1.
Erie Canalway Trail – Cedar Bay Park loop from DeWitt
10.8km
00:38
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best cycling routes in Clark Reservation State Park
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 1, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Clark Reservation State Park, you know how overwhelming the options can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – sifting through countless possibilities to find those standout rides can be a real pain.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has explored, mapped, and reviewed the best touring cycling routes around Clark Reservation State Park, saving you the guesswork. We've curated a shortlist of the rides that truly deliver, so you can spend less time planning and more time pedaling.
While the park's internal trails are rugged and best left to hikers, the surrounding area offers fantastic touring cycling. Expect generally flat terrain along canal paths, creekwalks, and lake loops, all set against a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and dramatic limestone cliffs. It's a unique blend of natural beauty and accessible riding, with options ranging from easy spins to longer excursions.
If you're looking for a smooth, scenic ride, we'd start with the Erie Canalway Trail – Cedar Bay Park loop from DeWitt, an easy 6.7 miles (10.8 km) that’s perfect for a relaxed outing. For a longer adventure with extended views, the Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Town of DeWitt offers 17.1 miles (27.5 km) of pure canal-side bliss. With over 100 touring cyclists having explored these routes with komoot, you know you're in good company. Dive in and discover your next favorite ride!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Canalway Trail – Cedar Bay Park loop from DeWitt | 10.8 km | 30 m | Easy |
| Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from DeWitt | 27.5 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail | 34.1 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Erie Canalway Trail: DeWitt to Chittenango | 22.7 km | 50 m | Easy |
| Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt) | 23.0 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Cedar Bay Park – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Fayetteville | 9.86 km | 30 m | Easy |
| Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Syracuse | 36.5 km | 190 m | Moderate |
| Onondaga Lake – Onondaga Lake (West Shore) loop from Syracuse | 20.3 km | 80 m | Easy |
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2.
Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from DeWitt
27.5km
01:36
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.
Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail
34.1km
01:57
70m
70m
The Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you along the scenic Onondaga Creekwalk before opening up to the expansive views of Onondaga Lake. You'll enjoy a consistently flat and paved ride, making it an easy 21.2-mile (34.1 km) route with only 216 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain. This trail is perfect for a relaxed outing, allowing you to soak in the lakeside atmosphere and pass by areas like Willow Bay, all within an estimated 1 hour and 56 minutes.
Planning your visit to this popular cycling route is straightforward. You can access the trail from multiple points along the Onondaga Creekwalk, and parking is generally available near these access points. The route is well-suited for cycling throughout the year, though the spring and autumn months often provide the most comfortable weather conditions. It's a family-friendly option, so consider bringing everyone along for a pleasant day out.
This trail stands out as one of the best cycling trails near Syracuse for those seeking an accessible and enjoyable ride without significant climbs. It provides a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Onondaga Lake and its surroundings, offering a peaceful escape from the city. The route's gentle nature makes it an excellent choice for beginner touring cyclists or anyone looking for a leisurely pedal.
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4.
Erie Canalway Trail: DeWitt to Chittenango
22.7km
01:24
50m
50m
The Erie Canalway Trail from DeWitt to Chittenango offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the historic canal with a mix of paved and stonedust surfaces. You'll glide past the impressive Limestone Creek Aqueduct and enjoy views of wetlands and diverse wildlife, making it a scenic and easy ride for all skill levels. This 14.1-mile (22.7 km) route features a gentle 168 feet (51 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Parking and amenities are readily available in both DeWitt and Chittenango, making access simple. The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum near the Chittenango end provides convenient restrooms and bike rentals during operating hours. Remember that this is a multi-use trail, so be prepared to share the path with walkers and other cyclists, especially on popular routes.
This section is a key part of the larger Empire State Trail, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance as it follows the original Erie Canal towpath. The nearby Green Lakes State Park also adds to the area's appeal, providing additional opportunities for exploration and connecting you with the region's unique glacial lakes.
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5.
Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt)
23.0km
01:19
40m
40m
The Erie Canalway Trail from Syracuse to DeWitt offers a delightful journey through history and varied landscapes, making it one of the best cycling routes near Syracuse, New York. You'll follow the historic Old Erie Canal, encountering views of old stone locks and wetlands, especially as you head east. The trail integrates into Syracuse, connecting with the Onondaga Creekwalk, and further along, you'll spot the impressive Limestone Creek Aqueduct. It's a mostly flat ride, with a mix of paved and stone-dust surfaces, so a hybrid bike or a road bike with wider tires is recommended for comfort.
This easy 14.3-mile (23.0 km) touring cycling route has a minimal 120 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes just 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for beginner touring cyclists or families looking for a relaxed outing. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the trail's accessibility within Syracuse and DeWitt means you'll likely find convenient access points. Recent investments have significantly improved safety and connectivity, particularly with new off-road segments around Erie Boulevard and Towpath Road.
This segment of the Erie Canalway Trail is a key part of the larger Empire State Trail system, offering a unique opportunity to experience the legacy of the 19th-century canal. The varied scenery, from urban connections to natural wetlands and historic features, provides a rich backdrop for your ride. You'll pass near Green Lakes State Park, known for its unique glacial lakes, adding a natural dimension to the journey. It's a fantastic way to combine gentle exercise with a dose of local history.
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6.
Cedar Bay Park – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Fayetteville
9.86km
00:34
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.
Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Syracuse
36.5km
02:09
190m
180m
The Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Syracuse offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending historic canal landscapes with urban and natural scenery. You'll pedal past the route of the Old Erie Canal, spotting historic stone locks and wetlands, and enjoy views along Onondaga Lake. The trail's generally flat terrain and mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces make it a moderate 22.7-mile (36.5 km) ride with only 608 feet (185 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 9 minutes.
For planning your visit, be aware that while much of the Erie Canalway Trail is off-road, you will encounter some on-road sections, particularly within Syracuse. A hybrid or gravel bike with tires 28 mm or wider will provide the most comfortable ride on the crushed stone surfaces. The trail connects seamlessly with the Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail, offering plenty of options to extend or modify your route.
This loop is part of the larger Empire State Trail and highlights the immense historical significance of the Erie Canal, recognized as a National Heritage Corridor. You can explore attractions like the Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct at Camillus Erie Canal Park or the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, making this route a rich blend of outdoor activity and cultural discovery.
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8.
Onondaga Lake – Onondaga Lake (West Shore) loop from Syracuse
20.3km
01:12
80m
80m
The Onondaga Lake – Onondaga Lake (West Shore) loop from Syracuse offers a delightful and accessible touring bicycle experience, tracing the lake's edge with varied scenery. You'll glide along flat, paved surfaces, enjoying views of Onondaga Lake and the Syracuse skyline, passing by Willow Bay and the Empower FCU Amphitheater. This easy 12.6-mile (20.3 km) route, with only 275 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, is a smooth ride for all skill levels.
Accessing the Onondaga Lake West Shore loop cycling route Syracuse is simple, with numerous parking areas around Onondaga Lake Park and no permits or fees required. The trail is multi-use, so you'll share it with walkers and runners. While the West Shore section isn't plowed in winter, the East Shore Trail is, offering year-round options for those looking to cycle in colder months.
This route is a key part of a larger trail network, connecting to sections of the Erie Canalway Trail and the Onondaga Creekwalk for extended adventures. The west side of Onondaga Lake itself holds historical significance, once home to resorts and dance halls. It's a fantastic option for a quick, scenic ride, typically completed in about 1 hour and 12 minutes.
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Tips from the Community
AdrienneD
November 3, 2025, Onondaga Lake (West Shore)
This trail is the best thing about Syracuse! Can’t get enough of it and am constantly going back. Well maintained, beautiful and stunning
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Lisa
July 4, 2024, Onondaga Creekwalk at Franklin Square
There's a turnoff from the Onondaga Creekwalk to Franklin Square, the park that marks an old industrial neighborhood, now revitalized for residential and commercial use. Technically, this is part of the Lakefront neighborhood.
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Lisa
July 4, 2024, Onondaga Creekwalk
All told this paved multi-use trail runs 4.8 miles alongside the creek, through Syracuse and on to Onondaga Lake. It takes you past some of Syracuse's most famous landmarks, including the century-old Onondaga Park.
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Lisa
July 4, 2024, Cedar Bay Park
This cute little park sits right alongside the old Erie Canal. It's a good picnic spot or turnaround point for the Erie Canalway Trail, which is just on the other side of the water. If you wanted to, you could ride all the way from Albany to Buffalo along the local canal trails, but not all parts of those trails will be as pretty as this area, since they travel through the cities and the water isn't always visible.
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Lisa
July 4, 2024, Erie Boulevard Cycle Track
You wouldn't know it by looking at the paved trail beneath you or the boulevard on either side, but this route used to follow the path of the historic Erie Canal. Today, it's a great cycling route along the grassy verge. If you wanted to, you could ride all the way from Albany to Buffalo.
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Lisa
July 4, 2024, Erie Canalway Trail
This trail/tow path mostly follows the route of the old, historic Erie Canal. Along this portion you can see where the original canal was enlarged, along with some beautiful stonework and a good look at a wide area in the canal called Cedar Bay. The trail here is paved, but some parts of the Erie Canalway Trail are hard-packed dirt and gravel.
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Lisa
May 26, 2024, Limestone Creek Aqueduct (Erie Canalway Trail)
This is the remains of a three-span aqueduct across Limestone Creek, first completed in 1856. You can't see the original wooden trunk anymore; it has been replaced by a concrete channel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of touring cycling routes can I expect around Clark Reservation State Park?
The touring cycling routes in the vicinity of Clark Reservation State Park primarily utilize external paths, such as canal paths, creekwalks, and lake loops. These routes are generally flat and accessible, offering a smooth riding experience. You'll find over a dozen routes, with the majority being easy and a few moderate options.
Are the internal trails within Clark Reservation State Park suitable for touring cycling?
No, the internal trails within Clark Reservation State Park are generally not suitable for touring cycling. These trails are rugged, characterized by uneven terrain, cobbles, and boulders, and are designed for hiking and foot traffic. Touring cyclists will find more appropriate routes on nearby external paths.
What are some popular touring cycling routes near Clark Reservation State Park?
Local touring cyclists enjoy routes like the Erie Canalway Trail – Cedar Bay Park loop from Town of DeWitt, which is an easy 6.7-mile ride. Another favorite is the Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail, offering a 21.2-mile journey through urban green spaces and along the lake.
What kind of terrain and elevation can I expect on touring cycling routes in this area?
The touring cycling routes around Clark Reservation State Park are predominantly flat and accessible. They follow canal paths, creekwalks, and lake loops, meaning you'll encounter minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for a relaxed touring experience.
What natural features or points of interest can I see while cycling near Clark Reservation State Park?
While the park itself is known for its unique geology, including the Glacial Plunge Basin Lake and dramatic limestone cliffs, the cycling routes typically follow waterways like the Erie Canal. These paths offer views of the canal, surrounding natural areas, and urban green spaces. For a deeper dive into the park's natural wonders, consider exploring its hiking trails on foot.
Are there any loop routes available for touring cyclists?
Yes, there are several loop routes. For example, the Erie Canalway Trail – Cedar Bay Park loop from Town of DeWitt and the Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Town of DeWitt are popular options that allow you to start and end in the same location.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in the Clark Reservation State Park area?
The routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the flat, accessible terrain and the scenic views along the canal paths and lake loops, making for enjoyable and relaxing rides.
Are the touring cycling routes near Clark Reservation State Park suitable for families?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are ideal for families. Their easy difficulty grade, flat terrain, and well-maintained paths along canals and lakes make them safe and enjoyable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Is there public transport access to the touring cycling routes near Clark Reservation State Park?
While Clark Reservation State Park itself has limited public transport options, the touring cycling routes, particularly those along the Erie Canalway Trail or connecting to urban areas like Syracuse, may have access points reachable by local public transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes for specific access points.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in the Clark Reservation State Park area?
Parking is generally available at various access points along the Erie Canalway Trail and other popular cycling routes. For routes starting from the Town of DeWitt, you can typically find parking facilities. Specific parking details for each route can often be found on the individual route pages.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling near Clark Reservation State Park?
The best time for touring cycling in this region is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the paths are clear of snow and ice. Summer offers lush greenery, while spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for more experienced riders?
Yes, for those looking for longer rides, routes like the Erie Canalway Trail: DeWitt to Chittenango offer extended distances. This route covers approximately 14.1 miles (22.7 km) one way, providing a good option for a longer outing or an out-and-back ride.
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