“Exploring the Best Scenic Bike Trails: Where to Ride for Stunning Views”

### “Exploring the Best Scenic Bike Trails: Where to Ride for Stunning Views”

Cycling offers not just a great workout but also a chance to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. From coastal routes to mountain paths, scenic bike trails can provide some of the most breathtaking views imaginable. This guide will explore some of the best scenic bike trails around the world, highlighting their unique features and what makes each one special.

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### 1. **Great Allegheny Passage, USA**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Pennsylvania and Maryland, USA
– **Length:** 150 miles (240 km)
– **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate

#### **Highlights:**
– **Historical Charm:** The trail follows the route of old railroads, passing through historic towns and offering glimpses of America’s industrial past.
– **Scenic Beauty:** Riders will enjoy views of the Allegheny Mountains, lush forests, and serene rivers.
– **Key Stops:** Ohiopyle State Park, Cumberland, and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

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### 2. **Muur van Geraardsbergen, Belgium**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Geraardsbergen, Belgium
– **Length:** 1.2 miles (2 km) climb
– **Difficulty:** Moderate to challenging

#### **Highlights:**
– **Iconic Climb:** Known for its steep incline and cobblestone surface, this trail is a historic part of the Tour of Flanders.
– **Panoramic Views:** At the top, cyclists are rewarded with stunning views of the Belgian countryside and the town of Geraardsbergen.
– **Historic Significance:** The Muur is famed for its role in classic cycling races and is a must-ride for cycling enthusiasts.

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### 3. **Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Otago Region, New Zealand
– **Length:** 150 miles (242 km)
– **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate

#### **Highlights:**
– **Diverse Landscapes:** The trail crosses through lush forests, rugged mountains, and open plains.
– **Historic Sites:** Riders pass through old railway towns and see remnants of the Otago Gold Rush.
– **Natural Beauty:** Enjoy views of the Central Otago region’s unique landscape, including the striking tussock grasslands.

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### 4. **Tuscany, Italy**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Tuscany, Italy
– **Length:** Varies (multiple routes available)
– **Difficulty:** Easy to challenging

#### **Highlights:**
– **Rolling Hills:** Ride through the picturesque Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves.
– **Historic Villages:** Explore charming medieval villages like San Gimignano and Montepulciano.
– **Scenic Routes:** The Chianti region offers especially beautiful rides with wine-tasting opportunities.

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### 5. **Banff Legacy Trail, Canada**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
– **Length:** 13 miles (21 km)
– **Difficulty:** Easy

#### **Highlights:**
– **Mountain Views:** The trail offers spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies and the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka.
– **Wildlife Sightings:** Spot wildlife such as elk and deer as you ride through this stunning national park.
– **Accessibility:** The trail is paved and suitable for all skill levels, making it a great option for families.

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### 6. **Alpe d’Huez, France**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Alpe d’Huez, French Alps
– **Length:** 8.2 miles (13.2 km) climb
– **Difficulty:** Challenging

#### **Highlights:**
– **Iconic Climb:** Known for its inclusion in the Tour de France, this climb features 21 hairpin bends and an elevation gain of over 1,000 meters.
– **Spectacular Views:** Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and valleys.
– **Cycling Culture:** Experience the thrill of riding a route that has challenged professional cyclists for decades.

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### 7. **Cape Town Cycle Tour, South Africa**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Cape Town, South Africa
– **Length:** 62 miles (100 km)
– **Difficulty:** Moderate

#### **Highlights:**
– **Coastal Beauty:** Ride along Cape Town’s stunning coastline, including views of the iconic Table Mountain.
– **City and Sea:** The route offers a mix of urban and seaside scenery, with opportunities to see local wildlife and landmarks.
– **Annual Event:** The Cape Town Cycle Tour is one of the largest timed cycling events in the world, attracting riders from around the globe.

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### 8. **South Downs Way, England**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** South Downs National Park, England
– **Length:** 100 miles (160 km)
– **Difficulty:** Moderate to challenging

#### **Highlights:**
– **Countryside Beauty:** This trail takes you through rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and charming English villages.
– **Historical Landmarks:** Pass by historical sites such as the Bronze Age burial mounds and medieval churches.
– **Panoramic Views:** Enjoy sweeping views of the English countryside and the Channel Coast.

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### 9. **Sierra de las Nieves, Spain**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** Andalusia, Spain
– **Length:** Varies (multiple routes available)
– **Difficulty:** Moderate to challenging

#### **Highlights:**
– **Mountain Scenery:** Explore rugged mountain trails with stunning views of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.
– **Diverse Terrain:** The trail features a mix of rocky paths, pine forests, and high-altitude vistas.
– **Cultural Experience:** Ride through traditional Andalusian villages and enjoy local cuisine.

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### 10. **The Danube Bike Trail, Europe**

#### **Overview:**
– **Location:** From Germany to the Black Sea
– **Length:** 1,770 miles (2,850 km)
– **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate

#### **Highlights:**
– **Cross-Country Adventure:** This trail follows the Danube River through several countries, offering a diverse range of landscapes and cultures.
– **Historic Cities:** Pass through historic cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava.
– **Scenic Beauty:** Enjoy views of riverbanks, vineyards, and castles along the way.

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### **Conclusion**

Whether you’re looking for a challenging climb or a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes, these scenic bike trails offer something for every cyclist. From the rugged mountains of the French Alps to the rolling hills of Tuscany, each trail provides unique opportunities to enjoy breathtaking views and connect with nature. So gear up, grab your bike, and hit the road to explore these stunning routes.