Redding for Fall Colors and Bike Rides

Autumn Bike Rides and Hikes in Redding

biker on Sacramento River Trail Redding

Beautifully located in the sun-soaked Shasta Cascade region of Northern California, Redding (aka, Trail City, USA) has a few outdoors secrets for an ideal autumn escape. Fall colors peak from around mid-October to mid-November. And Redding is home to some of the West’s very best biking trails. Enjoy seasonal colors on already spectacular scenery along Redding's 225+ miles of trails. Go for a spin along the serene, car-free crown jewel of rides—the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail. Or head for the hills and find fat-tire thrills: Redding is a mountain biking mecca.

BONUS: Get a free 2-hour electric bike rental with Pedego Redding when you book a 2-night stay through ChooseRedding.com.

River of Cycling Dreams

cyclists on trail in Redding

bridge over Sacramento River in Redding

Cyclists on Sacramento River Trail in Redding

Car-free biking alongside a gently flowing river and ponderosa pines, with fall foliage surrounding you … Redding’s Sacramento River National Recreation Trail more than lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s premier rail trails. Autumn is one of the best times to ride its 17 miles of smooth pavement. Start from Redding’s Sundial Bridge—an architectural stunner whose sister bridge is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Cross over two other photogenic bridges, roll beside the water, and tackle the trail’s final mile up to the ultimate Shasta trifecta: Views of the legendary Shasta Dam, Lake Shasta, and Mount Shasta.

BONUS: Get a free 2-hour electric bike rental with Pedego Redding when you book a 2-night stay through ChooseRedding.com.

Bike Redding's Crown Jewel

Gold Mettle

mountain bikers Redding

mountain biker Redding

The Golden State is the birthplace of mountain biking, and Redding’s less traveled fat-tire trails are a gold standard for the sport. Mountain bike terrain here is varied and easy to access, so novices can enjoy beginner rides, and experts can put their mettle to the pedal. With 200+ miles of trails, you can still enjoy a ride in relative solitude, followed by a well-earned craft beer at Fall River Brewing in Redding.

Novice mountain bikers will have fun and gain confidence on the easygoing, mostly flat 3.5-mile Churn Creek Greenway loop, with options to extend the ride and mix it up for new challenges. Experts can test their stamina with a series of relentless climbs and descents on the 33-mile Redding to Whiskeytown Loop, starting from Mary Lake and finishing at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Or opt for the Enticer … enticing if your dream mountain bike ride is chock full of large berms, drops, jumps, and omgs!

BONUS: Get a free 2-hour electric bike rental with Pedego Redding when you book a 2-night stay through ChooseRedding.com.

Redding's Secret Mountain Bike Trails

Trail City, USA

pedego Redding

Bikers on bridge Redding

Sundial Bridge Redding

Dubbed Trail City, USA, Redding is an epicenter of hiking, biking, and multi-use trails. Over 225 miles of trails are accessed within just 15 miles. From river vistas to beautiful views of snowy Mount Shasta, adventures begin close to town and stretch out to the hills of the wilderness.

The Sacramento River Trail is classic and car free, with both natural and architectural wonders all along the way. Or go for one of the many packed-dirt trails. Mountain biking here is amazing, but still a bit of a secret … so go before the secret’s out! Hikers are in for a surprise when they venture to Chamise Peak, a little-known gem close to Redding and offering a brilliant panorama of the Three Shastas: Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, and Mount Shasta.

BONUS: Get a free 2-hour electric bike rental with Pedego Redding when you book a 2-night stay through ChooseRedding.com.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View
  2. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

    View
  2. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View
  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View