10 Hidden Gem Cycling Routes for Adventure Travel Bucket Lists

Part of the vast Trans Canada Trail, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail stretches over 600 kilometers across British Columbia’s striking landscapes. This route takes cyclists through old railway tunnels, across towering trestles, and alongside serene lakes and dramatic rock faces, tracing the legacy of the early 20th-century railway builders.

Why Go: The Kettle Valley Rail Trail offers a blend of nature, history, and engineering feats, making it an ideal ride for those looking to immerse themselves in a multi-faceted adventure.

Biking on a trestle bridge on the Kettle Valley Trail in Christina Lake

Route Highlights:

• The Myra Canyon section, famous for its 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels, offers unparalleled views and a chance to feel the ingenuity of bygone days.
• Vineyards and orchards in the Okanagan region provide perfect pit stops for wine tasting and fruit-picking.
• A ride through Coquihalla Canyon features the famous Othello Tunnels, carved into granite cliffs and revealing breathtaking river gorges.

Tips for the Ride:

• Bike Type: A hybrid or mountain bike is well-suited for the gravel pathways and varied terrain.
• Watch for Wildlife: Deer, eagles, and black bears are commonly spotted, so keep your camera handy but maintain a respectful distance.
• Plan for Seasons: The summer months offer the warmest and driest conditions, but early fall showcases vibrant foliage for an added visual treat.

7. La Via Verde de la Sierra, Spain

This lesser-known greenway stretches approximately 36 kilometers between the towns of Olvera and Puerto Serrano in the drop-dead gorgeous Spanish area of Andalusia. La Via Verde de la Sierra is a route built on an abandoned railway line, taking cyclists through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of southern Spain’s rolling hills and lush river valleys. It is ideal for cyclists.

Why Go: Ideal for a relaxed yet scenic ride, this greenway combines Spain’s rich culture, impressive architecture, and the natural beauty of the Sierra de Cádiz region.

Via Verde De La Sierra cycling route in Andalusia

Route Highlights:

• Cycle through nearly 30 tunnels, some of which stretch for over a kilometer and offer cool respite from the sun.
• Stop by the Zaframagón Vulture Observatory to catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s largest colonies of Griffon vultures.
• The whitewashed towns along the route are perfect for sampling tapas and experiencing local Andalusian charm.

Tips for the Ride:

• Stay Illuminated: Carry a headlamp or bike light for the longer tunnels that lack lighting.
• Flat Terrain: The gentle slope makes it a great ride for families or those looking for a leisurely pace.
• Timing Is Key: Ride in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, and the countryside is lush and green.

8. Rallarvegen, Norway

Once a humble service road for the construction of the Bergen Railway, Rallarvegen has found new life as one of Norway’s most cherished cycling routes. Running 80 kilometers from the town of Haugastøl to Flåm, the historic path snakes through the dramatic landscapes of the Fjord Norway region combining stunning mountain scenery with a rich sense of history. The route becomes a trail/cycle track 15 km west of Haugastøl at Storurdivatnet, with refreshments and simple accommodation available at the Storurdi guard’s house, continuing to Finse, Norway’s highest railway station at 1222 metres above sea level.

Why Go: Rallarvegen is perfect for those seeking a ride that mixes rugged beauty with cultural heritage. Pedal past glacial lakes, through rocky highland passes, and alongside waterfalls that crash down from towering cliffs. As you ride, you’ll encounter old guard’s houses and NSB-owned heritage buildings that whisper stories of early railway workers.

Rallarvegen, Norway

Route Highlights:

• Haugastøl to Finse: Start your adventure at 988 meters above sea level and cycle up to Finse, the highest railway station in Norway at 1,222 meters. It’s a spot where the landscape feels almost otherworldly.
• Finse to Hallingskeid: Pedal through an area that can still hold pockets of snow even in summer, with the road gently descending as the views become greener.
• Klevagjeldet: A breathtakingly narrow ledge that demands caution but rewards with a panorama that makes you feel like you’re on the edge of the world.
• Flåmsdalen: End your ride in this lush valley that’s as famous for its beauty as it is for the iconic Flåm Railway, which zigzags dramatically down to the fjord.

Tips for the Ride:

• Season Matters: The best time to cycle Rallarvegen is between July and late September. Early in the season, snow can still cover parts of the trail.
• Take Your Time: The road can be rough in places, so don’t rush. Stop at Finse for a visit to the Rallar Museum or grab a refreshment at the historic Fagernut guard’s house.
• Safety First: The descent into Flåmsdalen includes sharp turns—walk your bike if needed.

Best Season: Late July through September.

Rallarvegen’s popularity has been growing, and it’s not hard to see why. For those who crave a cycling experience that’s as much about the journey as the destination, this trail offers an unforgettable ride through the heart of Norway’s rugged wilderness.

9. Shimanami Kaido, Japan

Spanning 70 kilometers across the Seto Inland Sea, the Shimanami Kaido connects Japan’s main island of Honshu with Shikoku through a series of bridges and small islands. This well-maintained route is a cyclist’s dream, offering smooth paths, bike-friendly infrastructure, and panoramic ocean views.

Why Go: Shimanami Kaido isn’t just about cycling—it’s about experiencing Japan’s seamless blend of nature, tradition, and modern engineering.

The Shimanami Kaido, Japan

Route Highlights:

• Cross the Kurushima-Kaikyō Bridge, the world’s longest series of suspension bridges, with designated lanes for cyclists.
• Explore the small island of Ōmishima, home to the ancient Oyamazumi Shrine and its storied samurai artifacts.
• Take in the Setouchi Triennale (art festival) if riding during event years, where the islands become a canvas for contemporary art.

Tips for the Ride:

• Rentals Available: Bike rental shops along the route provide options for riders of all levels, including e-bikes.
• Overnight Option: Split the ride into two days to enjoy leisurely stops and explore the islands more fully.
• Perfect in Spring: The route is at its most beautiful during cherry blossom season, with blooms lining parts of the path.

10. Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, USA

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) is the world’s longest off-pavement cycling route, stretching over 4,400 kilometers from Banff, Canada, to the US-Mexico border. This epic trail traverses the spine of the Rocky Mountains, presenting cyclists with a test of endurance, solitude, and unparalleled beauty.

Why Go: For those looking for the ultimate bikepacking experience, the GDMBR is a rite of passage, combining rugged terrain with the stunning backcountry of North America.

Cycling on the Great Divide bicycle route

Route Highlights:

• Ride through Montana’s Flathead Valley, where lush meadows and alpine lakes await.
• Pass through Wyoming’s Great Divide Basin, an otherworldly expanse where water flows neither to the Atlantic nor the Pacific.
• Enjoy Colorado’s breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, followed by the stunning deserts of New Mexico as you near the border.

Tips for the Ride:

• Bring Backup Maps: GPS devices can fail in remote areas; physical maps are a must.
• Weather Preparedness: Be ready for diverse climates, from snow in the north to scorching heat in the south.
• Wildlife Awareness: This route traverses bear country, so pack bear spray and follow best practices for food storage.