6 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Texas

Texas, the second most populous state in the United States, is known for a plethora of things, from its cowboy culture to its large urban center. Whether it's the capital of Austin or the metropolis of Houston, these large cities attract tourists to the state. That said, many people want to avoid the bustling streets of these cities, and what better way to do so than by riding a bicycle? Thankfully, Texas boasts plenty of bike-friendly towns with a tranquil environment, biking trails, and plenty of stores to keep you pedaling through the day. Moreover, these towns exude charm, from the waterfalls in Wichita Falls to the Bishop’s Palace in Galveston, ideal for a cycling tour.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, the county seat of Gillespie County, is a lovely destination offering a mix of urban and rural vibes. This town of 11,000 is a cyclist's dream, with plenty of routes dedicated to two-wheeled vehicles. Those who want to stay in town will find plenty of back roads with scenic views, allowing easy access to major landmarks. To this end, one can ride around Main Street for historical sightseeing, a drink at Grape Creek on Main - Tasting Room, or a history lesson at the National Museum of the Pacific War. Main Street also features the Hill Country Bicycle Works, a friendly store where you can buy and service cycles for a hassle-free experience.

For a more extreme cycling experience, the Hill Country State Natural Area beckons. This 5,400-acre expanse is full of rugged hills, forests, and trails that one can explore on foot or by bicycle. There are over 40 miles (64 km) of multi-use trails, such as the West Peak Overlook Trail, one of the most challenging in the area. After a day of cycling, the area also features a camping area with electric and water hookups for a tranquil night under the stars.

Fayetteville

The definition of a small town, Fayetteville, is a community of less than 300 people, perfect for some cycling. As the highlight, the town hosts the “Good Ole Summertime Classic,” an annual bike ride with various loops and difficulty levels, ranging from 9 to 30 miles (15 to 48 km). The loops cross landmarks like the Town Square and have rest stops, hydration centers, and tons of locals cheering on for a fantastic cycling experience. Riders with more experience can challenge themselves to the local “Rock ‘n Road 100,” a riding event with 100-mile and 100-km options. The ride has lots of support throughout and ends with festivities in the Town Square, including delicious food and lively music.

After cycling through town, one can ease off at one of the businesses in Fayetteville’s Main Street. Joe’s Place is a popular option, with delicious steaks, seafood, and burgers that tourists adore. Meanwhile, visitors who are too tired to eat can hit the hay at the Grand Fayette Hotel, a comfortable stay near the town center.

Kerrville

Nestled in Texas’s Hill Country, Kerrville is a scenic abode adored by outdoor enthusiasts. Consequently, it is also an ideal place for cycling, with many beautiful parks, hills, and trails to explore. The Kerrville River Trail stands out with a 6-mile (10 km) long route full of natural views and landmarks such as Louise Hays Park, Riverside Nature Center, and G Street. Moreover, the trail boasts 10-foot (3-meter) wide biking pavement for a relaxing experience even for beginners. For cyclists visiting in April, the Easter Bike Tour is a great way to take in more of Hill Country on a bike, as this event boasts three days of riding with plenty of fun, food, and drinks.

While cycling around Kerrville, the local community and landmarks make any route a wonderful time out. The Museum of Western Art is a great spot to visit, boasting artistic creativity through various iconic exhibits. Meanwhile, one can stick around for the local Kerrville Folk Festival in late spring, which celebrates the community’s musical charm with bluegrass, country, and folk singers from across the country.

Bandera

Just 30 minutes south of Kerrville, Bandera is another ideal destination for a cycling vacation. Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera has been involved with the Great Western Cattle Trail for nearly two centuries. Those interested in history can make a quick stop at the Frontier Times Museum and Bandera Natural History Museum before heading out on two wheels. Or, try touring on four hoofs with Bandera Historical Rides, featuring rustic horseback rides that showcase the local scenery, tales, and community with excellent guides.

Those here solely for cycling can head to the Hill County State Natural Area, a 5,400-acre expanse of rugged terrain. With over 36 miles of trails, cyclists have endless options, from the 23.5-mile Just Past Nowhere Trail for a challenging mountain experience to the relaxing West Peak Overlook Trail that spans less than 2 miles. There are also plenty of primitive camping sites so visitors can have a multi-day experience outdoors.

Galveston

Last but not least, Galveston is a coastal resort town located on Galveston Island. The local government is very favorable towards cycling, and there are plenty of bicycle lanes on major streets, along the coast, and near landmarks. Just check the City of Galveston Downtown Bicycle Network to find the right route. Some landmarks are also easily accessible, like Galveston’s East End with its historic Victorian architecture, Galveston Seawall, which has 10 miles of ocean views, and the vibrant Pleasure Pier.

Cyclists can also look forward to events like the Island Rideout and Bike Expo. This 18-mile cycling event spans three days, covering some of the town's most prominent attractions and activities. Start off on Day 1 with a Friday Night Pub Crawl, followed by a Bike Show and Expo on Day 2, and a day of exploration on Day 3 (18-43 mile routes). If you miss out on the ride, don’t fret; the local Island Bicycle Company hosts plenty of get-togethers and rides throughout the year. They even offer servicing and bike rental services at daily prices with everything from tandem bikes to electric cycles.

Wichita Falls

As the name suggests, Wichita Falls is a town that beckons tourists (cyclists included) with its scenic falls. Those interested can spend some time in Lucy Park, where the manmade waterfall creates a tranquil environment rarely found elsewhere. While you are here, check out the park’s 18 miles of concrete trails, boasting a 10-foot width perfect for a day of pedaling. For something a bit more extreme, August is the time to visit, as Wichita Falls hosts the Hotter’N Hell Hundred. This annual bicycle race has routes ranging from 10 km to 100 miles and gets over 10,000 participants yearly. There are also additional mountain biking races, cool-down events, and a great social vibe that any cyclist will adore.

After finishing the race, visitors can cool down at the Wichita Theatre or Wichita Falls Brewing. The former is a historic venue from 1908 that still showcases plays, shows, and more. At the same time, the latter is a bustling brewery with delicious drinks and friendly faces for an eccentric time in Texas.

Texas offers plentiful cycling adventures for everyone, whether you are cruising along the coast in Galveston or taking on the rugged trails in Hill Country. From the waterfalls in Wichita Falls to the charming streets of Fredericksburg, each town provides its own charm for cyclists, for a leisurely ride or a challenging route. Kerrville's scenic river trails, Bandera's cowboy history, and Fayetteville’s small-town cycling events further enhance the experience. These bike-friendly towns provide the perfect escape from city life, making Texas a fantastic destination for cyclists of all skill levels.