If the idea of throwing some gear on your eBike and heading out for a few days sounds fun, bikepacking is definitely worth trying. It’s kind of that middle ground between cycling and camping, and you can make it as low key or as intense as you want. There are tons of routes across the U.S. too, from easy, flat trails to pretty remote backcountry stuff.
The main thing is picking a route that actually fits you—your experience, your setup, and the battery on your eBike. Some routes are super forgiving, with towns and campgrounds along the way where you can grab food or charge up. Others are way more out there, so you’ve got to be ready to handle longer stretches on your own.
Keep it Easy, Keep it Fun
If you’re new, it’s smart to keep things simple. The Katy Trail in Missouri is a great starting point. It’s flat, about 240 miles, and runs through a bunch of small towns, so you’re never too far from food or a place to stay. That also makes charging your bike way easier.
Riding part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is another solid choice. You don’t have to do the whole thing—just pick a section. It’s paved, really scenic, and has plenty of overlooks for pit stops and photo ops. Just don’t underestimate the climbs—they’ll sneak up on you and they drain your battery quicker than you’d think.
Stepping it Up
Once you’ve done a trip or two, you might want something with a little more going on. The Green Mountain Gravel Growler in Vermont is a good next step—gravel roads, rolling hills, a few tougher climbs, and nice little towns along the way. It’s especially beautiful in the fall.
The Oregon Outback is a totally different vibe. It’s longer, quieter, and way more remote. It’s an amazing ride, but you really have to think ahead when it comes to water, food, and battery range.
California’s Lost Coast is another one that’s hard to beat if you’re into big views and a bit of a challenge. It’s rugged, beautiful, and a little unpredictable, so you’ve got to stay flexible.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
If you’re looking for something seriously challenging, there are a few big-name routes. The Great Divide is the big one—over 2,700 miles from Canada to Mexico. It’s not something you just casually decide to do, especially with long stretches between stops. Totally doable on an eBike, but something that needs thorough planning.
The Colorado Trail is tough too—high elevation, lots of singletrack, and pretty demanding overall. The Arizona Trail adds heat and water planning into the mix, and the Idaho Hot Springs Route gives you tough riding with the bonus of soaking those sore muscles in the hot springs you’ll find along the way.
Travel Lighter, Ride Farther
If carrying less gear sounds nice, the San Juan Hut System is a cool option. You ride from hut to hut instead of camping, which makes things a lot lighter. Still a solid challenge, just a little more comfortable and not as many logistics to figure out. Just make sure to check on what charging options there are ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, just pick something that sounds fun and manageable. Shorter days, easier routes, and regular stops will make your first trip way more enjoyable. You’ll figure out what works as you go.
And remember, with an eBike, you need to plan just a bit more—distance, elevation, and where you can charge all matter. Routes with towns or campgrounds make life a lot easier.
Once you get a couple trips in, that’s when you can start going bigger—and that’s where it really starts to feel like an adventure. Happy Riding!
