Originally Posted by
rex615
In Virginia there is a trail that was converted from a railroad track. It follows the picturesque New River. Rail trails are usually very flat because Locomotives can't pull heavy trains up steep mountains. The figure I have heard is no more than 3% grade. This trail certainly fits that description. It is just over 80 kilometers long. It has tunnels, long trestle bridges and breathtaking views of the river. Lots of shade too.
I know Virginia is a long way from Adelaide, but its almost worth the trip.
I'm trying to decide whether I hate you or not
Old railway tracks do make good bike paths. There's one near me that fails dismally on the picturesque quotient and has its fair share of steep bits (because of where it is) but it's a huge improvement over a bike path that's roughly parallel a km or two away and which follows the natural contours.