National Park Service Proposes Easier Access for Bikes on Trails

Opening existing trails in national parks to mountain bikes has been a complicated process, resulting in very few parks offering bike trails. The National Park Service (NPS) has acknowledged that the existing rules, established in 2012, necessitate an extensive planning process that includes a bike-specific planning document, environmental assessments, public comment periods, and approvals from regional directors. In response, the NPS is proposing to simplify this process, allowing for a more straightforward evaluation of bike access alongside other recreational uses.

The proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on September 1, aims to eliminate many of the current requirements that the NPS believes unnecessarily restrict recreation and access. For instance, under the new proposal, parks could allow bikes on a simple paved path connecting a parking lot to a visitor center without the need for extensive documentation. This change reflects a broader push to make national parks more accessible to a variety of recreational activities, including biking.

Bikes and e-bikes would be permitted on park roads and in parking areas that are open to public vehicles. While traditional bikes already enjoy this access, e-bikes would be newly allowed, provided that they meet specific designations. Some parks, such as Zion National Park in Utah, already permit e-bikes on their roads, setting a precedent for broader acceptance.

Under the new guidelines, park superintendents would have the authority to open trails and administrative roads to bikes and e-bikes without the requirement for a bike-specific planning document or mandatory environmental assessments. However, there are limitations: if a proposed designation is deemed highly controversial or significant, a formal public review would still be necessary. Additionally, trails that have never been improved with artificial materials would remain off-limits to bikes and e-bikes, preserving the integrity of natural-surface trails.

NPS Proposal Aims for Streamlined Access

In a press release, an NPS representative emphasized that the proposal aims to create a more consistent and efficient approach to bicycle and e-bike access across the national park system. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), which collaborated with the NPS on the original 2012 regulations, has expressed support for the new proposal, describing it as a common-sense update. IMBA highlights that even small segments of trails managed by the NPS can be crucial to larger trail networks, yet the current process for connecting these trails has been slow and costly.

Despite the proposed changes, IMBA reassures that no trails will open automatically; each decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, contingent on the park staff's ability to manage and plan for bike access. IMBA has recommended two adjustments to the proposal: first, that the opening of trails to traditional bikes should not automatically extend to e-bikes, and second, that the rule should clarify how sustainable design principles will continue to be upheld, particularly since the proposal removes the existing requirement for new trails to follow NPS sustainable design standards.

Athlete Spotlights

Currently, mountain bike trails are rare in national parks, with only a few exceptions. For instance, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky features the 9.1-mile Big Hollow singletrack, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has four dedicated mountain bike trails. The recent proposal aims to change this landscape, potentially increasing opportunities for biking enthusiasts in national parks.

Public comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on November 2, 2026. Interested individuals can provide feedback through an online form, and IMBA encourages specific and personal comments to enhance their impact. A revised rule and Draft Environmental Impact Statement are expected to follow, allowing for further public input.