The 8 Best Bike Trails In The South To Explore This Summer And Beyond

Winding for miles through fields, forests and sometimes, bustling urban areas, the South’s paved (but “no cars allowed”) trails beckon bicyclers to exercise their pedal power. They offer plenty to see all along the way, but don’t forget to simply enjoy the ride. Here are eight great options for your next 2-wheel trip.

Chief Ladiga Trail

Alabama

Traversing 34 miles from Anniston, Alabama, to the Georgia state line, this inviting trail takes you through Jacksonville State University’s campus and shows off the blessings Mother Nature bestowed on northeast Alabama, including Terrapin Creek, the Talladega National Forest, and a shady “bamboo forest” south of Weaver, Alabama. Named for a Creek Indian leader, the trail was the state’s first rails-to-trails project and at its eastern terminus connects to Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail. Together, the two trails encompass almost 100 miles, making them one of the longest paved bike paths in the country.

Annistonal.gov, 6514 Weaver Road, Anniston, AL 36206

Silver Comet Trail

Georgia

This wide path stretches across Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties for just over 61 miles, beginning in Smyrna and ending at the Alabama state line where it joins the Chief Ladiga Trail. Bike past kudzu-covered trees and fence lines, under highway overpasses, beside neighborhoods and through a 700-foot-long stone tunnel. Brake for the historic cemetery and old mill at Heritage Park in Cobb County and quaint downtown Rockmart. Make it a multi-day trip and pitch a tent at one of several campsites adjacent to the trail. 

Silvercometga.com, Mavell Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30082

Longleaf Trace

Mississippi

Completed in 2000, this 44-mile rails-to-trails conversion in southern Mississippi extends through several cities, from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. But the Trace’s true treasure lies between each community, in the sections slicing through rural countryside, dominated by piney woods. Mostly flat, it’s an easy ride and gets even easier on an e-bike. Rent one at Longleaf Piney Resort in Hattiesburg, a collection of cute and cozy “tiny house” cabins for rent resting right on the edge of the Trace. 

Longleaftrace.org, 2895 W 4th Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Virginia Creeper Trail

Virginia

Follow the lead of this trail’s name and take the time for a slow ride. Its 34.3 miles rambling from Abington to Whitetop in southwest Virginia include large sections of elevated boardwalks that put you above cow-dotted pastures and lazy rivers for sweeping postcard-perfect views. Craggy rock walls hem narrower portions, while Whitetop Laurel Creek, one of the state’s largest wild trout waterways, gurgles, and rolls alongside the trail in one spot. Offering access all this scenic splendor earned the path induction into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame, but it also takes you into charming towns, like artsy Damascus. 

Vacreepertrail.org, 300 Green Spring Rd, Abingdon, VA 24210

Swamp Rabbit Trail

South Carolina

Choose the gentle cycle with a ride on this 28-mile trail network traversing Greenville’s upcountry landscape beside the Reedy River. Connecting multiple city parks—including Falls Park, an oasis in the heart of downtown—it runs all the way to the nearby town of Travelers Rest. If you work up an appetite, hop into The Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery in Greenville, just steps from one of the main trail access points, and fuel up with a chocolate-chip scone and cold-brew iced coffee.

Greenvillesc.gov, Verdae Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29811 

The American Tobacco Trail

North Carolina

This 22-mile rails-to-trails byway in North Carolina’s Research Triangle follows the route of the rail line built in 1906 for The American Tobacco Company to transport its tobacco-leaf harvests. The thick stands of trees flanking long sections provide the illusion of seclusion even when the path passes near neighborhoods. Its northern terminus in Durham stops at the front door of Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home to the Durham Bulls minor league baseball team made famous in the 1980s flick, “Bull Durham.”

Dprplaymore.org, 1309 New Hill Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Alabama 

Escape the crowds drawn to Alabama’s sugar-sand beaches and opt instead to explore nine distinct coastal ecosystems via The Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trail system in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Traveling through part of 6,150-acre Gulf State Park, its 28-plus miles contain marshes, hardwood swamps, and dunes that are home to wildflowers, butterflies, osprey, and alligators. You’ll feel far removed from civilization, but benches, bathrooms, and water fountains throughout keep you from really roughing it, and a screened pavilion and adjacent butterfly garden not far from the main trailhead are perfect places for a picnic.

Alapark.com, 3801 Orange Beach Boulevard (Hwy. 161) Orange Beach, AL 36561

Withlacoochee State Trail

Florida

One of the longest paved trails in The Sunshine State, this path’s 47 miles meander between Citrus Springs and Dade City in central Florida, following the flow of the Withlacoochee River and leading you through saw palmetto thickets, past cypress swamps, and under “tree tunnels” formed by live oaks’ Spanish-moss-bearded branches reaching across. Sites calling you to brake and push down your kickstand include historic Fort Cooper State Park and charming downtown Inverness. The trail also provides some sky-high birding opportunities, including glimpses of swallow-tail kites.

Floridastateparks.org, 2246 W Magenta Drive, Citrus Springs, FL 34434