Although the term
Underground Railroad
implies a
progression of
well-ordered routes
leading north, it
was actually a broad
movement, with
people of varied
ethnic and religious
affiliation involved
in spontaneous and
organized activities
to assist enslaved
African Americans in
their efforts to
achieve freedom.
Actual routes, which
led to Canada, Mexico
and the Caribbean,
are difficult to
trace due to the
secrecy associated
with this illegal
activity.
- Guy Washington
National Park Service
Network to Freedom

TAKE A DAY RIDE
You can take a short ride on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route using our touring maps which are available for purchase in our on-line store or you can try a sampling of the route by downloading a free Day Trip Map. These maps are short 10-30 mile out-and-back or loop routes that provide a fun, interactive way to learn about local history. It is our way of making the Underground Railroad available to more people in more ways.

• Freedom’s Landing Ripley, Ohio(5 MB)

Our first venture into creating a Day Trip Map was in partnership with Brown County. This area along the Ohio River is steeped in Underground Railroad history and our Underground Railroad Bicycle Route intersects the 3 loop options. Whether you are cycling with your kids or with a group of riding buddies, the opportunities for enjoying the unique history and beautiful river valley of Ripley are available to you for free!

• More Day Trip Maps coming soon.

Create a Day Trip Route with Us
Are you interested in creating a Day Trip Map for your community? Here are the requirements for creating a Day Trip Map on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.

• An organization or person that can take the lead on coordinating all the details.
• A 10-30 mile loop or out-and-back route that intercepts the main corridor of the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.
• A route that has history or sites related to the Underground Railroad, slavery, civil war and African American history.
• Roads and trails that are scenic and enjoyable to varying levels of cycling ability, preferably beginners and youth.
• Funding to pay for the printing, production and cartography. Grants may be available from your local government or state tourism bureaus. Business sponsorships are also a great way to find financial support.
• You’ll also want to consider printing and distributing the maps in your region. We encourage you to make these maps affordable (or free!) to encourage rider participation.

Once the maps are produced, they belong to you; however Adventure Cycling will post the maps on our website and will help promote the route to our members and the media. Call Ginny to find out how you can make it happen for your community. 406-721-1776 x229.

Thanks to REI for their generous support of the
Underground Railroad Bicycle Route project.