The best cycling routes around Pittsford

Pittsford offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 40 options available. These routes cater to various preferences, including 25 easy, 14 moderate, and 1 difficult route, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

The touring cycling routes in Pittsford primarily feature well-maintained pathways along the Erie Canalway Trail. You'll encounter a mix of paved asphalt and 'stonedust' (compacted limestone) surfaces, which are ideal for touring bikes. These surfaces provide a generally flat and smooth ride through woodlands and alongside the historic Erie Canal.

Yes, Pittsford is an excellent destination for beginners and families. A significant portion of the routes, 25 out of 40, are classified as easy. These routes, often along the Erie Canalway Trail, are generally flat and well-maintained, making them perfect for a relaxed family outing. An example is the Pittsford town – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Ayrault & Route 31, which is an easy 15 km ride.

Yes, Pittsford offers several excellent circular touring cycling routes. These loops allow you to start and end in the same location, making logistics easier. A popular option is the Pittsford town – Fairport NY Erie Canal loop from Village of Pittsford, an easy 28.5 km path that follows a continuous stone dust section of the Erie Canal.

Pittsford's touring cycling routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical sights. You'll ride alongside the historic Erie Canal, passing by features like the Bridge over the Erie Canal. The routes also wind through woodlands and past protected wetlands. For a change of scenery, some routes connect to the Genesee Riverway Trail, offering views of urban parks and even waterfalls, such as those visible from the View of Court Street Dam.

While many routes are easy, Pittsford also offers longer options for those seeking a more extended ride. The Erie Canal Trail – Eerie Canal Gravel section loop from Oak Hill Country Club is a moderate 44.2 km route that provides a good distance challenge while still enjoying the scenic canal environment.

The Village of Pittsford is a cyclist-friendly hub, offering numerous amenities. You'll find restaurants, cafes, and shops, many housed in converted historic canal-side buildings. Pittsford is a designated stop on the Erie Canal Bike Trail, providing services such as lodging, bike shops, and bike rentals. The Pittsford Community Library even offers bike racks and a repair station for public use.

While the Erie Canalway Trail is highly accessible, direct public transport options specifically for reaching trailheads with bikes can vary. It's best to check local bus schedules or ride-sharing services for routes that might accommodate bicycles or drop you close to key access points in the Village of Pittsford, which serves as a central hub for many routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 34 reviews. Reviewers often praise the flat, well-maintained pathways of the Erie Canalway Trail, the picturesque views of the historic canal, and the peaceful experience of cycling through woodlands and past natural features. The accessibility and variety of routes for all skill levels are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Pittsford is rich in natural spaces that complement its cycling routes. Mendon Ponds Park, a vast Monroe County park, is nearby and offers extensive trail systems. Powder Mills Park is another local gem with a creek popular for fishing. Additionally, the Isaac Gordon Nature Park provides hiking trails, and conservation efforts have established a nature preserve along the Erie Canal within Pittsford, protecting woodlands, wetlands, and spring-fed ponds.

Yes, the section of the Erie Canalway Trail between Pittsford and Fairport is particularly noted for its unbroken stone dust trail. Roads typically pass over the canal in this area, allowing for continuous cycling without interruptions from car traffic, making it a very pleasant and uninterrupted ride.