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Cycling is a great way to get around, but it’s also a wonderful way to spend family time. Bike rides promote an active and healthy lifestyle for the whole gang. However, finding a family-friendly bike trail can be tricky.
Whether you’re part of a beginner family or a more experienced group, a scenic bike trail provides enjoyment to riders of all skill levels. Explore some of the best bike trails to enjoy with your family.
Scenic Family Bike Trails
Island Line Trail in Burlington, Vermont
The Island Line Trail is a 13.4-mile (21.6 km) rail trail in northwest Vermont. It rides out over Lake Champlain for gorgeous scenes over the water. There’s a gap in the trail for boat traffic to cross, and the only way over the gap is to take a ferry, which is all part of the fun!
The trail is mostly flat and has no motor vehicle traffic. There are several places to stop along the way for breaks, food, and restrooms. Kids may find the trail a bit of a stretch, but it’s certainly doable. Plus, it’s totally acceptable to ride out to the gap and turn around instead of hopping on the ferry. Capture this glorious ride on a pocket camera like Insta360 GO Ultra with FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock, it’ll smooth over bumpy footage for a smooth-sailing ride.
Hudson River Greenway in New York City
The Hudson River Greenway is a flat, fully paved route that spans 12.9 miles (20.8 km) along the Hudson River in Manhattan. It runs through a series of parks and offers water and skyline views.
This trail has dedicated bike paths away from motor vehicle traffic. There are heaps of stops along the path, including playgrounds, picnic areas and food trucks, that provide helpful breaks. Views of the city along the water, coupled with several landmarks, will keep the entire family engaged.
Boca Grande Bike Path in Boca Grande, Florida
The Boca Grande Bike Path is a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) rail trail stretching across Gasparilla Island. This route has a flat and paved terrain for easy riding, and provides peaceful coastal views with tropical landscapes and glimpses of wildlife.
While this trail is separated from roadways, it’s shared with golf carts, which may require more attentive supervision of children. Shade on the trail is limited, so be prepared with sunscreen. There are also historic sites, beaches and shops to check out throughout the ride.
Katy Trail in Missouri
The Missouri Katy Trail is a rail trail that runs an incredible 238 miles (383 km). It’s flat and smooth, providing the ideal surface for riders of all experience levels. The trail is free of motor vehicle traffic and features 26 trailheads, providing numerous entry and exit points to accommodate your family’s trip.
The trail follows the Mississippi River for most of its path and provides gorgeous and varied scenery, including forests, waterways, farmland, and historical sites. Many trailheads feature rest areas and even camping sites for added adventure.
The Route of the Hiawatha in Idaho
The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile (24.1 km) rail trail through nine tunnels and over seven bridges. It features stunning views and is mostly downhill, making it manageable for less experienced riders. Once you reach the bottom, catch a shuttle to take you back up.
The ride begins with a 1.6-mile (2.6 km) trip through St. Paul Pass Tunnel. This tunnel, the longest on the trail, is pitch-black and damp. Lights are mandatory, and jackets are recommended, though you can skip this tunnel altogether if you’re not a fan of the dark.
Planning Your Ride for a Smooth Family Trip
Choose the Right Route for Your Family
There are several worthwhile trails to ride on, but you’ll want to find one that everybody in your family will enjoy. For kids, choose a trail with a smooth, paved terrain away from traffic to keep them safe. Shorter trails are often preferred to keep kids engaged, but many longer ones have activities along the way to break up the route.
Many trails include sightseeing stops and rest areas. These trails are great for those looking to take in the scenery or who want to plan other activities on the trail. They can also add engaging breaks for children. Consider your family’s riding experience and choose a route that will keep everyone happy without causing burnout.
Essential Items to Pack
There are many essential items needed to ensure your bike trip is as enjoyable as possible. Drinking water and snacks are crucial. Pack water bottles and know where restrooms and refill spots are on the trail. Consider hydration packs for convenience. Carry trail mix or energy bars to refuel throughout the ride.
Sunscreen is another essential, especially on trails with little shade. You’ll be spending plenty of time outdoors, so ensure you carry sunscreen and reapply every two hours to protect your skin. Carry bug spray too if you’ll be riding through the woods.
Bring an action camera to mount on your bike and capture the views with your loved ones. Packing a smartphone gimbal like Flow 2 Pro allows you to capture your favorite moments and look back on them when you get home.
Check the weather forecasts and wear the appropriate clothes for the conditions. Pack a jacket or a change of clothes in case the weather conditions change. Carry a first aid kit in case of accidents.
Safety Considerations
Check your bike before every ride using the “ABC Quick Check” (air, brakes, and chain). Helmets, lights and reflective gear are must-haves on a bike, especially for longer rides. Carry a repair kit to patch any flats or inflate tires.
Print a map of the trail for easy navigation, especially where there’s no cell signal. Keep your group together or agree on meeting spots throughout the trail. Keep a close eye on kids and consider a trailer if they’re unable to ride the full distance.
Tips for Capturing Great Photos on Your Bike Ride
Use a Mount
Taking photos or videos while riding is dangerous. More often than not, you’ll have to pull over to take a shot safely. However, using a mount allows you to capture footage hands-free, then pull stills afterward.
Mounts can be attached to several points on you or your bike. They can be placed on your handlebars, chest, helmet, or seatpost. Finding the right mounting point will ensure you capture all the perfect angles on your bike ride.
Shoot in Burst Mode
There will be several stretches where you’re moving too fast to capture a moment clearly. Shooting in burst mode allows you to take several photos in rapid succession, increasing the likelihood of capturing the desired moment.
Use an Action Camera
Standard cameras are too bulky and inconvenient to carry during a bike ride. Action cameras are small and compact, but capture high-quality photos. They can be mounted to capture your ride and are available in different styles to accommodate various needs. For example, Insta360 X5 provides high-quality footage without affecting the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should a First Family Bike Ride Be?
For your first family bike ride, try to limit it to 30 minutes, which can vary from 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16.1 km) depending on riding experience. Younger kids can get restless and may require lots of breaks. Prioritize the overall enjoyment of the experience rather than trying to meet a certain distance.
What Is the Most Bike-Friendly State in the US?
According to the League of American Bicyclists, Washington is the most bike-friendly state in the U.S., while Massachusetts and Oregon are also among the highest-ranked states.
What State Has the Best Bicycle Trails?
Ranking the best bicycle trails is subjective, as each state has its strengths. Pennsylvania has a highly extensive network of bike trails, while Minnesota has very diverse terrains. Washington, California, Missouri and Virginia all offer popular scenic experiences.
Family Bike Rides Promote Health and Create Lasting Memories
Cycling is a fulfilling activity, but it’s even more fulfilling when done with your loved ones. Choosing the right trail for everyone to enjoy can be tricky, but with proper preparation, you can provide a memorable experience for the whole family.
Capture these family moments with an Insta360 action camera like the Ace Pro 2. These cameras can capture entire bike trails so your family can enjoy the scenic views for years to come. Find the perfect camera to capture special moments today.
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