RIDING CONDITIONS

During the summer, mostly on weekends and holidays, traffic is heavy on U.S. 101. The large number of recreational vehicles and logging trucks require special caution. In hazardous situations, pull off the road and stop until traffic passes. Wear brightly colored clothing.

Fog also presents a danger. If the fog is thick like the proverbial pea soup, do not cycle until it clears. In moderate fog, wear safety triangles or bright vests. If a car approaches from behind, pull off the road and wait. Assume that drivers can’t see you.

U.S. 101 road surfaces are generally good. In many places the shoulders have been widened and striped in recent years. The backroads which are occasionally used may be rougher, but traffic is less. Most of the coastal highway is flat or gently rolling, with the exception of climbs over coastal headlands. There are steep grades north of Cannon Beach, over Neahkahnie Mountain south of Oswald West State Park, north of Cape Mears State Scenic Viewpoint, and south of Cape Lookout State Park.

Ride carefully on the narrow bridge across Young’s River/Bay between Astoria and Miles Crossing, especially when wet. Use caution in the tunnel south of Arch Cape. Before entering, push the button at road-side; it activates flashing lights to warn motorists that a cyclist is in the tunnel.

Bus transportation to Portland from several locations along the coast can be arranged through the Tillamook County Transportation District. More information is available at: www.tillamookbus.com.

The 15.5-mile Three Capes Scenic Option has been closed since January, 2013 due to a landslide. The terrain is unstable and continues to shift. Cyclists should not ride it, though locals occasionally do. It is expected to reopen at the end of 2023. The Netarts Highway/SR 131 shouldn’t be ridden either due to fast traffic, no shoulders, and limited sightlines. The main route south of Tillamook on Ekloff Rd. includes a deteriorating roadbed and a short steep climb and 1.5-mi. of gravel. An option to avoid the gravel is to ride the Oregon Coast Bicycle Route. It connects Tillamook and Sand Lake via US 101 and Sand Lake Rd. It is 3.8 miles longer than the main route. Here is a link to a map: advcy.link/tillamook101det.

Shoulderless SR 130 becomes tree-lined as it climbs through the Coast Range. Traffic is very low. It has a short steep section to reach Dolph Junction. Traffic increases on SR 22 which has minimal shoulders.

The 9.8-mile Salem Spur, mostly on separated paths and sidewalks gives you access to the state capital.

In the Willamette Valley, hills are minimal and traffic is light except near and through towns. You’ll ride on a 38.4-mile portion of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, advcy.link/WilValSceBikeway, an 134-mile route on roads that goes between Champoeg and Coburg. Our route skirts north of Eugene, but you can follow a 5.8-mile spur into downtown. Eugene is bicycle-friendly, with many bike lanes and paths. Additional maps for Eugene, Corvallis, Salem, and the Oregon Coast can be found at: advcy.link/ODOTbikeped.

The 76.4-mile Florence Alternate gives the option of riding more directly to or from the coast. The terrain on this alternate is moderate, with the exception of the grade over the Coast Range. The road surface is fair to good. The shoulders on SR 126 from Florence to Mapleton are 8’ wide but surface quality varies from smooth to rough. From Mapleton to Eugene the shoulders of SR 36 are narrow but traffic tends to be light until east of Fern Ridge Lake as you approach the city.

CLIMATE

Even during midsummer, heavy precipitation makes it a good idea to have your rain gear close at hand. Fog can be heavy, too, particularly from late October to mid-May. The climate inland is slightly cooler and drier because much of the moisture from the Pacific is dumped on the western slopes of the Coast Range. The blocking effect of these mountains helps produce the moderate climate of the Willamette Valley.

Updated: Apr 13, 2022

RIDING CONDITIONS

Unless you have taken the alternate from the coast you will only skirt the northern edge of the city of Eugene. For a bike map of Eugene see advcy.link/eugmap. East of Springfield, US 126 has heavy traffic, including logging trucks and recreational vehicles. Shoulders vary from smooth and wide to bumpy and narrow. The short side roads which parallel US 126 offer opportunities to get away from the heavy traffic.

The 4,000’ climb to McKenzie Pass has several steep, narrow switchbacks. You may have to share one of them with a recreational vehicle, so be prepared. Snow usually keeps McKenzie Pass closed until early July though may be open to cyclists only 2-4 weeks prior. Check the status of McKenzie Pass at: advcy.link/mckpass. If McKenzie is closed, the alternate over Santiam Pass is lower and an easier climb, but it has more traffic and is about 20 miles longer. Check current Oregon road conditions at: www.tripcheck.com. No matter which you choose, there are very few services available besides campgrounds between McKenzie Bridge and Sisters.

East of the Cascades, there is a 2,000’ climb from Prineville to Ochoco Pass. Beginning east of Mitchell, there is another grade to climb. These climbs are followed by a rewarding 1,500’ descent into Picture Gorge. There is a long, generally gradual climb over Dixie Pass followed by two more short, steep climbs over Tipton Pass and Sumpter Pass.

Most of the roads in this section have a good surface but no shoulders. One special warning: beware of cattleguards, the metal grates set in the highway. Ride over them at a right angle, or dismount and walk across.

Traffic can be heavy in the following areas: from Prineville to Ochoco Lake State Park; from Mt. Vernon to John Day; and the Baker City area.

CLIMATE

Heavy rainfall on the west slopes of the Cascades produce lush rain forests, such as the one along the McKenzie River. McKenzie Pass, and the McKenzie area in general, may have thunderstorms on hot summer afternoons.

East of the Cascades is a high, dry plateau. This area receives 10 inches of precipitation per year (compared to 80 inches on the peaks of the Cascades). Be sure to carry plenty of water with you. Summertime temperatures in the lower elevations sometimes exceed 100 degrees. Fortunately, the low humidity prevents the heat from becoming stifling. Thunderstorms and hailstorms are not uncommon here, also. Hail is sometimes large enough to hurt. The higher, cooler elevations of the Blue Mountain region near Baker City are a welcome change from the Columbia Plateau. However, even this area can be very warm in the summer, especially in the valleys.

Updated: Aug 2, 2018

RIDING CONDITIONS

This section’s route is characterized by many climbs and descents between creek and river corridors. The state and U.S. highways used are mostly well-surfaced, but often are narrow with no shoulders. Traffic will increase near towns and recreational areas. The town of Halfway is a good place to rest before riding through Hell’s Canyon along the Snake River. Temperatures on the canyon floor can reach 110 degrees. Be sure to carry plenty of water and allow extra time for the seven-mile steep climb out of the canyon.

Truck traffic is heavy between Cambridge and New Meadows. The paved and gravel Weiser River Trail is an option for about 40 miles of this distance. For current trail information visit advcy.link/wrt. After New Meadows U.S. 95 widens slightly, but has many curves. Between Riggins and White Bird, the shoulders narrow, and there can be heavy rafting traffic on weekends.

North of White Bird, the route travels through the Nez Perce National Historic Park, and includes about 6.5 miles of switchbacks. It has almost no traffic. If going westbound, descend carefully since there is some loose gravel on the switchbacks.

Northeast of Lowell, there are many primitive camping opportunities in Clearwater National Forest along the Lochsa River. These campgrounds are generally open between late May and early September. Call the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest at 208-926-4274 for specific opening/closing dates.

Since the original development of the TransAmerica Trail, logging and grain truck traffic between Kooskia, Idaho, and Lolo, Montana, has increased substantially. These trucks travel at high speed and can produce strong slipstreams. To make matters potentially more dangerous, U.S. 12 is a curvy, narrow, shoulderless two-lane road with limited sight distances. Shoulders have been added when there is room. While on U.S. 12, we strongly urge that you always do the following: ride as far to the right as possible; wear very bright clothing and a safety triangle; ride only in single file if in a group; listen carefully for traffic behind you, and be prepared to pull off the highway if necessary; and if you do stop, get as far off the road as possible.

At Lolo, you can ride into Missoula for a 12.2-mile out-and-back trip on a separate bike path. At Blue Mountain Rd., use the traffic light to cross U.S. 12/93. Traffic on the highway is very heavy between Lolo and Missoula, especially during commuting hours.

CLIMATE

Precipitation is light throughout eastern Oregon and most of Idaho. The “Gem State” is shielded on the west by a border of mountain ranges which blocks the moist Pacific winds.

The Snake River canyon is a virtual desert. Vegetation is sparse, except in a narrow zone bordering the river. Daytime temperatures well in excess of 100 degrees are not uncommon. Fortunately, the nights are cool and humidity is low.

Updated: Feb 21, 2023

RIDING CONDITIONS

At Lolo, you can ride into Missoula for a 12.2-mile out-and-back trip on a separate bike/ped path. Traffic on U.S. 12/93 is very heavy between Lolo and Missoula, especially during commuting hours, so please use traffic lights to cross the highway.

The Bitterroot Valley is generally flat, with a few rolling sections. The Bitterroot Trail goes from the southwest side of Missoula to Hamilton. Congestion increases near all the valley towns. South of Hamilton, the 12.9-mile partial gravel Old Darby Alternate gives cyclists a break from the busy highway. U.S. 93 has shoulders between Hamilton and Conner Cutoff Rd. South of Conner Cutoff Rd., U.S. 93 is narrow and winding for 6.4 miles. After that the shoulders reappear.

In 2000, massive forest fires burned 350,000 acres in the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley. Many slopes still contain standing and downed dead trees, but regeneration has begun.

The 18-mile gravel/dirt Gibbons Pass Alternate uses single-lane Forest Service roads to traverse Montana’s forested backcountry. The road surface is rough and wider tires are recommended for this alternate, and the road on the west side of the pass is deeply rutted. Use extreme caution when you are descending.

Between Lost Trail Pass and Dillon, traffic is minimal. There is a 39.7-mile stretch between Jackson and Dillon with no services. Carry extra food and water.

SR 41 from Dillon to Twin Bridges has higher than normal truck traffic due to its use as a bypass between I-15 and I-90 to the northeast.

The Trail traverses gently rolling range country along the Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. You’ll climb one more steep pass east of Virginia City and descend into the Madison River drainage following the river to West Yellowstone. Between Ennis and Cameron U.S. 287 has been rumble-stripped so ride with caution.

On U.S. 287 stop and walk your bike across the custom “bison guard” which is located 9.6 miles west of the junction of U.S. 287 with U.S. 191. The pipes are wider apart than regular cattle guards.

West Yellowstone is the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Near any national park cyclists will have to contend with higher traffic levels and RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic try to ride early in the day and make yourself and your bike visible.

CLIMATE

The Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide play important roles in determining Montana’s climate. West of the Divide (including the Bitterroot Valley), the state enjoys a semi-marine climate – similar to that of the north Pacific coast, although not as wet. The mountainous terrain in the western third of the state protects the Bitterroot Valley from the cold waves which sweep south from Canada each winter. The same mountains produce the Chinook wind by warming eastbound air as it descends over their slopes from higher elevations. Overall, Montana has low annual precipitation, and the Bitterroot Valley is no exception – it receives an average of 18 inches. Thunderstorms or quick rainshowers are common west of the Divide during the summer.

East of the Divide, the climate is more continental; it is drier with great ranges of temperature. Thundershowers and hailstorms are always a threat on hot summer afternoons, particularly during July and August.

Updated: Nov 9, 2020

RIDING CONDITIONS

The entire Yellowstone – Teton Parks area has very heavy summer traffic. Roads are, for the most part, narrow two-laners with little or no shoulders. To avoid heavy traffic, ride early in the day. During peak hours (12 noon to 5:00 P.M.), stop and enjoy the wonders of the parks. Road construction is fairly constant during the summer, and the Parks are in the process of widening and adding shoulders where possible.

Entering Yellowstone Park, the road is fairly level along the Madison River. Past Madison, there’s a climb up to a plateau. After passing Old Faithful, the Trail quickly ascends to the Con­ti­nen­tal Divide at Craig Pass, then – within 20 miles – crosses the Continental Divide twice more. There is a five-mile downhill between Lewis Lake and the Yel­low­stone Park exit.

Due to narrow roads and heavy traffic with lots of RVs during the summer, some cyclists are choosing to visit Yellowstone National Park by renting a vehicle and driving to see the sights. The 139.3-mile Teton Valley Alternate shows routing to avoid riding through the park.

In Grand Teton National Park, the Teton Spur heads southward for 33.5 miles to Jackson. You can view and enjoy more of the Park by taking this spur, and returning to the route via US 26/89/191.

Past Moran, you’ll leave the Park and begin a climb to Togwotee Pass, which is the second highest summit on the TransAmerica Trail. For eastbound riders, Togwotee Pass is followed by a long, gradual descent of 25 miles.

Outside of the National Parks, the Trail follows fairly narrow, two-lane roads with shoulders and occasional rough breaks. Traffic, however, is gen­er­ally light to moderate, al­though it increases near the towns of Dubois, Lander, Crowheart, Fort Washakie, and Raw­lins.

Southeast of Lander there is a 23-mile climb to the top of the Beaver Rim. In addition, be­gin­ning near the base of the Green Moun­tains, there is another six-mile climb onto the Rawlins Uplift, a high plateau.

Between Muddy Gap and Rawlins you’ll cross the Continental Divide twice more on roads with stretches of poor shoulders and rumble strips. Car and truck traffic can be heavy. Be careful not to be pulled into the slipstream as the trucks pass you when the winds are blowing.

From Lander to Rawlins there is a 123-mile stretch with minimal services. Be prepared and carry extra food and water with you.

CLIMATE

Most of the Yellowstone – Teton area and the high basin country in Wyoming sit on a series of high plateaus surrounded by mountain ranges. This produces a generally cool, semi-arid climate. Moun­tains such as the Tetons and the Wind River Range force westerly winds far aloft, where mois­ture is condensed and discharged, producing a rain shadow in the basins. Thunderstorms, cloud­bursts, and heavy hailstorms are common.

Prevailing winds in the Wyoming Basin are gen­erally from the southeast. Worse yet, winds in south­ern Wyoming often range from 40-60 miles per hour. These patterns are variable though, so expect winds against you at all times.

Updated: Apr 16, 2021

RIDING CONDITIONS

The TransAmerica Trail follows a 15-mile section of Interstate 80 between Sinclair and Walcott, then turns south on SR 130. The interstate has heavy traffic, but cyclists can ride the wide, smooth shoulder. Traffic on SR 130 is generally light, but picks up around Saratoga and Riverside.

The rolling basin called North Park contains the headwaters of the North Platte River. From this point southward to Canon City, riders traverse high-altitude country. Some cyclists may experience headaches, insomnia, or shortness of breath, but most have approached this area gradually, riding from lower elevations, and have acclimated.

Roads in the North Park section have fairly good surfaces but no shoulders. SR 125 from the Wyoming-Colorado border to Walden is wide. All other North Park roads are narrow, but lightly traveled. As the Trail approaches the Summit County area, traffic density increases. Recreational facilities here attract many weekenders and vacationers from the more densely populated eastern slope of the Rockies. Near Dillon, where the Trail intersects Interstate 70, traffic is particularly heavy. (It is a straight shot from Dillon to Denver, which is on the east face of the Rockies, via the Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel.) Just south of Silverthorne, a bike path along SR 9 is available as an alternate route. It goes all the way to Breckenridge.

The South Park section begins with a moderately difficult climb over Hoosier Pass. Riders gain 1,500’ within 10 miles in order to reach the top of the pass (elevation 11,542’). This is the highest point on the TransAmerica Trail. SR 9 through Breckenridge and over Hoosier Pass is narrow and carries heavy traffic during the summer. Extra caution is advised.

SR 9 widens out north of Hartsel. At Canon City (pronounced canyon) the countryside gradually shows less and less relief, as the Trail emerges from the Rockies and winds through the Colorado Piedmont. Traffic will increase as you head into Pueblo.

NOTE: After October first, many private and U.S.F.S. camp­grounds close for the winter or have no water available. Call ahead to verify conditions if you are traveling after this date.

CLIMATE

The Colorado parks, like much of the state, have a cool climate that might be described as mountain continental. Above 7,000’, nights are apt to be cool, so dress warmly before going to bed. Even the afternoons will be cool near Hoosier Pass and elsewhere above 10,000’.

Farther south, toward Canon City, temperatures are warmer, in part because of the lower altitude. Low humidity helps make the heat bearable. Shortlived thunderstorms and hailstorms are common during warm summer afternoons, so be prepared.

Updated: Dec 11, 2017

RIDING CONDITIONS

With the brief exception of some roller coaster foothills just east of the Rocky Mountains, this section of the TransAmerican Trail slopes gradually downhill from Pueblo, Colorado (elev. 4,700 ft.) to Alexander, Kansas (elev. 2,050 ft.). Once onto the plains, the terrain is gently rolling, with the exception of occasional low spots. The ups and downs increase slightly in the Smoky Hills of west-central Kansas, east of Ness City.

The route in Kansas is concurrent with U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76. USBR 76 is signed throughout Kansas. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/ksusbr.

The wind blows almost constantly on the plains, and it can whip up huge clouds of dust, particularly on the high plains of Colorado. These storms sting the face, cause the eyes to water and reduce visibility to no more than several feet. Cyclists are advised to stay off the road during such storms.

Roads in this section are fair to good. In those places where roads are narrow and shoulderless, the traffic tends to be moderate to heavy.

U.S. 50, near Pueblo, is a busy four-lane highway. Be aware that SR 96 through eastern Colorado and western Kansas has a large volume of oversized trucks carrying oil drilling, wind power equipment, and farm machinery. East of Tribune, SR 96 is a narrow, flat two-lane road without shoulders; traffic is moderate and includes cattle and grain trucks and extra-wide pieces of farm equipment.

Watch out for “Texas tacks,” a parasitic thorn that is the scourge of bicycle tires.

NOTE: Be aware that some city parks in Kansas close when the public schools begin in mid-August. Inquire locally for confirmation if you plan on camping in the city parks. Also, from east of Sugar City to Tribune, services are few and far between. You will want to carry a couple days food and water across this section.

CLIMATE

The Colorado Piedmont and the high plains are semiarid with higher temperatures and less annual rainfall than is common in the Rockies. In the Piedmont, summer evenings provide relief from the heat. Much of the summer precipitation here comes in brief thunderstorms. On the plains, summer days are bright and sunny, with afternoon temperatures averaging 90? F. Very low humidity helps make these high temperatures bearable.

The 100th meridian, which crosses between Beeler and Ness City, Kansas, is usually regarded as the dividing line between the semiarid high plains and the semi-humid lowlands to the east. West of the meridian, the average rainfall is 5-20 inches; east of it, average annual rainfall jumps to 20-25 inches, a major portion of which falls during the summer growing season. This explains why the Colorado foothills and high plains are cattle country, while eastern and central Kansas are wheat and corn farmland. Much of the increased moisture coming into the area east of the 100th meridian is blown north from the Gulf of Mexico.

The tornado, one of the most destructive weather conditions found in the United States, occurs more often on the plains than in any other locale.

Updated: Apr 7, 2020

RIDING CONDITIONS

For most of this section, the Trail follows county roads through flat to gently rolling terrain (the elevation varies 400-500 feet). These are two-lane roads of narrow to medium width, with no shoulders and minimal traffic.

The route in Kansas is concurrent with U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76. USBR 76 is signed throughout Kansas. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/ksusbr.

Be aware that camping in city parks may have some drawbacks if you’re traveling early in the year. Many towns that have showers and restrooms, which are connected to the town swimming pool, often don’t open until after Memorial Day, so water and restrooms won’t be available.

There are 3 stretches on this section that have little or no services. They are the 52 miles between Great Bend and Nickerson, the 73 miles between Newton and Eureka, and the 60 miles between Eureka and Chanute. Plan your riding days accordingly.

If you go off route into Hutchinson, do NOT use U.S. 50 as a shortcut back to the route in Newton. U.S. 50 has wide shoulders with the exception of a railroad overpass with no shoulders, and the roadway arches and curves so drivers and cyclists have very limited visibility.

In Hesston, be careful on Old 81. This is a narrow road and has high traffic levels during rush hours.

The rolling Flint Hills lie east of Newton. Between Newton and Cassoday, the two-lane road has light traffic and no shoulders. U.S. 54 is wide with moderate traffic and shoulders along most of the route. The county road surface between Coyville and Benedict has deteriorated so be careful riding it.

SR 7 north of Girard is narrow and can have very heavy traffic due to nearby Crawford State Park. If riding during heavy traffic season, consider using SR 3 and SR 47 through Brazilton. The road is just as narrow but has less traffic than SR 7.

NOTE: Many of the smaller towns on this section have a limited grocery supply. Plan ahead and stock up when you pass through larger towns.

CLIMATE

The climate of this section of Kansas is very changeable. There are no natural barriers that have a moderating effect on the wind patterns or precipitation. Prevailing winds are generally from the south or southwest, with an average speed of 10-12 miles per hour.

To a cyclist riding west to east, the elevation is dropping, albeit slowly and irregularly. With this loss in elevation comes a change in the humidity and temperature. Humidity increases in the eastern part of the state and temperatures become more moderate.

Thunderstorms occur frequently, especially during the hottest parts of the summer. Flash floods often accompany these torrential downpours, especially in the late spring and early summer.

Updated: Nov 12, 2019

RIDING CONDITIONS

U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76 is signed in Missouri, and isn’t signed in Illinois. Our routing isn’t always concurrent with USBRs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/mousbr and advcy.link/ilusbr. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs.

Eastern Kansas is flat while western Missouri is gently rolling with isolated hilly sections. Roads in Missouri are narrow to medium in width with no shoulders. Traffic is generally light. On some of the narrower rural roads the surface is poor and is deteriorating.

The terrain gets hillier as the route approaches the Ozarks Mountain Range. The Ozarks themselves contain many steep grades. Exhausted cyclists have likened this part of the route to one long, self-propelled roller-coaster ride. All of the roads in this section are medium to wide, have no shoulders, and have moderate levels of traffic.

Extra precautions must be taken in the Ozarks. Even in the best weather, road visibility is very limited. Tight curves and numerous steep hills make it very difficult for motorists approaching from behind to see cyclists. Wear bright clothing, and keep to the right side in single file. Safety triangles or bicycle flags will make you more visible.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a national park. Near and in any national park cyclists will have to contend with higher traffic levels and RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic try to ride early in the day, and make yourself and your bike visible.

The Eminence area is a popular tourist spot. The traffic level here can be heavy, especially on weekends. Watch out for car-trailer combinations and RVs with large rear-view mirrors. Most roads in the area are wide two-laners. From Eminence to Centerville, as eastbound riders reach the end of the Ozark Plateau, the route seems all uphill, beginning with a five-mile climb.

Near Ellington and Centerville watch out for logging trucks. Go to the side of the road and dismount if necessary.

East of Farmington, you’ll head into the bluffs of the Mississippi River and down into the floodplain. Traffic levels can be heavy on the roads between I-55, southwest of St. Mary, and Chester, Illinois. There is little traffic until Campbell Hill. SR 4 and Ava Rd. are 2-lane roads with moderate traffic which increases as you reach Murphysboro.

At Chester, you have a choice of the main route or the Mississippi Levee Alternate to get to Murphysboro. The main route is 38.8 miles and the alternate is 38.4 miles. The main route is hillier.

On the Alternate, the route uses 7.6 continuous miles on SR 3, and another 1.7 miles farther south. It’s a wide road with no shoulders, and has moderate to heavy traffic including trucks hauling coal. Ride cautiously and be prepared to leave the roadway if necessary. The floodplain roads are flat and have no traffic. If the river is up, check conditions locally before using the Alternate, since SR 3 is closed occasionally due to high water.

CLIMATE

The continental climate of Missouri is subject to frequent changes. The three primary causes of these changes are (1)cold air moves down from the north; (2)warm, moist air enters the southern portion of the state from the Gulf of Mexico; and (3)dry air from the plains sweeps into the western part of the state.

In western Missouri, most of the annual precipitation falls during the summer months in the form of thunderstorms. The prevailing winds are from the south and southeast, at a speed of 7-9 miles per hour.

Updated: Sep 28, 2020

RIDING CONDITIONS

In southern Illinois the Trail skirts glaciated terrain, then winds through the ridges and valleys of the Shawnee Hills region. This narrow strip of land extends across the southern part of Illinois from the Missouri border to Elizabethtown. About 40 miles wide and 70 miles long, this hilly woodland rises to nearly 1,000 feet.

U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76 is not signed in Illinois, but is signed in Kentucky. Our routing isn’t always concurrent with USBRs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/ilusbr and advcy.link/kyusbr. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs.

Traffic increases in and near the following Illinois towns: Murphysboro, Carbondale, Eddyville, and Cave-In-Rock. You will also find an increase in traffic, especially on weekends, near the recreational areas of Giant City, Ferne Clyffe, and Cave-In-Rock state parks. Roads are narrow, winding and hilly, which makes it difficult for motorists to see cyclists. Use extra caution while riding, and make sure you wear bright clothing.

To check the status and hours of the Cave-In-Rock Ferry crossing the Ohio River call 618-289-4599 or go to: advcy.link/CIRferry.

Loose dogs abound in rural Kentucky so you will likely encounter them. Be prepared. Here is an article about cycling and dogs: advcy.link/dogs.

In western Kentucky you will encounter more of the same type of roads and terrain that you found in Illinois. Roads are narrow and shoulderless. Many of the state highways have been rumble stripped. Traffic will increase around towns and recreational areas. You may encounter coal trucks.

From Falls of Rough to Mackville the terrain becomes rougher as the route makes its way through the Knobs, a group of small, conical hills which nearly surround the Bluegrass region.

As you approach Berea the roads become steeper; Berea is the Trans- America Trail’s gateway to the Appalachians.

The Mammoth Cave Loop heads south from the Trail. The Loop is 79 miles long and takes you through Mammoth Cave National Park. The western side of the Loop has very little traffic on shoulderless roads. The country is rural with rolling hills. The Park roads are smooth-surfaced, wide two-laners. Recreational traffic can be heavy at the peak tourist season during the summer. You may also encounter RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic try to ride early in the day and make yourself and your bike visible. On the eastern side of the Loop traffic increases around and in the cities of Cave City and Horse Cave. SR 357 is a two-lane road with very little traffic. To check for current information on the Green River Ferry go to: advcy.link/GRferry or call 270-758-2166.

All known Amtrak stations are listed on this map but not all stations provide bicycle service. Check if bicycle service is provided at both the starting and ending stations on your trip using the spreadsheet and other trip planning resources at advcy.link/amtrak.

CLIMATE

Southern Illinois and the Ohio River Valley have a continental climate. Cold winters, warm summers, and frequent fluctuations in temperatures, wind direction, and storm conditions are the norm.

The continent’s main summer storm system is usually north of the route, but cyclists can still expect a fair share of showers and thunderstorms during the summer. Throughout this section, humidity is high enough to make riding uncomfortable on warm days.

Kentucky also experiences wide extremes in temperatures and precipitation. Warm, moist, tropical air predominates in western Kentucky during most of the summer. About half of the average annual total precipitation falls between the months of April and September. Thunderstorms are common. Winds have an average speed of 7-12 miles per hour, and the prevailing direction is from the south to the southwest.

Updated: Apr 7, 2020

RIDING CONDITIONS

The Appalachians may not be as tall as the Rock­ies, but they are much harder to cross than the moun­tains of the West. This is because the gentle inclines of the Rockies are not nearly as tiring as the steep, roller-coaster grades of the Ap­pa­la­chians.

For most of the up-and-down ride through Ap­pa­la­chia, the roads are narrow two-laners with no shoul­ders. There is a lot of broken pave­ment, gravel and occasional low-water bridges.

U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76 is signed throughout Virginia and Kentucky. Our routing is not always concurrent with USBRs. For more information and maps see advcy.link/kyusbr and advcy.link/vausbr. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs.

Loose dogs abound in rural Kentucky and Virginia so you will likely encounter them. Be prepared. Here is an article about cycling and dogs: advcy.link/dogs.

In Kentucky, rumble strips have been applied to almost every rideable shoulder. You will almost always have to ride in the the travel lane since there isn’t any choice.

Traffic in the backcountry of Appalachia is gen­er­ally light. Exceptions include U.S. 421 northwest of McKee and popular tourist spots such as Breaks Interstate Park, the Buckhorn Lake area, and the Jefferson National Forest. Ride carefully and make sure you are visible to drivers. Traffic also increases near and in most cities and towns.

The area around Pippa Passes and Elkhorn City is very hilly, with lots of curves. At Breaks, there is a sharp drop into the canyon on the right. The road surface is very poor in sections between Virgie and Elkhorn City. Between Breaks and Haysi, the road is extremely curvy with dense veg­e­ta­tion, making it hard to see ap­proach­ing vehicles from either direction.

The Trail crosses many steep hills, both small and large, as it winds north toward the Blue Ridge Park­way in Virginia. The Great Valley is divided by knobs and ridges into several valleys.

Several stretches have moderate to heavy coal truck traffic and coal some­times fall off these rigs, so be prepared. Also, watch out for potholes, par­tic­u­larly on the down­hills, and ride cautiously.

At Breaks Interstate Park, all cyclists are asked to stop in and sign Virginia’s “Across State Ride” book if they have/are going to cycle across Virginia on the Tran­sAmerica Trail/USBR 76. Doc­u­ment­ing the number of cyclists who ride this is important for justification of route im­prove­ments. Rec­og­niz­ing the number of riders and where they are from will allow the Virginia Bicycling Fed­er­ation to promote bicycle tourism in Virginia. If you have any suggestions on what can be done to make the route better list them in the book, or go to: www.vabike.org.

CLIMATE

Kentucky lies in the path of westerly winds that sweep storms across the Ap­pa­la­chians during both the summer and winter months. Warm, moist air pre­dom­inates during the sum­mer months with ­a­v­er­age rel­a­tive hu­mid­ity ranging from 80-85 per­cent. Thun­derstorms occur during every month of the year, but most frequently between March and Sep­tem­ber. Be ready with both light clothing for sticky weather, and rain gear for the downpours.

In Appalachia summer fogs may cling to the high­lands until quite late in the morning. In an area with heavy traffic or coal trucks, the wise cyclist will either not ride until the fog clears or leave the road whenever a vehicle approaches.

The mild, semi-marine climate of the Blue Ridge region of central Virginia is heavily in­flu­enced by the moist winds from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Updated: Jul 18, 2019

RIDING CONDITIONS

Most of the roads through the Old Ap­pa­la­chians of central Virginia are narrow and have no shoulders. From Christiansburg, if you want to visit Blacksburg, the 5.7-mile paved Huckleberry Trail begins at the New River Mall and ends at the Blacksburg Library. For more info go to: www.huckleberrytrail.org.

The route in Virginia is concurrent with U.S. Bicycle Route (USBR) 76. U.S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 1 are signed throughout Virginia. Be aware that signs can be damaged, stolen, or otherwise missing so you can never rely totally on following signs. USBR 1 and 76 are concurrent for a short distance northwest of Ashland. For more information and maps see advcy.link/vausbr.

After the town of Vesuvius, there is a very steep, switchbacked four-mile climb onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is one of the national parks.

The hills continue along the Park­way, which ranges in elevation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. No commercial traffic is allowed on the Parkway, and the speed limit is very strictly en­forced 45 mph. There are, however, no shoul­ders so be cautious. The steep descent from the Parkway to Afton has switchbacks. Portions of the Parkway are occasionally closed due to road construction, weather, or rock slides. To check conditions go to: advcy.link/blueridgeclosures. Near and in this national park, cyclists will have to contend with higher traffic levels and RV drivers who are inexperienced. To avoid heavy traffic, try to ride early in the day and make yourself and your bike visible.

On July, 16, 2012, June Curry, “The Cookie Lady” of Afton passed away. She is buried in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery, about 2.5 mi. E. of the route on US 250. For her story see: advcy.link/cookielady.

The Piedmont contains some stretches with short, steep hills, but – for the most part – the terrain is gentle. The route sticks mostly to narrow, backcountry roads with poor surfaces and no shoulders. Traffic is light, except around the larger cities such as Charlottesville, Ashland, and Mechanicsville. There is also a lot of truck traffic near Richmond.

The gently rolling hills of the Tidewater are well-suited for cycling, although there are a few problems. First, traffic is heavy throughout much of this area, particularly in the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Second, the rolling nature of this terrain creates short “valleys” in the road. Motorists often won’t see cyclists until they are almost on top of them. In these situations, ride in single file and use bike flags or safety triangles. Southeast of Richmond the route uses the Capital Trail, a separate paved bicycle path. For information, see advcy.link/capitaltrl.

The 34.6-mi. Richmond Alternate takes cyclists through downtown, past historical monuments and the state capital. It is 4.9 miles shorter than the main route. In downtown you’ll ride on to the Capital Trail for 16 miles before rejoining the main route.

At the Yorktown Visitor Center information desk all cyclists are asked to stop in and sign Virginia’s “Across State Ride” book if they have/are going to cycle across Virginia on the TransAmerica Trail. Doc­u­ment­ing the number of cyclists who ride this is important for justification of improvements to the route. Recognizing the number of riders and where they are from will allow the VA Bicycling Federation to promote bicycle tourism in Virginia. If you have any suggestions on what can be done to make the route better list them in the book, or go to: www.vabike.org.

CLIMATE

The Virginia Piedmont and Tidewater sections both share a typically marine climate. Annual precipitation is 30-40 inches in the Piedmont and 45-55 inches in the Tidewater. Virginia is a flood state, with floods every month of the year. Heavy summer storms cause major flooding, and the frequent small thunderstorms often cause local flash flooding. It’s a good idea to have rain gear along at all times.

Summers in Virginia range from warm and humid to very hot and very humid, a combination that can make cycling extremely uncomfortable. To avoid some of the humidity, cycle early in the morning.

Updated: Apr 4, 2019