trek ride across america

Across America Trek

Across America Map

Biking adventures.

1000 Mile Challenge
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Welcome to our most challenging trip!

Ride 3,800 miles across the U.S., through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and along the Great Lakes to Niagara Falls. Then, follow the Erie Canal bike route across NY state to the Hudson River for a short 150 miles into NYC, ending the trip at Coney Island. We’ll see misty Oregon beaches and the Rocky Mountains, thick forests and the wide- open plains. We’ll camp, hike, and swim, stop in picturesque town squares and ride past some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

Across America’s northern route lets our bikers enjoy their summer travel experience, compared to (much, much hotter) southern cross- country routes. But don’t kid yourself – – you will bike close to 100 miles, some days, so you’ll need to be in good shape. When you ride into Coney Island and get that last ice cream of the trip, though, you’ll have the accomplishment of a lifetime.

Trek Highlights

Visit Portland, OR, Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, IL, Madison, WI, Niagara Falls, and NYC (and everything in between)
See gorgeous wilderness, friendly small towns, and major American cities
Bike 60 – 85 miles/day
Camp out and stay in hostels and hotels

Trek Details

Portland, OR

New York, NY

Difficulty:

CHALLENGING (Approximate Daily Mileage 60 - 85)

Trip Length

Limited Time Discount:

June 16 - August 10 / Grades 10 - 12+

June 26 - Aug. 20 / Grades 10 - 12+ (limited)

6 Cross Country Bike Routes That Will Change How You See the U.S.

a man riding a bike on a road through mountains

Imagine seeing the country from coast to coast, without spending a dime on gas or rushing by the landscape. A cross-country bike trip requires serious strength (or the commitment to pedal through the pain as your legs gain muscle, day after day.) But cross-country bike routes make the experience of powering yourself across the breadth of the United States possible. And those who tackle them will discover an astounding diversity in landscape, people, paths, and experiences.

These 6 Cross Country Bike Routes Bring Adventure on Two Wheels

Starting in the 70s, cross-country bike routes started gaining popularity as road bikes improved in quality and people wanted to find their way outside of the busy highway system. The TransAmerica Bike Route (see below) was established in 1973 and started a movement that attracts thousands of avid cyclists every year now. Most of these routes takes months to complete; the planning and logistics, even longer. These cross country bike routes are planned to put cyclists in places where there is camping and lodging available, and there are many great resources like the Adventure Cycling Association to help with making choices about daily miles and layovers.

Cyclists love the freedom of bike touring cross-country. Below are six varieties of cross country bike routes to choose from for your next great big adventure.

1. TransAmerica Bike Route

the transamerica bike route on a map of the united states

Image from the Adventure Cycling Association

The TransAmerica Bike Route is the classic bike touring route across America. At 4,626 miles, the route starts in Astoria, Oregon, and ends in Yorktown, Virginia. Start with days of riding next to the Pacific Ocean, then climb the Sierras. Ride through both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for some of the best views in the country, then find your way through the heartland to the Mississippi River. After winding through the lovely Appalachian Mountains on parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, end in the historic Tidewater area of Virginia on the shores of the Atlantic.

Most people take more than three months to complete this route. It travels through temperate rainforest, arid high deserts, high alpine country, Midwest farmland and the old growth forests of Appalachia.

2. The Southern Tier

the southern tier bike route on a map of the united states

The Southern Tier Bike Route is the shortest ocean-to-ocean connection, though it still tops out at nearly 3,050 miles. On the Atlantic side of it, the route begins in St. Augustine, Florida . Then, staying close to the Gulf Coast, it travels through Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana with a popular out-and-back spur to New Orleans. Leaving the sea behind, cyclists travel through Texas with a stop in Austin, then across the rugged and dry West Texas plains. Touch the Mexican border in El Paso, then ride through stunning desert vistas of New Mexico and Arizona, finally ending at the Pacific ocean in California.

This trail is an incredible trip through southern and southwestern America, but the timing can be tricky. In summer, temperatures easily top 100 every day along many parts of this route. Winter often brings high winds and icy temperatures. Early spring and late fall are the preferred times for attempting the Southern Tier Bike Route.

The Easy Way to Find Last-Minute Campsites

Did you know some campers have:

Pre-saved lists of hand-picked free camping across the US
Text messages for last-minute openings
Scans set up for National Park site openings

This is the easiest, most surefire way to find last-minute campsites every time, and it’s all included in the #1 camping membership called The Dyrt PRO. It costs just $35.99 per year and is an easy way to make sure you have better camping trips every time — and that you can actually find a spot last minute.

You can check it out for free today , you can even use it for free for 7 days to make sure you like it. After the trial it is $35.99 for a full year — most campers find it pays for itself after a night or two. If you camp more than 2 times per year, it may be perfect for you.

3. East Coast Greenway

a map of the east coast greenway bike route up the atlantic seaboard

Image from The East Coast Greenway Alliance

The East Coast Greenway is the beautiful offspring of our country’s love affair with cross-country bike routes. The 3,000-mile route will eventually connect rails to trails multi-use pavement across 15 states up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Currently about 30 percent completed, it is still a lovely route with many quiet paved roads to choose from even where the trail system is in progress. Eventually, it will tie the Canadian border just north of Augusta, Maine, to Key West, Florida . With daily coastal views and countless historical and cultural landmarks, it is a beautiful route.

For those worried about challenging climbs, this is also a great route because it has only minimal elevation gain, traveling mostly along the coastal plains.

Ride from south to north to chase spring up the coast, or from north to south to watch the fall colors change for weeks on end.

4. Northern Tier

the northern tier bike route on a map of the united states

The Northern Tier Bike route takes riders along the Great Lakes, through the backwoods of Wisconsin and Minnesota and up and over the Rockies in Idaho and Montana. This route is 4,244 miles long and connects Anacortes, Washington with Bar Harbor in Maine . Bring your passport to briefly cross the Canadian border in Alberta, and enjoy lakeside riding through Ohio and New York. There is some climbing on the western side of the route, with the highest pass being just over 5,500 feet in elevation, but it is an excellent route for exploring Big Sky country without climbing a pass every day.

The best season for this beautiful route is early summer. Prepare for bugs , gnats, and mosquitoes, watch out for ticks , and stay aware of changing weather in the plains of Iowa and Illinois. The route largely bypasses the major metropolis areas of Chicago and Des Moines, taking quieter roads through those regions.

5. Pacific Coast Bike Route

the pacific coast bike route on a map of the united states

The views of the Pacific Ocean along the Pacific Coast Bike Route never get old. At about 1,853 miles, the route is slightly shorter than some of the others, and many people try to link it up in just under two months. Heading from Vancouver, Canada to Imperial Beach, California, this route takes cyclists from temperate rainforests to the Redwood forests along the popular highways 101 and 1. Because of the heavy vehicle use of these roads, riders need to ride defensively and will not have quite as many restful backroads to cruise.

The traffic is the tradeoff for incredible coastlines, marine wildlife and the chance to ride through Olympic National Park . Because of its popularity, the best seasons for riding are off-seasons; fall is the best due to the likelihood of sustained dry weather while in the Pacific Northwest section of the route.

6. Great Divide Trail

the great divide bike route on a map of the united states

For cyclists who are ready to push themselves to the max, with almost daily high-altitude climbs, the Great Divide Trail will give you all the right kind of suffering. The route has around 200,000 feet of elevation gain as it takes riders from Antelope Wells, New Mexico, to Jasper, Alberta in Canada. Although it technically doesn’t connect major bodies of water, it deserves a mention here, not only for the punishing altitude, but also because of the fact that it is the longest off-road bike route in the world at just over 3,000 miles. Traditional road bikes do not do so well on this route, as the packed dirt and gravel surfaces require a wider tire.

Criss-crossing the Continental Divide , the route puts riders at more than 10,000 feet in elevation on a regular basis. This altitude limits the window of use to just a few months in the summer when the mountain passes are free of snow. The word remote is an understatement in the National Forest and BLM lands of New Mexico, Colorado , Wyoming and Montana, so come prepared.

Related Campgrounds:

Carlyle Lake Camping , IL
Cisco Grove Campground and RV Park , Emigrant Gap, CA
Starved Rock State Park , IL

C & O Canal Bikepath

Lindsay DeFrates

Lindsay DeFrates is a freelance writer, mother of three, whitewater raft guide, as well as a former English teacher and Outward Bound instructor. Currently loving her sleep-deprived existence in Glenwood Springs, CO, she and the family often pack an absurd amount of stuff and their one-eyed dog, Ahab, into a mini van and get a little lost in the mountains or on the rivers of Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. She can be reached at www.roaringforkwriter.com

climber makes her way up an outdoor rock wall in the daytime

Why Campers and Climbers Love Kentucky's Red River Gorge

Looking for Red River Gorge camping and more in Kentucky? Search more than 350 campgrounds in Kentucky on The Dyrt. Scenic and rugged, the Red River…

2024 Overlanding Bucket List - According to Forrest Galante

It’s not exactly a secret that I love to take on new adventures, whether it’s hunting down believed-extinct animals in South America or visiting some…

Welcome to our most challenging trip!

Across America’s northern route lets our bikers enjoy their summer travel experience, compared to (much, much hotter) southern cross- country routes. But don’t kid yourself - - you will bike close to 100 miles, some days, so you’ll need to be in good shape. When you ride into Coney Island and get that last ice cream of the trip, though, you’ll have the accomplishment of a lifetime.

Apply now to bike Across America!

Trek Highlights

Visit Portland, OR, Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, IL, Madison, WI, Niagara Falls, and NYC (and everything in between)
See gorgeous wilderness, friendly small towns, and major American cities
Bike 60- 100 miles/day
Camp out and stay in hostels and hotels

Trek Details

Starts: Portland, OR

Ends: New York City

Cost: $8495 - 56 Days

Biking: CHALLENGING ( Approximate Daily Mileage 50 - 100)

Grades/Dates:

10- 12+ June 22- - - Aug 14

10- 12+ June 26- - - Aug 20

Across America Trek

Search Topics: teen adventure travel, teen bike trips, adventure travel camp, teen travel camp, adventure camp, summer bike trips, teen travel camp, summer camps, bike camp, bicycle trips, student bike trips, kids bike trips, biking camp, teen summer camp, adventure camp, bike camp, teen travel, teen bicycling trips, travel camp, high school summer program, teen tours, summer adventures, youth summer bicycle program, travel adventure program

Teen Treks is a non- profit educational travel program promoting

personal growth, adventure, and fun through biking and hostelling

Biking across America: tips + insights on how to ride across the USA

Biking across America is one of those iconic cycling adventures that many of us dream of doing.

There’s something so simple yet impressive about the idea of riding your bicycle from one coast of the USA to the other, through the heartland of America.

In this article, we speak to someone who has done just that. While still at University, Nicholas Orsini, cycled across America. He also wrote a book about the journey .

In this article, Nicholas shares his experiences and tips for taking on the challenge of cycling across America.

So if you’re wondering how to bike across America, read on and prepare to be inspired!

This article includes details of products and/or services that we have used ourselves or which we would consider using. Some are paid features or include affiliate links where if you click on a link and make a booking or buy something, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.

All metrics in this article are approximate.

1. Tell us about biking across America. What does it involve?

I cycled across the United States from Florida to California. This route is called the “Southern Tier”.

The route is 3,023 miles (4,865km) long with a maximum elevation of 8,185 ft (2,500m) and minimum elevation of -155 ft (-47m). The average climb per mile was 35 ft (10m) per mile.

The exact statistics are dependent on if you follow the maps to the letter or veer off course. My cousin and I took a few detours – due to mother nature and personal reasons. It didn’t help that my Southern Tier maps blew off my bike within the first week as well!

When biking across the US, our journey took us roughly over a month to complete. We finished at the beginning of June.

GPX Download Terms of use reminder

Note that the GPX file above is not an official Southern Tier route file. Nicholas unfortunately no longer has a GPX file of his route, so we are using the above to give an indicative idea of the route.

2. What prompted you to cycle across America?

My cousin and I embarked on this ride across America because we wanted adventure, freedom, and to see more of our homeland.

We were in our final year of University at the time, so it seemed ideal to spend a month of summer cycling across the United States.

3. What are the different bike routes across America?

Of course there are lots of possibilities when you want to go cycling across the USA. But the main three cycle routes across America are:

The Southern Tier route

This is the route that we rode and which I describe here – 3,023 miles (4,865km), from California to Florida if you’re going west to east (or Florida to California as we rode it).

The Northern Tier route

4,271 miles (6,873km), from Washington to Maine. From Washington, you pass through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and end in Maine. In fact you’re not only cycling in America with this one, as the route also dips into Canada.

The TransAmerica Trail

4,211 miles (6,777km), from Oregon to Virginia. From Oregon, you pass through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and end in Virginia.

The Northern Route and TransAmerica trail are much more suitable than the Southern Tier during the summer, given the climate and conditions in the south (more on that below). Note that the Northern Tier route can’t be ridden during winter due to snow (and the section through Glacier National Park in Montana is usually closed until June!).

The most famous of the cycling routes across America is the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. It started as a plan to celebrate the USA’s 200 th birthday and “opened” in 1976 when 4,000 cyclists showed up to ride the “Bikecentennial”. The route takes you through Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and usually takes around three months to complete. The Adventure Cycling Association estimates that about a thousand people cycle across the US each summer on this route.

4. How did you choose which bike route across America to take?

I grew up in Florida, so it made sense for me to begin there. Also, I had never been to California and Arizona before, so I really wanted to travel though there.

Most importantly, I just thought it was a more exciting route for biking in the USA, I didn’t have three months to travel and I had more friends along that route than the others!

5. Give us a feel for what the Southern Tier route is like.

When biking across the country, this route takes you through a huge variety of landscapes and cultures. Most people do the Southern Tier from west to east, but we did it the other way around.

I started in Florida, where you’ve got everything from the historic coast at Pensacola and Castillo de San Marcos to the alligator infested waters around Palatka.

From there the route runs through the rural countryside of the Old South in Alabama and Mississippi into Louisiana, where the history, language, music and food are all pretty unique.

You then cycle through Texas, with highlights including Austin, the sagebrush and tumbleweeds of Texas hill country and the Rio Grande river.

New Mexico follows, with its sparsely populated ranch country, before you head into Arizona and the Yuha Desert.

Finally, you’re into California and the coastline beckons.

Cyclists preparing to cross a river while biking across America

6. What were your three favourite sections of your trip across the US?

A cycle across the USA isn’t always straightforward. Hence my favorite parts of the route were also my least favorite!

California was the most beautiful part of the journey. We experienced an area north of Death Valley which was a surreal experience. Due to the intense heat, we left Phoenix at 6pm and cycled until 11am in the morning. There were no motels along the way, so we cycled the entire night with the exception of one gas station break.

One of the dangers of biking across America can be the wildlife. Throughout the night we would hear howls and all sorts of animal noises. At one point while taking a breather, a coyote even came up to our bikes, scaring us into a full throttled sprint!

Seeing the coasts of California and Laguna beach was also breathtaking.

Hill Country, Texas

I equally loved experiencing Hill Country, Texas when travelling by bike across the USA. It is an incredibly beautiful place filled with nature and animals, but also caused the most painful cycling of my life. The hills were non-stop and destroyed our bodies.

Riding through never-ending mountains is a painful experience for sure!

Mississippi

Mississippi was my least favorite part of the journey when I went to ride a bike across America. We found it to be an ugly, boring state filled with flat tires, bike issues, terrible food, and constant thunderstorms.

However, the people of Mississippi were the friendliest people I’ve ever met in my life! For that reason, Mississippi will always be in my memory as a really positive part of the journey. Lots of people in Mississippi helped us when we were at our lowest points throughout the journey. It helped me learn that anything is possible with faith, belief in yourself, hard work, and a little bit of luck.

7. What was the worst thing that happened to you on your journey across the USA?

The worst thing that happened to us when biking in America was encountering a deadly storm in Texas.

It was filled with tornadoes and flooded the entire city of Austin. Large pickup trucks were flipped upside down in the water. Being on bikes and seeing tornadoes is a frightening experience.

A close contender for “worst” were the constant bike issues we faced. We’d end up destroying our bikes further just to ride far enough to get help, fix it with the best available resources we had to hand (usually duct tape), or even more remarkably, hitchhike with strangers who would pick us up.

Cyclist biking across the USA with heavily laden bike

8. Were you ever concerned for your personal safety?

Absolutely. You’ve got to be aware that there are certain dangers in biking across America.

For us, the most concerning part of taking a bike across the country was when we were riding to Austin, Texas. We saw tornadoes and floods, which killed around 50-60 people. They wiped out a lot of the city and were disastrous.

In another situation, we got flat tires and ran out of bike tubes, leaving us stranded miles from the nearest gas station. Luckily a kind stranger gave us a ride to the nearest bike store. If not for them, we would have been in a terrible situation.

Lastly, one of the most scary things that happened to us was running out of water. This happened to us twice. Once in Florida where we found an abandoned mechanic shop and luckily the bathroom sink had running water. Although the water was dirty and brown, it was better than nothing. The other time was in the middle of nowhere in Texas. We found a jug with flowers next to a cross on the side of the road and had to drink it…

When you’re in these situations in that climate, running out of water is absolutely disastrous and one of the most dangerous things to happen. We always tried to prioritise it, but it’s easy to make mistakes when taking a bike across the US.

10. Tell us what each day was like.

There were no typical days, given it was just my cousin and me.

We had no support team or caravan, and little experience!

However, we did develop some sort of routine when biking across the USA.

We would generally wake up at around 5am to stretch and eat a breakfast comprised of freeze-dried oatmeal. We would get on the bike before 5:45AM, cycle until 11:30am and then rest for two or three hours due to the intense heat.

After our long siesta, we would start cycling again at 2-3pm and cycle until it became dark around 8pm, before grabbing a motel room.

We would finish the night with a beer, ice bath, foam rolling and deep stretch session, and most frequently, Mexican for dinner.

Throughout the day were always a few gas station breaks to ensure we were filled up on snacks. When we would finally arrive to a city, we would give ourselves a few hours to enjoy the city.

11. Did you plan your expected average mileage each day?

When considering how long to bike across America, we planned on doing 60-80 miles (about 95-130km) a day, depending on the distance.

We ended up doing around 70-80 miles (113-130km) a day during the last half of the trip, and 60-70 miles (97-113km) in the first part.

The least we did was 30 miles (48km) in a day. The most we did was 149 miles (240km) from Phoenix to Blythe.

We only took one rest day throughout the trip, as we were in a rush to get back home for work. The rest day was unplanned and due to bike problems, plus a slight injury with my hip flexor. It would have been more relaxing to have incorporated rest days!

It’s something to bear in mind when wokring out how long to cycle across America.

12. How fit do you have to be to bike across the US?

People who think you have to be Lance Armstrong to do this type of ride are completely wrong! A normal person can absolutely cycle across the US if they really want to. We had barely any of the prerequisites you might imagine you need for riding a bike across America; in my opinion, the most important thing is to have faith in yourself and be resilient.

We barely trained before the ride. We did some spinning classes, but no long rides. We didn’t have the pressure of needing to be fit beforehand, though it would have helped a lot! More than that, it would have been great to know how to change a tire properly before we set out…

Needless to say, by the end of the our bike ride across America we were in extremely good shape! Our lack of fitness at the start just meant we just couldn’t cycle nearly as much at first.

My advice would be that your fitness and training goals before you leave should be influenced by how much you want to cycle daily.

We encountered a seventy-year-old man riding his bike across America, but only cycling a few miles a day!

(If you’re looking for more info, read these for our tips on preparing for long rides and training for long distance rides ).

Cyclist cycling through Texas while crossing America by bicycle

13. How long does it take to bike across America?

How long does it take to bike across the country? The time you’ll need depends on your fitness and how many miles you realistically think you’ll manage each day. If you can, I’d suggest giving yourself as much time as possible, so you can enjoy some of the cities along the way.

We only gave ourselves a month, which wasn’t really long enough given we weren’t fit or experienced when we started.

We did feel too rushed throughout our trip.

14. What sort of logistics are involved in bicycling across America?

I would recommend preparing especially well for any of these bike across America routes.

Having a support car would be extremely helpful. My cousin and I had no help or support, and it made the journey far more challenging. If you decide to forgo support, then always carry the tools you needed, a few spare tubes, and far more water than you think you need.

Talking about water – make sure you have enough of it. Running out of water is the worst thing that could happen to you. On hot days, we would both carry a few jugs [1 gallon water bottles like these ] with us.

I would also highly recommend ensuring you know where every rest stop is and a motel or camping ground – this is key, because without water or food, you’re toast. Many of these roads are in remote areas with very few people, so you will not have access to any help.

We originally planned out everything in terms of towns we would ride to and rest/camp. However, early on we decided to throw out all of our camping gear to lighten the load and that meant our plans went awry. Also our lack of fitness at the start of the trip meant that initially we couldn’t cycle as far as we wanted. For example, on some days we could cycle an extra 20km and other days we would cycle much less as our bodies couldn’t handle it. It’s not ideal to do the ride like we did, due to the risks outlined above, but I guess it just depends how foolhardy you are!

At the end of cycle trip across America coming into California

15. Tell us about your kit choices.

Our kit was chosen by two poor university students!

We left for biking in America with kitty litter boxes spray painted black as panniers, multiple water bottle holders, a camelback, and a handlebar bag!

Unfortunately (perhaps unsurprisingly) the kitty litter boxes broke after the first week of cycling, so we bought some real ones, but by the end of the trip we had ditched nearly all our gear but the necessities.

I finished with only one knapsack that carried an extra pair of shorts, Allen wrench, duct tape and extra water. During the day we would cycle in just our cycling shorts, but wearing lots of sun block!

16. How did you organise your nutrition during the ride?

There are two ways of doing this:

1) carry a lot of gear and camp out, use freeze dried food, cook, and go slower or

2) ditch all of that, cycle faster, and use your credit card. Buy food at gas stations, restaurants, cafes, Walmart, or wherever you can.

We began with option one and switched to the second option when we realized how slowly we were going.

Also, I’m not sure we would have been able to make it through Texas hill country with all the gear.

It’s all a personal preference.

Bear in mind that, even if you’re travelling really light, services are infrequent in some parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Some key food that we always had were granola bars and foods high in fat, carbs, and protein. The fat and protein will help ensure you’re not getting so hungry and the carbs will provide you the energy you need.

One final point on nutrition – expect to eat a lot of Mexican food as this kind of food is everywhere across the southern USA!

Read our article on cycling nutrition strategies and what to eat for long distance cycling, here.

Nicholas Orsini on his bike ride across America

17. How much does it cost to cross America by bike?

We spent around $2,500 to $3,000 each. My cousin spent more because he had to buy his bike.

We were on a shoestring budget so really didn’t spend much; it was a necessities only kind of bicycle ride across America.

18. What tips would you give to someone wanting to bicycle across America?

We cycled east to west in May and June. This was not the optimum time to be cycling, as it was boiling hot.

If you’re asking best time of year to bike across America, Iwould recommend cycling the Southern Tier route in the winter time – or in a cooler period. Ensure you aren’t in tornado season, which can hit between July and November in Florida.

If you do go in winter, remember that snow can occur at any time when you’re in the hills/mountains of the Southwest during the winter (the highest pass in New Mexico is over 8,000 feet).

Starting from the west and cycling east should help with the wind.

Stay off the highways and interstates, some states allow you to and others don’t. For the ones that don’t, you’ll learn the hard way like us by getting kicked off by the cops!

A big thank you to Nicholas for sharing his insights on this iconic journey.

Want more info on biking across the US?

If you’re looking for coast to coast cycle route maps, the Adventure Cycling Association has some excellent resources.

Quite a lot of books have been written about cycling across the USA, but many seem to have a religious slant or are overly personal memoirs/journals.

In addition to Nicholas’ book about his experience of riding across America, which you can find here , we’d suggest you check out the following:

1. North to Alaska by Trevor Lund

While Trevor cycles from the southern tip of South America all the way north to Alaska (rather than sideways across America), we had to mention this book as it’s much newer than the other “good reads” we’ve come across and it’s a superbly written account of adventure at a time when the internet was in its infancy.

Published 7 January 2020. 303 pages.

Go to Amazon for more info .

2. Going Somewhere: A Bicycle Journey Across America by Brian Benson

The author’s memoir of his trip from northern Wisconsin heading west. The book is written in a humorous style and focuses on the relationship between the author and his then girlfriend as well as on the journey.

Booklist said of it “Let’s hope Benson has more travels in mind. He is a gifted writer, an observant human with an eye for the telling detail and how to tell it.”

Published 24 June 2014. 277 pages.

Go to Amazon for more info.

3. Momentum is your friend by Joe Kurmaskie

The heartwarming adventure of Joe’s cycle trip across America with his son on a tow bike behind him and his seconds on in a trailer behind that! Contains thoughtful reflections on fatherhood as well as well-written snapshots of his experience biking across the USA.

Published 27 September 2011. 318 pages.

4. Across America by Bike by Alice Honeywell and Bobbi Montgomery

This book is about the authors’ trip across the northern part of the US, from Oregon to Maine, by bicycle. It’s a well-written account of an inspirational 3,600 mile journey by two newly retired women, that also gives a real insight into America.

Library Journal said of it “[The authors] explore what it means to live the pared-down existence of loaded touring as they pedal slowly enough to enjoy the beauty of the country. Honeywell and Montgomery also discuss their equipment, time management, and the ever-important aspect of all cycling journeys-locating and consuming lots of food. . . . Readers will find this an easy and inspiring read.”

Published 15 October 2010. 300 pages.

5. Thunder and Sunshine by Alastair Humphreys

This highly acclaimed book might be a bit old but it’s a classic. It covers Alastair’s cycling trip from Patagonia up through South and North America to Alaska, then Siberia, Japan, China, Central Asia and Europe.

So, while it isn’t strictly in the same category as the other books above, we’ve included it in our list because it’s a stonking great read and will definitely get you inspired to get on your bike!

Published 1 June 2008. 350 pages.

Want more cycling challenge inspiration?

Check out our list of the world’s best cycling challenges!

There’s also the infamous Race Across America. This ultra-distance road cycling race started in 1982 and competitors race west to east across America, covering about 3,000 miles. It takes the fastest riders just over 7 days to complete. As compared with the TransAm, the Race Across America competitors get support from their crews. It calls itself “the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race” and is one of the longest annual endurance events in the world. You can read our article on Race Across America here .

Finally, our pick of the best UK sportives and European granfondos might also give useful inspiration!

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Nicholas Orsini, a passionate cyclist who cycled across America while still at University.

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

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How to Bike Across America

National Geographic Travel photographer Tyler Metcalfe recently quit his job and sold off his possessions. Now he’s setting off on the American Bike Project—an epic solo adventure of cross-country cycling that will take him 4,228 miles across the United States.

Two years ago, National Geographic Digital Nomad Robert Reid wrote an article called “ Are Bikes the New Tour Bus? ” Robert argues that bikes are the best way to see a city, noting that biking is “more fun than public transit, quicker than walking, and cheaper than taxis or renting a car—not to mention better for the environment.” Over the years I have adopted the same sentiment. However, I say, why stop at the city limits?

In recent years, I have come across a number of people who have decided to travel across states, countries, and even continents by bike. The stories they tell paint bike travel as a fascinating way to see our world, and though bike touring is nothing new ( National Geographic published an article on bike touring in 1973), there’s been a rise in interest lately. And now I’m joining in.

After spending the last two and a half years working at the headquarters of National Geographic, I’ve decided to quit my job, sell most of my possessions, and bike 4,228 miles across the country on the TransAmerica bike trail . The trail was established by the Adventure Cycling Association in 1976 and is celebrating its 40 th anniversary, so there will be plenty of buzz along the way. The route passes through 11 states, three national parks, and covers a diverse landscape that reflects the heart of America. I have spent the last two months planning for the journey, and today I'll be setting out from Washington, D.C., to begin pedaling until I reach the West Coast.

Though I can't yet give advice on how to accomplish such a journey, I have collected plenty of tips from those who have.

Do Your Research

Though the day-to-day of riding a bike across the country sounds routine (wake up, bike, eat, sleep, repeat) the scale of such a journey can require a good bit of planning. Where will I sleep? What is the safest route for a cyclist? How much gear should I take? There are a number of websites and organizations that host a wealth of information specific to bicycle tourists.

CouchSurfing.com and WarmShowers.org , for example, provide a surprising number of options for travelers and bicycle tourists looking to stay in a welcoming home while traveling. Not only are these places free, but more often than not, the hosts have taken similar journeys and are looking to give back to the travel community.

Adventure Cycling Organization, another bike-centric organization, has mapped more than 40,000 miles of routes specific to bicycle touring. Their maps come in print and digital form, are easy to read, and feature waterproof coatings. Finally, there are a number of blogs and video series from cross-country cyclists. Bicycle touring pro Darren Alff has been one of my go-to sources, via his book, The Bicycle Traveler’s Blueprint , and his YouTube videos on the basics of bike travel.

Commit Before You Feel Ready

As much as you can plan for a long trip, you will never feel fully prepared. Last month I attended a lecture by National Geographic explorer Sarah Marquis, who spent three years walking alone though the landscapes of Mongolia, China, and Australia. She learned to live off the land and survived a handful of extremely uncomfortable situations, so I assume she knows a thing or two about preparing for a long journey.

Her biggest piece of advice? “Commit to the journey just before you feel fully ready.” According to her (and many other like-minded travelers) you will never feel completely prepared when it comes to embarking on a journey of such a large scale. Major details can be crucial for trips like these, but flexibility is key too. With an open mind and flexibility, detouring for a few days in order to purchase a forgotten item or repair a broken part becomes just another part of the journey.

If you try and plan every single detail of a long trip before you leave, your idea will start to collect cobwebs and you’ll eventually talk yourself out of taking the plunge.

Nat Geo Expeditions

Memories Weigh Less Than Luggage

After committing to the idea of biking across the country, I decided to sell most of my possessions and permanently move out of my apartment. I don’t know how long I will be on the road (and am open to continuing the adventure upon reaching the West Coast) so I wanted the freedom of being unencumbered.

Packing light is essential for a trip like this, and I plan to bring only the essentials. As Alff says in The Bicycle Traveler’s Blueprint , “You don’t need half the things you think you’ll need.” As someone who has traveled often but only once checked baggage on a flight, I know the game of packing efficiently. In my opinion, you get more out of traveling when you have the physical freedom to move easily from place to place.

Follow along in the coming months as I ride my bike 4,228 miles across America. I'll be pedaling through 11 states, three national parks, and countless landscapes—and reporting the stories I find along the way. I’ll be updating my story here and on Twitter @tyler_metcalfe , as well as posting images to the @natgeotravel Instagram account, and my personal Instagram feed @tylermetcalfe .

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Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Crosses Nine States on 2024 Ride

NASCAR’s Kyle Petty will lead 150 motorcycles more than 2,100 miles on a week-long trek from South Dakota to North Carolina, ending at Victory Junction to celebrate the camp’s 20th anniversary

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 27, 2024 – Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty is hitting the open road once again to lead the 28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America – one of the most popular charity rides in the country. From May 4 – 10, 2024 , Petty will lead 150 motorcycles across nine states on a seven-day trek, covering more than 2,100 miles in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions.

Presented by Cox Automotive , the Ride will kick-off in Deadwood, South Dakota, on Saturday, May 4 and will end in Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, May 10 with a celebratory homecoming at Victory Junction. Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider and is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The company’s brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim , which will host breakfast for the Ride at Manheim Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 8.

“Our team is beyond excited to host Kyle and the riders at Manheim Indianapolis for breakfast during their 28th Anniversary route,” said Chuck Werner, general manager for the Louisville-Indianapolis Market Center. “It means so much for us to be included in this inspiring event and we look forward to helping the Ride send many deserving kids to Victory Junction.”

Petty has a jam-packed route planned for the 2024 Ride’s 250 participants, including 30 new riders. In fact, Petty has coined this adventure “The AmerICON Ride,” to pay homage to the iconic American attractions featured on this year’s Ride. Some of the highlights include visiting Mount Rushmore National Monument, stopping at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, exploring Churchill Downs – home of the Kentucky Derby, touring the legendary National Corvette Museum, visiting Bristol Motor Speedway, and so much more.

Spectators along the 2024 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s seven overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia and make donations.

28th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

Day 1, Saturday, May 4 – Deadwood, South Dakota to North Platte, Nebraska

Day 2, Sunday, May 5 – North Platte, Nebraska to Omaha, Nebraska

Day 3, Monday, May 6 – Omaha, Nebraska to Bettendorf, Iowa

Day 4, Tuesday, May 7 – Bettendorf, Iowa to Indianapolis, Indiana

Day 5, Wednesday, May 8 – Indianapolis, Indiana to Bowling Green, Kentucky

Day 6, Thursday, May 9 – Bowling Green, Kentucky to Bristol, Virginia

Day 7, Friday, May 10 – Bristol, Virginia to Greensboro, North Carolina

“This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Victory Junction, so I immediately knew we had to bring the Ride back to camp to celebrate this incredible milestone. After all, the Ride has been there since Victory Junction’s inception, as a founding supporter in 2004, and has remained the largest cumulative donor,” said Petty. “From riding the Black Hills of South Dakota and crossing the mighty Mississippi River to visiting iconic American landmarks, we are going to experience some truly incredible places on this year’s Ride, but none more so than ending back ‘home’ at Victory Junction – where we can see so many deserving kids light up with happiness and experience the magic that lives at camp.”

Victory Junction has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary since its establishment by Petty and his family in 2004 in honor of his late son, Adam. Since it first began in 1995, the Ride has raised more than $21 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities. As a result, the Ride has helped Victory Junction mobilize resources to provide over 115,000 camp experiences for children of all levels of abilities who are living with complex medical conditions at no cost to their families.

Among the celebrities participating in the 2024 Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Hershel McGriff ; former NASCAR drivers Max Papis , David Ragan , Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace ; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker ; and TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood .

The 2024 Ride is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Automotive, as well as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, Petty Family Foundation, Headbands of Hope, Piedmont Moving Systems, Wiley X, Prevost, Blue Emu, Goody’s and Kelderman Manufacturing.

Keep up with Petty and the Ride on social media at the following accounts:

Facebook : www.facebook.com/kpcharityride and www.facebook.com/kylepetty45

Instagram : www.instagram.com/kpcharityride and www.instagram.com/kylepetty

Twitter : www.twitter.com/kpcharityride and www.twitter.com/kylepetty

For more information about the Ride or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com .

About Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Led by former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is an annual cross-country motorcycle trek that raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction. The Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Since its inception in 1995, more than 9,100 riders have logged nearly 12.8 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $21 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camping facility for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Co-founded by Kyle Petty and his family in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction provides life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a medically-safe environment, always free of charge. In addition to traditional camp sessions, Victory Junction’s REACH program takes camp experiences to children and their families at hospitals, clinics, and in Ronald McDonald Houses throughout North and South Carolina.

Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has delivered more than 115,000 camp experiences and has served children from all fifty states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as four countries. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network of Camps founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the American Camp Association. To learn more, please visit victoryjunction.org .

About Cox Automotive ( www.coxautoinc.com )

Cox Automotive is the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, vAuto®, Dealertrack®, NextGear Capital™, CentralDispatch® and FleetNet America®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc  on LinkedIn.

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Bike Routes Across America: Top Touring and Bikepacking Routes Compared

Is the idea of a cross-country bike ride brewing in your imagination? Whether it’s a faint spark of intrigue or a raging inferno of adventure-hungry obsession, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make as you investigate further is: what’s the best bike route across America for you ?

The United States, as you may know, is vast and varied. We have majestic mountains, wild desert, endless plains, and abundant forest. We also have cities, highways, freeways, plentiful motor vehicles, significant cultural differences, and a complex web of transportation infrastructure in varying levels of (dis)repair.

Choosing a route for your bike ride across America is a matter of deciding which places you want to experience, what climates you prefer to ride in, the vibe you’re looking for, and how much tolerance you have for riding in traffic . For many aspiring cross-country cyclists it’s an overwhelmingly big decision, but my goal for this post is to help you make the best choice so you can get on with dreaming, planning, and eventually pedaling.

I’ve pedaled across the US twice, both west-east and south-north, and explored every state west of the Rockies by bike. I’m here to walk you through the major bicycle routes across America and help you choose the best one for you.

Bikepacker’s Fix It Kit

Tub e less Tire Repair Kit

Small & Light Containers Kit

When we think of a bike route across the United States, most of us picture the classic coast to coast journey. A west-to-east (or east-to-west) ride across America spans a staggering range of topography, climate, history, and culture.

Thanks to the longitudinal alignment of America’s major mountain ranges and historic colonization and migration patterns, a coast to coast bike route across the US offers the most complete and diverse picture of the country as a whole. You’ll experience the populated west coast, the expansive and less developed landscapes west of the Rockies, the flatter and windier midwest, and finally the more populated and history-rich eastern or southern states.

If you’re allergic to motor vehicle traffic, I’ll warn you upfront that no coast to coast option is truly low-traffic. A couple routes have been developed with this goal in mind but they still have a long way to go. For a more peaceful and rugged bike route across the US you’ll need to choose one of the border to border bikepacking routes in the next section.

If a coast to coast ride sounds exciting, read on to compare five established bike routes across the United States from coast to coast.

Map showing five east-west bicycle routes across America

Northern Tier

Distance : 4290 miles Endpoints : Anacortes, WA to Bar Harbor, ME Surface / style : paved roads, with occasional short stretches of gravel or crushed limestone Traffic : moderate to high When to ride : May to September (Rockies must be crossed in summer) Longest stretch between resupply : 1 day max Avg climb per mile : 41 feet Total climb : 174,000 feet

Reasons to ride : experience the far north of the US, ride alongside impressive Lake Erie, see North Cascades and Glacier national parks and Niagara Falls, enjoy plenty of forests and greenery

This long and challenging cross-country bike route may seem, at first glance, to pass north of the “good stuff” closer to the country’s center. But the Northern Tier manages to cross four mountain range (Cascades, Rockies, Adirondacks and Appalachians), visit the incredibly scenic Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls, pass through interesting Amish country, and spend quality time in the plains, farmland, and lush forests along the way. It’s a pavement touring route on sometimes busy roads, but a few long sections of rail trail — such as 86 miles on the Erie Canalway Trail — offer some respite from traffic.

Learn more:

Official route resources (Adventure Cycling)
Northern Tier ride reports (CGOAB)
Northern Tier bike touring blogs (BikeSleepBike)

Great American Rail Trail

Distance : 3700 miles Endpoints : Washington, D.C. to La Push, WA Surface / style : ~50% bike paths of varying surface (paved, gravel, dirt), 50% mostly paved roads to cross gaps in the unfinished route Traffic : moderate When to ride : May to September Longest stretch between resupply : 1-2 days Avg climb per mile : ? Total climb : ?

Reasons to ride : support an ambitious long-term bike infrastructure project, spend as much time as possible (a bit over 50% of the route currently) on car-free bike trails, take a somewhat shorter and “easier” bike route across America (not that any route is actually easy!), see Yellowstone National park

Sometimes I see bike travelers asking about an actual “bike trail across America,” as if there’s a single unbroken line of car-free bike path across the entire country. I wish!! Currently there is no such thing, but the Great American Rail Trail project aims to create it. The full vision will take decades, but in the meantime you can follow this unfinished route by riding roads between sections of finished trail.

Currently the route links more than 125 existing sections of rail and canal trails, with especially long car-free segments on both the western and eastern ends. Often these trails are rich in historic sites such as old railroad stations and canal locks. Though only 53% of the route is currently on bike paths, more miles are being added every year and this is already one of the lowest-traffic bike routes across the US.

Related: The Great American Rail Trail: Thoughts on a Cross-Country Bike Ride

Official route resources (Rails to Trails Conservancy)
Ride journals (CGOAB)

Bike Nonstop US

Distance : 3540 miles Endpoints : Portland, OR to Washington DC Surface / style : 80% pavement, 20% gravel, follows low-traffic backroads and bike trails where possible Traffic : low to moderate When to ride : May to September Longest stretch between resupply : 1-2 days Avg climb per mile : 30 feet Total climb : 106,200 feet

Reasons to ride : avoid busy highways as much as possible, spend time on rail trails and bike infrastructure, take a somewhat shorter and “easier” bike route across America (not that any route is actually easy!), see Grand Teton National park

This relatively new route was developed for a self-supported bikepacking race that premiered in 2019, but it makes a great cross-US bike tour route too. The goal is to provide a lower traffic alternative to the popular but increasingly traffic-heavy TransAmerica bike route and race (see below). Some details change each year as the route is refined, so be sure to check the event website for the latest version.

When I rode this route in 2019 about 1200 miles overlapped with the Great American Rail Trail project, including some lovely long stretches of car-free riding on the Cowboy, Ohio to Erie, GAP, and C&O Canal trails. This is currently one of the lower traffic ways to bike across the US coast-to-coast, but there’s still plenty of traffic to contend with in some sections.

Related: Bike Nonstop US: Lessons Learned from 3500 Miles at the Back of the Pack

BNSUS event website
BNSUS ride reports on BikeSleepBike
My 2019 Bike Nonstop Ride

TransAmerica Trail

Distance : 4215 miles Endpoints : Astoria, OR to Yorktown, VA Surface / style : paved roads Traffic : moderate to high When to ride : May to September Longest stretch between resupply : 1 day Avg climb per mile : 51 Total climb : 216,500 feet

Reasons to ride : participate in a legendary part of bike touring history, tackle a long and challenging cross-country route, take an extended route through the scenic Rocky Mountain region, see Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks

The TransAmerica bike route is the one : the classic bike route across America developed by Adventure Cycling back in 1976. It’s definitely not the easiest way to bike across the US thanks to its long mileage and plentiful climbing through the Rockies, Ozarks, and Appalachians. It’s also not the most relaxing or lowest traffic option; the roads have grown busier in the decades since its premier.

The TransAmerica route is a piece of bike touring history and offers the feeling of being part of a larger community. Services are frequent and people in towns along the route are used to seeing riders come through. You’ll probably meet other cyclists on their own cross-country adventures. There’s even a famous self-supported race that roughly follows the route each year in June. The winner usually takes around 2.5 weeks to ride this route, but most casual bike travelers will want at least 2.5 months!

Official TransAmerica resources (Adventure Cycling)
TransAmerica bike touring blogs (BikeSleepBike)
TransAmerica journals (CGOAB)

Bicycle against sign on road through Teton National Park

Southern Tier

Distance : 2900 miles Endpoints : San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL Surface / style : paved roads Traffic : moderate to high When to ride : spring or fall (winter also possible, summer very hot) Longest stretch between resupply : 273 miles in Texas (most are shorter) Avg climb per mile : 35 feet Total climb : 100,000 feet

Reasons to ride : enjoy plenty of desert landscapes, spend some quality time in Texas (a third of the route’s mileage!), visit America’s deep south, ride across the US outside of the traditional summer window, cross the US in the shortest amount of time

At first glance the Southern Tier stands out for its logistical advantages: it’s the shortest coast-to-coast bike route across the US, and the only one that can be ridden nearly year-round (though summer gets hot) since it doesn’t cross any high mountains. If you only have a couple months during the spring, fall, or even winter and want to ride across the US from coast to coast, the Southern Tier is your route.

Though shorter in mileage than its cross-country peers, the Southern Tier route isn’t lacking in scenery or cultural interest. The western side is desert, impressively dry and vast. A full third of the route is in Texas, offering riders the chance to fully internalize the size of the largest state in the contiguous US. Riders travel through the deep south with its distinctive blend of culture, history, food, and music. Visit New Orleans and Cajun country, eat your fill of BBQ, and end your ride with the white beaches of the Florida coast.

Official Southern Tier resources (Adventure Cycling)
Southern Tier bike blogs (BikeSleepBike)
Southern Tier trip journals (CGOAB)

Other Coast-to-Coast Bike Routes Across America

Still looking for the perfect cross-country bike route? Adventure Cycling has a number of shorter bike touring routes that will get you partway across the US, or you can link several together to create your own variation. A few ideas:

Western Express : The Western Express offers a shorter and more remote option from California through the deserts of Nevada and Utah, after which you could link up with the TransAmerica route in Colorado.

Route 66 : This route follows the historic highway route from southern California to Chicago, where you could link up with the Northern Tier or the Chicago to New York route to finish the cross-country ride.

To help you visualize these linkups and more, visit Adventure Cycling’s interactive route map .

RAAM : The Race Across America is a supported ultra-endurance bike race where cyclists pedal from coast to coast with the help of support teams and vehicles. Sometimes people ask if the RAAM route would make a good cross-country bike route for casual tourers. I haven’t ridden it, but word on the street is that it’s designed to be direct and fast, but not necessarily interesting or scenic. I would recommend not touring the RAAM route and instead choosing a route specifically designed for bike travelers.

Off-Pavement Bikepacking Routes Across America

It’s hard to avoid pavement while crossing the United States east-west by bike (north-south is easier as you’ll see below), but here are a couple routes that strive for a bikepacking-style experience on dirt and gravel roads. These routes require somewhat different bikes, gear, and skills than the touring routes above, so make sure you’re well-versed in bikepacking before choosing them.

TransAmerica Trail (off-pavement motorbike route): The TAT (no relation to Adventure Cycling’s TransAmerica Trail bicycle route above) is a cross-country route for the hardiest of bikepackers. Designed for dual-sport motorbikes, this challenging patchwork of dirt and gravel roads has been done on a bicycle, but not often.

The Pony Express : A relatively new project from Bikepacking Roots, the Pony Express route follows the historic mail route between St. Joseph, MO and Sacramento, CA on as much dirt and gravel as possible. Though it would be a dramatic style change, riders could link up with Adventure Cycling’s Eastern Express Connector and other eastern routes for a full cross-country journey.

Though most people picture a coast to coast ride when they think of bike routes across the US, don’t discount a border to border ride. These routes offer a more homogenous but still impressively varied “slice” of history (the “western frontier,” the east coast) and topography (the Rocky Mountains, the western coastline). They’re generally a bit shorter and a couple can be ridden outside the main summer season.

For folks who want a more relaxing ride away from motor vehicles, the bikepacking-style border to border routes offer the lowest-traffic ways to cross the US on mostly gravel and dirt backroads. There are also a few classic road touring options too. Read on for a comparison of six major routes.

Map showing six north-south bike routes across the United States

Pacific Coast

Distance : 1853 miles Endpoints : Vancouver, BC to Imperial Beach, CA Surface / style : paved roads Traffic : moderate to high When to ride : spring or fall preferred (summer has heavier traffic, winter can be rainy) Longest stretch between resupply : 1 day max Avg climb per mile : 57 feet Total climb : 106,300

Reasons to ride : see marine wildlife and coastal views, bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the scenic Big Sur coastline, swim in the ocean (especially in southern California), meet other bike travelers on this popular route

The Pacific Coast route is a classic and popular border to border bike route down the western coast of the US known for its long stretches of coastal scenery, beachfront hiker / biker campsites , and the especially rugged and scenic coastline around Big Sur. Logistically it’s an easier fit than many other cross-US routes. It’s the shortest in mileage and can technically be ridden year-round, though winter can be rainy and summer is peak tourist season. The traffic on this route can be heavy, so it’s best for riders with a fair amount of road biking confidence.

Pacific Coast bike touring blogs (BikeSleepBike)
Pacific Coast ride journals (CGOAB)

Sierra Cascades

Distance : 2441 miles Endpoints : Blaine, WA to Tecate, CA Surface / style : paved roads Traffic : moderate to high When to ride : June to September Longest stretch between resupply : 1-2 days Avg climb per mile : 80 feet Total climb : 195,200 feet

Reasons to ride : roughly parallel the Pacific Crest Trail through many scenic highlights; tackle a challenging route with lots of climbing; see North Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Crater Lake, Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, King’s Canyon and Sequoia national parks; ride through the Lake Tahoe region; visit the Mojave and Anza-Borrego deserts

One of the more challenging and mountainous road bike routes through the US, the Sierra Cascades route aims to roughly parallel the classic Pacific Crest hiking trail on paved roads along the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. It has a very high scenery-to-miles ratio as it visits stunning six national parks, Lake Tahoe, and multiple state and national desert preserves. It’s also high on small town charm and good layover spots, as it passes through Bend (bike and beer paradise), Ashland (home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival), and many small mountain towns.

In exchange for all the highlights, this route demands good climbing legs and a willingness to deal with traffic, including tourist traffic on narrow mountain roads.

Sierra Cascades bike touring blogs (BikeSleepBike)
Sierra Cascades ride journals (CGOAB)

Western Wildlands

Distance : 2700 miles Endpoints : Canadian border at Roosville, MT to Mexican border near Sierra Vista, AZ Surface / style : mostly gravel and dirt roads, some pavement Traffic : mostly very low When to ride : June to September Longest stretch between resupply : 3-4 days Avg climb per mile : 68 feet Total climb : 185,000 feet

Reasons to ride : tackle a rugged and challenging bikepacking route on mostly low-traffic unpaved roads; enjoy plentiful wild camping opportunities (nearly 70% of the route is on public land); ride through vast and remote landscapes; ride a relatively new border-to-border bikepacking route only finished a few years ago; see six national parks and monuments including the Grand Canyon

The Western Wildlands Route (WWR) is a newly developed project linking up dirt and gravel backroads across large swathes of public land west of the Rockies. Starting at the Canadian border in Montana it passes through forested mountains of northern Idaho and arid plains of southern Idaho, follows the spine of Utah across several high timbered plateaus, descends to red desert and pine forests in northern Arizona and Navajo Nation, and finally touches the Sonoran desert before ending at the Mexican border.

This route is very rugged and remote compared to all the others mentioned so far, so bikepacking experience, a suitable bikepacking bike , and repair skills are recommended. You’ll need space for 3-4 days of food and, at times, 8+ liters of water while keeping your gear list minimal enough for big burly climbs. In return you’ll enjoy days of quiet riding, vast empty spaces, and many nights of free dispersed camping alone in the middle of nowhere.

The Western Wildlands Route is comparable in many ways to the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (see below), but newer and less popular, and a bit more difficult. Riders who prefer that “off the beaten path” feeling will prefer the WWR, while those who want a sense of history and belonging should consider the GDMBR.

Related: My Western Wildlands Section Ride: Idaho to Arizona

Official route resources (Bikepacking Roots)
Western Wildlands bikepacking blogs (BikeSleepBike)

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route

Distance : 3090 miles (2480 in the US) Endpoints : Jasper, Alberta to Antelope Wells, NM Surface / style : mostly gravel and dirt roads, some pavement Traffic : mostly very low When to ride : June to September Longest stretch between resupply : 3-4 days Avg climb per mile : 69 feet Total climb : 213,300 feet

Reasons to ride : experience one of the most legendary bikepacking routes in the world; ride roughly along the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains; enjoy many nights of free wild camping on public land; cycle in peace on mostly low-traffic unpaved roads

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is to off-pavement bikepacking what the TransAmerica route is to road touring: a legendary classic. It travels from deep in Canada (though you can start at the border) all the way south to the Mexican border roughly parallel to the Continental Divide. It follows mostly low-traffic gravel and dirt roads, with some pavement and a bit of trail mixed in. A famous bikepacking race called the Tour Divide heads southbound on this route each June, but it’s also an incredibly popular touring route for more leisurely bikepackers.

The GDMBR is comparable in style, scenery, and difficulty to the Western Wildlands Route mentioned above, but much more popular and richer in bikepacking history. Those who want to feel part of a community will enjoy the GDMBR, while those who prefer a sense of striking out on their own might prefer the WWR.

GDMBR bikepacking blogs (BikeSleepBike)
GDMBR trip journals (CGOAB)

Eastern Divide

Distance : 5950 miles (4644 in the US) Endpoints : Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Key West, FL Surface / style : 70% gravel and dirt roads and trails, 30% pavement Traffic : mostly very low When to ride : September to November are ideal for fall riding, though spring and summer could also work Longest stretch between resupply : ? Avg climb per mile : 53 feet Total climb : 315,000

Reasons to ride : enjoy low traffic and abundant nature on a rugged route that’s 60% off pavement; ride “the longest contiguous off-road-centric bikepacking route in the world”; be one of the first to try this brand new route; experience the unique character of the eastern mountains

The brand new Eastern Divide route isn’t for most people, but if you fancy the longest, hardest, newest, and least-ridden route across the US then it’s perfect for you. The first thru ride was recently completed in October 2022 by Eddie O’Dea and sounds like a massive undertaking.

The full route crosses a couple remote Canadian provinces before traveling the length of the eastern continental divide through the Appalachian Mountains and down the length of Florida. Though the eastern coast of the US is much more developed and urban than the middle and west, the Eastern Divide attempts to create a peaceful and nature-heavy riding experience while still remaining connected to the many communities it passes.

Official route resources (bikepacking.com)

Atlantic Coast

Distance : 2656 miles Endpoints : Bar Harbor, ME to Key West, FL Surface / style : paved roads Traffic : moderate to high When to ride : May to October Longest stretch between resupply : 1 day max Avg climb per mile : 28 feet Total climb : 73,840 feet

Reasons to ride : ride through an area rich with early American history; enjoy quaint New England towns; pass through or near a number of significant American cities; cool off at Florida’s beaches

The eastern counterpart to the Pacific Coast bike route, the Atlantic Coast route is longer and has a very different feel from the west coast. America’s early history is on full display as riders follow the Eastern Seaboard through quaint New England towns and through or near major American cities like Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Further south the route passes through southern coastal cities like Savannah and Miami and offers opportunities for beach swims on hot days.

The full can be ridden from spring through fall and the southern part is feasible year-round, making it a good option for folks who need to ride outside the traditional summer season. Like the other road touring routes from Adventure Cycling, you’ll need a willingness to deal with motor vehicles but will also enjoy some quieter stretches on small roads and bike paths.

Atlantic Coast ride journals (CGOAB)

Future Border-to-Border Bikepacking Routes

These aren’t real yet, but you can start dreaming about them now:

Great Plains Gravel Route : On the above map of border-to-border bike routes across America, the middle of the country stands out as a glaring gap. The Great Plains Gravel Route project aims to fill that gap with a 4000+ mile gravel route designed by the organizers of several endurance gravel races. It’s still in the works, but organizers hope to unveil it with a race in late 2023.

Orogenesis : This ambitious dream is still very much a work in progress, but Bikepacking Roots’ Orogenesis project aims to build the longest mountain bike trail in the world. The route would roughly parallel the Sierra Cascades road touring route described above, but on as much mountain bike singletrack and rugged dirt road as can be found. The goal is to create a “more or less uninterrupted line for 5,000 miles along the western lip of the North American Tectonic Plate”, extending all the way into Mexico on the already popular Baja Divide route.

Maybe you want to see a specific part of the US or visit someone in a place not touched by any of these cross-country routes. Can you design your own bike route across the US?

You certainly can, but the biggest challenge will be figuring out which roads are safe and legal for bicycles. Though America has many roads that are lovely for biking, we also have many that are narrow, shoulderless, and flowing with fast traffic. Many of the big interstate freeways are legally off-limits to bikes, and they would be miserable places to ride anyway. When designing your own route you’ll need to plan ahead in order to avoid cornering yourself in a place that’s hard to safely bike out of.

The United States, as you probably know, is big! Our infrastructure varies widely and options will depend on where you are. If you want to bike across Wyoming on paved roads you’ll be riding the highways for days. In Illinois you can hopscotch along a grid of agricultural roads adjusting your route as you go. In general there are fewer route options west of the Rockies, and once you choose one it will be harder to reroute.

If you do find yourself creating your own route, whether across the country or just for a few miles, here are some tips:

Use apps like Komoot and Google Maps bicycle mode to identify bike paths and bike-friendly roads.
The Street View feature in Google Maps can show you exactly what a stretch of road looks like, so you can get a sense for the shoulder and the amount of traffic. Be careful making assumptions about traffic based on a single snapshot in time though; this feature can tell you if a road looks busy but can’t necessarily assure you it’ll be quiet.
If you find yourself stranded on a dangerous section of road, don’t be afraid to hitchhike or beg a ride. I’ve met some lovely people this way, and possibly saved myself from a nasty accident or at least a very stressful ride. Even if it throws off your schedule or seems like a hassle, it’s always smart to find an alternative to an unsafe ride.

If you’ve read through all those fabulous bike routes across the USA and still can’t decide, ask yourself these questions:

How much traffic can you tolerate? If cars stress you out, you may struggle to enjoy a route like the TransAmerica. With the appropriate bike and skills you might find a border-to-border bikepacking route like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route or Western Wildlands Route more relaxing. If you really want to ride coast to coast, consider the Great American Rail Trail or Bike Nonstop US route.

Do you prefer more or less development? If you prefer frequent towns and services, well-equipped campgrounds or motels, and lots of civilization along the way, you’ll probably enjoy the routes through more developed areas like the Atlantic Coast, southern portions of the Pacific Coast, and eastern portions of any coast-to-coast road touring route. If your idea of paradise is a quiet wild campsite in the middle of nowhere, choose an off-pavement bikepacking route like the GDMBR or WWR (it’s cheaper too since dispersed camping is free). For road riders seeking a bit more peace and quiet, the Southern Tier and Sierra Cascades routes both offer longer stretches of less developed land.

What time of year can you ride? Any route that crosses high mountains will have a riding season of late spring to early fall, with the highest passes only open during the summer when the snow is gone. Riding outside this window ranges from unpleasant (weather can be hazardous and services may be closed) to completely impossible (some roads are closed seasonally). This affects all coast to coast routes except the Southern Tier, and the interior border to border routes (Sierra Cascades, WWR, GDMBR, ED). If your schedule rules out a summer ride your best choices are the Southern Tier or Pacific Coast, or perhaps the Atlantic Coast depending on timing.

How much time do you have? The longer bike routes across America take most people around three months to fully enjoy. If you don’t have that much time, you’re probably better off with one of the shorter routes: the Southern Tier for coast to coast or one of the border to border routes. Of course it’s possible to ride faster, and some people do, but you need to either be very fit, very focused, or both. Most people prefer a schedule that allows time for side trips, rest days, and general enjoyment of whatever opportunities come up on such a long and unpredictable trip.

Community vibes or the road less traveled? If you enjoy meeting other cyclists, staying in cyclist-friendly lodging, and generally feeling part of a larger community, consider a classic and popular route like the TransAmerica, GDMBR, or Pacific Coast. If you prefer the feeling of striking out on your own perhaps a newer route like Bike Nonstop US, the unfinished Great American Rail Trail, Western Wildlands, or even the Eastern Divide will be more exciting for you.

What kind of scenery is on your must-see list? Are you a mountain lover? The Sierra Cascades and Great Divide Mountain Bike Route spend lots of time up high, and the TransAmerica does pretty well for a coast to coast route thanks to its longer path through the Rockies. Desert rats should consider the Southern Tier or Western Wildlands. Folks who like the coastline will get their fill on the Pacific and Atlantic Coast routes.

There you have it: a comparison of eleven established bike routes across America. Which one gets you excited to hop on your bike, point it toward the other side of the country, and start pedaling on the adventure of a lifetime?

More Bike Travel Resources

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Bikepacking Bags or Panniers: Which is Best for You?
Surly Disc Trucker vs. Kona Sutra
Best Water Filters for Bikepacking and Touring

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Hi there, I’m Alissa, founder of Exploring Wild. I’ve traveled over 20,000 miles by bike and still can’t stop planning my next ride (and helping you plan yours). Pavement and panniers or singletrack and seat bag, I love it all. On my bike I feel free. Learn more about me here .

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Trek Across Maine Route Information

We are excited to share the tentative 2024 Trek Across Maine riding routes. The route design committee compiled the feedback from prior year's surveys (thank you!). Routes have been developed/reviewed by the committee and a couple dozen Trekkers, and we're happy with the improvements made. Enjoy the ride!

Distance: 61.3 Miles
START: Thomas Point Beach & Campground 29 Meadow Rd Brunswick, ME 04011
FINISH: Bates College 2 Andrews Rd Lewiston, ME 04240
Day 1 Route Map
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Day 1 GPX File - from Garmin Connect
Distance: 51.6 Miles
START: Bates College 2 Andrews Rd Lewiston, ME 04240
FINISH: St. Joseph’s College of Maine 278 Whites Bridge Road Standish, ME 04084
Day 2 Route Map
Day 2 Turn-By-Turn
Day 2 GPX File - from Garmin Connect
Distance: 56.4 Miles
START: St. Joseph’s College of Maine 278 Whites Bridge Road Standish, ME 04084
FINISH: Thomas Point Beach & Campground 29 Meadow Rd Brunswick, ME 04011
Day 3 Route Map
Day 3 Turn-By-Turn
Day 3 GPX File - from Garmin Connect

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IMAGES

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Getting Started For A Walk Across America
Amazing $213 Cross-Country Train Ride Lets You See USA’s Most Beautiful
The Ride Across America
Pursuit Ride Across America

COMMENTS

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Your cycling holiday or bike tour in America. USA Bike Tours offers over 140 most spectacular cycling tours and cycling holidays in all parts of the United States of America and Canada, the whole year through. Long or short, guided or self-guided, basic or deluxe - you will always find the tour that fits you best!
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Trek Travel Cross Country cycling jersey (only on Cross Country USA) Water bottles and cinch sack. Luggage transfers during the trip. Social hours to relax and unwind. Bountiful breakfasts, roadside picnics and bistro lunches, and diverse dinner selections. Snacks and drinks for each day's ride. Up to $500 off the purchase of a Trek bike.
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Across America Map

Trek Highlights

Trek Details

6 Cross Country Bike Routes That Will Change How You See the U.S.

These 6 Cross Country Bike Routes Bring Adventure on Two Wheels

1. TransAmerica Bike Route

2. The Southern Tier

3. East Coast Greenway

4. Northern Tier

5. Pacific Coast Bike Route

6. Great Divide Trail

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Across America Trek

Biking across America: tips + insights on how to ride across the USA

1. Tell us about biking across America. What does it involve?

2. What prompted you to cycle across America?

3. What are the different bike routes across America?

The Southern Tier route

The Northern Tier route

The TransAmerica Trail

4. How did you choose which bike route across America to take?

5. Give us a feel for what the Southern Tier route is like.

6. What were your three favourite sections of your trip across the US?

Hill Country, Texas

Mississippi

7. What was the worst thing that happened to you on your journey across the USA?

8. Were you ever concerned for your personal safety?

10. Tell us what each day was like.

11. Did you plan your expected average mileage each day?

12. How fit do you have to be to bike across the US?

13. How long does it take to bike across America?

14. What sort of logistics are involved in bicycling across America?

15. Tell us about your kit choices.

16. How did you organise your nutrition during the ride?

17. How much does it cost to cross America by bike?

18. What tips would you give to someone wanting to bicycle across America?

Want more info on biking across the US?

1. North to Alaska by Trevor Lund

2. Going Somewhere: A Bicycle Journey Across America by Brian Benson

3. Momentum is your friend by Joe Kurmaskie

4. Across America by Bike by Alice Honeywell and Bobbi Montgomery

5. Thunder and Sunshine by Alastair Humphreys

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Table of Contents

Bikepacker’s Fix It Kit

Tub e less Tire Repair Kit

Small & Light Containers Kit

Northern Tier

Great American Rail Trail

Bike Nonstop US

TransAmerica Trail

Southern Tier

Other Coast-to-Coast Bike Routes Across America