The best cycling routes in Benton County

Benton County offers a diverse selection of over 30 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with options ranging from easy riverside paths to more challenging loops with significant climbs.

The touring cycling routes in Benton County primarily feature terrain along the Columbia River, characterized by flat to gently rolling sections. You'll find riverfront paths and areas near natural preserves like Badger Mountain. Some routes also include varied terrain with notable elevation gain, especially for more challenging loops.

Yes, Benton County has plenty of options for beginners and families. There are 16 easy touring cycling routes, many of which follow the Columbia River, offering scenic views and accessible paths. A great example is the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, which is an easy 20.1-mile ride.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Benton County offers 2 difficult routes with significant elevation changes. The Jump Off Joe loop is a 20.9-mile trail with over 600 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding ride. Another challenging option is the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve Loop via Keene Road Trail, which features nearly 500 meters of ascent.

Many routes in Benton County offer views of the Columbia River. You can also explore areas near natural preserves like the Chamna Natural Preserve. The Sacagawea Heritage Trail itself is a prominent feature, and you might catch glimpses of the Horse Heaven Hills in the distance. The Columbia Park Lakeside View is another scenic spot accessible from some routes.

Yes, several routes in Benton County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Jump Off Joe loop is a popular example, offering varied terrain. Other loop options include the Sacagawea Heritage Trail – Columbia Park Lakeside View loop from Kennewick and the Columbia Point Marina Park – Riverfront Trail loop from Bradley at River's Edge.

The touring cycling routes in Benton County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic riverfront trails, open landscapes, and the variety of options available for different ability levels.

For those looking for longer rides, the Levey Landing Park via Columbia Plateau Trail State Park route is a moderate 38.7-mile path. This route combines riverfront sections with parts of the Columbia Plateau Trail, offering a good distance for a day trip.

Many routes in Benton County offer excellent river views, particularly those along the Columbia River. For a mix of riverfront and other landscapes, consider routes that venture near areas like Badger Mountain, such as the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve Loop, which provides a different perspective away from the immediate riverbanks.

Yes, several routes are connected to local parks. For instance, the Columbia Park Lakeside View – Sacagawea Heritage Trail loop from Richland incorporates sections near Columbia Park. Another route, the Riverfront Trail – Columbia Point Marina Park loop from Washington State University - Tri-Cities, starts near Washington State University's Tri-Cities campus and includes Columbia Point Marina Park.