The 5 Best Bike Trails Around Truckee/North Lake Tahoe Region

Few places in the country rival the Sierra Nevada for its combination of alpine air, mountain views and trail accessibility. In our region, biking isn’t just transportation or recreation — it’s a lifestyle woven into daily routines and weekend getaways. From paved trails to the pulse-quickening descent of a technical dirt singletrack, local trail systems accommodate every style and skill level. As part of the Best of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, local cyclists had the chance to show love for the bike trails that make this region a pedal-powered paradise.

Truckee River Legacy Trail – Truckee River

The Truckee River Legacy Trail feels like a love letter to both nature and community. Designed with accessibility and environmental stewardship in mind, the trail stretches for more than five scenic miles, linking downtown Truckee with the Glenshire neighborhood along a smooth, paved path that parallels the river. What makes the Legacy Trail remarkable isn’t just the views — though those are abundant — but the way it invites every kind of rider. It’s ideal for families with young kids, commuters on e-bikes and weekenders out for an easy ride.

Flying Squirrel

For those who prefer dirt over pavement, Flying Squirrel delivers a flowy, grin-inducing ride that feels both refined and wild. Located within the Truckee Bike Park system, Flying Squirrel is a purpose-built singletrack trail that weaves through mature pine forest with natural rhythm and speed. Riders talk about its intuitive lines and forgiving berms, but what really defines the experience is the trail’s versatility. Whether you're a beginner refining cornering skills or a seasoned rider dialing in for speed, Flying Squirrel has a way of adjusting to your mood.

Tahoe Rim Trail

The Tahoe Rim Trail is legendary, and for good reason. Stretching 165 miles around the Lake Tahoe Basin, this multi-use route touches six counties and two states, offering jaw-dropping vistas, alpine meadows and rugged terrain that test both endurance and bike handling. Not all sections are open to bikes, but those that are — such as the 23-mile segment between Tahoe Meadows and Spooner Summit — are bucket-list-worthy for any mountain biker. Riders encounter everything from smooth forest cruising to rocky technical climbs, with frequent payoff views of the lake shimmering below.

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