The best traffic-free bike rides around Kingston
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398
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No traffic touring cycling routes around Kingston feature a diverse landscape, from extensive waterfronts along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River to rural farmlands and Canadian Shield rock formations. The region offers a mix of flat, paved pathways and gently rolling hills, with some areas presenting more challenging climbs. Cyclists can explore natural open landscapes, wetlands, and forested escarpments. This varied terrain provides numerous options for touring cyclists seeking routes free from vehicular traffic.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Kingston
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Hudson River and Hussey Hill loop from Kingston, a 22.2 miles (35.7 km) trail that takes 2 hours 17 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic views of the Hudson River and includes varied terrain.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Ashokan Reservoir Promenade loop from Kingston, a difficult 33.5 miles (53.9 km) path. This route winds around the expansive Ashokan Reservoir, providing picturesque water views and a challenging elevation profile.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Empire state Trail – Hudson River Brickyard Trail loop from City of Kingston, a 7.8 miles (12.6 km) trail leading through waterfront areas and historic sites, often completed in about 48 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Kingston is defined by waterfront paths, rural farmlands, and Canadian Shield rock formations. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, paved trails to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Kingston are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 19 reviews. More than 290 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Kingston's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4
riders
35.7km
02:17
360m
360m
The Hudson River and Hussey Hill loop from Kingston offers a diverse cycling experience, blending paved paths with nearly a kilometer of unpaved sections and singletrack, making it a rewarding challenge for touring cyclists. You'll be treated to majestic views of the Hudson River and surrounding cliffs, especially along the Hudson River Brickyard Trail, with opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles and various waterfowl. Keep an eye out for the historic Esopus Meadows Lighthouse and the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge as you navigate this varied terrain.
This moderate 22.2-mile (35.7 km) route, featuring 1166 feet (355 metres) of elevation gain and typically completed in about 2 hours and 16 minutes, requires good fitness. While much of the trail is dedicated, some parts are on public roads, so comfort with vehicle traffic is a plus. Consider a bike with wider tires or front suspension for a more comfortable ride on the rougher, unpaved sections.
As a key part of the Kingston Greenline and Empire State Trail networks, this loop is easily integrated into longer rides. The Hudson River Brickyard Trail section, opened in late 2020, provides unique river access and views, making it a standout feature. Its popularity among local touring cyclists speaks to the quality and appeal of this scenic and engaging ride.
53.9km
03:21
490m
490m
Embark on the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade loop from Kingston for a truly spectacular touring bicycle experience, blending smooth paved sections with challenging crushed stone and hilly roads. This difficult 33.5-mile (53.9 km) route, with its 1606 feet (490 metres) of elevation gain, offers expansive views of the Ashokan Reservoir and the dramatic Catskill Mountains, especially from viewpoints along the Ashokan Rail Trail. You'll cycle through shaded woods and open stretches, with opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles, making the 3 hours and 20 minutes fly by.
Planning your ride, be aware that this full loop is considered a hard bike ride, requiring good to very good fitness due to the varied surfaces and significant climbs on connecting roads. While the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade is paved and universally accessible, the Ashokan Rail Trail's crushed stone surface is best tackled with gravel, hybrid, or mountain bikes, or road bikes with wider tires (32c or more). Restroom facilities are conveniently located at key trailheads, and autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit for the vibrant fall foliage.
This comprehensive loop combines the best of the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade and the Ashokan Rail Trail, offering a world-class cycling experience. The Rail Trail itself is a marvel, featuring historical interpretive panels that delve into the region's past and impressive structures like the 2,850-foot long Glenford Dike and the reconstructed Boiceville Trestle over Esopus Creek. It's a route that not only challenges your legs but also enriches your understanding of this significant New York landscape.
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5.0
(1)
28
riders
41.4km
02:38
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
35.6km
02:32
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12.6km
00:48
120m
120m
The Empire State Trail – Hudson River Brickyard Trail loop from Kingston is a delightful touring cycling route that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. As you pedal, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Hudson River and its dramatic cliffs, especially as the trail winds through the reclaimed lands of Quarry Waters. This easy 7.8-mile (12.6 km) loop, with a gentle 406 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride, taking approximately 48 minutes to complete. It’s a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for a scenic, low-effort outing.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking typically available near the trailhead in Kingston. The best times to experience this route are during the warmer months, from spring to fall, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife is most active. While the Hudson River Brickyard Trail itself is smooth and paved, be mindful that some parts of the broader Empire State Trail in Kingston include short on-road sections, so a basic comfort with urban cycling is helpful.
This loop is a significant part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, offering one of the few direct connections to the Hudson River. The trail's passage through the former industrial site of Quarry Waters, now a vibrant natural park, provides a fascinating glimpse into Kingston's brick-making past. You might even spot bald eagles or waterfowl as you enjoy the ride, making it a memorable experience for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
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Popular around Kingston
Tips from the Community
Beautiful and peaceful. Very little shade so dress accordingly.
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A lovely stretch of quiet road immersed in the trees. Perfect for getting your speed up without too much worry from traffic.
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The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail totals roughly 22 miles in one direction. The path follows an old railroad line and is primarily packed-gravel surface the entire time. This is a multiuse trail, so be prepared to see other users on the trail. This particular section travels from the northern terminus just outside of Kingston down to Joppenbergh Mountain Park. The Rosendale Trestle Bridge just to the south of Joppenbergh Mountain is one of the more scenic viewpoints along the entire Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
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Lighthouse Park is located right on the Hudson River. It covers approximately 0.7 acres and has some picnic tables for you to sit and admire the riverside views. From here you can see across to the Esopus Lighthouse, which was built in 1871 and warned ships of areas of shallow water. The neighboring Esopus Meadows Preserve can be accessed via a connecting trail.
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The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail totals roughly 22 miles in one direction. The path follows an old railroad line and is primarily packed-gravel surface the entire time. This is a multiuse trail, so be prepared to see other users on the trail. This particular section travels from the northern terminus just outside of Kingston down to Joppenbergh Mountain Park. The Rosendale Trestle Bridge just to the south of Joppenbergh Mountain is one of the more scenic viewpoints along the entire Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
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The Rosendale Trestle Bridge is a famous bridge crossing along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail between Joppenbergh Mountain Park and Hardenbergh Park. This wooden boards making the base of the bridge are a little weathered, so watch your footing as you cross.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Kingston?
There are over 20 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Kingston, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find routes ranging from easy, short loops to more challenging, longer rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these traffic-free cycling routes?
The no-traffic routes around Kingston offer diverse terrain. You can expect mostly flat, paved sections along waterfront paths like parts of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, as well as gravel and stone dust surfaces on converted railway beds such as the K&P Trail. Some routes may feature gently rolling hills, especially as you venture into the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, but generally, these routes are designed to minimize challenging climbs.
Are there any easy, short no-traffic routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Kingston offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Empire state Trail – Hudson River Brickyard Trail loop from City of Kingston is an easy option, as is the shorter Bike loop from City of Kingston. These routes typically feature well-maintained surfaces and minimal elevation changes.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along these routes?
Kingston's no-traffic cycling routes often pass through scenic areas. You can enjoy waterfront views along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, explore wetlands, and see characteristic Canadian Shield rock formations. Notable landmarks and points of interest include the Nice old railway bridge with a view, the tranquil Onteora Lake, and sections of the Ashokan Rail Trail. Many routes also offer glimpses of rural farmlands and forested areas.
Are there any routes that offer scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely. Many routes, especially those along the waterfront or through elevated sections, provide excellent scenic viewpoints. The Hudson River Overlook is a specific highlight where you can pause and enjoy panoramic views. Routes like the Hudson River and Hussey Hill loop from Kingston offer varied landscapes that include picturesque vistas.
Can I find circular no-traffic cycling routes in Kingston?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Kingston are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. Examples include the Hudson River and Hussey Hill loop from Kingston and the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade loop from Kingston, providing diverse circular experiences.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Kingston?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Kingston, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the trails, the beautiful waterfront scenery, and the well-maintained surfaces that make for a smooth ride away from vehicle traffic. The variety of landscapes, from urban waterfronts to rural farmlands and forests, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic routes for experienced cyclists?
For experienced cyclists seeking a longer, more challenging no-traffic experience, the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade loop from Kingston is a difficult route spanning over 50 kilometers with significant elevation changes. This route offers a rewarding ride through varied landscapes.
Are there any specific trails that are part of a larger network?
Yes, several routes in Kingston are part of larger trail networks. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail offers extensive paved sections along Lake Ontario, and the K&P Trail, a multi-use path, connects to Kingston's Waterfront Pathway. Additionally, parts of the Rideau Trail, while primarily for hiking, can be incorporated into cycling routes using public roadway sections, linking Kingston to Ottawa.
Where can I find more information about cycling in Kingston?
For additional information on cycling infrastructure, local events, and general visitor information for Kingston, you can visit the official tourism website: visitkingston.ca. This resource can provide further details on bike rentals, repair stations, and other outdoor activities.
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