LifestyleTravel Guides

Bicycle, Bicycle! Mountain Bike Trails to Check Out

Man on bicycle

A few things about mountain biking: The first recorded use of a mountain bike – which is a regular bike adapted to ride over rougher terrain, was in Yellowstone in the late 1800s. Also, it doesn’t necessarily involve biking a mountain, but again, riding over a more rough terrain than standard bike rides. Anyone who has command of a bicycle and core strength can mountain bike. We provided some “wheelly” good trails for you to check out as you camp near these locations.

California: Atascadero Creek Trail (Obern Trail)

This 3.5 mile asphalt trail starts in Goleta Beach State Park and runs to the center of Santa Barbara. Watch for the small wildlife that will often share the trail with you. Goleta Beach State Park is less than 30 minutes from Rancho Oso RV Campground.

Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort

California: Mission Bay, San Diego

Enjoy 12 miles of flat, scenic bike paths along the Bay with opportunities for bird watching, shopping, and bites to eat. Stay at Pio Pico RV Campground in Jamul to enjoy this trail.

Arizona: Bell Rock Pathway/Sedona

This is an easy ride on a 3.7 mile hard dirt trail set among the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. The scenery is amazing. Verde Valley RV Campground is the ideal location to enjoy this adventure.

Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort

Kentucky:  Big Hollow Trail/Mammoth Cave National Park

Experience the above-ground wonders of Mammoth Cave National Park on this wide, 8-mile long trail featuring stream crossings and rock outcroppings. Make camp at Diamond Caverns RV Campground.

Ohio: Western Reserve Greenway Trail

While the trail itself spans 43 miles, you can choose to ride whatever distance you are up to. Enjoy views of the wetlands, bridge crossings, and wildlife including red-tailed hawks and the rare bald eagle.  Kenisee Lake RV Campground is nearby to the Ashtabula trailhead.

Kenisee Lake RV Campground

Oregon: Seaside Promenade

Take a smooth ride all the way to the Seaside Aquarium along this 1.5 mile paved promenade that promises some pretty cool beach view as well. Hop on and off the bike and enjoy the shops and restaurants dotting the promenade. Seaside RV Campground is the perfect place to park and stay after (or before) your ride.

Pennsylvania: Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail

Conveniently located to both the Hershey RV Campground and PA Dutch RV campground, this 14.5 mile trail takes you through Pennsylvania Dutch Country via farmlands and forest. Don’t miss the charming town of Mt. Gretna and its fabulous ice cream offerings at The Jigger Shop, a century-old landmark.

Hershey RV & Camping Resort – Lebanon, PA

Massachusetts: Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a paved 22-mile route that runs from South Dennis to Wellfleet. Riders can expect to glimpse ocean views, cranberry bogs, dunes and marshes. It starts at the South Dennis trailhead parking area which is less an hour’s drive from Gateway to Cape Cod RV Campground.

Washington: Willapa Hills State Park Trail

Minutes from downtown Chehalis, this trail is a perfect country ride that promises views of Mt. Rainier. Chehalis RV Campground is obviously the best place to make camp while riding here.

Chehalis RV Campground (WA): Log hopping. — Amie Diess

Anywhere you choose to make camp, you’ll find a trail. Just check out www.traillink.com to find bike trails near your camp. Visit ThousandTrails.com now to make your reservations and get ready to ride!

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