The World's 50 Best Routes for Cycling

Cycling is not only an excellent form of fitness, but also a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, cycling on scenic and well-maintained routes is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and get some fresh air. In this article, we’ll discuss why cycling routes are worth exploring, and guide you on how to find the best cycling routes in your area.

Why You Should Try Cycling Routes

Cycling routes are much more than just a way to get from point A to point B. Here are some reasons why you should explore cycling routes:

Enjoy scenic routes: Cycling routes are often situated in beautiful landscapes and natural settings, making them perfect for those who love to enjoy scenic views.

Challenge yourself: Cycling routes often have variations in terrain, from flat paths to steep inclines, so you can challenge yourself and test your physical limits.

Socialize with fellow cyclists: Cycling routes are a great way to meet other people who share a love for cycling and the outdoors. Joining a cycling club or group can make your rides more enjoyable and social.

Improve your fitness: Cycling routes offer a great cardio workout, increasing your endurance, strength, and overall fitness.

How to Find Great Cycling Routes

Finding the perfect cycling route for your needs and preferences can be challenging, but there are several ways to make your search easier:

Online “Ride finder” tools: National and local cycling organizations often have websites that provide “ride finder” tools where you can search for popular cycling routes in your area. For example, The League of American Bicyclists has a comprehensive database of cycling routes for regions across the United States.

Smartphone Apps: There are several smartphone apps that offer maps of cycling routes, including Google Maps, MapMyRide, and Strava. These apps can help you find new routes, track your workout stats and even record your cycling times.

Ask fellow cyclists: Chances are that other bicycle enthusiasts in your area know about some hidden gems for cycling routes. Ask in online cycling forums or connect with local cycling clubs.

Utilize local resources: Visitors’ centers, tourist information offices and lodging options often have a collection of maps and brochures of the best local cycling routes.

Cycling Routes are waiting for you!

If you’ve never tried cycling on a dedicated bike route, you’re missing out on an excellent opportunity to explore the outdoors, improve your fitness, and meet new people. With the right tools and resources, finding great cycling routes while traveling, or in your own city or town, is relatively easy. So, grab your bike and go explore!

Here I list the 50 best cycling routes, but for reference only：

1. Ruta Nacional 40, Argentina - This 5,000-kilometer route takes you through some of Argentina’s most scenic landscapes, from mountains to deserts.

2. EuroVelo 6, Europe - This 3,653-kilometer route takes you through 10 different European countries, offering stunning views of castles, vineyards, and rivers.

3. Rallarvegen, Norway - This 80-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful Norwegian countryside, with stunning views of fjords and glaciers.

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy - This 50-kilometer route offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast, with challenging climbs and descents.

5. Great Ocean Road, Australia - This 243-kilometer coastal route offers stunning views of the ocean, rainforests, and the Twelve Apostles rock formations.

6. The Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan - This 1,300-kilometer route takes you through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks.

7. Baja Divide, Mexico - This 2,700-kilometer route takes you through the rugged terrain of the Baja peninsula, with stunning views of desert landscapes and the Pacific Ocean.

8. Lofoten Archipelago, Norway - This 230-kilometer route takes you through the stunning archipelago of Lofoten, with its steep mountains and beautiful fishing villages.

9. La Route Verte, Quebec, Canada - This 5,000-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful countryside of Quebec, with stunning views of forests, lakes, and rivers.

10. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA - This 4,400-kilometer route takes you through the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and untouched wilderness.

11. North Sea Cycle Route - This 6,000-kilometer route takes you through eight different countries along the shores of the North Sea, with stunning views of beaches, dunes, and cliffs.

12. Munda Biddi Trail, Australia - This 1,000-kilometer route takes you through the stunning forests of Western Australia, with abundant wildlife and challenging terrain.

13. Cape Town Cycle Tour, South Africa - This 109-kilometer route takes you through some of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, with stunning views of mountains and oceans.

14. Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand - This 150-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful New Zealand countryside, with stunning views of mountains, lakes, and rugged terrain.

15. North Coast 500, Scotland - This 500-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Scottish countryside, with breathtaking views of rugged coastline and historic castles.

16. Ring of Kerry, Ireland - This 179-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful Irish countryside, with stunning views of mountains, lakes, and the rugged Atlantic coastline.

17. Lake Champlain Bikeway, USA/Canada - This 480-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful countryside around Lake Champlain, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

18. The Camino de Santiago, Spain - This 780-kilometer route takes you through the historic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, with stunning views of Spanish countryside and historic landmarks.

19. Coast to Coast, England - This 225-kilometer route takes you through the stunning countryside of England’s Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, with stunning views of hills, valleys, and historic landmarks.

20. The Himalayas, India - This 500-kilometer route takes you through the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayan mountain range, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and traditional Indian villages.

21. The Taff Trail, Wales - This 55-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Welsh countryside, with stunning views of the Brecon Beacons and Cardiff Bay.

22. The Katy Trail, USA - This 368-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Missouri countryside, with stunning views of the Missouri River and scenic farmland.

23. The TransAmerica Trail, USA - This 6,800-kilometer route takes you through some of America’s most beautiful natural landscapes, from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.

24. The Danube Bike Trail, Europe - This 1,800-kilometer route takes you along the Danube River, with stunning views of historic landmarks, vineyards, and riverside towns in 10 different countries.

25. The Hanseatic Route, Germany - This 500-kilometer route takes you through the stunning countryside of northern Germany, with scenic views of lakes, forests, and historic towns.

26. The Alpe Adria Cycle Path, Austria - This 410-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Austrian Alps, with breathtaking mountain views and charming alpine towns.

27. The Mawson Trail, Australia - This 900-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Outback of South Australia, with dramatic scenery and challenging terrain.

28. The Iron Curtain Trail, Europe - This 10,400-kilometer route takes you along the former Iron Curtain that divided Europe, with stunning views of historic landmarks, scenic countryside, and cultural attractions.

29. The Rhine Cycle Route, Europe - This 1,233-kilometer route takes you along the Rhine River, with stunning views of castles, vineyards, and riverside towns in six different countries.

30. The Bloomington Rail Trail, USA - This 16-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful Indiana countryside, with scenic views of forests, creeks, and fields.

31. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail, USA - This 1,454-kilometer route takes you along the Great Lakes, with stunning views of lakes, forests, and historic landmarks in New York and Pennsylvania.

32. The Garden Route, South Africa - This 370-kilometer route takes you through stunning coastal landscapes, forests, and beaches in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.

33. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland - This 2,500-kilometer route takes you along the rugged Irish coastline, with stunning views of cliffs, beaches, and historic landmarks.

34. The Lochs and Glens Cycle Route, Scotland - This 215-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Scottish Highlands, with scenic views of lochs, forests, and mountains.

35. The Natchez Trace Parkway, USA - This 444-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, with stunning views of historic landmarks and natural landscapes.

36. The Avenue Verte, France/England - This 406-kilometer route takes you from Paris to London, with stunning views of scenic countryside, historic landmarks, and picturesque villages.

37. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, USA - This 56-kilometer route takes you through the stunning landscapes of Cape Cod, with scenic views of beaches, forests, and historic landmarks.

38. The Elbe River Trail, Europe - This 1,234-kilometer route takes you along the Elbe River, with stunning views of historic landmarks, scenic countryside, and cultural attractions in Germany and the Czech Republic.

39. The Northern Ireland Coast, UK - This 120-kilometer route takes you along the rugged Northern Ireland coastline, with stunning views of beaches, cliffs, and historic landmarks.

40. The Wachau Valley, Austria - This 80-kilometer route takes you through the picturesque Wachau Valley, with stunning views of vineyards, castles, and the Danube River.

41. The Ecuador Andes, Ecuador - This 360-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Andes Mountains of Ecuador, with breathtaking mountain views and traditional Andean villages.

42. The Rallarrosa Trail, Finland - This 70-kilometer route takes you through the stunning Finnish Lapland region, with scenic views of forests, lakes, and hills.

43. The Loch Ness 360, Scotland - This 80-kilometer route takes you around the stunning Loch Ness, with scenic views of forests, hills, and the famous Loch Ness monster!

44. The Okanagan Rail Trail, Canada - This 49-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, with stunning views of mountains, vineyards, and lakes.

45. The Mississippi River Trail, USA - This 3,000-kilometer route takes you along the Mississippi River, with stunning views of historic landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural attractions in 10 different states.

46. The Cotswold Line, England - This 130-kilometer route takes you through the rolling hills and stunning landscapes of the Cotswolds, with picturesque villages and historic landmarks.

47. The Costa Brava, Spain - This 200-kilometer route takes you along the stunning coastline of the Costa Brava, with scenic views of beaches, coves, and historic landmarks.

48. The Tarka Trail, England - This 180-kilometer route takes you through the beautiful landscapes and historic landmarks of Devon, with scenic views of rivers, moors, and farmland.

49. The Route des Grandes Alpes, France - This 700-kilometer route takes you through some of the most stunning mountain landscapes of the French Alps, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and quaint mountain towns.

50. The Garden of Eden Trail, Malaysia - This 120-kilometer route takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Langkawi archipelago, with scenic views of rainforests, beaches, and traditional fishing villages.

Of course, there are more cycling routes, here are only some of the cycling routes listed, welcome friends to recommend, I wish you a good cycling trip