The Best Bike Trails To See Fall Foliage

Everyone has probably heard the saying, “Stop and smell the roses.” It’s an encouragement to slow down and soak in the simple, delightful pleasures of life once in a while, even in busy times. Roses, with a fragrance that is nearly universally appealing, deserve to be the star of that saying, but there ought to be such a saying for each of the five senses. For “sight,” the vibrant colors of fall would be a worthy candidate. One of the best ways to take in such sights is with bike rides along some of the most gorgeous forest trails that time of year has to offer.

Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Comprising hundreds of thousands of acres filled with waterfalls, white water rivers and mountain peaks a mile high, there’s endless bounty to explore. Pause along areas such as Wisemans’ View for some stunning photographic moments. For casual biking along these mountain trails, hybrid bikes may be the perfect companion to your adventure. If you are looking to occasionally shake up what you are riding, Pisgah National Forest also offers a long list of horseback-riding trails, along with opportunities for riding rental horses on guided horseback trail tours.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Pisgah National Forest lies at the southwestern end of a larger trail called “Blue Ridge Parkway.” Beginning in Virginia and extending hundreds of miles, Blue Ridge Parkway offers days of uninterrupted, pristine nature riding. When you’re trying to challenge your stamina, few bike trails are better-suited for the task than this one. If you’re part of a women’s adventure group looking to take your outdoor sports up a notch, ride these trails with womens hybrid bikes that will meet the demands of the varied terrain you’re about to encounter.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

This forest covers a staggering 4 million acres of land through the middle of Washington State. Extending southbound from the Canadian border to just west of Yakima, this forest offers a range of terrain from smooth to very coarse. It’s an ideal choice when you are looking for a true mountain-biking experience. Bike races and bike festivals in the area provide great opportunities to connect with fellow bicycling enthusiasts, and local lodging and restaurants offer a chance to rejuvenate after a long day’s adventures.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte has a long list of excellent trails for cyclists and mountain bikers, and a comprehensive visitor information website that provides updates on riding conditions and trail details. If you are new to riding and looking for a free, guided experience about where to go and what to expect, the website is invaluable. A great time to take this trip is if you’re a soon-to-be-married bachelor. Make it a “Guys’ Getaway,” find a mens hybrid bike for sale, and get on the trails with your best buddies.

When you are looking to “stop and smell the roses,” so to speak, there are few things better than taking in the outdoors. Vacationing near one of these trails and biking them could be the most enjoyable thing you do all year.

*This is a collaboration post

Copyright: Image by StockUnlimited