers a peaceful ride alongside Lake Michigan, with the occasional sandy beach stop at Petoskey State Park or a view of cherry orchards in Traverse City. The trail offers a mix of tranquil rural areas and busy urban centers.
Minnesota: Root River Trail
The Root River Trail in Minnesota spans 60 miles and winds through nine communities, with Lanesboro as its core. The mostly flat and paved trail is a great opportunity for wildlife watching, scenic farmhouses, and river overlooks. The trail is a vital connection between small towns and offers a variety of landscapes.
South Dakota: The George S. Mickelson Trail
The George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota takes cyclists through tunnels, over trestles, and through the breathtaking landscape of the Black Hills. The 109-mile route follows a former rail bed, offering panoramic views of the mountains, forests, and local wildlife. The trail offers several trailheads for side trips and additional adventures.
Iowa: Trout Run Trail
The Trout Run Trail in Iowa is named for the trout hatchery it passes through and features sculptures and a 7-foot-long mosaic. The 11-mile loop in Decorah offers a serene riding experience at night under colorful LED lights. The trail also winds through the Amish Country, a pristine area of rolling hills, lush fields, and vibrant wooden bridges.
Nebraska: The Cowboy Trail
The Cowboy Trail in Nebraska is lined with remnants of the old ranch era, including ghost towns, weathered mileposts, depots, and a gristmill. The 321-mile route connects several quaint Nebraska towns and follows the once-popular Cowboy Line through farmland, livestock ranges, and canyons. The trail provides breathtaking views of the Niobrara River at high altitudes.
Michigan: Kal-Haven Trail
The Kal-Haven Trail in Michigan stretches 34 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven, features a romantic atmosphere with picturesque small towns, orchards, and covered bridges. The trail follows the former rail bed of the Detroit and Mackinac Railway and offers a mix of quiet residential sections and bustling urban environments.
Indiana: Monon Rail Trail
The Monon Rail Trail in Indiana extends 26 miles north of Indianapolis and offers a picturesque route through residential neighborhoods, parks, and dozens of restaurants along the way. The trail provides a variety of terrains and experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, from tranquil rural areas to bustling city centers.
Wisconsin: Elroy-Sparta State Trail
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin weaves through woodlands, wetlands, farms, and fields, with silos and farmhouses blending into the background. The route begins near Madison and offers multiday adventures ranging from 100 miles to more challenging routes. Three old tunnels add to the adventurous experience of this scenic trail.
Indiana: Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail in Indiana is named for its many twists and turns and takes in tidy farms, rustic wooden bridges, and the babbling creek of Amish Country. The 26-mile trail offers a tranquil riding experience in the Elkhart, Middlebury, Goshen, and Shipshewana areas, with a mix of straightaways and curves for all skill levels., the Midwestern bike trails offers a range of landscapes, difficulty levels, and wildlife experiences, catering to various preferences and abilities. Whether you're an avid road cyclist, a beginner in search of gentle terrain, or a mountain biking enthusiast, the Midwest has something for everyone.
The post appears to contain a list of great Midwestern bike trails.