メイプル耶馬サイクリングロード(中津市)
MAPLE YABA CYCLING ROAD / Nakatsu City
メイプル耶馬サイクリングロード (中津市)
中津市にある「メイプル耶馬サイクリングロード」は、かつて耶馬渓鉄道が走っていた跡地を活用した全長約36kmのコース。鉄道跡のため勾配が緩やかで、初心者や子ども連れにも適しています。
とくに本耶馬渓から山国町までの約22kmは自転車専用道路として整備され、車を気にせず安全にサイクリングを楽しめます。レンタサイクルの種類や施設も充実しており、ロードバイクや電動アシスト自転車、子ども用の自転車などがそろっています。
コースは山国川沿いにあり、春の新緑や秋の紅葉で知られる耶馬渓の代表的な観光地「青の洞門」など、多くの景勝地が点在しています。また、かつての鉄橋や石造りのトンネルなど、趣のある歴史的な構造物も見どころ。道沿いの休憩スポットには地元の特産品を味わえるカフェや温泉もあり、自分のペースでのんびりと旅を楽しめます。
MAPLE YABA CYCLING ROAD / Nakatsu City
The ‘MAPLE YABA CYCLING ROAD’ in Nakatsu City is a 36 km cycling path that utilises the old Yabakei Railway. As it is a former railway track, it is largely flat, making it perfect for beginners and children.
In particular, the 22 km stretch from Honyabakei to Yamakuni-machi has been developed to be used as a bike specific trail, allowing cyclists to ride safely without worrying about oncoming traffic. There are a wide variety of rental bicycles available, including road bikes, electric bicycles and children’s bicycles, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own!
The trail follows the Yamakuni River and features numerous picturesque sites, including the so-called ‘Ao no Doumon’ (Blue Grotto), a prominent tourist attraction in Yabakei, known for its vibrant green leaves in spring and beautiful autumn leaves. Also noteworthy are charming historical buildings like an old railway bridge and a stone tunnel which you pass on route. Along the road, There are also plenty of places to take a break and catch your breath, such as cafés selling local specialities, as well as hot springs, allowing you to enjoy your journey at your own pace.