The best road cycling routes around Au Sable Forks

Wilmington Beach sits right on the West Branch Ausable River—an ideal rest spot if you're cycling the scenic Route 86/Black Brook Loop. Pull off, dip your feet, pack a picnic, and enjoy riverside views of Whiteface Mountain and forested banks. It’s a refreshing break before you hit the climbs or continue exploring nearby trails or roads.

Climbing Whiteface Mountain from Wilmington village presents you with a long and demanding ascent with world-class Adirondack views. Prepare for an immediate and sustained climb over approximately 8 miles averaging a relentless 8% gradient with very few breaks as you gain over 3,500ft. The steady initial climb through lower wooded slopes to the toll booth, followed by the iconic push towards the summit castle, emerging onto highly exposed terrain near the top. Remember: Cyclists must pay a toll (at the booth partway up), and the highway is seasonally closed until mid-May 2025 (check whiteface.com for exact opening dates, hours, and current tolls). The spectacular panoramic views are your hard-earned reward.

Cycling along Franklin Falls Road offers scenic views of Franklin Falls Pond, a 439-acre water body created by damming the Saranac River in the Adirondack Mountains. Spanning 2.7 miles in length, the pond is a highlight along the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, starting from Old Forge, NY, and ending in Fort Kent, ME.

Flume Falls is a dramatic waterfall that you can see right from the road. It's definitely worth stopping your ride to grab a photo! Although there is a shoulder, it's a little narrow and drivers are also sure to be looking at the falls, so use caution when pulling over.

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, Lake Flower, spanning 300 acres across Franklin and Essex Counties, captivates cyclists along Lake Flower Avenue. Formed by damming the Saranac River in 1827, this scenic lake, initially dubbed Mill Pond, pays homage to Governor Roswell P. Flower. As the sole lake within Saranac Lake village, its serene shores add an alluring charm to cyclists exploring the area.

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Franklin Falls Pond is a calm and inviting spot in New York. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters, it's a peaceful getaway for those wanting a break in nature.

Whiteface Mountain is actually amazing. At the end of the Memorial Highway there is a car park, restaurant and a gift shop, there is even a granite built castle. When you get there you will need to find somewhere to park and lock your bike. Then if you have the time why not go up to the actual summit. You can either do it quickly in the elevator (yes there is one) or you have the option to walk the hand-railed Nature Trail, both options are good. Failing that you could just have a good break here at the summit parking area and just enjoy the glorious vistas.

There are not many roads that take you directly to the summit of a 4,867’ mountain. You also get to do it all the way on fantastic roads with gorgeous views. Then when you get here at the toll house you have to pay $15 (cyclist fee 2023) to go further up the road to the summit on the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. Otherwise have a rest here before you head on down. Nearby is Lake Stevens and nearby woodlands, which makes it a nice scenic spot.