Biking trails take you through amazing scenery and have always been an integral part of the landscape for outdoor enthusiasts. They can meander through forests, across open grasslands, travel over rolling hills or drift through scenic valleys. Scenic recreation isn’t the only benefit to taking bike trails through state parks. Exercise is important to our health and well-being, and biking is some essential exercise that keeps us well and strong. Below are some parks with bike trails that you can enjoy.
Backbone State Park, Iowa
Iowa’s first state park offers some wonderful scenery and lovely trails for bicyclists to enjoy. Plan to explore the designated trails in Backbone State Park. Try the Bluebird Trail, Barred Owl Trail, East Lake and West Lake Trail for biking through some amazing scenic beauty. If you want to hop off your bike and walk and explore, there are over 2,000 acres with numerous tree species, including old windblown cedars. Check out the dam on the Maquoketa River which creates Backbone Lake. You can also take a break from biking to climb the staircase to one of the highest points in Iowa, the “Devil’s Backbone.” If you are really adventurous, you can start biking the Northeast State Park Bike Route of which Backbone State Park is a part. There are 130 miles of riding trail through three state parks utilizing county highways.
Crooked River State Park, Georgia
If you love the idea of riding along the Intracoastal Waterway, then Crooked River State Park is the place for you to bike. Here on the southern tip of the state, you will see the famous Spanish moss hanging from the oaks, pass along the tidal river and experience many different types of wildlife in the forest and salt marsh. Birdwatching is a favorite activity here. There are five miles of trails which are flat and easy to maneuver. Likely the best one for biking is the Palmetto Trail. Riders aged 15 and under must wear a helmet. (Note: The Sempervirens Trail has too many roots and is not an easily navigated trail on a bike.) If you get a chance, go see the nearby ruins of the McIntosh Sugarworks, a Civil War-era factory.
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Clinton State Park, Kansas
Both road and mountain biking are options at beautiful Clinton State Park. Situated on the north shore of Clinton Lake, this park has 1500 acres with a 25-mile hiking/biking trail that is well marked. The natural beauty of the bountiful prairie grasses and the abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled as you move through the park on your bike. You will even discover a specialized mountain bike skills course to test your abilities. This recreation area was developed specifically to provide a variety of outdoor activities for the surrounding communities. You will see biking as one of the top activities to enjoy here.
Abilene State Park, Texas
You must experience Abilene State Park in the best way possible — on a bike, riding the trails through brush land, prairie grass and wooded valleys. Bring a camera as you will want to stop for a break and shoot some photos of wildlife you happen to see, such as a raccoon, armadillo or fox. Watch the birds visit the lake shore and flit through the juniper, elm and Texas red oak trees. You’ll see hummingbirds and greater roadrunners and be able to only listen to the mockingbirds sitting out of sight in the branches. It will definitely be a biking trip to remember.