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