The Top 6 Cycling Routes for Solo Travel in 2025

Solo travel is one of the top trends of 2025, and that includes active travel like cycling. Gen Z and Millennials especially love the peace, independence, and joy of exploration that comes from traveling alone. The beauty of cycling solo lies in its flexibility—you set your own pace, choose your stops, and immerse yourself in the landscape at a pace that is perfect for you.

“Many more of us are jetting off on adventures alone. It could be a consequence of the pandemic, when many people became used to their own company through enforced isolation. Or perhaps it is a growing awareness of ‘self’ as a result of more conversations happening around mental health. Whatever the reason, many travel experts agree that solo travel is on the rise,” reads a travel report in Forbes.

But for solo adventurers who want the perfect balance of scenic beauty, solitude, and the reassurance of nearby towns and cities for support, the best cycling routes are those that are connected to populated areas but still provide that feeling of escape. Here’s a roundup of the best solo-friendly cycling routes that blend nature, culture, and safety.

1. The Danube Cycle Path (Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania)

Distance: 1,240 miles (2,000 km)
Best For: All levels, cultural exploration, historical landmarks

The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most popular and accessible long-distance cycling routes, and it’s perfect for solo adventurers looking for a mix of scenic landscapes, history, and vibrant cities. Starting in the Black Forest in Germany, the route travels through several countries, including Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, following the course of the Danube River. The path is well-marked, paved, and mostly flat, making it ideal for cyclists of all levels.

What sets the Danube Cycle Path apart for solo riders is its proximity to a series of charming towns and major cities. Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava are just some of the cultural hubs that the route passes through, offering plenty of opportunities to stop, rest, and explore. The abundance of accommodation, restaurants, and bike-friendly services in these cities provides peace of mind for those traveling alone. Along the route, you’ll pass vineyards, castles, and lush landscapes, creating the perfect blend of cycling and cultural discovery.

Danube bike path

2. The California Coast (USA)

Distance: 800 miles (1,287 km)
Best For: All levels, coastal beauty, vibrant cities

For cyclists who love the ocean breeze, stunning coastal views, and the vibrancy of West Coast culture, cycling the California Coast is an unforgettable solo adventure. Starting in the north near San Francisco, the route heads south, passing through iconic coastal towns like Monterey, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. The route is relatively accessible, with many cyclists riding it in sections, but for the true solo adventurer, riding the entire coast provides a fantastic combination of scenic beauty, accessibility, and safety.

The California Coast features rolling hills, long stretches of beach, and dramatic cliffs, but it also offers a great deal of support along the way. With plenty of accommodations, bike shops, and restaurants in the cities and towns, solo riders can take comfort in knowing that help is never far away. The path itself is well-established, with bike lanes along much of the way, ensuring that cyclists can focus on enjoying the ride without the worry of navigating dangerous roads.

3. Le Petit Train du Nord (Canada)

Distance: 124 miles (200 km)
Best For: All levels, nature lovers, small-town charm

Just north of Montreal, Le Petit Train du Nord is one of Canada’s most beautiful and accessible cycling routes, perfect for cyclists looking for solo travel options to explore the Laurentian Mountains and the surrounding forested landscapes. Originally a railway line, this route offers a smooth and mostly flat trail that’s well-suited to cyclists of all levels.

What makes this route ideal for solo cyclists is its easy access to both natural beauty and the quaint villages along the way. Starting in Saint-Jérôme, the trail stretches northward through picturesque towns like Val-David and Mont-Tremblant, famous for their outdoor activities and vibrant local culture. Along the route, solo riders can enjoy serene forest views, crystal-clear lakes, and quiet rural landscapes. Additionally, the trail is well-connected to local services, ensuring cyclists have access to food, accommodations, and bike shops whenever needed.

La Route Verte

4. The Loire Valley (France)

Distance: 200 miles (322 km)
Best For: All levels, history and wine lovers, cultural exploration

The Loire Valley is known for its castles, vineyards, and picturesque countryside, making it one of the most iconic and peaceful cycling regions in France. The Loire Valley Cycling Route offers a relatively flat and well-marked trail, ideal for solo travel and cyclists who want to immerse themselves in French culture while enjoying the serenity of rural landscapes. The route passes through some of France’s most beautiful towns, including Tours, Amboise, and Chinon, where you can rest, sample fine wines, and explore grand châteaux.

What makes this solo travel route particularly attractive for solo cyclists is the combination of beauty, history, and convenience. The small towns and cities along the way are welcoming and offer ample support services—whether you’re looking for bike shops, cafés, or historical sites to visit. Plus, France’s high standards of safety for cyclists make it a great destination for independent riders. The Loire River itself adds to the serenity of the ride, with plenty of scenic riverbanks and tranquil pathways.

Loire à Vélo, France (photo: Jean-Christophe Coutand)

5. The Otago Central Rail Trail (New Zealand)

Distance: 150 miles (242 km)
Best For: Beginner to intermediate cyclists, scenic landscapes, small-town charm

If you’re looking for a solo cycling route that offers incredible landscapes but is connected to small towns for support, the Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand is a perfect choice. This historic trail runs through the South Island, connecting the towns of Clyde and Middlemarch. The trail is mostly flat, with a combination of gravel paths and paved sections, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate cyclists.

One of the main draws of the Otago Rail Trail is the solitude it offers without being completely isolated. The route passes through the charming towns of Alexandra and Ranfurly, where you can find cozy accommodations and local cafés. Solo cyclists will appreciate the small, welcoming communities, and the remote, rural scenery that offers a deep connection with nature. The Otago region itself is renowned for its landscapes, including golden fields, rugged mountains, and historic mining towns, providing a peaceful, yet accessible, adventure.

Otago rail trail

6. The Great Allegheny Passage (USA)

Distance: 150 miles (241 km)
Best For: All levels, historical exploration, easy access to cities

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) offers a perfect blend of history, scenic beauty, and practical access for solo cyclists. This 150-mile trail stretches from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland, following the route of an old railroad. The well-maintained path takes riders through forests, along rivers, and past charming towns, offering a peaceful and picturesque ride that is not too remote.

For solo cyclists, the GAP is particularly appealing due to its proximity to several major cities, like Pittsburgh, and smaller, bike-friendly towns like Ohiopyle and Frostburg. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for resupply, comfortable accommodations, and local eateries. The trail also offers some gentle climbs and mostly flat sections, making it accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. Plus, the historical elements of the route, including the chance to see remnants of the railroad and various scenic bridges, add an extra layer of enjoyment to the journey.

In the End

Whether you’re looking to pedal through vibrant cities, historical landscapes, or tranquil rural settings, these solo-friendly cycling routes offer the perfect combination of adventure, beauty, and convenience. For solo cyclists, the peace of mind provided by nearby towns and cities ensures that you can fully embrace the solitude of your ride without sacrificing safety or comfort. So grab your gear, plan your cycling route, and hit the road for an unforgettable cycling adventure—on your own terms.

For more great bike travel options check out this article on under-the-radar cycling routes.