Adventure Travel: 3,568 Miles Added to U.S. Bicycle Route Network

The U.S. Bicycle Route System just added 3,568 miles of scenic trails across Missouri, Kansas, and Indiana! 🌐 #News #KansasCityMO #Missouri #Travel

KANSAS CITY, MO – The U.S. Bicycle Route System just got its biggest expansion yet, and cyclists have reason to celebrate. With 3,568 new miles now part of its growing network, adventurers can pedal across entire states, uncover hidden scenery, and traverse historical sites in the heart of America. This latest addition includes trails that crisscross Missouri, Kansas, and Indiana—offering riders a chance to explore regions often overlooked by traditional travelers. For those craving a new kind of road trip, this network just became a game-changer.

A Push Toward 50,000 Miles of Cycling Adventure

Since its creation in 1978, the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) has aimed to create the largest network of cycling routes in the world. With help from the Adventure Cycling Association, the system now boasts 23,186 miles of pathways.

The nonprofit organization recently announced that these new additions represent a record-setting milestone on its journey toward a 50,000-mile network.

The expanded routes offer a mix of suburban streets, rural backroads, and scenic byways connecting major regions across state lines.

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The Latest Routes

Here’s a breakdown of the new routes that cyclists can look forward to:

USBR 37 (Indiana): Stretching just under 187 miles, this path winds through suburban neighborhoods and peaceful rural roads, linking the Erie Lackawanna Trail in the northwest with the Monon Trail in central Indiana.

USBR 50 (Kansas): Although the shortest addition at 40 miles, this trail provides breathtaking views, including stops like the Four State Lookout in White Cloud, Kansas.

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USBR 55 (Kansas): Covering 288 miles, this route starts at Kansas’ northern border with Nebraska and continues south to meet the Oklahoma state line.

USBR 51 (Missouri): The crown jewel of the new routes, this massive 553.7-mile trail cuts across Missouri from its northern tip to its southern end. It also connects to the existing USBR 51 in Arkansas, with long-term plans to extend it all the way from New Orleans to Minnesota.

Scenic Midwest Trails: A Cyclist’s Paradise

This expansion isn’t just about adding miles—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for cyclists.

The Midwest’s rolling hills, winding rivers, and historic landmarks provide an ideal backdrop for long rides. From peaceful rural landscapes to towns steeped in American history, these routes reveal the hidden charm of the region that many road-trippers miss.

Riders can expect a mix of challenging terrain and scenic rest stops along the way.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System just added 3,568 miles of scenic trails across Missouri, Kansas, and Indiana! National Corridor Plan for the U.S. Bike Route System map courtesy of the Adventure Cycling Association. — *National Corridor Plan for the U.S. Bike Route System map courtesy of the Adventure Cycling Association.*

Digital Maps and Free Resources

To make planning easier, the Adventure Cycling Association offers free digital maps of the entire U.S. Bicycle Route System. Cyclists can access these online and chart their path to adventure before setting out on their next journey.

As the network inches closer to its 50,000-mile target, opportunities for exploration continue to grow, giving travelers new ways to connect with the landscapes around them—one pedal at a time. Happy travels!