6 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Northern California

Northern California is one region of the United States that’s well-known to cycling enthusiasts. Not only does this beautiful part of the “Golden State” boasts a remarkable diversity of scenery that ranges from its rugged Pacific coastline to the lovely Sierra Nevada foothills, it’s also home to numerous small towns that have fully embraced the biking culture.

Pay a visit to these charming communities and you’ll find extensive trail networks, active cycling clubs, and many businesses that cater specifically to cyclists, whether die-hard mountain bikers or casual riders. Find out more and plan your two-wheeled adventure with this list of the six most bike-friendly towns in Northern California.

Arcata

Located in northwestern California close to the state border with Oregon, Arcata is a popular travel destination for its proximity to the Redwood National and State Parks, a combination of one national- and three state parks that together cover 132,000 acres. It’s especially popular with cyclists for its easy access to some of the most stunning natural scenery in Northern California. The Arcata Community Forest, with its network of multi-use trails, is a favorite among mountain bikers looking to navigate their way through towering redwoods and challenging terrain.

Prefer a gentler ride? The town’s flat coastal roads are ideal for those preferring a more leisurely experience, with businesses such as Revolution Bicycles offering rentals, repairs, and gear. Arcata is home to the Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association, a group dedicated to promoting cycling through events and advocacy, perfectly illustrating the town’s commitment to offering residents and visitors alike a bike-friendly experience.

Truckee

Truckee’s location in the Sierra Nevada mountains near beautiful Lake Tahoe makes it a prime destination for bike enthusiasts. Crisscrossed with an extensive network of multi-use and bike trails, it’s perfect for those wanting to spend a couple of days or more exploring the Lake Tahoe area on two wheels. Must-do routes include the Truckee River Legacy Trail, a paved and level five-mile route that follows the river and offers plenty of great scenery. Prefer something a little more challenging? The 15-mile-long Emigrant Trail provides a more rigorous ride through historic landscapes once traveled by early pioneers.

Truckee's cycling community is a vibrant one and is supported by groups like the Truckee Trails Foundation, which advocates for the development and maintenance of bike paths in the region. The town also makes an ideal starting (and finishing) point for the 72-mile trek around Lake Tahoe itself, a bucket-list ride for any fan of cycling. The town also hosts the annual Tahoe Trail 100, a grueling mountain bike race that attracts top athletes from around the country. Local businesses such as Pacos Truckee bike shop provide services including rentals to guided tours.

Healdsburg

Pretty Healdsburg is located in the midst of Sonoma County’s famed wine country and offers a unique cycling experience that combines scenic beauty with plenty of culture… and wine. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, Healdsburg makes for an ideal location for leisurely rides through some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes. The Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve provides a network of trails that are perfect for mountain biking, offering stunning views of the Russian River and the surrounding valleys along the way.

For road cyclists, Dry Creek Valley offers a series of routes that wind through vineyards and along the river, providing a peaceful, scenic ride that’s fun to break up with a stop at a winery or two. The town is also home to a number of bike-friendly businesses including Spoke Folk Cyclery which offers rentals and guided tours of the area. And looking out for cyclists, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition promotes safe cycling practices and hosts events throughout the year.

Mill Valley

Located just north of San Francisco, Mill Valley serves as a jumping-off point to some of the most iconic cycling routes in Northern California. The town’s proximity to Mount Tamalpais makes it a popular destination for mountain bikers who flock to the area to tackle its challenging trails. Mount Tamalpais State Park alone offers up eight great trails, one of the most popular being the 40-mile route to the summit of Mount Tamalpais (or “Tam” to regulars).

The Marin Headlands with their sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge offer some of the best and most scenic road cycling in the region. Mill Valley itself boasts several bike paths, including the popular Mill Valley-Sausalito Path, a nine-mile scenic route that’s perfect for both casual rides and serious training. The local cycling community is active and well-supported with groups like the Marin County Bicycle Coalition advocating for safe and accessible bike routes, while businesses like Tam Bikes provide everything from high-end bike rentals to expert repairs.

Folsom

A town rich in history and immortalized in song by the late great Johnny Cash, Folsom is located near Sacramento and is a popular place for cyclists to spend a day or two exploring. The key attraction here is Folsom Lake State Recreation Area with its over 90 miles of trails suitable for both mountain bikers and road cyclists. The American River Bike Trail (aka, the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) extends for 32 miles and is one of the most famous cycling routes in Northern California. Starting in Folsom it stretches all the way to the state capital of Sacramento, providing a scenic and relatively flat ride along the river. The trail is well-maintained and features numerous rest stops, making it ideal for long-distance rides.

Folsom’s cycling community is supported by clubs like the Folsom Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition (FATRAC) which works hard to preserve and expand the region’s trail systems. Need a rental for your stay? Local businesses like Trek Bicycle Folsom provides a range of services including rentals, sales, and repairs.

Grass Valley

Grass Valley is another destination in the Sierra Nevada foothills that’s popular amongst cyclists. Established in 1850 with the discovery of gold during the California Gold Rush, it’s surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests providing a picturesque backdrop for a variety of cycling experiences. One of the highlights is the South Yuba River State Park, where cyclists can explore trails that wind along the river, offering both challenging terrain and stunning views.

Grass Valley's commitment to cycling is evident in its well-maintained bike paths and the presence of local clubs like the Sierra Express Bicycle Club, which organizes group rides and events throughout the year. Nearby businesses such as Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop (just a few miles away in Nevada City) caters specifically to cyclists, offering rentals, repairs, and guided tours.

The Final Word

Northern California's diverse landscapes and bike-friendly infrastructure make it an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. From coastal Arcata with its vast forests to the mountain trails of Truckee, each of these small towns offers unique opportunities for exploration and adventure on two wheels. Whether you're looking for challenging mountain bike trails, scenic road routes, or a laid-back ride through wine country, these six most bike-friendly towns in Northern California provide the perfect backdrop for your next cycling adventure.