The modern traveler is seeking authenticity, adventure, and ease. If you own an electric bike, you already hold the key to unlocking all three.
E-bikes have revolutionized how we experience the great outdoors. They eliminate the anxiety of steep climbs, extend your riding range, and allow riders of all fitness levels to tackle truly epic landscapes. The result? You see more, worry less, and spend your energy focusing on the spectacular view around the next bend.
The United States boasts thousands of miles of converted rail trails and scenic paths perfect for your electric bicycle. These scenic e-bike routes are generally well-maintained and accessible, turning multi-day adventures from a grueling challenge into a relaxing tour.
Ready to charge up and explore? Here are 7 scenic e-bike routes across the U.S. that are perfect for your next e-bike adventure.
1. The Katy Trail (Missouri)
The Katy Trail is an absolute must-ride for any electric bike enthusiast. It is the longest developed rail-trail in the country.
- Route Details: 240 miles (approx.). Runs from Clinton to Machens, largely following the Missouri River.
- Scenic Views & Features: The trail winds past towering limestone bluffs, through forests, and beside the vast Missouri River. You'll pass through charming, historic railroad towns like Rocheport and Hermann, famous for their wineries.
- Why it's perfect for E-Bikes: The terrain is exceptionally flat—a hallmark of converted rail beds. While flat, the trail's sheer length is where a larger battery capacity pays off. You can effortlessly cover 30–50 miles a day, focusing on the history and scenery rather than exhaustion. It’s perfect for multi-day touring.
E-Bike Tip: The Katy Trail’s crushed limestone surface is ideal for comfort bikes or hybrid e-bikes with wider tires. Make sure your battery can handle the long stretches between towns. Check out the Best E-Bike for Rail-Trails here .
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park, Montana)
This road is not a trail, but a seasonal cycling pilgrimage that truly showcases the power of an e-bike.
- Route Details: 50 miles (seasonal access and regulations apply). Connects the west and east sides of Glacier National Park.
- Scenic Views & Features: This is high-altitude riding at its best. You will climb past pristine alpine lakes, soaring mountain peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls. The summit at Logan Pass offers views that defy description.
- Why it's perfect for E-Bikes: The road is famous for its steep, winding climbs, which are brutal on a traditional bike. A Class 1 e-bike transforms this experience. It allows you to conquer the relentless elevation gain to reach the alpine tundra without being overly exhausted. It is, arguably, the ultimate scenic e-bike route in the American West.
E-Bike Tip: Always check the National Park Service (NPS) regulations for e-bikes before visiting. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes are generally permitted where traditional bikes are allowed, but restrictions on throttle use often apply. Check out:NPS Electric Bicycle Policy
3. The Virginia Creeper Trail (Virginia)
A favorite in the Southeast, this trail offers a gentle, beautiful Appalachian ride.
- Route Details: 34 miles. Runs from Abingdon through Damascus to Whitetop Station.
- Scenic Views & Features: The trail is known for its spectacular descent through dense forests, open farmlands, and Christmas tree farms. A highlight is crossing nearly 50 historic wooden trestle bridges that span rushing creeks and rivers.
- Why it's perfect for E-Bikes: Many riders opt for a shuttle service to the highest point, Whitetop Station, and enjoy a nearly continuous, gentle downhill ride back to Damascus. However, with an e-bike, you can skip the shuttle and make the entire 34 mile route an accessible round-trip, or choose a more challenging ascent without feeling daunted.
E-Bike Tip: If you are tackling the full distance, carry a small patch kit and a portable pump. The surface is well-maintained but the forest setting means occasional debris.
4. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (Florida)
Looking for a tropical, endless horizon ride? Head south.
- Route Details: Over 90 miles. Stretches from Key Largo to Key West, largely paralleling the Overseas Highway.
- Scenic Views & Features: This is a ride unlike any other. You glide over historic railway bridges that span the turquoise ocean, with views of coral reefs, tropical birds, and the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
- Why it's perfect for E-Bikes: The route is exceptionally flat, making it easy on the legs. However, the tropical wind and the sheer distances between key stops are where the electric assist shines. An e-bike ensures you can maintain a comfortable cruising speed, even against a stiff headwind, allowing you to maximize your time soaking up the sun and scenery.
E-Bike Tip: Sunscreen is non-negotiable! Also, bring extra water and consider a bike with a good suspension system to handle the occasional bridge expansion joint smoothly.
5. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (Idaho)
This paved gem runs through the heart of the Idaho Panhandle, offering immense natural beauty and history.
- Route Details: 73 miles. Runs from Plummer to Mullan.
- Scenic Views & Features: The trail crosses over the stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene and winds through mountains, prairies, and the historic Silver Valley, once the richest silver mining region in the world. You'll pass through 14 towns, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
- Why it's perfect for E-Bikes: As a fully paved, multi-use trail, it offers a smooth surface that’s easy on the body. Its length makes it an ideal two-to-three-day e-bike adventure. The pedal assist will be welcome on the gradual but lengthy climbs into the historic mining towns, ensuring you arrive ready to explore.
E-Bike Tip: Idaho has clear rules for e-bikes. Ensure your electric bicycle is a Class 1 or Class 2 model, as these are generally allowed on the trail. Check the local regulations for specific speed limits within town borders.
6. Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail (Pennsylvania & Maryland)
The GAP is part of the largest continuous non-motorized trail network in the Eastern U.S.
- Route Details: 150 miles. Runs from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cumberland, MD. It connects seamlessly to the C&O Canal Towpath, offering a potential 335-mile ride to Washington, D.C.
- Scenic Views & Features: You'll traverse scenic river gorges, pass through the historic 3,294-foot-long Big Savage Tunnel, and climb the Eastern Continental Divide. The route is steeped in railway and industrial history.
- Why it's perfect for E-Bikes: While the grade is mostly gentle, the GAP’s greatest feature is its potential for multi-day touring. An e-bike makes the 335-mile GAP/C&O combination achievable for almost any rider. The pedal assist guarantees you have the stamina to conquer the Divide and still feel fresh for the next day's ride. Check out Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Great Allegheny Passage
E-Bike Tip: If connecting to the C&O Canal Towpath, be prepared for a rougher, unpaved surface. A reliable e-mountain bike or a hybrid with good tire tread will offer the most comfort on this stretch.
7. Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail (California)
For a picturesque, high-impact coastal ride that doesn't demand a week of commitment.
- Route Details: 18 miles (one-way). Runs along the Pacific coast from Monterey through Pacific Grove.
- Scenic Views & Features: The trail offers non-stop, jaw-dropping views of the rocky coastline, kelp forests, and cypress trees. You ride past Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and often catch sight of sea lions and sea otters.
- Why it's perfect for E-Bikes: This trail is short, paved, and immensely popular. The electric assist allows you to spend less time pedaling and more time stopping at viewpoints and historic landmarks. It’s perfect for families and day-trippers who want a high-value scenic ride without the commitment of a multi-day trek.
E-Bike Tip: Be aware of speed limits! Most of the trail limits e-bikes to 15-20 mph, with some segments even lower. Practice good trail etiquette, especially since this route is heavily used by pedestrians.
Your Next Adventure Starts Now
These scenic e-bike routes are proof that the U.S. landscape is built for electric exploration. Whether you're conquering the high peaks of Montana or gliding across the historic rail beds of Missouri, your electric bike is the ultimate adventure partner. It removes the barriers of distance and difficulty, turning potential exhaustion into pure, unadulterated enjoyment.
The country is waiting for you to discover its hidden trails and majestic views. Don't let distance or elevation hold you back.
Plan Your E-Bike Adventure
Ready to find the perfect bike to conquer these routes?
Visit ebikecollection.com today to browse our wide selection of Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles built for long-range touring and off-road adventure. Our experts can help you match the perfect bike to your next great U.S. trail ride! Shop Our Best Touring E-Bikes