Bicycle enthusiasts know there's nothing quite like exploring a new place on two wheels. Not only do you get the benefit of warm sunshine and fresh air on your face, but you can cover more ground in less time and even get a workout while being a tourist. With more than 280 miles of trails, Fort Collins is a peaceful, nature-rich Colorado town and a prime destination for bikers. In fact, the city is just one of five in the country awarded Platinum Level status by the League of American Bicyclists
for its bike-friendly culture.
There's one particular trail in Fort Collins that's a fan favorite — the Poudre River Trail. This 10-foot-wide paved pathway runs 21 miles along the Cache la Poudre River, connecting many of the nearby communities. "There's plenty of spots to stop along the trail to put your feet in the river if you'd like," wrote one cyclist on AllTrails.com. "It is a very enjoyable ride meandering through the trees and around a few lakes." With incredible views of the Rocky Mountains and unique riverfront bluffs, the trail also carves through natural habitats that are home to wild birds such as turkeys, eagles, and hawks.
One reason the area is ripe with wildlife is due to the area's gravel pit mining. When the gravel is collected for road construction, the pit that is left behind fills with groundwater and forms a pond. In addition to the fish and frogs that migrate to these ponds, birds and waterfowl also flock to the shrubs, cattails, and trees that grow up around the pond to build their nests and seek protection from predators.
Read more: The 14 Best Botanical Gardens In America, According To Reddit
Exploring Beyond The Poudre River Trail
The Poudre River Trail includes multiple points of interest that are worth a visit. From dog parks and human parks with picnic facilities and restrooms to recreational fisheries and ponds for canoeing and kayaking, you'll have ample options for lowering your kickstand.
Visitors who may not be able to bike the trail on their own will appreciate the Cycling Without Age program, which offers free rides on its three-wheeled bicycles from April to November. Kick back and relax in the seats up front while your volunteer "pilot" guides you down the picturesque trail and fills you in on the region's history. No matter how you choose to ride, remember to observe the rich flora and fauna from a distance and leave both plants and animals undisturbed. And as always, pack out what you pack in to keep the area pristine and free of trash.
If you feel like rewarding yourself after a long day of biking on the trail, head into Fort Collins for a Brew Cruise. Known as the "Napa Valley of Beer," the city is the perfect place to combine cycling with a cold, refreshing craft brew. Or if your legs are ready for a break, simply pick a spot in Old Town to soak up the rich history and charm that served as inspiration for Walt Disney World's original Main Street.
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Read the original article on Islands.
