The best cycling routes around Williamsville

The Erie Canalway and Iroquois Refuge Loop offers a unique touring bicycle experience, blending historic waterways with diverse natural habitats. You'll start along the Erie Canalway Trail, enjoying canal-side views and passing through charming towns, before transitioning into the tranquil wetlands of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot abundant wildlife like waterfowl and bald eagles. The terrain is a mix of paved, stone dust, and some natural, rutted sections, requiring a hybrid or gravel bike for the best ride.

Planning your trip for this difficult 80.2-mile (129.1 km) route, which takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes with 745 feet (227 metres) of elevation gain, is best done between May and September for optimal weather. While specific parking details for the entire loop aren't highlighted, amenities like bike repair stations and hostels are available along the way. This route is ideal for experienced cyclists looking for a substantial challenge and varied scenery.

What makes this loop truly stand out is its combination of historical significance and natural beauty. The Erie Canalway Trail follows a world-famous waterway that shaped American history, while the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge provides a stark contrast with its extensive wetlands and unique ecosystems. This blend offers a rich cultural and ecological journey, making it one of the top rated loop bike routes in New York for those seeking a diverse and rewarding adventure.

The Erie Canal view – Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails loop from Amherst Street offers a long, pleasant touring cycling experience, primarily on paved surfaces. You'll follow the historic Erie Canal, enjoying water views and spotting local wildlife, before transitioning to the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, a smooth path known for its blend of urban convenience and nature observation. This moderate 50.4-mile (81.1 km) route, with a gentle 444 feet (135 metres) of elevation gain, is a great choice for cyclists looking for a scenic, accessible long ride that takes about 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete.

For planning your visit, parking is conveniently located at various points along the route, including Ives Park, Walter M. Kenney Field, and Amherst Veterans Canal Park. While the trail is mostly off-road, be prepared for a few short on-road sections where you'll share the shoulder with traffic. The Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails section is equipped with HAWK signals or RRFB at major intersections, enhancing safety for crossings.

This loop combines significant portions of the historic Erie Canalway Trail, part of the larger Empire State Trail, with the newer Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails. The Erie Canalway Trail offers a glimpse into New York's past, while the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, constructed in 2016, provides a vital recreational link for the community. You might even spot turkeys and various bird species along the way, adding a natural element to this urban-adjacent ride.

The Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey offers a wonderfully smooth and scenic touring bicycle experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 18.0-mile (29.0 km) route, with a gentle 155 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, follows the winding Ellicott Creek, providing open water views and passing through a pleasant mix of natural areas and semi-urban landscapes. You'll pedal past the Amherst Audubon Golf Course and the University at Buffalo campus, enjoying the paved terrain and the chance to spot local wildlife like deer and various birds.

For planning your visit, you'll find ample parking at various access points, including one conveniently located off N Forest Road. The trail is well-maintained and features amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it ideal for families or anyone looking for a comfortable ride. While generally accessible year-round, checking current trail conditions is always a good idea, especially during winter months.

This trail is a standout for its accessibility and historical significance as one of the oldest parks in the Erie County system, featuring some charming stone structures. It's a fantastic option for beginner touring cyclists or families with kids, offering a safe and enjoyable environment. The route also connects to the broader Erie Canalway Trail, opening up possibilities for longer cycling adventures if you're feeling ambitious.

The Erie Canalway Trail – Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending historic waterways with scenic river views. You'll pedal along the south side of the Erie Canal, enjoying water views and potentially spotting wildlife, before transitioning to the Shoreline Trail with its overlooks of the Niagara River and Lake Erie. The terrain is varied, with paved and crushed stone sections, and while mostly flat, some parts along the Niagara River have cracks, making wider tires a smart choice for this easy to moderate 17.4 miles (28.0 km) route.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the loop is easily accessible from Amherst Street. This 1 hour and 34 minutes ride is suitable for most skill levels, including beginner cyclists and families. Since much of the trail is off-road, it's a safe and enjoyable option for a leisurely outing. Consider visiting during pleasant weather to fully appreciate the waterfront scenery and ensure comfortable riding on all surfaces.

This loop is steeped in local history, utilizing a former railroad corridor for the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails section, which was active in the 1880s. The Erie Canal itself is a historic marvel, once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The Erie Canalway Trail is also a significant part of the 360-mile Empire State Trail, offering connections to a much larger network for those looking to explore further.