The best road cycling routes in Cumberland County

Cumberland County offers a variety of road cycling experiences, from routes traversing picturesque farmland and wooded areas to quiet back roads connecting charming towns. You'll find options with rolling hills and scenic valleys, as well as routes that follow local waterways like the Conodoguinet Creek. The Bonneys Pond loop from Goochland, for instance, offers scenic rural roads and rolling hills.

While the routes listed in this guide are generally moderate to difficult, Cumberland County also features easier options. The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, for example, is a scenic 11- to 13-mile crushed limestone trail ideal for more relaxed cycling. The South Portland Greenbelt Walkway also provides an easy 10.7-mile route with waterfront views, though it's not one of the specific road routes highlighted here.

The road cycling routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. For example, the Trice Lake loop from Cartersville is a moderate 42.8-mile (68.9 km) ride, while the Manor Blvd Retention Pond – Palmyra Mill Lock loop from Lake Monticello is a more challenging 75.6-mile (121.7 km) route with significant elevation gain.

Road cycling in Cumberland County often involves rolling hills and varied terrain. Routes can feature moderate ascents, such as the Roadbike loop from Goochland with approximately 447 meters of elevation gain. More challenging routes, like the Manor Blvd Retention Pond – Palmyra Mill Lock loop from Lake Monticello, can have over 830 meters of elevation gain.

Cumberland County offers a blend of natural beauty and historical sites. Cyclists can encounter agricultural and Civil War interpretive signage along trails like the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. Other points of interest in the region include the historic Pine Grove Iron Furnace, the Appalachian Trail Museum in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, and the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum. Scenic views can be found at areas like Waggoner's Gap, offering panoramic vistas.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Cumberland County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples from this guide include the Bonneys Pond loop from Goochland, the Roadbike loop from Goochland, and the Trice Lake loop from Cartersville.

The best time for road cycling in Cumberland County is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. Spring brings blooming landscapes, summer offers warm days, and fall provides stunning foliage. Winter cycling is possible but may involve colder temperatures and potential for snow or ice, especially on less-maintained roads.

While the specific routes in this guide are geared towards experienced road cyclists, Cumberland County does offer family-friendly cycling options. The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is a popular choice for families due to its crushed limestone surface and relatively flat profile. The Carlisle Borough Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail Network also provides accessible urban and suburban cycling.

Many cycling areas in Cumberland County offer designated parking. For instance, the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail has amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and water available at its trail ends in Shippensburg and Newville, implying accessible parking. For specific road routes, it's advisable to check the starting points on komoot for details on parking availability.

The road cycling routes in Cumberland County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from picturesque farmland to quiet back roads, and the variety of terrain that caters to different skill levels.

Cumberland County's quiet back roads often connect quaint towns and local points of interest, which may include cafes, farmers markets, and country stores. Routes like the Mechanicsburg North Loop specifically mention stops at places like Willow Mill Park and Oak Grove Farms' Country Farm Store, offering opportunities for refreshments and local treats.

While specific public transport options directly to trailheads for road cycling routes may vary, the Carlisle Borough Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail Network provides urban and suburban cycling options within the borough of Carlisle, which is generally more accessible by public transport. For routes outside of urban centers, personal vehicle transport is often more convenient.