Aventon’s Top Trails For the Whole Family
April 7, 2023
Spring into the new season with your pedals cranking! Whether you’re riding cargo with the littles on the back, pulling them along in a trailer or having them ride alongside you, there’s plenty of outdoor places to adventure and explore with easy biking trails for the whole family. So breathe in the fresh air and get out there.
Aventon has taken a look at some of the best family biking trails in the country and handpicked ones we’d love to share with you for your next family ride. We’ve got all the bases covered, including the East coast, West coast, the Midwest and down South!
Katy Trail, Missouri
The Katy Trail located in Katy Trail State Park is the country’s longest continuous recreational rail trail that spans 240 miles! That means you can hop on and off the trail whenever you want. The trail runs along the northern bank of the Missouri river just outside St. Louis, in the right-of-way of the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad. The trail follows the path of the Missouri River for much of its length, offering spectacular views of this iconic waterway. Take the family for a ride and watch as boats and barges travel up and down the river.
The Katy Trail also passes through a variety of landscapes, including rolling hills and open fields. This offers families the chance to see Missouri's natural beauty up close, with views that stretch for miles in every direction, including stunning limestone bluffs that rise up from the river and provide a dramatic backdrop for the trail. These bluffs are a unique geological feature that is only found in this part of Missouri.
Not to worry, there’s plenty of rest stops along the way with water fountains and bathrooms and beautiful spots for family picnics! The trail also runs through a number of small towns, each with its own unique charm and character where the whole family can explore historic downtown areas, see Victorian homes, and experience small-town life in Missouri.
Bring your ebikes and saddle up with the whole family and check out Katy Trail State Park for plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The park allows Class I and II ebikes1! However, it's important to note that the maximum speed for ebikes on the Katy Trail is 20 miles per hour. Additionally, ebikes are not allowed off the designated trail or on any other trails within Missouri State Parks, unless specifically allowed. Go explore the best bike trails Missouri has to offer. And remember to follow the rules and enjoy the ride!
Cape Cod Rail Trail, Massachusetts
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a popular bike path that runs through the heart of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The trail has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when the first railroad was built on the Cape. After the railroad was shut down, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority acquired the rail line and began converting it into a bike path. The first section of the trail opened in 1979, and over the years, additional sections were added until the trail reached its current length of 22 miles!
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is mostly paved and has a smooth, flat surface, making it easy for family bike riding without the worry of rough terrain or obstacles as opposed to rocky mountain family bike trails, and features a number of rest stops and picnic areas along the way, providing opportunities for families to take a break, rest, and enjoy a snack or a picnic lunch.
Take in some of the most beautiful scenery on Cape Cod, including salt marshes, cranberry bogs, ponds, and forests. Along the way, there are a number of rest stops, picnic areas, and other amenities that make the trail a great place for families and people of all ages to enjoy outdoor recreation, including several bike repair stations located along the trail, which offer tools and equipment for minor bike repairs.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation2, Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes are allowed on the trail. It's always a good idea to check for any updates or changes to the ebike policy before riding on the trail. By following the rules and regulations, ebike riders can enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
The Silver Comet Trail, Georgia
If you’ve searched Google for “family friendly bike trails near me” in Georgia, you’re sure to find the Silver Comet Trail. It was built on the former Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which was originally constructed in the late 1800s. The railroad was used to transport freight and passengers between Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama, and was in operation for more than 70 years.
The Silver Comet Trail was officially opened in 1998 and has since become one of the most popular multi-use trails in the state, with the addition of the 33-mile long Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama, which connects to the eastern part of the Silver Comet Trail at the Georgia/Alabama state line. Together, these family friendly bike trails provide a continuous 94.5-mile trail from Smyrna, Georgia to Anniston, Alabama.
The trail passes through a significant portion of the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is a large forested area in North Georgia. Specifically, the trail passes through the Paulding Wildlife Management Area, as well as several other historic landmarks, such as the Brushy Mountain Tunnel, which was built in the early 1900s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also passes through the Silver Comet Field at Taylor Farm Park and the Floyd Road Trailhead Wetland with a variety of amenities along the way, including restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas for the family to rest up and hang out, even look at a Silver Comet trail map. There are also several bridges that offer scenic views of the rivers and streams that flow beneath them.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources3, ebike are allowed on the trail but cannot exceed 20 mph. Be considerate of other trail users and remember to have fun!
Burke-Gilman Trail, Washington
Located in King County, Washington, Burke-Gilman is a popular multi-use recreational trail that extends roughly 19 miles from the city of Seattle to the city of Bothell. The Burke-Gilman Trail was created in the 1970s by converting a portion of the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway, a former railroad line. Today, the trail is primarily used for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Along the trail, visitors can enjoy scenic views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and a variety of parks and natural areas. The trail passes through several neighborhoods in Seattle, including Fremont, Wallingford, and Lake City, and through the cities of Kenmore and Bothell in King and Snohomish Counties, respectively.
The Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular route for commuting, recreational riding, and organized bike events, and it’s part of the larger regional trail system in King County, which includes over 175 miles of trails. The trail is maintained by the King County Parks and Recreation Division, and it’s open to the public year-round, providing a beautiful and accessible way to explore the region.
The trail has several restrooms located along its length, including at Gas Works Park, Matthews Beach Park, and Log Boom Park with water fountains and plenty of scenic places to rest up and take the ride at your own pace.
According to the Seattle Department of Transportation4, the Burke-Gilman Trail allows Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes. Riders of ebikes on the trail are required to follow the same rules and regulations as other trail users, including observing posted speed limits, yielding to pedestrians, and staying to the right side of the trail except when passing. Additionally, riders are required to wear helmets, and are encouraged to use appropriate lights and reflectors for safety.
Affirm Financing
Looking for a quick way to hop in the saddle and hit the road with the family? At Aventon we offer Affirm financing. It’s the perfect way to get you rolling in no time with flexible payment terms ranging from 3 to 36 months, so you can choose a payment schedule that better fits your budget! There’s no hidden fees, either. Affirm clearly discloses all pricing upfront, so you know exactly what you'll be paying. The process is quick and easy. Simply apply for an Affirm loan online in just a few minutes. You’ll know the total cost of your loan, including interest, before you agree to the loan terms. And there’s zero impact on your credit score! Enjoy more outdoors with the whole family through Affirm and enjoy the ride of a lifetime. More time in the saddle is more quality time with the family.
Enjoy Your Next Family Ride
Aventon loves sharing the places we find that get you excited about getting on your bike, whether it’s a solo ride, or with friends and family. We’d love to hear about your favorite places to ride so we can highlight them next and continue to share more of the best places to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Continue to use best safety practices, and remember to ride more, and be happy!
3 https://gastateparks.org/Biking
4 https://parkways.seattle.gov/2019/08/27/moving-forward-with-multi-use-trails/
