Family Bike Rides in Virginia

This summer, break out the helmets and kick your next family trip up a notch with a cycling escapade along one of Virginia’s many picturesque and beginner-friendly bike trails. No matter if you have the afternoon or a whole weekend to spend outside, these scenic trails offer sweet views and then some, with pit-stop options ranging from coffee shops to restaurants and camping accommodations for overnight trips.

Get excited to embark on an open-air adventure with the family along these 5 bike trails unique to Virginia’s landscape.

1. New River Trail

Ivanohoe River Trestle surrounded by trees.

The 57-mile New River Trail in Southwest Virginia traverses 31 wooden trestle bridges, including the Ivanhoe River Trestle (pictured). Photo courtesy of New River Trail State Park-Ivanhoe River trestle

The 57-mile New River Trail in Southwest Virginia traverses 31 wooden trestle bridges and runs through 2 historic railroad tunnels. It’s also the centerpiece of New River Trail State Park.

The New River Trail is a multipurpose public path created from a former railroad corridor. Photo courtesy New River Trail State Park

This crushed limestone rail trail—a multipurpose public path created from a former railroad corridor—runs along the New River from Allisonia to Fries, and along Chestnut Creek from Fries to Galax.

Inn at Foster Falls features a 2-story Victorian porch.

If you're spending multiple days on the New River Trail, grab a room at the Inn at Foster Falls, with 10 guest rooms and a 2-story Victorian porch. Photo courtesy New River Trail State Park

Pedal just a few miles or ride the full length. Need several days? Overnight at the park’s new Inn at Foster Falls (rates depend on season and occupancy), a cabin, or one of 3 state park campgrounds along the trail. Bring your own bike or rent from a local outfitter, like New River Outdoor Adventures in Fries.

Sam W. Sweeney, park manager for New River Trail State Park, has noted an increase in the number of riders spending multiple days on the trail. “Riders are looking for places they can stop, stay, and in some cases, grab a shower.”

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2. Virginia Capital Trail

Bicyclers on the Virginia Capital Trail with cityscape in the background.

The paved Virginia Capital Trail path appeals to cyclers of all abilities. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

Roll out on the Virginia Capital Trail, a paved path that stretches for 52 miles from Richmond to Williamsburg. This scenic and historical route blends natural beauty with smooth riding to appeal to all levels of cyclists, including families.

Bicycler on Virginia Capital Trail with sign marking distance to Jamestown Trailhead.

The well-marked Virginia Capital Trail stretches for 52 miles from Richmond to Williamsburg. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

The well-marked trail starts (or ends, depending on your direction) at the flood wall in Richmond near the canal walk, where you’ll glide alongside rolling pastures, wooded forests, and gently flowing creeks and rivers. Hungry? On the way to Williamsburg, refuel at Ronnie’s BBQ in Henrico or Cul’s Courthouse Grille in Charles City.

The Kickstand bike rentals on Capital Trail.

Rental bikes are available along the Capital Trail at The Kickstand in Richmond. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

Water fountains and bike fix-it stations are available along the trail to help you stay hydrated and get back on your way after airing up a tire. If you’re looking to rent a bike in Richmond, check out The Kickstand, a nonprofit run by the Richmond Cycling Corps that provides local workforce development opportunities.

3. High Bridge Trail

Bicyclers stopping to take in the view from The High Bridge.

The High Bridge is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia, and the High Bridge Trail covers 31 miles from Pamplin to Burkeville. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

The High Bridge Trail covers 31 miles from Pamplin to Burkeville. This picturesque ride draws outdoor enthusiasts eager to bike this rail trail that was once part of the South Side Railroad, which dates to the mid-1800s.

High Bridge Trail was once part of the South Side Railroad, which dates to the mid-1800s. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

At a whopping 2,400 feet long, the High Bridge is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia. It’s less than 5 miles from charming downtown Farmville, making for a fun-filled 2-wheeled adventure from Main Street.

Tim Shockley manages The Outdoor Adventure Store in Farmville. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

Bring your own bike or rent one from The Outdoor Adventure Store.

Three Roads Brewing Company patio with twinkle lights.

Reward yourself after your ride with a pint at Three Roads Brewing Company in Farmville. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

After an epic ride, clink iced coffees at Uptown Coffee Café or pints on the outdoor patio at Three Roads Brewing Company. Don’t forget to pose for photo with the railroad-themed LOVE sign next to the rail trail on Main Street.

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4. Elizabeth River Trail

The Elizabeth River Trail is a paved urban trail boasting plentiful waterfront views. Created from an abandoned rail line that winds through Norfolk’s historic and cultural districts, the 10.5-mile stretch includes the historic Fort Norfolk, which dates back to the early 1800s.

You’ll also want to stop at the interactive maritime museum, Nauticus. It’s home to the battleship USS Wisconsin, one of the largest ships ever built by the U.S. Navy, and public art displays like the Whaling Wall Mural. After working up an appetite, check out Rocky Mountain Grill and Afterglow Brewing.

Once the sun goes down, check out The Glowline, an 800-foot trail section embedded with glow-in-the dark stones that recharge during the day. It’s “beautiful and magical, but it’s also very practical,” says Kindra Greene, executive director of the Elizbeth River Trail Foundation. “It illuminates a section of trail, so it’s a safety amenity” allowing riders to enjoy the trail later in the day.

5. False Cape State Park

The trails at False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach provide views of the Atlantic Ocean, marshes, woodlands, and sand dunes. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach is one of the last untouched areas on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. This park is accessible only by foot, personal watercraft, bicycle, or open-air tram tours (registration required; the tram departs 4 days a week from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge). Note that same-day reservations for the park are not accepted.

Campers at False Cape State Park campsite.

Turn your biking adventure into an overnight getaway by camping at one of 4 campsites at False Cape State Park. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce

It’s an easy 4.5-mile pedal from Back Bay to the visitors centers at False Cape State Park by way of the West Dike Trail, a flat gravel trail that’s a cinch for cyclists of all levels. The Sand Ridge Trail continues another 6 miles across the park, which sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay.

Several short trails just off the Sand Ridge Trail provide views of marshes, woodlands, and sand dunes. For an overnight adventure, there are 4 primitive campgrounds. You can also camp right on the beach. The sunrise over the ocean is magical.

Where to go railbiking

Imagine pedaling along on an abandoned railroad track in a custom-made rail cart. It’s called railbiking, a mash-up of bikes and trains. Similar to e-bikes, most railbikes are motor-assisted. Enjoy a front-row seat to nature as you glide by landscapes dotted with rolling meadows and sparkling lakes. Here’s where to go railbiking just outside of Virginia.

Rail biking with Revolution Rail Company.

Pedal past gorgeous landscapes on an abandoned railroad track with Revolution Rail Company in New Jersey. Photo by Nick LaScala for Revolution Rail Co.

Tracks and Yaks, Frostburg and Berlin, Maryland

Tracks and Yaks was the first company to offer railbike tours in Maryland, launching in 2021. Today, you can coast 15 miles along the mountain ridge (all slightly downhill from Frostburg to Cumberland) or pedal up to 13 miles through pine forests and farmland on the Eastern shore.

They offer several packages, including 7-, 10-, and 15-mile rides. Seven-mile rides start at $89 for a bike that seats 2 ($139 for a bike that seats 4).

Revolution Rail Company, Cape May, New Jersey

At Revolution Rail Company in New Jersey, a fleet of custom-made railbikes allow riders to revel in 4-mile out-and-back pedal-powered adventures across picturesque wildflower meadows. Rides start at $90 for a bike that seats 2 ($160 for a bike that seats 4).

Andrews Valley Rail Tours, Andrews, North Carolina

With Andrews Valley Rail Tours in North Carolina, outdoor enthusiasts can take a 10-mile round-trip ride. Pedal through the historic Valley River Tunnel and savor plentiful views of mountains, forests, streams, and wildlife. Rides start at $49.99 per person.

Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoors writer based in Washington, D.C.