20 Hidden Rail Trails Converted for Cyclists Globally

Ready to ride quiet paths with big scenery and easy grades? Rail trails give you that sweet combo. Gentle climbs, historic details, and car-free peace. Here is your guide to 20 lesser-known converted railways around the world that deserve a spot on your biking list. Expect tunnels, viaducts, coastlines, and forest corridors. You’ll love it.

Pro tip: Rail trails often pass through small towns with limited services. Pack snacks, water, and a basic repair kit. Then enjoy the freedom.

Before you pick your route, this global list of rail trails is a solid reference for quick facts and planning.

Vía Verde de la Sierra, Andalusia, Spain

A quiet greenway that threads between limestone cliffs and white villages. You roll through old stations, long tunnels, and over arched bridges while griffon vultures soar overhead. The surface is smooth and friendly for hybrid bikes. Go early for cooler temps and watch for farm crossings.

Pro Tip: Start in Olvera for a fun downhill bias toward Puerto Serrano and an easy shuttle back.

Parenzana, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia

This historic narrow-gauge railway line links Istrian coastal towns and hilltop villages. Expect olive groves, sea views, and a patchwork of tunnels and viaducts. Surfaces vary from packed gravel to paved sections. Carry lights for longer tunnels and take your time in the wine towns.

Pro Tip: Base in Poreč or Trieste and ride in stages with cafe stops baked in.

Great Southern Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia

A rolling corridor through dairy country and forests, with frequent wildlife sightings. Bridges have been restored and towns like Meeniyan and Foster make easy refresh points. The grade is mellow, the wind can kick, and the scenery feels endless.

Pro Tip: Watch the forecast. Tailwinds make this ride feel like a victory lap.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Queensland, Australia

Australia’s longest rail trail cruises past classic pubs, heritage stations, and wide-sky farmland. Gravel rules here, so wider tires help. You’ll cross creeks, skirt low ranges, and meet friendly locals who know the best bakery stops.

Pro Tip: Plan water refills carefully between Fernvale and Esk on hot days.

Kettle Valley Rail Trail, British Columbia, Canada

A remote-feeling classic with trestles and lake views, spread across the Okanagan and beyond. The Myra Canyon section is a must with its restored wooden bridges and steady grade. Surfaces are firm but dusty, so bring spare tubes and extra hydration.

Pro Tip: Sunrise rides in Myra Canyon are magic and less crowded.

For a broader taste of global picks, cross-check routes with these curated ideas in Seven Bucket List Rail-Trail Destinations Around the World.

Cowichan Valley Trail, Vancouver Island, Canada

A quiet island greenway with high trestles, river canyons, and cedar-scented forest. Sections connect to the larger Vancouver Island Trail, so you can scale up or keep it casual. Surfaces are varied, but it’s friendly for most gravel and hybrid bikes.

Pro Tip: The Kinsol Trestle is the postcard shot, so save time to linger.

Petit Témis Interprovincial Linear Park, Quebec to New Brunswick, Canada

A cross-border rail trail with lakeside views and deep woods serenity. You ride past small marinas, old depots, and quiet beaches. French-Canadian charm shows up in the bakeries, so plan a pastry stop.

Pro Tip: Bug spray is your best friend in peak summer.

Great Western Greenway, County Mayo, Ireland

A coast-to-coast style ride that links Westport, Newport, and Achill Island. Think Atlantic views, stone walls, sheep pastures, and rail-era bridges. Weather changes fast here, but the drama adds to the story.

Pro Tip: Pack layers and leave time for Achill’s beaches at the western end.

Waterford Greenway, Ireland

This greenway follows the old rail line to Dungarvan with sea cliffs, brick tunnels, and a star turn at the Ballyvoyle Viaduct. The path is family friendly and dotted with cafes and picnic nooks.

Pro Tip: Ride to the Copper Coast after Dungarvan for a bonus seaside loop.

Monsal Trail, Peak District, England

A short but mighty path with lit tunnels, soaring viaducts, and limestone dales. It is popular on weekends, yet still feels special once you get rolling. The gentle grade makes it easy to focus on the views.

Pro Tip: Start early from Bakewell to glide through tunnels with fewer riders.

If you’re mapping a multi-country trip, scan this roundup of ideas in The World’s Greatest Rail Trails to Cycle for route comparisons.

Tarka Trail, Devon, England

Following old rail beds along estuaries and wooded valleys, this ride brings birdlife front and center. Pubs and tearooms pop up right when you need them. The path is mostly paved, smooth, and perfect for a relaxed holiday pace.

Pro Tip: Low tide adds huge mudflat views and excellent wildlife watching.

The Cinder Track, Scarborough to Whitby, England

A cliffy coastal ride with North Sea drama, old platforms, and harbor towns. The surface can be rough in spots, but the views make it worth the wider tires. You’ll pass old brickworks and rugged ruins that tell the line’s story.

Pro Tip: Let Whitby’s fish and chips be your finish line reward.

Two Tunnels Greenway, Bath, England

Short, smooth, and packed with history. The Combe Down Tunnel stretches for more than a mile, with artful lighting and cool air that feels great in summer. It links parks, canal paths, and heritage sites with minimal street time.

Pro Tip: Bring a light even though tunnels are lit, then connect with the canal towpath. Tunnel fans, you may enjoy this roundup of the longest bike and pedestrian tunnels for future trips.

Spoleto–Norcia Railway Path, Umbria, Italy

A mountain rail line reborn for bikes, with graceful stone viaducts and long, dark tunnels. The grades are kind and the scenery leans epic. Expect mixed surfaces and bring a light for the tunnels.

Pro Tip: Start in Spoleto for easier logistics and a lively post-ride meal.

Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure, Liguria, Italy

This seaside rail trail runs through old stations and fragrant gardens along the Riviera. You get flat miles, coastal tunnels, and pastel towns perfect for gelato breaks. Summer evenings are stunning.

Pro Tip: Ride early or late in peak season for cooler temps and calmer paths.

Vennbahn, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg

A cross-border jewel that rides the line of history. The grade stays easy as you roll through meadows, forests, and tidy villages. Old railway markers and museums add context to the scenery.

Pro Tip: Carry a small picnic and stop near the High Fens for quiet views.

Alpe Adria Radweg, Austria to Italy, rail sections

This long-distance favorite includes former rail corridors and tunnels, especially on the Italian side. You get alpine backdrops without brutal climbs thanks to rail-grade engineering. Trains and shuttles make one-way rides simple.

Pro Tip: Book lodging near train stations to keep transfers smooth.

Twin Coast Cycle Trail, Northland, New Zealand

A coast-to-coast path with rail heritage woven through bridges, causeways, and station sites. You’ll roll past mangroves, farmland, and Maori cultural stops. The grades are mellow, the vibe is pure Northland.

Pro Tip: Ride east to west for a touch more downhill if you prefer.

The Timber Trail, North Island, New Zealand

Built on historic tramways and logging routes, this two-day ride feels wild yet welcoming. Massive suspension bridges float over deep forest valleys. Surfaces vary, but it is well signed and supported.

Pro Tip: Book huts or local stays ahead of time on weekends and holidays.

If you like mixing history with scenery, this roundup of rail-to-trail picks offers more ideas: Ride the Rails: 7 Epic Bike Trails on Former Train Routes.

Route of the Hiawatha, Idaho and Montana, USA

A short but unforgettable rail trail with the 1.7-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel and sky-high trestles. It is mostly downhill if you ride from the pass, and a shuttle runs seasonally. Bring a solid light and a layer for the chilly tunnels.

Pro Tip: Gloves help with the tunnel chill and the gravel grip on cool mornings.

Planning Notes You’ll Be Glad You Knew

• Pack lights for tunnels, even if they are lit. Visibility makes everything easier.
• Gravel bikes or hybrids work best on most non-paved sections.
• Expect limited services between towns. Snacks and water matter more than you think.
• Check trail websites or local tourism boards for closures, shuttles, and seasonal updates.
• Want more inspiration across continents? Skim this helpful overview of picks from around the globe: The World’s Greatest Rail Trails to Cycle. For extra wanderlust, this visual list is fun to browse: 17 Stunning Rail Trails Every Cyclist Must Experience.

Final Thoughts

Hidden rail trails deliver quiet miles and big stories. Old depots, retired trestles, and country lanes come together in the best way. Pick one of these 20, plan a simple route, then go ride. Pro tip: keep your lights, snacks, and a sense of adventure handy. The gentle grades will carry you farther than you expect.