The best cycling routes around Erie

There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Erie, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy, paved paths to more challenging trails. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

For an easy and accessible ride, consider routes that utilize the extensive multi-use path networks. The Coal Creek Trail – Erie Commons loop from Colorado National Golf Club is an excellent option, covering about 10.4 miles through the Coal Creek Trail system. Another great choice is the Coal Creek Trail – Coal Creek Trail loop from Erie Highlands, which is approximately 15.4 miles and also rated easy.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging ride, the Erie area offers routes with varied terrain. The Erie Overlook loop from Erie is a difficult 7-mile route with significant elevation changes, providing a good workout and rewarding views. Additionally, some sections of Erie Bluffs State Park offer steeper terrain for advanced cyclists.

Erie's touring cycling routes offer numerous scenic spots, particularly along Lake Erie and within its state parks. You can find breathtaking views from the bluffs at Erie Bluffs State Park or enjoy the diverse ecosystems of Presque Isle State Park. Along some routes, you might encounter highlights like the Davidson Mesa Overlook or the natural beauty of the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm.

Many of Erie's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Aquarius Open Space – Adler-Fingru Open Space loop from Erie Singletrack Parking, a 31.7-mile moderate route, and the Ruth Roberts Connector Trail – View of Longs Peak loop from Erie Singletrack Parking, a 21.4-mile moderate option.

The best time for touring cycling in Erie is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the natural landscapes, especially around Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park, are at their most vibrant. Summer offers refreshing breezes from the lake, while fall provides beautiful foliage.

Yes, Erie is a significant hub for long-distance cycling. It is part of the **Northern Tier Bicycle Route**, one of the longest national routes, and the **Underground Railroad Bicycle Route** also passes through. The **Seaway Trail (BicyclePA Route Z / Route 5)** follows the Lake Erie shoreline, incorporating the popular Karl Boyes Multi-purpose Trail in Presque Isle State Park. The anticipated **Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail** will further enhance connectivity.

Yes, bike rentals are available within Presque Isle State Park, making it convenient for visitors who don't have their own equipment to explore the park's 13.5-mile Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail. For more information on biking in the park, you can visit the Pennsylvania DCNR website.

The touring cycling routes in Erie are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from the flat, scenic paths of Presque Isle to the varied trails through woodlands, and the constant presence of Lake Erie providing picturesque views and refreshing breezes. The well-maintained trails and connectivity to broader networks are also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. The **Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail** in Presque Isle State Park is renowned for its 13.5-mile paved circuit through diverse ecosystems including beaches, dunes, lagoons, and forests. The **Bayfront Bikeway/Multiuse Path** offers scenic views along Cascade Creek, and **Erie Bluffs State Park** provides stunning lake views from its towering bluffs amidst woodlands.

Many touring cycling routes in Erie feature prominent water views, primarily due to the city's location on Lake Erie. Routes within Presque Isle State Park offer continuous lake views and pass by lagoons. Additionally, some trails may lead you near other water features, such as the Twin Lakes or the Waneka Park area, providing serene natural settings.