Improving your fitness doesn’t mean you have to pay for memberships to gyms or recreation centers. Simply find bike trails near you, head outside and get moving – for free!
Biking is a great outdoor workout. It’s good cardio and low-impact while being eco-friendly and fun, making it the perfect activity for people of all ages. Whether you prefer scenic views, family-friendly trails or a bit of a challenge, there are a wide variety of paved, dirt and off-road biking trails across the Northeast.
When you head out this season, make sure you have the right type of bike, and remember to stay safe by following the rules of the road. Also, try to stay local by finding a bike trail in your state, and maintain social distance on the trails.
Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.
AAA members can rest assured knowing AAA Northeast offers 24-hour roadside assistance for your bike, too!
Connecticut
Connecticut State Law requires all riders under the age of 16 to wear a helmet.
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
Explore southern Connecticut and the Farmington Valley via paved pathways and enjoy scenic views with this trail. Also referred to as the FCHT, this 58-mile trail is suited for biking, walking, hiking and in-line skating.
This stone dust trail stretches from East Hampton to Putnum, following old rail beds. Walk, hike, bike or ride a horse to enjoy this secluded trail.
For something a bit more challenging, this trail spans over 35 miles and has several hilly sections. Follow a loop around Bantam Lake and take in the views of forests and farmlands.
For more Connecticut biking trails, see here.
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This 12-mile trail will bring you from Wolfeboro to Wakefield. Take in New Hampshire’s gorgeous Lakes Region as you pass Lake Winnipesaukee, Crescent Lake and Lake Wentworth.
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge Trails
Including the Pondicherry Rail Trail and the Presidential Rail Trail, this route is nearly nine miles in length. Easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, this scenic trail passes Cherry Pond and two marches with beautiful mountains as your background.
A 48-mile trail that’s still expanding, these paths are made of cinder and crushed stone, making it suitable for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. The scenery is beautiful year-round.
Almost nine miles in length, this trail is perfect for walking and cycling, but roller blades and skateboards are not permitted.
For more biking trails in New Hampshire, see here.
Massachusetts
Just under 13 miles in length, this 10-foot-wide trail is paved and open from dawn to dusk. Biking, roller blading and running are all welcomed activities.
Located in the Boston, Mass. area, this multi-use trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Travel the nearly 23-mile-long trail while taking in scenic views.
Open from sunrise to sunset, this 25-mile trail will take you through six Cape Cod towns. Its paved pathway is perfect for walking, running and biking.
For more biking trails in Massachusetts, see here.
New Jersey
This one-way, 6-mile trail is open from sunrise to sunset. The trail surface is made of crushed stone, dirt, gravel and woodchips, making it suitable for walking and mountain biking. Due to COVID, this trail is temporarily closed to non-residents.
This scenic 7-mile roadway follows the Hudson River, taking you through part of Palisades Interstate Park. Take caution, as this drive is open to both cars and bicycles. It is open during daylight hours only.
For beautiful costal views, travel along this trail that’s 42 miles roundtrip. You’ll see lighthouses, wildlife and more as you loop around the bottom peninsula of New Jersey.
For more New Jersey bike trails, see here.
New York
Including two sections totaling 26 miles – only 10 miles of which are paved – this trail is open from dawn to dusk. Some parts of the trail are still in development.
This trail is 12 miles in length and makes its way through Putnam County, spanning from Baldwin Place to Brewster Village.
Stretching from Albany to Buffalo, this nearly 400-mile trail can be explored region-by-region. The trails are mostly made of stone dust and grave, but some sections are paved or natural surfaces.
For more places to bike in New York, see here.
Rhode Island
Cycle 24 miles of paved pathway to explore the Blackstone Valley. This trail also connects to East Bay Bike Path, and there are hopes to expand it to 48 miles in length.
Spanning Bristol and Providence, this 14.3-mile path is great for biking, walking and inline skating. As you travel this trail along the Narragansett Bay coastline, keep your eyes open for maritime views and coastal wildlife.
Washington Secondary Bike Path
This asphalt rail trail spans 19 miles from Kent to Providence. Walking, biking and in-like skating are all welcome.
For more places to bike in Rhode Island, see here.
Which Northeast bike trail is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
Looking for even more ways to explore the great outdoors? With the AAA Powersports, RV and Boat Buying Program, you can take advantage of special member pricing and bonus savings on RVs, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, jet skis, golf carts and more.
If you’re looking for more scenic places to exercise, check out these nearby walking and running trails.
This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated.
Excellent articles: “Hiking Essentials for Beginners” and “Find Bike Trails and Paths Near You”
Thank you very much!