Healthy Outdoor Living

Great places to camp and bike


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More from Outdoor Living Newsletter September Outdoor Living Newsletter
 

Visiting a new destination is fun and exciting - you see new sights and have unique experiences exploring a new found town, city or National Park. To really get the feel of a new place, it's always a good idea to get out of your RV and have a more in depth view of all there is to see. One of the healthiest ways to get up close to all the action is by taking a bike tour. But not all destinations are biker friendly. So, if you're planning on making bicycling a central part of your next road trip, how can you ensure you travel to bicycle friendly destinations? We've produced a list of beautiful bike paths and trails that cannot be missed.

Acadia National Park - Mount Desert Island, ME

Bikers riding in the fall on the carriage road in Acadia National Park
Bikers pass by a lake on Acadia National Park's Carriage Road

Acadia National Park is a place where the land meets the sea. For cyclists, the Park offers approximately 45 miles of crushed stone carriage roads that are free of car traffic. The carriage roads wind throughout the heart of the park, feature gradual climbs and scenic views of lakes, ponds, wildlife and the mountains. Begin at the Eagle Lake parking lot and take the carriage road throughout the park.

If you're looking for more of challenge, jump on the 20-mile Park Loop Road. This one-way road provides incredible panoramic views, and a seven-mile strenuous ascent up Cadillac Mountain.

Campgrounds:

There are 19 campgrounds and RV Parks near Mount Desert, ME.

East Bay Bicycle Path - Providence, RI to Bristol, RI

East Bay Bike Path
East Bay Bike Path

Variety is what makes the East Bay Bicycle Path stand out. The Path, measuring 14.5 miles in length, brings its riders through diverse terrain, from city to urban waterfront, bay front to forested areas, neighborhoods and village centers to coves and marshes. You won't get bored on this Path.

East Bay Bicycle Path is generally flat with one steep hill in East Providence. The path is divided into four phases, with shortest phase being 2.38 miles and the longest being 3.98 miles. The Path can be accessed at any of 49 intersections from Providence to Bristol.

To access the Path from Route 95 take Rte 195 east to Gano Street exit. Take left to India Point Park. Trail begins at right with ramps to path running on bridge alongside highway.

Campgrounds:

There are 20 campgrounds and RV Parks near Providence, RI.

The Strand - Los Angeles, CA

The Strand Bike Path
Cyclists take in the beach view on the Strand bike path

If ocean views are what you're after, the Strand is for you. The flat, paved bicycle path runs along the Pacific Ocean shoreline for 22 miles, beginning at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, LA and ending in Playa del Rey, and passes by notable beach side attractions, such as the Hermosa Beach Pier and Manhattan Beach Pier. As the strand passes by numerous commercial establishments you can plan to rent a bike for the day and take a leisurely ride along the beach, stopping off for lunch at any of the numerous beach side restaurants.

Riders can access the path from any of the beach side towns between Will Rogers State Beach and Playa del Rey.

There are many bike shops located in close proximity to the strand that offer hourly and daily bike rentals, such as Hermosa Cyclery in Hermosa, Daniel's Bicycle rentals and sales in Marina Del Ray. Rates range from $8-$9 per hour and $21-$36 for all day.

Campgrounds:

There are 11 campgrounds and RV Parks near Playa Del Rey, CA.

The Trail at Lady Bird Lake - Austin, TX

The Trail at Lady Bird Lake
The Trail at Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX

The Trail at Lady Bird Lake (formerly known as Town Lake Trail) is an easy ride as it is mostly flat, and fairly wide. It is also visually appealing - offering views of Lady Bird Lake, picturesque creeks, and the Austin skyline. The trail brings the rider throughout Town Lake Metropolitan Park, which sits approximately three miles outside of South East of Downtown Austin. The Park is a major recreational area and was created by Lady Bird Johnson in the 1970s.

Tip:

At sundown catch bats emerging from the Congress St. bridge.

Campgrounds:

There are 8 campgrounds and RV Parks close to Austin, TX.

Virginia Creeper Trail - Abingdon, VA to Whitetop, VA

Virginia Creeper Trail
Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail is the perfect blend of natural beauty and easy riding along the back country of Southwest Virginia. The trail, which was the former railway corridor of the Virginia/Carolina Railroad, measures 33 miles in length and gently descends for 17 miles. The remaining miles are flat. There are several bike shops along the trail that offer bike rental and shuttle services. Not surprisingly, the Creeper has become one of the most popular east-coast bicycle trail destinations.

Shuttles run from Damascus to Whitetop and from Abingdon to Whitetop. Expect to pay around $24 for bike rental and shuttle from Damascus to Whitetop. Expect to pay around $37 for bike rental and shuttle from Abingdon to Whitetop.

To get to the trail head to any of the parking lots with access points along the trail.

Campgrounds:

There are 6 campgrounds and RV Parks near Abingdon, VA.
There are 8 campgrounds and RV Parks near Abingdon, VA.

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