The best traffic-free bike rides in Sullivan County

This road cycling loop from Yuma Elementary School offers a delightful journey through Yuma's varied scenery, from urban stretches to the tranquil banks of the Colorado River. You'll likely find yourself on smooth, wide paths like the Yuma Crossing Bike Path, enjoying scenic vistas and potentially spotting waterfowl along the East Main Canal. The route provides a refreshing mix of natural beauty and historical points of interest, making for an engaging ride.

To plan your visit, start at Yuma Elementary School and connect to the nearby paved trail systems, such as the Yuma Crossing Bike Path or the East Main Canal Path. These trails are well-maintained and offer amenities like restrooms in parks along the way. For the most comfortable ride, aim to cycle during the cooler seasons, from fall to spring, to avoid the intense summer temperatures.

This moderate road cycling route covers 27.9 miles (44.9 km) with a manageable 1004 feet (306 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 8 minutes. It's an excellent option for cyclists seeking a substantial ride that combines the region's natural landscapes with its rich history, passing by landmarks like the Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.

The Mendota Trail – Mendota Trail Trailhead loop from Citizens Cemetery offers a unique road cycling experience, blending the gentle grades of a rail-trail with surprisingly varied terrain. You'll pedal through tranquil countryside, past farmlands and forests, with the scenery shifting beautifully along the way. Keep an eye out for the seventeen restored trestle bridges, especially the impressive Sunny Side Trestle over the North Fork of the Holston River, which has a 275-foot-long swinging bridge running alongside it. The surface transitions from asphalt to crushed stone, with some sections featuring 'rocky rocky rocks,' making a bike with good shocks a smart choice for this adventure. It's a moderate 27.8-mile (44.7 km) route with 1810 feet (552 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 32 minutes.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with parking available at the Citizens Cemetery trailhead. While the trail generally follows gentle grades, expect some sustained effort, particularly if riding from Bristol towards Mendota, which involves a gradual climb. Amenities like restrooms and picnic tables are available at the Bristol trailhead, and port-a-potties can be found in Benhams and Mendota. Be prepared for potentially limited cell service in more remote areas, so download your route beforehand.

This trail is a testament to successful rail-trail conversion, transforming a former Southern Railroad corridor into a multi-use path. Its historical significance is highlighted by signs along the way, offering insights into the area's past. The varied terrain and the presence of the unique swinging bridge make it stand out from other rail-trails, offering a more engaging and challenging ride for avid cyclists. It's a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty and history of the region.

The Roadbike loop from Burson Place offers a smooth, car-free cycling experience, perfect for enjoying the diverse landscapes of the Tucson area. You'll pedal along well-maintained paved paths, winding through sections that showcase desert flora, urban art installations, and picturesque riverbanks, often with stunning views of the Catalina Mountains in the distance. It's a ride that feels both connected to nature and accessible to city amenities.

This moderate route covers 20.6 miles (33.2 km) with a manageable 1316 feet (401 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hours and 35 minutes. Parking is usually available at various access points to the larger Loop system. For the best experience, aim for an early morning or late afternoon ride to catch the beautiful desert light and avoid the midday heat, especially during warmer months.

What makes this Burson Place road cycling route truly stand out is its integration into the Chuck Huckelberry Loop, an extensive network of paths recognized nationally for its quality. This means you're not just on a single trail; you're part of a larger, award-winning system that connects parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all levels.