From Rails to Trails: The Best Bicycling Routes in the South
Take the scenic route, from Texas flatlands to Florida cypress trees, on these transformed tracks
Explore the New River Trail State Park and other parts of the South you never knew existed by following these rail-to-trail bike paths. Photo credit: Geoff Johnson
If you’ve spent too much time behind the cloudy windows of rental cars and cabs, looking out as your vacation destinations speed by, it’s time to find some new wheels. Across the country, former railways are being transformed into scenic rail trails that are perfect for bike trips. And these paths come with much better views than the inside of a car—taking you through rolling fields, across rivers and streams and past rugged mountain ranges. Here’s a guide to the best bike trails in the South.
Hit the hills along New River: Roanoke, Virginia
Once bustling with rail activity, Roanoke is now home to many scenic rail trails for bikers, joggers and inline skaters. About an hour southwest of Roanoke sits the trailhead of New River Trail State Park, one of the top rail trails in the U.S. The 57.7-mile park follows the abandoned Norfolk Southern Railroad along the banks of the New River and rolls through the valleys and mountains of southwestern Virginia. Though relatively paved, the trail is better for mountain or hybrid bikes, and it passes fun railroad highlights like tunnels, dams and trestle bridges.
Follow the tracks of the Tennessee Central Railway: Nashville, Tennessee
Cross this bridge when you come to it on the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail.
Head 25 miles northwest of downtown Nashville to get to the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, a 6.7-mile path along the old Tennessee Central Railway. The short ride takes bikers across wetlands and bluffs along the Cumberland River. The trail consists of two segments: The first 4 miles is a paved trail great for road bikes; the second segment is made of compacted gravel and is only suitable for mountain bikes. For a complete road-biking rail trail, head up Interstate 24 to the 4.6-mile Clarksville Greenway, which follows an abandoned rail bed north of Clarksville.
See much more than Spanish moss: Savannah, Georgia
Enjoy views of the Savannah River as you journey along the McQueen’s Island Trail. Photo credit: Traillink.com
Built along the Savannah & Atlantic Railroad line, the 5.6-mile McQueen's Island Trail follows the south channel of the Savannah River, where fresh water and saltwater mix. Breathe in the salty air as you pass marshes and cabbage palm trees. The scenic trail is also home to native wildlife, including alligators and red-tailed hawks; you may even spot dolphins in the river. Stop by Tybee Island, a few miles east, to see Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, which was built in 1732.
Ride in and out of city limits: Durham, North Carolina
The 22.2-mile American Tobacco Trail starts in Durham and travels through three counties. The trail follows the former New Hope Valley Railroad corridor through countless pine trees, across two creeks and over Interstate 40. The northern part of the trail starts in the heart of downtown near the Durham Bulls’ baseball stadium, while the southern stretch passes rural terrain where you can spot birds, deer and turtles.
Cycle from farm to city: Tampa, Florida
Set off into Tampa’s urban jungle by biking the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. Photo credit: Traillink.com
Stay close to the city on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, the area’s best urban path. The scenic route runs through the suburban Citrus Park neighborhood on an unused railroad corridor and extends along the west bank of the Channel A waterway. Along the 7.3-mile trip, you’ll pass rural landscapes and grazing cattle, suburban homes and local eateries. For a longer ride, try the Withlacoochee State Trail. This 46-mile trail passes local parks and murals and goes through five small cities, making for a great day trip.
Burn off barbecue calories: Austin, Texas
The 7.3-mile Southern Walnut Creek Trail in East Austin winds through flatlands and soft hills, crossing five bridges through quiet suburban communities. The entire path is concrete and 10 feet wide, so road bikes and hybrid bikes will have an easy ride. For a trip closer to the city, try the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, a 4.6-mile trail that runs alongside residential areas and downtown developments.
Ready to ride? Find a hotel near these trails in Roanoke, Nashville, Savannah, Durham, Tampa, Austin.
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