The Best Bicycle Paths in Alabama |
Posted: January 17, 2018 |
In recent years, many Alabama residents have begun bicycling or rediscovered their love of bicycling. Riding a bike is a good way to change up your commute and control gas costs – and, as many Alabamians have learned, it’s also a great source of fun and exercise, whether alone or with friends. Although bicyclists in Alabama may use the public roads if they follow traffic rules, many bikers prefer to ride on the state’s many beautiful bike trails. Alabama’s mild winters make bicycling a year-round option in many parts of the state, and many of the state’s bike trails wind through Alabama’s most beautiful natural terrain. Here, we explore some of the best bicycle paths and trails in Alabama. Since every Alabama bicycle trail offers a unique experience, we chose to list these trails alphabetically, instead of ranking them. 1. Chief Ladiga Bike Trail, Weaver, AL Named for the Creek leader who signed the 1832 Cusseta Treaty, the Chief Ladiga Bike Trail takes riders from the Alabama-Georgia border to Weaver on 33 miles of broad, flat, paved pathway. It’s vehicle-free, making it a good choice for families. Since traffic flows in both directions, riders can ride all or simply part of the trail as they choose. The Chief Ladiga Trail is also popular with runners and pedestrians seeking to enjoy exercise without the risks of motor traffic. For an added challenge, take the trail to the Georgia border, where it connects to the Silver Comet Trail. Together, the Chief Ladiga and the Silver Comet offer over 90 miles of paved trail, making this section the longest bicycle trail in the United States. 2. Coldwater Mountain, Anniston, AL The Coldwater Mountain bike trails were installed over the course of several months, bringing the trail to 35 of the 60 miles that are planned for the final project. Options include a one-mile “beginner’s loop” for an easy ride, a nine-mile “intermediate loop” that offers challenges within the natural terrain, and similar features. 3. Colonial Hills (Chapman Mountain), Huntsville, AL A mountain biking trail that has been rated “excellent for training” by the SingleTracks mountain biking community. Steep climbs followed by strong downhills create equal parts challenging exercise and exhilarating experience for beginning and intermediate mountain bikers. 4. DeSoto State Park, Ft. Payne, AL Many Alabama state parks offer outstanding opportunities for both family bicycling and mountain biking, and DeSoto State Park is no exception. In addition to its many miles of paved roads and paths, the park offers a 19-mile dedicated mountain biking path that is perfect for intermediate cyclists. The park offers maps of the trail at several locations, and the layout of the trails themselves allows bicyclists to choose whether they want a leisurely ride through the woods or a real physical challenge. State park campsites and lodges make it easy to turn your ride into a weekend experience. 5. Duck River, Cullman, AL The Duck River trail is an intermediate mountain biking trail with a 10-mile loop. Traffic flows in both directions, allowing riders to change their ride simply by taking the trail in the opposite direction. Natural rock formations add beauty to the site, and the trails are currently under expansion, adding new adventures to the ride. 6. Lakeshore Trail, Birmingham, AL The Lakeshore Trail follows Shades Creek through its floodplain, resulting in a wide, flat, paved path that’s good both for a short ride and for families with young children who are just learning the joy of riding a bicycle. Overhanging trees provide plenty of shade in summer, and a snack bar located at the trailhead offers refreshments before or after a ride. The trail also offers several access points to the creek along its path for fishing or sightseeing. 7. Oak Mountain State Park Bump Trail, Birmingham, AL The Oak Mountain State Park Bump Trail is an 18-mile loop offering singletrack, access road, hiking trail, and special sections. Maintained by the BUMP Club, the trails are used as a training site by the U.S. Olympic mountain biking team – a good indication of their quality. Features like the Rock Garden and Blood Rock add challenge and interest to Oak Mountain’s trails. 8. Railroad Park Family Bike Trail, Birmingham, AL Located in 19-acre Railroad Park, this joint bicycle and pedestrian path winds through a green space that has been dubbed “Birmingham’s Living Room” for its welcoming atmosphere and options for everyone in the family, including grass fields, ponds, a stream, exercise equipment, and several play areas. Spectacular views of the Birmingham skyline add to the beauty of the ride. 9. Sylaward, Sylacauga, AL Sylaward offers 15 miles of “beginner”-rated trails, making it a fun choice for the entire family. The trail offers four separate optional loops, which are marked with signs, mile markers, and colored blazes so help cyclists keep track of where they are. Reviews of the trail praise its layout and condition. For more help finding beautiful bike trails near you, use tools like SingleTracks ’guide to mountain bike trails or Map My Ride, which offers a comprehensive listing of Alabama bicycle paths and trails by location. It also important to remember to always wear a helmet and take other safety precautions in order to minimize risk of getting hurt in a bicycle accident.
|
||||||||||||||||
|