The best cycling routes in Luzerne County
5.0
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Touring cycling in Luzerne County, nestled in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains foothills, offers diverse terrain for cyclists. The region features river valleys, extensive trail networks often repurposed from railroad and canal lines, and forested areas. These landscapes provide a mix of relatively flat paths along waterways and more varied routes through state parks.
Best touring cycling routes in Luzerne County
- The most popular touring cycling route is Luzerne County Levee and Rail Trail Loop, an easy 17.7 miles (28.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 43 minutes to complete. This paved route offers views of the Susquehanna River and passes through local communities.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Susquehanna Warrior Trail, a moderate 25.6 miles (41.2 km) path. This trail follows the Susquehanna River along an old railroad bed, providing scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Harveys Lake loop, an 8.3 miles (13.3 km) trail leading through the Harveys Lake area, often completed in about 47 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Luzerne County is defined by repurposed rail-trails, river valleys, and forested mountain foothills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paved paths to more challenging routes with varied terrain.
- The routes in Luzerne County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from around 15 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Luzerne County's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
3
riders
28.5km
01:43
80m
80m
The Luzerne County Levee and Rail Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, characterized by its predominantly flat and smooth terrain. You'll pedal along the Susquehanna River, enjoying continuous water views and forested banks, with some sections of the Rail Trail revealing impressive rock cliffs. The trail's gentle grade and varied scenery, including the unique sight of planes at Wyoming Valley Airport, make it an accessible and enjoyable ride for all skill levels.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with numerous access points and dedicated parking areas available along the route. The trail is well-marked with historical plaques and mile markers, and most road intersections are safely managed, often passing under bridges for seamless cycling. Its largely shaded path makes it a comfortable option during warmer months, and its accessibility extends to strollers and wheelchairs.
This notable trail system is built atop flood protection levees, effectively connecting communities like Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, and Wyoming. Beyond its scenic beauty, the route offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including bald eagles, deer, and heron. Future plans aim to integrate it with larger regional trails like the D&L Trail and the Susquehanna Warrior Trail, enhancing its appeal as a key recreational asset.
4
riders
13.3km
00:47
80m
80m
The Harveys Lake loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the shoreline of Harveys Lake, the largest natural lake in Northeastern Pennsylvania. You'll enjoy continuous lakefront views and a pleasant mix of flat sections and gentle rolling hills on mostly well-paved surfaces, making it a smooth and scenic journey. The route is especially charming in autumn when the fall foliage adds a vibrant splash of color to the mountain scenery and lakeside communities.
This easy 8.3-mile (13.3 km) ride, with a modest 277 feet (85 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 46 minutes, making it ideal for a quick, accessible outing. Parking is typically available in the Harveys Lake area, so finding a starting point is usually hassle-free. It's a great option for cyclists of all levels, including beginners, looking for a relaxed ride with high scenic payoff.
Beyond just cycling, the Harveys Lake area is known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere and is popular for various activities like jogging and scenic drives. While this loop is easy, the broader region around Harveys Lake offers more challenging ascents into nearby state parks if you're looking for a greater workout. This particular route, however, shines as a family-friendly bike ride, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of the lake.
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3
riders
41.2km
03:44
100m
100m
The Susquehanna Warrior Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the Susquehanna River through a landscape of lush forests and open meadows. You'll find continuous water views, plenty of shade, and opportunities to spot wildlife like herons and bald eagles. The trail's hard-packed crushed stone surface, built on a reclaimed railroad bed, makes for a smooth ride, passing historical points like the North Branch Canal.
This moderate 25.6-mile (41.2 km) route, with a modest 321 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for families and beginners, though some sections might have slightly rougher gravel. Access is straightforward, with parking available at spots like Susquehanna Riverlands Park, which also provides additional amenities.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the Susquehanna Warrior Trail is a notable example of a successful rail-trail conversion, transforming an old Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad bed into a recreational asset. Its gentle gradient and well-maintained surface make it one of the most family-friendly Susquehanna River cycling trails, blending natural beauty with local history.
56.5km
04:06
670m
670m
This difficult 35.1-mile touring cycling loop in Lehigh Gorge State Park offers scenic river views, waterfalls, and historical sites.
1
riders
38.2km
03:03
530m
530m
A difficult 23.7-mile touring cycling loop in Ricketts Glen State Park, featuring mixed terrain and 1734 feet of elevation gain.
25.6km
01:40
230m
230m
Cycle a moderate 15.9-mile loop from White Haven to the Frances E. Walter Dam via the D&L Trail, featuring varied terrain and scenic views.
53.4km
03:22
350m
350m
The Two Rivers loop offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, blending picturesque Lake Michigan vistas with the tranquility of dense forests. You'll cruise along the smooth Mariners Trail, enjoying continuous lake views, before heading inland through pine and birch forests, passing the historic Rawley Point Lighthouse. The route transitions through diverse ecosystems, including dunes and wetlands, making for a constantly changing backdrop.
This moderate 33.2-mile (53.4 km) touring cycling route involves 1144 feet (349 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. While much of it is flat and paved, the Rawley Point Trail section includes some rolling hills, adding a bit of challenge. Amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and bike racks with tools are available along the Mariners Trail section.
This popular cycling route integrates sections of several paths, including parts of the Ice Age Trail and the Rawley Point Recreational Trail, showcasing the region's natural beauty. It's an excellent choice for cyclists seeking a varied ride that combines scenic viewpoints with a manageable physical challenge, suitable for a range of fitness levels.
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riders
35.0km
02:25
400m
410m
Cycle the moderate 21.7-mile BicyclePA Route L: Pinchot Forest Loop through lush forests and natural areas in Pennsylvania.
12.1km
01:11
270m
270m
Moderate 7.5-mile gravel ride in Ricketts Glen State Park to Big Run and Sullivan Falls, featuring waterfalls and serene forest paths.
13.1km
01:00
210m
210m
The Frances Slocum State Park loop offers a spirited 8.1-mile (13.1 km) ride through diverse landscapes, primarily on singletrack trails. You'll navigate through lush forests, open fields, and past stands of pines and hemlock, often catching picturesque views of the horseshoe-shaped Frances Slocum Lake. Expect a moderate challenge with natural obstacles like roots, rocks, and logs, making it a true mountain biking adventure rather than a casual touring cycle.
Planning your visit means preparing for varied conditions; while the park is accessible year-round, the trails can be dynamic, with slippery roots or even snow in winter. This 59-minute route, featuring 673 feet (205 metres) of elevation gain, is best for cyclists comfortable with off-road terrain. Parking is available, but be mindful that these trails are primarily designed for mountain bikers, so adjust your expectations if you're used to smoother paths.
What makes this route notable is its engaging network of trails, providing a mix of smooth sections, rolling hills, and technical challenges within a scenic natural setting. The park's significant ascent-to-mileage ratio appeals to riders who enjoy climbing, and the diverse habitats, including marshland and hardwood forests, offer a rich natural experience. It's a great way to explore the natural features of Frances Slocum State Park on two wheels.
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Tips from the Community
Spruce Swamp Natural Area is an 87-acre glacial bog that is home to native spruce, balsam fir, and tamarack. The reserve is also a known habitat for a few Pennsylvania Plant Species of Concern. Quiet and tranquil, it's a great place to escape to.
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Big Run Falls is an easy access, yet somehow still hidden gem. Just outside of the very popular Ricketts Glen State Park, a short drive along Sullivan Falls Road will get you to this waterfall which you'll most likely have to yourself.
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The nearby town of Falls gets its name from this set of waterfalls on the aptly named Buttermilk Falls Creek. Though quiet now, the area was once a bustling industrial area and a lot of that was due to the mills that were powered by the falls. You can access the lower falls, but the trail down can be very slippery so exercise caution.
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Frances Slocum State Park is centered around a lake of the same name. The park is located in Luzerne County and offers visitors the chance to go fishing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. There's also a large day use & picnic area.
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The name Lackawanna comes from the Native Algonquin language and means "the stream that forks". The river rises in the Pocono Mountains and runs 42 miles until joining the Susquehanna River near Scranton, Pennsylvania.
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Ricketts Glen State Park is named after R. Bruce Ricketts who built the now famous trail to the park's waterfalls. These falls are what Ricketts Glen is known for and due to this the Falls Trail can get crowded during peak season. That being said, at over 13,000 acres the park still offers plenty of hidden gems for those looking to explore.
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Harveys Lake is the largest natural lake by volume in the state of Pennsylvania, and the second largest by surface area at 658 acres. It's a popular destination for swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing, and you'll find numerous restaurants, boat launches, and beaches along its shoreline.
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Natural Lands' Bear Creek Preserve is nearly 4,000 acres of woodlands and stream valleys. It's home to a wide array of wildlife including black bear, grey foxes, and the endangered Northern flying Squirrel. A dizzying array of birds make the Preserve home, or a welcome stop along their migratory routes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Luzerne County?
Luzerne County offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 20 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy paved paths to more challenging trails through varied terrain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Luzerne County?
You'll find diverse terrain in Luzerne County. Many routes utilize repurposed railroad and canal lines, offering relatively flat paths. However, routes through state parks like Ricketts Glen State Park can feature mixed-terrain cycling loops with more varied elevation. The region generally offers a mix of paved, crushed stone, and gravel surfaces.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, Luzerne County has several family-friendly options. The Luzerne County Levee and Rail Trail Loop is an easy, paved 17.7-mile route perfect for all skill levels. Another great choice is the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails, an easygoing 9.1-mile out-and-back trail winding through peaceful woods and meadows.
Can I bring my dog on touring cycling trails in Luzerne County?
Many outdoor areas in Luzerne County, including state parks and multi-use trails, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, it's always best to check specific park regulations or trail rules before heading out with your furry companion. For general information on outdoor activities, you can visit Visit Luzerne County's outdoor section.
Are there touring cycling routes that feature waterfalls or scenic river views?
Absolutely! The region is known for its natural beauty. The Lehigh Gorge State Park offers a 26-mile gravel trail along the Lehigh River with scenic views and waterfalls. Ricketts Glen State Park is famous for its 22 named waterfalls, and you can explore routes like Ricketts Glen State Park to Sullivan and Big Run Falls gravel ride. The Susquehanna River also provides beautiful views, notably along the Susquehanna Warrior Trail.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the cycling routes?
Luzerne County's routes often pass by significant natural and historical features. You can cycle near the famous Lehigh Gorge Trail, or explore the stunning Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park. Other attractions include the Campbells Ledge Reservoir and the Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area, which offers multi-use trails.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Luzerne County?
Yes, there are several excellent loop routes. The Harveys Lake loop is a popular 8.3-mile option. For a longer ride, consider the Nescopeck State Park loop, which is 14.6 miles and offers scenic views of forests and wetlands. Another challenging loop is the Ricketts Glen State Park loop.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Luzerne County?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in Luzerne County. Autumn is particularly beautiful, with Ricketts Glen State Park's waterfalls cascading through old-growth forests displaying vibrant fall foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before your ride.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Luzerne County?
Many state parks and trailheads in Luzerne County offer designated parking areas. For example, Lehigh Gorge State Park and Ricketts Glen State Park have visitor parking. For specific information on parks and their facilities, you can check Visit Luzerne County's parks section.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Beginners will find several welcoming routes. The Luzerne County Levee and Rail Trail Loop is an easy, paved 17.7-mile route. The Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails also provides a gentle 9.1-mile out-and-back experience, perfect for those new to touring cycling.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Luzerne County?
The touring cycling routes in Luzerne County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from around 15 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic river views, the well-maintained rail-trails, and the diverse natural landscapes that make for an enjoyable ride.
Are there longer, more challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, experienced riders seeking a challenge will find options. The Greater Hazleton and Lehigh Gorge Trails Loop is a difficult 35.1-mile route with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Ricketts Glen State Park loop, which covers 23.7 miles with over 1,700 feet of ascent.
Can I find cafes or places to rest along the touring cycling routes?
While specific cafes directly on every trail might be limited, many routes pass through or near communities where you can find amenities. The Luzerne County Levee Trail, for instance, passes through several communities. Planning your route with komoot can help you identify towns and potential stops along the way.
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