The Adventure Cycling Association, the largest nonprofit membership bicycling organization in the United States, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Northern Tier Route. Established in 1984, this iconic 4,296-mile route stretches from Anacortes, Washington, to Bar Harbor, Maine, offering cyclists a challenging and scenic cross-country journey.
Over the past four decades, the Northern Tier Route has become a popular choice for adventurous cyclists looking to traverse the northern United States. The route takes riders through a diverse array of landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Great Lakes region, and the charming towns of the Northeast.
“The Northern Tier is kind of a hidden gem,” says Jenn Hamelman, Adventure Cycling Association Routes Director. “The TransAmerica is the most popular, and people see the Southern Tier as more appealing because it’s shorter. But the Northern Tier is really something special that gets overlooked.”
The route begins at sea level in Anacortes, Washington, where cyclists are greeted by the lush forests and ocean vistas of the Pacific Northwest. As riders head eastward, they encounter the Cascade Mountains, navigating the high elevations of Rainy and Washington passes before descending into the drier, orchard-filled Okanogan Valley.
One of the highlights of the Northern Tier Route is the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park, a challenging but rewarding climb known for its breathtaking scenery. The route also includes a brief detour into Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park before returning to the U.S. and entering the expansive Great Plains.
As cyclists continue their journey eastward, they’ll traverse the lush landscapes of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, following the Mississippi River and exploring charming river towns. The route then heads through the prairie farms of the Midwest before reaching the shores of Lake Erie. After passing through bustling cities and scenic regions of Pennsylvania and New York, riders cross into Canada to view Niagara Falls before returning to the U.S. to follow the historic Erie Canalway Trail.
The final stretch takes cyclists through the Adirondack Mountains into New England, where they’ll pedal through Vermont’s picturesque farmland, tackle the challenging White Mountains of New Hampshire, and explore the coastal charm of Maine before concluding the epic journey in Bar Harbor, near Acadia National Park.
While the Northern Tier Route may not be as well-known as other cross-country cycling routes, its unique blend of natural beauty, regional diversity, and challenging terrain has made it a favorite among experienced bicycle tourists for the past 40 years. As the Adventure Cycling Association celebrates this milestone anniversary, the Northern Tier Route remains a testament to the enduring appeal of long-distance cycling and the rewards that come with embracing the journey.
For more information on the Northern Tier Route, including detailed maps and trip planning resources, visit the Adventure Cycling Association website at https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/northern-tier/
I rode the Northern Tier in 1986 with a group of folks brought together by Bikecentennial, now known as Adventure Cycling. The route is the “gem” it is claimed to be. Recommended.
You can read a short summary of my experience here:
https://danceswithgears.wordpress.com/2022/09/05/riding-transcontinental/