More than 330 million visitors explored national parks last year – a new record number. Parking is often at a premium in many of the most popular parks, and bikes are a smart way to skip the traffic, slow down and enjoy the scenery. May is National Bike Month, and what better way to celebrate than to get the kids out on a family bike adventure, exploring some of the best family-friendly trails in the national park system.

Acadia National Park

With 45 miles of carriage roads closed to cars, Acadia National Park may be one of the most bike-friendly destinations in the national parks system. John D. Rockefeller built these scenic paths to keep his carriages away from motor vehicles, and they offer some of the best views in the park.

Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed in the park, and nearby Bar Harbour has several bike rental shops. You can choose the ride that best suits your family, from a short 4.5-mile loop around a lake to a longer 30-mile ride that traverses the park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Twenty miles of the historic 101-mile-long Ohio and Erie Towpath are located inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Once used by mules to pull canal barges, there are several historical signs and landmarks along the route. The relatively flat path of crushed gravel is perfect for families and history buffs to explore.

You can even ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad one-way with your bike onboard and then bike back. The towpath is also used by hikers and horses, and can be busy in summer, so plan on going slow. E-bikes are allowed, and rentals are found in the towns along the route.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cades Cove is one of the busiest spots in America’s most visited national park. Its scenic 11-mile-long, one-way loop often crawls with traffic. But on Wednesdays during summer, the road is closed to motor vehicles, which creates a peaceful haven for cyclists, walkers and runners.

Known for its dense population of black bears and many historic settler structures, you can easily spend the day exploring the cove on two wheels. E-bikes are allowed and can be rented in nearby Townsend. The adjacent Cades Cove Campground has non-motorized bikes for rent as well.

Everglades National Park

Counting alligators is a highlight for most kids on Shark Valley Tram Road, a 15-mile-long, flat, paved loop through the Everglades. At the halfway point, climb the 65-foot Shark Valley Observation Tower for panoramic views of the Everglades.

Visit in winter for the best wildlife sightings when animals gather at watering holes. The trail is shadeless, so start early, especially during the warmer months. Also, keep in mind the road is shared with park trams. E-bikes are allowed, though the on-site shop rents only non-motorized bikes.

Yellowstone National Park

Just outside the park’s west entrance, the Yellowstone Shortline Trail is an 8.8-mile paved path that follows the South Fork of the Madison River. Ride through sections of forest and wetlands to the Montana-Idaho border, enjoying the area’s famous scenery without the traffic found within the park itself.

A rails-to-trails conversion, the route features fun pit stops along the way with signs about the railroad’s history, wildlife and geology. Deer, moose and bears are often spotted, so bring bear spray. The trail has less than 500 feet of elevation gain and a 1% grade – great for families. E-bikes are not allowed on the Shortline Trail.

Grand Teton National Park

The spectacular scenery of the Tetons makes up for the fact that the Grand Teton Pathway runs alongside the road for much of its paved, 13-mile length. Extending from the iconic Jenny Lake to the park entrance at Moose, you can continue your ride all the way to the town of Jackson.

Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed, and you’ll find rental shops in Jackson and Moose. Bike racks are found at some of the most popular trailheads along the route, and biking there is a great way to skip the hassle of trying to find parking in these crowded lots. The surrounding area has a great network of bike paths, including a route out to Teton Village at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Zion National Park

Biking through Zion Canyon is a highlight for many tourists on their journey through Utah’s five national parks. The Pa’rus Trail is a 1.6-mile-long paved route that crisscrosses the Virgin River several times in its short length and is perfect for kids pedaling their own bikes to explore.

Want to go farther? Ride Zion Canyon Scenic Drive 7.7 miles up the canyon to the Temple of Sinawava. The road is closed to cars when the shuttles are running. Exploring by bike is a far better way to see the canyon than through the windows of the shuttle bus. E-bikes are allowed in the park, and rentals are available in Springdale.

Bryce Canyon National Park

A paved 5-mile path connects the park shuttle stop in nearby Bryce Canyon City with the Visitor Center, Sunrise, Sunset and Inspiration Point inside the park. The gradual incline is manageable for most families, especially if you catch the shuttle uphill and coast back.

For a longer ride, continue on the Red Canyon Bike Trail, which runs 12 miles west from Bryce Canyon City to Thunder Mountain Trailhead. While it parallels Highway 12, the scenery makes it worth it. E-bikes and standard bikes are available for rent in Bryce Canyon City and inside the park.

Grand Canyon National Park

Biking along the rim of the Grand Canyon offers a whole new way to take in the scale of this bucket-list national park. A good system of greenways connects the Visitor Center with Grand Canyon Village, along the rim to popular Kaibab Point, and even the town of Tusayan outside of the park.

One of the park’s best rides is Hermit Road, which runs west from the Visitor Center out to Hermits Rest. Open only to the park’s trams and tour buses from March to November, it is a family-friendly ride with minimal traffic. There is also a separate greenway for the last 2.8 miles.

E-bikes are allowed, and there is a rental place inside the park and in Tusayan. The shuttle bus from Tusayan into the park also has a bike rack.

Celebrate National Bike Month this May by planning a unique way to explore a national park with the kids. You’ll skip the traffic, soak up the views and have memorable family fun.

Amanda Luhn grew up riding her bike around the Smokies and thinks two wheels is the best way to explore new places, especially with kids. She writes about her family’s travel adventures on her blog, Simply Awesome Trips.