Couple riding FavoriteBikes StormX ST fat tire e-bikes on a scenic trail

Best E-Bike Trails in the U.S. and Canada: Top Rides for Every Skill Level (2026 Guide)

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One of the best things about owning an e-bike? You can actually enjoy trails you'd otherwise find too long, too hilly, or too far from your starting point. The electric assist opens up a whole new world of riding — whether you're a weekend recreational rider, a commuter looking to explore, or an adventure cyclist tackling serious terrain.

This guide covers the best e-bike trails across the United States and Canada, organized by region. Whether you're riding a fat tire e-bike through varied terrain or cruising a paved multi-use path on a commuter, there's a trail here for you.

Quick Reference: All 12 Trails at a Glance

#

Trail Name

Location

Distance

Terrain

Skill Level

1

Columbia River Highway Trail

Oregon

73 mi

Paved

All levels

2

Pine Mountain Loop

Marin, CA

14 mi

Dirt/Fire road

Intermediate+

3

Arkansas River Trail

Colorado

14 mi

Paved

All levels

4

National Trail, South Mountain

Arizona

14+ mi

Dirt/Gravel

Intermediate

5

Virginia Creeper Trail

Virginia

34 mi

Gravel rail-trail

All levels

6

Erie Canalway Trail

New York

360 mi

Paved/Stone dust

All levels

7

Katy Trail

Missouri

240 mi

Crushed limestone

All levels

8

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Massachusetts

25 mi

Paved

All levels

9

Galloping Goose Regional Trail

Victoria, BC

55 km

Paved/Gravel

All levels

10

Confederation Trail

Prince Edward Island

470 km

Crushed gravel

All levels

11

Great Trail (Trans Canada)

Multi-province

28,000 km total

Varies

Intermediate

12

Don Valley Trail

Toronto, ON

40+ km

Paved/Dirt

All levels

What to Know Before You Ride

E-bike trail access varies by location. In most jurisdictions, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (pedal assist up to 20 mph / 32 km/h) are permitted on trails that allow regular bicycles. Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) may be restricted to roads and designated paths only.

E-Bike Class

Max Assisted Speed

Trail Access

Class 1 (pedal assist only)

20 mph / 32 km/h

Permitted on most bike trails, including many national parks

Class 2 (pedal assist + throttle)

20 mph / 32 km/h

Permitted on most bike paths; check local signs

Class 3 (high-speed pedal assist)

28 mph / 45 km/h

Typically roads and bike lanes only — trail access more restricted

Best E-Bike Trails in the Western United States

1. Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail — Oregon

Distance: 73 miles  |  Terrain: Paved  |  Level: All levels

A former highway converted to a car-free multi-use path, this trail features tunnel access, waterfall viewpoints, and stunning Columbia River Gorge scenery. Flat enough for all skill levels, long enough to justify every mile of battery range.

2. Pine Mountain Loop — Marin County, California

Distance: ~14 miles  |  Terrain: Dirt and fire roads  |  Level: Intermediate+

Marin County is the birthplace of mountain biking, and its trail network remains world-class. With an e-bike, climbs that once required serious fitness become accessible. The MMWD permits e-bikes on most fire roads. Reward: panoramic views of San Francisco Bay.

3. Arkansas River Trail — Pueblo, Colorado

Distance: 14 miles  |  Terrain: Paved  |  Level: All levels

A completely flat, well-maintained paved trail through parks and natural areas along the Arkansas River. Perfect for riders who want a relaxed, scenic ride without technical challenges. Great for families and beginners.

4. National Trail at South Mountain — Phoenix, Arizona

Distance: 14+ miles  |  Terrain: Packed dirt, gravel  |  Level: Intermediate

The Phoenix area offers year-round riding with unique desert scenery. Fat tire e-bikes excel here — loose gravel and sandy sections are much more manageable with wider tires and motor assist. South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S.

Best E-Bike Trails in the Eastern United States

5. Virginia Creeper Trail — Virginia

Distance: 34 miles  |  Terrain: Gravel rail-trail  |  Level: All levels

One of the most popular rail-trail conversions in the country, running from Whitetop Station to Abingdon with a 1,680-foot elevation drop. Going uphill? That's where your e-bike earns its keep. Shuttles operate from Abingdon and Damascus.

6. Erie Canalway Trail — New York

Distance: 360 miles  |  Terrain: Paved and packed stone dust  |  Level: All levels

Stretching across upstate New York alongside the historic Erie Canal, this flat, wide path is ideal for long-distance e-bike touring. Towns and services are spaced conveniently along the route — pack panniers and ride for days.

7. Katy Trail — Missouri

Distance: 240 miles  |  Terrain: Crushed limestone  |  Level: All levels

The longest rail-trail in the United States. The flat limestone surface runs through Missouri wine country, small towns, and wetlands. With an e-bike, you can comfortably cover 40–60 miles per day.

8. Cape Cod Rail Trail — Massachusetts

Distance: 25 miles  |  Terrain: Paved  |  Level: All levels

A 25-mile paved trail through Cape Cod's pine forests and past kettle ponds. Flat, scenic, and family-friendly. Best ridden in spring and fall to avoid summer crowds. E-bike rentals available at both ends of the trail.

Best E-Bike Trails in Canada

9. Galloping Goose Regional Trail — Victoria, British Columbia

Distance: 55 km  |  Terrain: Paved and gravel  |  Level: All levels

Starting just outside downtown Victoria, this trail runs through urban parks, farmland, and coastal forest. It connects to the Lochside Trail for a 100+ km round trip — well within range of a fully charged FavoriteBikes StormX. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on the full trail.

10. Confederation Trail — Prince Edward Island

Distance: 470 km  |  Terrain: Crushed gravel  |  Level: All levels

The Confederation Trail crosses all of Prince Edward Island. The flat profile makes it ideal for e-bike touring. The island's pastoral scenery, seafood stops, and consistent rail-trail surface make this one of Canada's best multi-day e-bike routes.

11. Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) — Multiple Provinces

Distance: 28,000 km total  |  Terrain: Varies  |  Level: Intermediate

The world's longest recreational trail network. Urban segments are paved; rural segments range from gravel to packed dirt. Ideal for ambitious e-bike tourers who want to explore Canada's vast geography. Plan your section carefully and charge up.

12. Don Valley Trail — Toronto, Ontario

Distance: 40+ km  |  Terrain: Paved and packed dirt  |  Level: All levels

Running through the heart of Toronto, the Don Valley Trail offers connected paths through ravines, parks, and riverside greenspace. A natural escape within a major city — perfect for the Hybrid CSC commuter who wants to extend their daily ride on weekends.

Tips for Trail Riding on an E-Bike

Situation

Recommended Assist Level

Why

Flat paved trail

Eco / Level 1

Save battery for hills and headwinds

Uphill climb

Turbo / Level 5

Reduce strain and maintain a consistent pace

Gravel or loose terrain

Mid / Level 3

Better control and traction management

Strong headwind

Level 3–4

Compensate without draining battery too fast

Downhill

Level 0 (off)

Let gravity do the work and recover range

  • Check your battery before you go. Trail rides are harder to bail out of than road rides. Start with a full charge and plan a route well within your realistic range.
  • Carry a basic repair kit. A puncture kit, mini pump, and multi-tool should always be in your pack.
  • Fat tires = more versatile trail access. Models like the FavoriteBikes StormX with 4-inch fat tires handle gravel, packed dirt, sand, and loose surfaces far more confidently than standard tires.
  • Yield to other trail users. E-bikes travel faster than many trail users expect. Signal before passing, slow down near pedestrians, and be a good ambassador for e-bike trail access.

Conclusion

Whether you're exploring the rail-trails of the American Midwest, the coastal routes of British Columbia, or the desert trails of Arizona, there's an e-bike trail perfectly matched to your riding style and skill level.

The motor assist doesn't just make hard rides easier — it makes new rides possible. Routes that were too long, too hilly, or too remote become genuinely accessible, especially on a capable fat tire e-bike like the FavoriteBikes StormX.

Start local, build confidence, and then explore further. The trails are waiting.

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