Top National Parks for Road Cycling | The National Parks Experience Adventures

Have you always wanted to ascend an epic mountain pass? Or circumnavigate a volcano rim? Maybe ride across a desert or along a historic trail? Perhaps even share the road with iconic wildlife?

Luckily, you can find all that asphaltic amusement in the following best national parks for road cycling.

National parks are arguably the best destinations for an adventure holiday, offering a wide range of potential activities. From rock climbing and waterfall chasing to hiking and scenic national park drives, there are myriad ways to explore these epic landscapes.

Cycling in national parks, however, is typically one of the best ways to fully experience a park (after hiking, of course, which will always be my personal favorite activity).

It’s so much better than just driving around in a car, locked behind closed doors and windows, not being able to feel the wind or smell the landscape.

Music probably blaring through your speakers, there’s no way for you to hear the songs of birds or the buzzing of insects, the lapping of water or the claps of thunder in the distance.

Small or large, subdued or intense, quiet or loud, these are all intricate aspects and details of a national park’s character. And it’s vital to allow yourself to experience them with all your senses

Your national parks adventures will be so much better, more memorable, because of it.

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15 Best National Parks for Road Cycling

While some parks are completely unsuitable to be explored on two wheels, others lend themselves perfectly to cycling.

There are no fewer than fifteen amazing national parks for cycling in the USA, all of them home to a beautiful, paved scenic road (sometimes more than one) and various natural and/or historical highlights.

From wildlife and waterfalls to panoramic views, it’s those superb national park roads for cycling that set these parks apart from the rest.

Note that cycling rules might be a bit more strict in national parks than they are in cities.

As pointed out by National Geographic, you’re usually expected to wear a helmet en bright clothing, ride with traffic and in single file. Also, pay extra attention to dangers on the road, which can range from ice and sand to crossing wildlife.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Stretched out along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a refuge for wildlife, plants and people in a region characterized by farmlands and historic towns.

In fact, almost all of the park is reclaimed farmland, a testimony to what’s possible if people return the land to nature. Now, Shenandoah is home to one of the densest black bear populations in the USA, for example.

Along Skyline Drive, the park’s only public road, you’ll find no fewer than 75 scenic overlooks along with numerous trailheads and several accommodation options, from historic lodges to campgrounds.

Where? 105-mile (169-kilometer) Skyline Drive
When? Spring through fall is gorgeous
Where to stay? Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge

Acadia National Park, Maine

Fall foliage on the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is the only national park in New England, a coastal park featuring everything from beaches to lakes to granite mountains. It encompasses most of Mount Desert Island as well several smaller islands.

Exceptionally accessible, situated just outside of the popular town of Bar Harbor, Acadia is a wonderful place for scenic driving, cycling and hiking.

The Park Loop Road winds its way through the park’s main area on Mount Desert Island and is accessible to both bicycles and cars.

In fact, it’s one of the most scenic national park roads for cycling in the U.S., particularly stunning in the fall. When biking the Park Loop Road, the side trip to the summit of Cadillac Mountain is highly recommended.

However, because of the often-heavy car traffic, you might want to take your bike onto the park’s network of carriage roads. These historic gravel and crushed rock roads are excellent for cycling, walking and horseback riding.

Where? 27-mile (43.5-kilometer) Park Loop Road and the many historic carriage roads
When? Summer’s incredibly busy, so late-spring and early-fall is best
Where to stay? Campgrounds in the park or accommodation in Bar Harbor

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake with its phenomenal Rim Drive is one of the best national parks for road cycling. Fed by snow and rain, this is the deepest lake in the USA and among the most pristine in the entire world.

This collapsed volcanic peak is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in the country, a must-visit destination for any nature lover.

One of Crater Lake’s main attractions, the Rim Drive encircles the entire caldera, offering sensational views along the way. There are a number of overlooks and trailheads from which you can take in the scenery from up close. Cycling in national parks really doesn’t get much better than this.

Where? 33-mile (55-kilometer) Rim Drive
When? Summer has the best weather
Where to stay? Crater Lake Lodge

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Ohio & Eerie Canal Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Best Roads for Cycling in National Parks in America

Basically an urban national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is squeezed between the cities of Akron and Cleveland in northeastern Ohio. It protects both banks of the Cuyahoga River as it snakes its way to its mouth in Lake Erie.

Surrounded by highways and interstates, it’s definitely an unlikely national park. Yet, it does deserve its designation, home to everything from old villages and a historic railroad to marshes and waterfalls.

For cyclists, the park’s most interesting feature is the multi-purpose Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This is such an iconic feature in the park a casual bike ride is almost mandatory for any visitor.

Consider combining a bike ride with a journey on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. You can, for example, bike down the entire trail and simply catch the historic train back up.

Where? Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail
When? Spring and fall are most beautiful, respectively boasting wildflowers and vibrant fall foliage
Where to stay? Stanford House or a hotel in Cleveland or Akron

Glacier National Park, Montana

Sunrise on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

The spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park is one of the best places for road cycling in national parks. Note that you’ll be sharing this popular road with cars and RVs, so wearing bright clothing for increased visibility is a good idea.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park is home to more than 130 lakes (with a name), and many hundreds of plant and animal species, including grizzly bears, wolverines, moose and mountain goats. Its pristine, unspoiled ecosystem is called the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem” and is traversed by over 700 miles of hiking trails.

Not surprisingly, it’s one of the best national parks for wildlife watching in America, too.

Where? 50-mile (80-kilometer) Going-to-the-Sun Road
When? Summer is only time of year when both the major roads and facilities are open
Where to stay? Many Glacier Hotel

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Named after some of the most iconic desert plants in California, Joshua Tree National Park is one of my all-time favorite national parks. There’s just so much to do here, from bouldering to hiking to horseback riding and cycling.

If you’re looking to explore the park on two wheels, there’s one road for you—Park Boulevard.

This basically flat road runs between the North and West Entrance Stations in the northwestern part of the park, which happens to be where most of the Joshua trees are located. The road runs past many popular campgrounds and trailheads, such as Hidden Valley and Barker Dam.

Where? Park Boulevard
When? Spring has comfy temperatures and blooming wildflowers
Where to stay? Jumbo Rocks Campground or accommodation in Twentynine Palms

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Providing a protected refuge to thousands and thousands of towering saguaro cacti, Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona is a relatively less-known, yet ever-so important park.

True symbols of the American West, saguaros only live in the Sonoran Desert, which makes them vulnerable to urbanization and industrialization.

In the park, you can hike, bike and drive through saguaro forests, getting a true sense of the mysticism associated with these majestic desert plants.

The park’s Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive in the Rincon Mountain District may not be one of the longest roads for cycling in national parks, but it’s certainly rewarding.

Where? 8-mile (13-kilometer) Cactus Forest Scenic Loop Drive
When? Spring has the most comfortable weather
Where to stay? Gilbert Ray Campground or a hotel in Tucson

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

A wildlife and biodiversity wonderland, North Dakota’s only national park is home to American bison and wild mustangs (horses), elk and bighorn sheep, mountain lions and coyotes, and numerous other species.

Protecting a landscape of lush badlands and endlessly rolling prairie, it’s the American West at its most iconic.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park consists of three separate units, but the best one for wildlife watching and cycling is the South Unit. Explore the area on the Scenic Loop Drive that winds through hills and valleys, past overlooks and trailheads.

Keep your binoculars close and watch for bison and wild horses, sightings of which are almost guaranteed.

Where? 36-mile (58-kilometer) Scenic Loop Drive
When? For the best weather conditions, visit in summer
Where to stay? Medora

Arches National Park, Utah

Home to a higher concentration of natural rock arches than any other place in the world, Utah’s Arches National Park is one of those iconic Utah national parks.

Located just outside the adventure town of Moab and adjacent to Canyonlands National Park (incidentally one of the world’s greatest destinations for mountain biking), this is one of the best national parks for road cycling.

The reason for that is the scenic Arches Park Road, which cuts through the heart of the park, from the visitor center all the way to Devils Garden.

This is the park’s only public road, passing by virtually all main Arches National Park attractions.

Where? 18-mile (29-kilometer) Arches Park Road
When? Spring and fall have the most pleasant temperatures
Where to stay? Moab

Redwood National Park, California

Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway Car Redwood National & State Parks, California

Redwood National Park and State Parks is one of the greatest national parks for road cycling as well as mountain biking. In very few other places on earth can you cycle underneath towering redwoods, some of the tallest trees on the planet.

Bicycles are permitted on all park roads that are open to vehicles, including both forest and coastal roads. It is recommended, however, to check the park website for up-to-date information on road conditions.

A suggested scenic road is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which passes through the heart of an ancient redwood forest and is one of the Redwood parks’ top attractions.

Where? 10-mile (16-kilometer) Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
When? Late-spring through early-fall
Where to stay? Crescent City, Klamath or Orick

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Offering sweeping mountains, peace and solitude in spruce and fir forests, and occasional sightings of elk, moose and bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the wildest national parks in the USA.

It’s a magnificent natural wonderland, a high-altitude paradise where both humans and wildlife share resources and space.

One of the highlights of Rocky Mountain National Park is Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in all of North America, located just outside of Denver.

Crossing wildflower-covered meadows and thick pine and aspen forests, this is one of the most delightful, as well as challenging, national park roads for cycling.

Where? 48-mile (77-kilometer) Trail Ridge Road
When? Summer gets busy, but it’s the only season when Trail Ridge Road is continuously open; early-fall has glorious fall foliage
Where to stay? Estes Park

Death Valley National Park, California

The driest and hottest place in North America, Death Valley National Park might not seem an ideal cycling destination at first sight. However, when you visit in spring (or fall), you will find the temperatures to be ideal for both cycling and hiking during the day and camping at night.

By the way, Death Valley is also one of the greatest American national parks for stargazing.

There are numerous roads that crisscross this vast national park, the largest one in the contiguous United States, but the best one for cycling is California Highway 190.

It’s one of California’s greatest highways, passing by many Death Valley highlights, such as the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View.

Where? California Highway 190
When? Spring and fall have warm weather, while summers are unbearably hot
Where to stay? Stovepipe Wells or Furnace Creek

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park

One of America’s most spectacular parks, Grand Teton National Park encompasses the towering Teton Range and Jackson Hole with its lakes, rivers and grasslands. The park’s home to a huge amount of wildlife, including megafauna like American bison, elk, wolves and grizzly bears.

Because the Tetons rise up straight out of the valley floor, it offers some of the easiest cycling along a massive mountain range in the country. There are no foothills here and the peaks rise more than 6,000 feet right besides you. It’s majestic cycling.

Cycling is allowed on all paved roads in Grand Teton National Park, including the popular Teton Park Road.

On top of that, there’s also a designated multi-use pathway between Jackson and Jenny Lake, open to only non-motorized traffic. This makes it super-easy and enjoyable to explore Grand Teton by bike.

Wildlife sightings are very common on the Teton Park Road, so make sure to keep your distance. You must stay at least 100 yards from wolves and bears, and 25 yards from all other animals like bison, moose and elk.

You can find much more information about Grand Teton National Park road cycling on the park website.

Where? The Multi-Use Pathway between Jackson and South Jenny Lake, plus the 7-mile (11.3-kilometer) Jenny Lake Scenic Loop
When? May, June or September (to avoid summer crowds)
Where to stay? Jackson

Everglades National Park, Florida

Although it’s known best for its boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, Everglades National Park is also a great park to explore on two wheels.

In fact, there are no fewer than five designated biking trails in the Everglades. Situated just west of Miami at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula, this park consists of vast areas of wetlands, mangroves, rivers and woodlands.

Thanks to a virtually flat topography, biking in Everglades National Park is as easy as it gets.

Of those five Everglades bicycle paths, the Shark Valley Tram Road is considered the best. It’s also the longest, a 15-mile roundtrip. Starting from the Shark Valley Visitor Center, it runs to the Shark Valley Observation Tower, which is the park’s highest point and offers amazing panoramic views of the “River of Grass.”

Along the way, you have excellent chances of seeing a variety of wildlife, including the Everglades’ famous birds, but also turtles, snakes and alligators.

Where? 15-mile (24-kilometer) Shark Valley Trail
When? Late-fall to early-spring
Where to stay? Miami

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Image credit NPS Victoria Stauffenberg — *Image credit: NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg*

Road cycling in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is permitted on most roads in the park.

However, because of narrow sections, steep terrain and lots of vehicle traffic—Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited national park in America—enjoyable and safe cycling is only possible on a limited number of roads.

The best areas for cycling in the Great Smokies is Cades Cove, home to a popular 11-mile loop road running past 19^th-century homesteads and offering amazing wildlife watching opportunities.

What’s more, the Cades Cove Loop Road is actually closed to motorized traffic on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (until 10 a.m.) from early-May to late-September. This is done specifically to allow pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy one of the park’s most scenic areas.

When you consider the fact that, in summer and fall, you can rent bikes at the Cades Cove Campground store, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best national parks for road cycling in America.

Where? 11-mile (17.7-kilometer) Cades Cove Loop Road
When? Anytime from May to October; late-September and October feature spectacular fall foliage
Where to stay? Cades Cove Campground or accommodation in Gatlinburg

Best USA National Parks for Road Cycling