The best road cycling routes in Monroe County

Monroe County offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 90 tours available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 43 easy, 48 moderate, and 1 difficult option, ensuring there's a ride for everyone.

Road cycling in Monroe County, New York, primarily features routes through open farmland and along significant waterways like the Erie Canal and Genesee River. You'll find a blend of natural features and developed pathways, with terrain that includes gentle gradients and some rolling hills, offering diverse experiences.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Monroe County, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic routes through open farmland, along the Erie Canalway Trail, and within parklands like Mendon Ponds Park.

Yes, Monroe County offers 43 easy road cycling routes, perfect for beginners or families. One excellent option is the Erie Canal Trail – George's Cove loop from Village of Pittsford, which is 19.4 miles (31.2 km) long and features minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant ride.

While most routes are easy to moderate, there is at least one difficult route available for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. The region's rolling hills, particularly around areas like Mendon Ponds Park, can provide more strenuous sections. For a longer, moderate challenge, consider the Mendon Ponds Park – Burroughs Audubon Nature Club loop from Mendon Foundation Taylor Road Property, which covers 42.9 miles (69.1 km) with over 1,700 feet (521 m) of elevation gain.

Monroe County's routes offer many scenic views and landmarks. You can cycle along the historic Erie Canal Trail and the picturesque Genesee Riverway Trail. Other notable sights include the Bridge over the Erie Canal and the historic Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse near Lake Ontario.

Absolutely. Many routes incorporate Monroe County's beautiful parks and natural areas. For instance, the Mendon Ponds Park – Burroughs Audubon Nature Club loop from Mendon Foundation Taylor Road Property takes you directly through Mendon Ponds Park, the largest park in the county system. You can also find routes near Durand Eastman Park and Genesee Valley Park, which offer scenic waterways and green spaces.

Several routes provide excellent views of the Erie Canalway Trail. The View of Court Street Dam – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Town of Brighton is a popular choice, offering continuous canal views. Another great option is the Pittsford – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Bushnell's Basin Park and Ride Lot, which connects the village of Pittsford with the scenic trail.

For those seeking longer rides, Monroe County offers several routes over 25 miles. The Mendon Ponds Park – Burroughs Audubon Nature Club loop from Mendon Foundation Taylor Road Property is one of the longest, spanning 42.9 miles (69.1 km). Many routes also connect to the extensive Erie Canalway Trail, allowing for extended journeys.

The best season for road cycling in Monroe County is typically spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. The region's tree-lined roads and open farmlands are particularly beautiful during these months. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, you can explore the Genesee Riverway Trail on your road bike. The View of Court Street Dam – Genesee Riverway Trail loop from University of Rochester River Campus is a great route that incorporates sections of this scenic trail, offering views of the river and connecting to other points of interest.

Many routes in Monroe County offer views of or pass near various bodies of water. The Erie Canalway Trail and Genesee Riverway Trail provide continuous waterside cycling. Additionally, you might find routes near Quaker Pond, Highland Park Reservoir, or even the shores of Lake Ontario, particularly around areas like Durand Eastman Park.