Plan Your Trip

Before you go

As the East Coast Greenway grows, you'll find a growing number of 10-50+ mile segments protected from the road and suitable for all trail users. Cyclists attempting multiple-day or even the end-to-end ride, however, should be experienced and comfortable in navigating through cities and rural areas and in sharing roads and bridges with cars and trucks. Please visit our state page summaries for critical details to help you plan any long distance trip. As for accommodations, campgrounds are in short supply on this urban route. Cyclists have had luck booking affordable rooms through couchsurfing.com, warmshowers.org and AirBnb.com. Nearby motels tend to be welcoming of cyclists and their bikes. Stealth camping beside fire stations and other public property is always an option — but you didn’t hear that from us, of course.

Using our mapping tool

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Map your Greenway trip, then share with friends

Safety and etiquette on the Greenway

The Greenway is a trail for everyone. Be courteous when passing. Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Yielding means: slow down, establish communication (friendly greeting or bell), be prepared to stop if necessary, and pass safely.
Obey all trail and traffic laws, signals and signs, which can vary with each municipality.
When on streets, bicyclists should travel in the same direction as motorized traffic, while walkers should face traffic.
Travel in a predictable and consistent manner so as not to cause accidents.
Keep your bicycle speeds low on trails. Adjust your speed to trail congestion and surface conditions.
All cyclists should wear an approved bicycle helmet. (Helmet use may be required by local or state law.)
Display front and rear lights at night.

Keep your pets on leash and out of the way of other trail users.
Pick up after your pets.
Be aware of your surroundings and limit the amount of valuables carried.
Prior to using a new trail, take the time to familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route.
Tell friends or family the route you’ll be taking, and travel with a partner when possible.
Carry with you: Identification, pertinent medical information, emergency numbers, basic tools and repair materials, cell phone, sufficient water or fluids for hydration, local road map for orientation in case you get off track, and gear for changes in weather conditions.
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are traveling — and prepare accordingly.

Greenway Guidance

While the East Coast Greenway Alliance is constantly improving the safety of the Greenway route through its advocacy efforts, many of the current on-road connections, including those on the Greenway’s interim routes, have little or no special provisions for bicyclists or pedestrians. Long-distance travel via on-road sections of the Greenway is recommended for experienced cyclists only. Many lengthy traffic-free segments of the Greenway are suitable for families and cyclists, walkers and runners of all ages and abilities.

The current on-road routing is housed on low-traffic roads whenever possible. We aim to be as clear as we are able about the conditions riders can expect by including alerts for known stressful sections on our online mapping tool at map.greenway.org. Directional signage may or may not be present along the route. Users are advised to review state traffic laws, research current road conditions and discuss plans with people familiar with area roadways.

This website provides information for the public about trails and roads for traveling the interim route of the East Coast Greenway and their general suitability for long-distance cycling and walking. The East Coast Greenway Alliance and those involved with the development and publication of this website do not assume any liability for injuries, damage or loss to persons using this information or the routes suggested. People using this information are responsible for their own safety and should take appropriate precautions.

Itinerary • Williamsburg, VA

Virginia Capital Trail

2-day out-and-back bike ride: Recommended by Sarah Sanford

Itinerary • Boston to New Hampshire

Border to Boston Trail

Explore trails from Boston to New Hampshire with rides from 17-75 miles recommended by David Read

Itinerary • Durham to Raleigh, NC

North Carolina Cross-Triangle Ride

Spend a day biking across North Carolina's Research Triangle

View All Itineraries

Favorite stops along the way

February 9, 2022

Pedaling for pies: Favorite pizza on the Greenway

August 9, 2022

Favorite sandwich stops on the East Coast Greenway

June 13, 2019

Bikes and beers: Favorite breweries along the East Coast Greenway

Together, let's grow the Greenway

Recent record-setting funding for design and construction goes directly to building the East Coast Greenway - as it should. The East Coast Greenway Alliance needs your support to continue our advocacy work that is fueling completion of the Greenway. The Alliance has a sustained track record of turning every dollar donated to our nonprofit into $100 in public infrastructure investment. Invest today and support the growth of the East Coast Greenway from Maine to Florida.

Donate Today

Plan Your Trip

Ready to explore the Greenway?

Before you go