10 Places Where Cycling Takes You Back in Time

Cycling isn't just a way to get fit—it's a time machine on two wheels.

Ever pedaled down a road that felt like a path through history?

Biking through historical sites is an intimate journey into the past, giving you a unique glimpse into the lives and times of those who came before us.

We understand the thrill of discovery that comes with traversing historic landscapes.

As you cycle through towns that witnessed pivotal moments or roads once travelled by horse-drawn carriages, you're not just seeing the sights; you're feeling the echoes of history with every pedal stroke.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Have you ever fancied pedaling into the past?

Colonial Williamsburg is your time machine on two wheels.

Imagine coasting along streets where each turn is a page out of a history book.

Your ride isn't just about getting the heart pumping—it's about every historic landmark that tells the tale of early America.

As you ride through Williamsburg, you're not just a spectator; you become part of the story.

With actors in period costumes and blacksmiths at work, don't be surprised if you feel like a real colonial settler!

Take a break from your modern life:

• Jamestown Settlement: Where the New World began.
• Wine Tasting: A toast to the colonial spirit with fine regional wines.
• Boutique Lodging: Rest like royalty in upscale colonial accommodations.

With a variety of trails available, you can choose your own adventure:

Whether it's a leisurely cycle under the shade of canopies or a thrilling ride down natural ravines, Williamsburg has something for every cyclist.

Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to learn as you pedal!

Keep your eyes peeled for plaques and markers—they're everywhere, sharing snippets of the past.

Remember, you’re not just on a bike ride; you’re on a journey through the very heart of American history.

Happy cycling!

Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Have you ever wanted to pedal through history?

Gettysburg National Military Park is your chance to do just that.

Imagine cycling on the very grounds where the Battle of Gettysburg turned the tides of the American Civil War.

Routes and Regulations:

• E-bikes: Allowed where traditional bicycles are. Must have operable pedals and an electric motor < 750 watts.
• Traditional bicycles: Permitted on designated trails and roads.
• Prohibited Areas: Pay attention to where bicycles are not allowed to ensure the protection of this historic site.

What to See on Your Ride: Feel the history beneath your wheels as you glide past cannon-flecked fields and historic landmarks:

• Don't miss the Soldiers' National Cemetery for a pause to reflect and read the immortal words of the Gettysburg Address.
• Find the witness trees, alive during the battle and silent sentinels to history.

Practical Tips:

• Before heading out, grab a map—digital or paper—to plan your route and stops.
• Take a moment to respect this hallowed ground. Remember, this park is a monument to those who fought here.

Whether you're a history buff or just love a ride with a view, Gettysburg is a treasure trove of stories on two wheels.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Have you ever wanted to pedal your way into the past?

On Mackinac Island, Michigan, you can do just that.

Picture yourself biking along stunning shores with the rhythm of waves as your soundtrack, all while the iconic Mackinac Bridge spans the horizon.

Rentals are easy to come by; if you've brought your own bicycle, a ferry ride for you and your bike costs a mere $16.

Renting on the island?

Shops like Ryba’s Bicycle Rental offer wheels for as low as $9/hour.

It's recommended to set aside at least two hours to fully experience the 8.2-mile loop around the island.

Traffic Alert: Zero Cars!

• Motor vehicles? Not here. This island's all about that muscle power – yours!

Pick Your Path:

• Paved Trails: Perfect for a smooth ride with easy-to-navigate turns
• West Bluff: A scenic route with a little bit of climb but a lot of charm

Points of Interest:

• Arch Rock: A natural bridge soaring 50 feet that frames the sky – a must-see!
• Historical Victorian architecture: Take a slow ride and bask in the elegance

Biking on Mackinac Island isn't just about getting from Point A to B.

It's about embracing the slower pace.

Fill your lungs with fresh Lake Huron air and let history surround you.

Don't care to race?

No problem!

The island invites you to savor each moment, whether it's feeling the breeze or pausing for a phenomenal sunrise.

So, are you ready to cycle back in time?

Cades Cove, Tennessee

Fancy a ride through a living history book?

Look no further than Cades Cove in Tennessee.

This gem nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not just about the bike pedals, it's a journey through time.

Route Overview:

• Loop Length: 11 miles
• Elevation Gain: 600 feet
• Elevation Loss: 580 feet
• Average Gradient: 3.6%

Imagine rolling hills, lush forests, and the chance to spot some wildlife as you cycle.

Deer, black bears, and wild turkeys are no strangers here.

As you traverse the loop, you'll come across charming 19th-century homesteads, dotting the landscape and whispering tales of the olden days.

Cycling Tips:

1. It's best to bike when cars are off the road. Look out for car-free mornings for an uninterrupted experience!
2. Don't have a bike with you? Rentals are available at the Cades Cove Campground Store:

1. Adult Bikes: $8.50 per hour
2. Kids Bikes: $5.50 per hour

Getting There: You'll enter through Laurel Creek Road.

Keep in mind, it's the only entrance, but hey, it's about the journey, right?

Distances to Cades Cove:

• From Cherokee, NC: 57 miles
• From Knoxville, TN: 44 miles
• From Gatlinburg, TN: 27 miles
• From Townsend, TN: 9 miles

And when you need a breather, the surrounding area doesn't skimp on comfort.

From the convenience of the Campground Store to nearby cabins and motels, there’s a cozy spot for you to rest and recharge.

Strap on your helmet, fill up your water bottle, and get ready for an adventure that's more than just a bike ride—it's a pedal through the past!

Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee

Ever imagined pedaling through history?

On the Natchez Trace Parkway, you can do just that.

Spanning across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, this 444-mile road lets you explore American history on two wheels.

Fun Fact: The trail's past stretches back 10,000 years, and it's loaded with stories about Native Americans, colonial settlers, and even early American politicians.

Interested in the journey?

Here's what you need to know:

• Length: 444 miles
• Start/End Points: Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee
• States Covered: Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee

What's there to see along the way?

• Stunning natural scenery
• Historic sites
• Recreational activities like hiking

Travel Tips:

1. Check Alerts ahead for parkway closures
2. Plan for varied cycling times:

1. From Natchez to Nashville, set aside about 10.5 hours
2. Tupelo to Nashville may take 4 to 4.5 hours
3. Tupelo to Jackson can be a 3.5 to 4-hour ride

Remember: The route preserves parts of the original Natchez Trace.

Got your camera ready?

Pull over at the designated spots and capture the beauty of this timeless trail.

And did you know?

The parkway was completed in 2005 and pays homage to the "Old Southwest's" most significant highway.

So grab your helmet, fill your water bottle, and embark on a cycling adventure that carries whispers of yesteryears.

Happy riding!

San Antonio Missions, Texas

Have you ever pedaled your way through history?

On the San Antonio Mission Trail, your bike wheels hum over paths that echo the days of Spanish settlers.

This trail isn't just a bike route; it's a time machine that takes you back to Texas's colonial era.

Historic Trail Highlights:

• Mission Concepción: Start here to delve into the oldest unrestored stone church in America, dating back to 1731. Marvel at Spanish colonial architecture and the tales it tells.
• Mission San José: Known as the "Queen of the Missions," it's a true gem with its stunning rose window and historic grounds.
• Mission San Juan: Feel the peace among the white-plastered walls and imagine life in the 1700s.
• Mission Espada: The southernmost mission, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
• The Alamo: No visit is complete without paying homage to this symbol of Texan independence.

Quick Trail Facts:

• Distance: The full loop is approximately 13.9 miles.
• Terrain: Mostly flat and paved, making for an easy ride.
• Accessibility: Open year-round with bike stations along the route.

Feeling energetic?

Cover the entire loop in one go, or take it one mission at a time, with each spaced about 2.5 to 3 miles apart.

Whether you're a bird-watcher, a history buff, or just in for the ride, this trail caters to all.

Remember, each push on the pedal not only propels you forward but also back to a time of missions and frontiersmen.

So why not cycle your way through the story of Texas?

Grab your helmet, fill that water bottle, and get ready to explore the San Antonio Missions—where every turn of the wheel whispers history.

Old 7 Mile Bridge, Florida Keys

Have you ever wondered what it's like to cycle through history?

The Old 7 Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is not just a pathway; it's a journey back in time.

Opened in 1912 as part of the Overseas Railroad, this bridge once carried trains bound for the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

Why choose Old 7 for your cycling adventure?

• Historical Charm: You're literally riding on a piece of history!
• Breathtaking Views: Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, it's a visual treat.
• Access to Pigeon Key: A tiny island that's a historical gem in itself.

Let's talk details:

• Length for Cyclists: 2.2 miles of the historic bridge are open to you.
• Location: Links the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys.
• Visiting Pigeon Key: Stop by the visitor center at 1090 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL.

Know before you go:

• Availability: Open to pedestrians, cyclists, and for fishing.
• Tour Information:

1. Adults: $25
2. Kids (4-12): $20
3. Under 3: Free

• Tour Booking: Online or call 305-743-5999.

Got your camera ready?

This ride is as Instagrammable as they get – just imagine catching the sunset here!

Remember, you're not just pedaling over water; you're gliding over decades of stories and memories.

Who knows, you might even make some history of your own on the Old 7 Mile Bridge!

So grab your bike, and let's take a ride down memory lane, shall we?

Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Ever wanted to pedal through history and be surrounded by natural beauty?

Well, pack your bike and head to the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon.

Regarded as America's first scenic highway, this place is a cyclist's dream come true.

Built in the 1920s, much of the highway has been preserved, offering you a chance to ride through the same landscapes that amazed travelers almost a century ago.

What will you see?

• Multnomah Falls: A jaw-dropping cascade of water that's a treasure of the area.
• Vistas galore: Sweeping views that will make you want to stop and take it all in.

Ride details:

• Starting Points: Options include Hood River or the Twin Tunnels area.
• Distance: Rides vary from a breezy 4.5 miles one way to more ambitious options of 25, 50, and 100 miles.
• Difficulty: Ranging from easy to moderate, so you can find a ride that's just your speed.

Events to check out:

• Jackson's Ride the Gorge: A charity event with a heartfelt cause, commemorating a young cancer victim and providing multiple distance options.

Are you a fan of the path less taken?

The highway has car-free sections, offering a peaceful journey minus the hustle of vehicles.

Savor the Oregon scenery as each pedal brings you a new discovery.

The highway's gradient is well-engineered, keeping steepness at bay and ensuring a pleasurable ride.

So, why wait?

The Historic Columbia River Highway isn't just a pathway; it's a time machine on two wheels.

Grab your helmet, and let's make memories that are as timeless as the road you'll ride on!

Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland

Have you ever wanted to pedal through history?

Antietam National Battlefield in Maryland is where you can do just that.

Imagine cycling on a route where pivotal moments of the Civil War unfolded.

• Historical Significance: On September 17, 1862, Antietam witnessed the single bloodiest day in American military history.
• Sights: You'll encounter the iconic Burnside Bridge and the solemn Sunken Road, also known as "Bloody Lane".
• Routes: Choose from several routes, including a 9.2-mile battlefield tour for a full experience.

Riding through Antietam is not just a physical journey but a passage through time.

Visualize soldiers' movements as you ride:

1. Start at the Visitor Center - grab a map and gear up.
2. Follow the tour route, marked for automobiles but perfect for bikes.
3. Stop by key landmarks, like the Dunker Church and the National Cemetery.

The landscape here has been carefully preserved, letting you see the battlefield much as the soldiers did in 1862.

But what about those looking for a recreational twist?

• Southbound C&O Canal cyclists can take a battlefield excursion route.
• Northbound riders have their own tailored path.

Ready to experience history from your bike seat?

Remember, it's not just about the exercise; it's about remembering the past as you roll over the hallowed ground of Antietam National Battlefield.

Angel Island, California

Have you ever pedaled your way through history?

On Angel Island in California, you can do just that!

Picture yourself cycling on paths that meander past echoes of the Civil War and World War II.

Imagine the stories these trails could tell!

Accessible only by a charming 15-minute ferry ride from Tiburon, Angel Island State Park is your ticket to an outdoor adventure drenched in history.

With views that sweep across the San Francisco Bay, you'll find yourself stopping to snap pictures as much as you pedal.

Cycling Routes:

• Perimeter Road Loop: A mostly paved way that stretches about 5.5 miles and traces the outline of the island.
• Fire Road Loop: A more challenging dirt path that spans approximately 3 miles, offering a different terrain for those looking for a slight change in pace.

Where to Ride:

• Bicycles are allowed on Perimeter Loop and Fire Road Loop. Fancy a challenge? Try tackling both!

Did you know that the route you choose can completely transform your ride?

For example, if you decide to conquer both loops, consider riding one clockwise and the other counterclockwise for a fresh perspective.

Before you go, here are some handy stats:

• Perimeter Loop: 6 miles long, with gradual inclines that are friendly to riders of all levels.
• Fire Road Loop: 3 miles with varying elevations, ready to offer a bit more of a workout.

And remember, as you cycle through Angel Island, you're rolling across the same grounds where soldiers once marched and guarded the bay.

How's that for a time-traveling bike ride?