Biking comes with a plethora of health benefits—it results in less pressure on your joints compared to other forms of exercise like running, it builds muscle on your upper and lower body, and it can also help alleviate stress. While many people enjoy an indoor spin class, there’s no time of year like spring to take this fitness practice outdoors. Discover the wonders of nature by hopping on a bicycle and hitting the trails.

There are thousands of trails across the nation that are perfect for a biking adventure. A quick internet search will tell you the trails in your area that are bike friendly and will also let you know what you can expect in terms of difficulty. If you want to experience some of the best trails nature has to offer, grab your bike (and your helmet) and head to some of these notable places.

For Beginners:



• Shark Valley Trails in Miami, FL, or Lehigh Gorge Trail in Jim Thorpe, PA
  When you think of the area surrounding Miami, biking and nature probably aren’t the first things to pop into your head. However, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Everglades National Park. There you’ll see plenty of Floridian wildlife while biking flat, easy terrain on the Shark Valley Trails. For northerners, head to the quaint town of Jim Thorpe to bike the Lehigh Gorge Trail. The trail is downhill and scenic, making it perfect for those wishing for an easy trail to spend a sunny day on.

For Intermediate Bikers:



• Twin Bridges Loop in Bend, OR, or Broken Arrow in Sedona, AZ
  Oregon is a bike-lover’s dream, especially in Bend, where scenic views and rural roads await you. To bike the Twin Bridges Loop, start out at Drake Park and continue to Tyler Road for a route that’s lined with mountains, wildlife, and farms. Another popular destination for intermediate-level bikers is the single-track trail of Broken Arrow in Arizona. There are many other trails that connect to Broken Arrow, all weaving through the state’s picturesque red rocks. Be wary of black diamond signs, though, which indicate which paths are for more advanced riders.

For Advanced Bikers:



• Glacier National Park, MT, or Mount Tamalpais State Park, CA
  Glacier National Park offers many opportunities for more experienced bikers to test their cycling abilities. Spring is the best time to go, as you’ll be met with less road activity. Advanced riders from all over consider the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road a favorite, but the narrow, difficult climb isn’t for the faint of heart. Or try out the Seven Sisters ride in California's Mount Tamalpais State Park for challenging climbs and scenic views.

Share these popular bicycling trails with the nature and fitness fanatics in your life.

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