From lakeside greenways to converted rail-trails, the United States offers thousands of miles of paths well suited to a relaxed, pedal-assisted ride. This guide brings our state-by-state route notes together in one place, so you can find a promising path near you and check its e-bike rules before you head out.
Every Macfox model is a Class 2 e-bike (throttle and pedal assist, 20 mph max) with UL 2849 certification. Class 2 bikes are welcome on many paved multi-use paths, though access can change from state to state, park to park, and even between segments of the same trail.
Before You Ride: Class 2 Rules on Trails
- Know the three classes. Most states follow a three-class system: Class 1 (pedal assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle and pedal assist to 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal assist to 28 mph). Some trails welcome Class 1 only, so look for posted signs.
- Paved paths and rail-trails are usually the most e-bike friendly. Natural-surface singletrack in national forests and wilderness areas is often closed to e-bikes.
- National parks generally allow e-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed, subject to each park superintendent's rules.
- Check before you go. Trailhead signage and the managing agency's website are the most reliable sources. Our state-by-state e-bike regulations guide is a helpful starting point.
- Share the path. Keep a courteous pace around people on foot, announce when passing, and yield at crossings. Our trail etiquette guide covers the basics.
Route Guides by State
Many states have their own in-depth guide. Use the table to jump to the full article, or scroll down for shorter route notes on states we cover here.
Illinois
Chicago Lakefront Trail
About 18 car-free miles along Lake Michigan, with separated lanes for bikes and pedestrians along much of the route. It's flat and paved, with skyline and beach views, which makes it an easy first ride for new e-bike owners. Expect crowds on summer weekends; early mornings are calmer.
The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail)
A 2.7-mile elevated path on a former rail line through Chicago's northwest-side neighborhoods. Its many access ramps make it a convenient connector for errands or a short evening loop.
Illinois Prairie Path and Hennepin Canal Parkway
The Illinois Prairie Path runs about 60 miles across the western suburbs on crushed limestone, a smooth surface for wider tires. Farther west, the Hennepin Canal Parkway follows a historic towpath with gentle grades and quiet countryside.
Grand Illinois Trail and Tunnel Hill State Trail
The Grand Illinois Trail links paths and quiet roads between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, ideal for planning multi-day trips in segments. In southern Illinois, the Tunnel Hill State Trail follows an old rail grade through wooded hills and a historic tunnel; bring lights.
Route 66 Trail and Mississippi Palisades
History lovers can follow sections of the Route 66 Trail past restored landmarks such as the Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis. In the northwest corner, the river roads around Mississippi Palisades State Park put on a strong show of wildflowers in spring and color in October.
Maine
Coastal Maine: Portland to Camden
A classic multi-day road route along Route 1 and quieter coastal byways, passing lighthouses, harbor towns and rocky shoreline. Traffic can be heavy in summer, so plan side roads where possible and ride in daylight.
Acadia National Park
Acadia's Park Loop Road offers ocean and mountain views. The historic carriage roads have their own e-bike rules, which the park updates from time to time, so check the current NPS guidance before you ride.
Bangor Toward Baxter State Park
Rural roads north of Bangor lead through forest and river valleys toward the Katahdin region. Services are sparse, so plan charging and water stops ahead of time.
Maryland
Western Maryland Rail Trail
A paved rail-trail of roughly 28 miles following the Potomac River near Hancock, with forested river views and gentle grades. It pairs well with the C&O Canal Towpath nearby; check the National Park Service's e-bike rules for the towpath before you ride.
Great Allegheny Passage: Allegany County Section
The Great Allegheny Passage climbs gently from Cumberland toward the Eastern Continental Divide on crushed stone, crossing viaducts and passing through tunnels. Maryland follows the three-class system, and e-bike access can vary by trail segment, so read the posted rules at each trailhead. A long, steady grade like this rewards a bike with a comfortable range margin.
Massachusetts
Minuteman Bikeway
About 10 paved miles from Cambridge through Arlington and Lexington to Bedford, passing sites tied to the American Revolution. It's popular with commuters, so ride at a courteous pace during rush hours.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Around 25 paved miles through Cape Cod towns, ponds and salt marshes, with ice cream and beach stops along the way.
Shining Sea Bikeway
A 10.7-mile path from North Falmouth to Woods Hole, with water views along much of its length. Named for a line in "America the Beautiful," it's a lovely shoulder-season ride.
Assabet River Rail Trail
A paved trail of about 12.5 miles connecting Marlborough and Hudson through wetlands and woods.
Michigan
TART Trails (Traverse City)
A connected network of paved and crushed-stone paths around Grand Traverse Bay, including the Leelanau Trail toward Suttons Bay. Wineries, beaches and cherry orchards make for an easy day out.
North Western State Trail
About 32 miles between Petoskey and Mackinaw City on a mix of asphalt and crushed limestone, passing small towns and farmland. Note that motorized bikes, including e-bikes, are generally not permitted on Mackinac Island itself, apart from approved mobility exceptions.
Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park)
One of the country's most spectacular road rides, climbing to Logan Pass. Seasonal bicycle restrictions apply on parts of the road during peak hours, and e-bikes follow park rules, so check NPS updates before you plan.
Whitefish Trail and Bitterroot Valley
Around Whitefish, a growing trail network connects lakes and forest; check posted e-bike rules for each segment. In the Bitterroot Valley, the paved Bitterroot Trail runs about 50 miles between Missoula and Hamilton with mountain views on both sides.
Yellowstone National Park
E-bikes are allowed where bicycles are allowed, mostly on park roads and a few designated paths. Traffic, wildlife and elevation make early-season and early-morning rides the most enjoyable.
New York
Adirondack Park Loop
A multi-day road tour through lake country, often ridden in four stages:
- Day 1: Lake George to Saranac Lake (about 60 miles), through forest and along lakes.
- Day 2: Saranac Lake to Lake Placid (about 15 miles), a short day with time to explore the Olympic village.
- Day 3: Lake Placid to Keene Valley (about 25 miles), with High Peaks views.
- Day 4: Keene Valley to Lake George (about 60 miles), back through the eastern Adirondacks.
The longer days call for careful range planning, especially with climbing. A long-range e-bike or overnight charging at each stop keeps things relaxed.
North Dakota
Greenway of Greater Grand Forks
A riverside network along the Red River with paved loops on both sides of the state line, well suited to an unhurried family ride.
Fairview Lift Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel
A short, memorable outing near the Montana border to a historic railroad bridge and tunnel above the Yellowstone River.
Missouri Valley Millennium Legacy Trail
Paved paths along the Missouri River in Bismarck and Mandan, with river views and parks along the way.
Fargo Bike Paths
Fargo's Red River paths, including the Mickelson and Trollwood areas, make for a calm city ride.
Oregon
Eugene Riverbank Path System
Paved loops along both banks of the Willamette River connect parks, downtown and the university. It's a good shoulder-season choice when mountain routes are snowed in.
Oregon Coast
Highway 101 is a famed touring route with dramatic headlands, including the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in the south. Shoulders vary and wind can be strong, so plan conservative daily distances.
Cascade Range and High Desert
Scenic byways around Mount Hood and Crater Lake offer big views on paved roads during the summer season. In Central Oregon, paved paths around Bend give a taste of the high desert; many natural-surface trails nearby do not allow e-bikes, so check before you go.
Pennsylvania
Pine Creek Rail Trail
About 62 miles through the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" on crushed stone, gently graded and quiet. Check current Pennsylvania DCNR guidance on e-bike use before your trip.
Lehigh Gorge Trail
About 26 miles along the Lehigh River between White Haven and Jim Thorpe, with waterfalls and gorge views on a crushed-stone surface.
Schuylkill River Trail
From Philadelphia's riverfront toward Valley Forge and beyond, mostly paved near the city, with river views and an easy-going grade.
Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)
About 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, on crushed stone with trail towns roughly every 10 to 20 miles. It's an inviting multi-day trip; see the Maryland section for the segment's notes.
Heritage Rail Trail County Park
About 21 miles from York to the Maryland line, where it continues as the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail. Historic stations and small towns line the route.
Vermont
Island Line Trail (Burlington)
A lakeside path that heads north from Burlington onto a causeway across Lake Champlain. A seasonal bike ferry has connected the gap in some summers; check its schedule before you go.
Green Mountains Loop
Quiet valley roads through covered-bridge towns and farmland. Choose a loop that fits your range, as the hills add up. Our Vermont guide has more ideas.
Virginia
New River Trail State Park
About 57 miles of gently graded rail-trail beside one of the oldest rivers in North America. Check Virginia State Parks guidance on e-bike classes before you ride.
Blue Ridge Parkway
A legendary scenic road with long climbs, sweeping overlooks and little shoulder. Ride in daylight, use lights and plan your charging around the climbs. More beginner-friendly options are in our Virginia guide.
More States at a Glance
West Virginia
The Greenbrier River Trail (about 78 miles on a gentle rail grade), the North Bend Rail Trail with its tunnels, and the Mon River and Deckers Creek rail-trails around Morgantown are good fits for an e-bike. The Blackwater Canyon Trail follows an old rail grade above the canyon; surfaces are rougher, so ride it after a dry spell.
Wisconsin: Vilas County
Paved trails in the North Woods connect lakes and small towns around Eagle River and Boulder Junction. More routes are in our Wisconsin guide.
Colorado: Lake Dillon Loop
A paved recreation path circles Lake Dillon at about 9,000 feet, with mountain views and connections toward Frisco and Breckenridge. See our Colorado guide for more.
Washington: Apple Capital Loop Trail
A paved loop of about 10 miles along both banks of the Columbia River in Wenatchee, with orchards and river views.
Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee: Natchez Trace Parkway
A 444-mile scenic parkway with a low speed limit and no commercial traffic, popular for multi-day touring. Short segments near Natchez, Tupelo or Nashville make good day rides.
Utah: White Rim Road
A remote 100-mile dirt road in Canyonlands National Park that needs permits and serious planning for water and range. E-bikes follow park rules for bicycles. For easier Moab-area riding, see our Moab guide.
Choosing a Macfox for Your Route
For paved greenways and everyday rides, the Macfox X1S keeps things light and easy. For longer days in the saddle, take a look at the Macfox X7. If your route mixes pavement with packed gravel or sand, the Macfox X2 Pro adds the cushioning of fat tires and full suspension. Range estimates depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and assist level, so plan with a comfortable margin.
Try Before You Ride
Would you like to see a bike in person first? Book a test ride at a nearby dealer in California, Florida or Texas.
FAQs
Can I ride a Class 2 e-bike on rail-trails?
Often, yes. Many paved and crushed-stone rail-trails allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, but rules are set by the managing agency and can differ by segment. Check trailhead signs or the trail's website before you ride.
Are e-bikes allowed in national parks?
In general, national parks allow e-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed, but each park can set its own conditions. Check the park's website for current rules.
How far can I ride on one charge?
It depends on the model, battery, rider weight, terrain, temperature and assist level. Plan your route with a margin and know where you can recharge on longer trips.
What's a good first e-bike trail?
A flat, paved rail-trail or lakefront path is a relaxed way to start. Good examples include the Chicago Lakefront Trail, the Minuteman Bikeway and the Eugene riverbank paths.
Ready to plan your next ride? Explore Macfox e-bikes and find the model that suits your route.
Last updated: October 2026. Trail access and e-bike rules change; always confirm with the managing agency before riding.
