The Best Williamsburg Bike Trails for Family Rides

Best Williamsburg Bike Trails

Bike trails in Williamsburg, VA provide a  great way for families to exercise outside together. Virginia’s Historic Capital is well-equipped for cyclists of all ages to hit the trails and make memories.

Williamsburg Bike Trails

Our family has enjoyed biking over these past months, our youngest learned to ride on her own. Suddenly we had a shared activity, in which everyone was exercising together and we didn’t need to be talking to each other.

I mean, when we are riding, we can talk to each other! But sometimes shared experience side-by-side are just what a family needs after months of looking at each other…or is just what my family needs.

The Williamsburg Area has a number of family-friendly bike trails and paths to explore. Both the experienced and beginner rider can participate in these routes, and there is history to learn along the way.

Colonial Williamsburg Bike Trails

Both Colonial Williamsburg, in the City of Williamsburg,  and the nearby College of William and Mary have paths perfect for bicycles. From Merchants Square to the Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building is a one-mile ride. You will pass period-dressed interpreters, horses, sheep, and outdoor theatre along the way.

If you want to bike then hike, or enjoy riding more challenging terrain, The Bassett Trace Nature Trail, begins behind in the parking lot of the Griffin Hotel and is the nature walk section is a 1/2 mile.

Jamestown Island Loop Drive

Riding onto Historic Jamestowne Island is a family bike adventure. See what the Jamestown settlers first experienced as you bike this route.

The road is about a 5-mile loop, which can be a lot for the young rider (and the small bicycle.) However, we split up the event with a stop at one of the coves on the James River. Bring plenty of water and bug repellent and feel super accomplished when you are done!

Colonial Parkway Bike Trails

The beautiful Colonial Parkway begins at the Yorktown Battlefield and ends at Jamestowne Island. Bike all or part of this 23-mile road maintained by the National Park Service. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of both the York and James River and historic markers.

Be on the lookout for “Pedal the Parkway” events, when sections of the Colonial Parkway close to cars to make room for cyclists.

Virginia Capital Trail

This pedestrian and bike trail covers  52 miles and four different counties  between Virginia’s historic capital (Williamsburg) and Virginia’s current capital (Richmond.) This is the longest bike path in the area. Along the way, you cross over the Chickahominy River and ride pass  Berkeley Plantation.

More experienced (and motivated) road bike riders accomplish the whole trail, while families with children can enjoy any portion of the paved paths through wooded areas and along rivers.

Check out Spoke and Art Provisions, a gathering spot in Williamsburg, on the Capital Trail. Spoke and Art rents bikes and has a last-minute maintenance station for trail cyclists.

Enjoy the coffee bar or let them serve you sandwiches, pastries, and a British tea by reservation on Thursday.

Freedom Park Bike Trail

Freedom Park, a public park in Williamsburg, VA, contains a range of mountain biking trails over creeks and through wooded terrain. The different trails together cover over 20 miles and offer plenty of outside adventure.

Before or after your riding activity, take advantage of Freedom Park’s botanical gardens, great playgrounds, or even Go Ape Zipline Park.

York River State Park

Scenic York River State Park contains multiple bike trails for mountain bikers at a range of skill levels. Also, hiking trails and access to the river, along with playgrounds, make this park a great all-day destination.

Williamsburg: Family Biking Destination

Forever famous for Colonial Taverns and Busch Gardens, Williamsburg is fast becoming a bike riding destination. Looking for a day-time destination? Load up the bikes and go on an adventure together through American history, and the Great Outdoors.

Similar Posts