Ride the rails, then the trails—these 8 stunning bike routes are reachable by train

Cycling is more accessible than ever, but why limit yourself to local trails when you can take the train to experience some of the United States’ most scenic bike routes? Rolling straight from the station onto a bike trail holds a special appeal. However, a little advance planning can help ensure everything goes as smoothly as the ride itself.

“Check and double-check how you get your bike on and off the train,” advises Caron Whitaker, deputy executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. The League works closely with Amtrak through its Bike Task Force, advocating for bike-friendly train cars and stations, as well as clearer guidance on logistics, reservations, and ticketing procedures. A report expected by May will outline League recommendations that encourage “safe and accessible biking.” 

From historic mountain towns to sun-splashed desert landscapes, these eight train stops put cyclists near trailheads, local eats, and comfy overnight stays.

1. Cumberland, Maryland

Amtrak’s Floridian and Capitol Limited stop in historic Cumberland, welcoming riders with craft breweries and gear shops. From the station, cyclists can choose from two iconic trails: the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage or the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath. Before pedaling out, fuel up at Basecamp Coffee Co., a local favorite known for espresso drinks and baked goods. 

The C&O Canal Towpath traces the Potomac River east to Washington, DC, past aqueducts and through the 3,118-foot-long Paw Paw Tunnel. Seven restored lockhouses are available for overnight stays, each reflecting a different era of the canal’s history. Start or end at the Wills Hotel (opens in June), which boasts stylish rooms steps from Cumberland’s pedestrian-friendly historic district.                                                                               

2. Buffalo, New York

Buffalo has become a prime rail-to-ride destination thanks to its proximity to the 750-mile Empire State Trail. Several Amtrak routes stop here, including the Empire Service and Lake Shore Limited. From the Exchange Street station, cyclists are 2.5 miles from the trail’s western end at Buffalo Harbor State Park. 

The Empire State Trail forms a large Y-shaped network, linking Buffalo to New York City and extending north to the Canadian border near Rouses Point. Along the way, riders pass farmland, historic canal locks, and riverside towns, even pedaling through other Amtrak-served towns, like Albany and Schenectady. Free large-format paper maps and downloadable GPS routes are available. Overnight options range from trailside campgrounds, like Granite Hill Lodge & Campground in Fort Ann, to comfortable in-town hotels, like the Hampton Inn & Suites in Albany, offering easy hop-on/hop-off access for riders.

3. Tucson, Arizona

For cyclists drawn to sun-soaked trails and wide-open landscapes, Tucson delivers. Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle stop downtown, just steps from the Aviation Bikeway, which connects to the 138-mile Chuck Huckelberry Loop. Known locally as “The Loop,” the route winds through saguaro forests, desert washes, and classic Sonoran scenery. 

Plenty of food stops make this ride approachable, including Barista Del Barrio for breakfast burritos. For overnight stays, Catalina State Park offers scenic desert camping, while nearby hotels, such as the Holiday Inn Express in Oro Valley and the Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa, are steps from the trail. Restrooms and water stations along the route keep riders hydrated in the arid climate.

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Cyclists arrive in Pittsburgh via Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian, Capitol Limited, and Floridian trains. From the station, it’s one mile to Point State Park, where the Great Allegheny Passage begins. This crushed-limestone trail stretches southeast, with trail towns cropping up every 10 to 20 miles, welcoming riders with ice cream shops, bed-and-breakfasts, and quaint cafés. 

“The entire experience is meant to remove you from the over-scheduled nature of our lives,” says Bryan M. Perry, executive director of the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy, which maintains the trail and publishes a mile-by-mile trail guide with planning tools and mileage between towns. The journey starts with taking the train to the trailhead, then making stops at small inns on the route, like Yoder’s Guest House in Meyersdale, where a welcoming front porch invites riders to linger.

5. Grand Junction, Colorado

Travelers arriving in Grand Junction aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr are 1.5 miles from the Riverfront Trail, a 28-mile paved path that follows the Colorado River toward the town of Fruita. Riders savor impressive views of the Colorado National Monument’s red rock cliffs, along with underpass murals and public art sculptures scattered across the route.  

In town, cyclists can refuel at Handlebar Tap House, a local favorite for burgers, fries, and more than 20 beers on tap. For coffee, Kiln Coffee Bar on Main Street is a popular stop for espresso drinks and pastries. Grand Junction makes a convenient base for exploring Western Colorado’s outdoor attractions, including vineyards, river recreation, and high desert landscapes. 

 6. Sedalia, Missouri

East of Kansas City, Sedalia is a gateway to one of America’s longest rail trails. Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner puts cyclists within easy reach of the 240-mile Katy Trail. Before setting out, visit the Katy Depot, located a half-mile from the station, to learn about the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad that once operated along this route. 

The crushed-limestone trail follows the Missouri River through farmland, wooded valleys, and small towns. Cyclists can stop for coffee at Bike Stop Café in St. Charles, enjoy breakfast at Meriwether Café & Bike Shop in Rocheport, or sit down for dinner at No. 5 Bistro & Bar in Sedalia. Wineries along the trail offer tastings of Missouri wines made with locally grown grapes.

7. West Glacier, Montana

All aboard for Montana’s crown jewel. Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops year-round in West Glacier, just outside Glacier National Park. From the station, it’s a 10-minute walk to West Glacier Village for restaurants, a small grocery store, and souvenir shops. Huckleberry Hut celebrates Montana’s state fruit with huckleberry teas, jams, and lotions.

Cyclists can ride onto the Gateway to Glacier Trail, a 12-mile paved path that begins less than a half-mile from the station and runs to the town of Hungry Horse. It’s also a 2.5-mile pedal to the Apgar Visitor Center, where a free shuttle runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road. From late-April to mid-June, cyclists can ride the famous park road as far as it’s plowed. 

8. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Few places make rail-to-trail travel easier than Harpers Ferry. Amtrak’s Capitol Limited stops in Lower Town, a five-minute walk from cafés, trail outfitters, and guest houses, as well as historical sites, like Marmion Row. A free shuttle connects Lower Town to the visitor center at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. 

Roll your bike across the pedestrian bridge over the Potomac River to reach the C&O Canal Towpath. The Appalachian Trail briefly overlaps here, and many hikers stop at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters for a photo op on the front porch. Inside, exhibits include a 10-foot-wide 3-D map of the entire trail corridor and surrounding landscape.  

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