The best road cycling routes in Luzerne County

Luzerne County offers a wide variety of road cycling experiences, with over 35 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, from easy loops around lakes to challenging metric centuries through state parks.

The spring, summer, and fall months are ideal for road cycling in Luzerne County. Fall is particularly scenic, with vibrant foliage transforming the landscapes of parks like Ricketts Glen and Nescopeck State Park into stunning backdrops for your ride.

Yes, Luzerne County has several excellent options for beginners and families. The Harveys Lake loop is an easy 16.6-mile route circling the scenic lake. Other multi-use trails like the Luzerne County Levee Trail and the Susquehanna Warrior Trail offer relatively flat, paved paths, perfect for a relaxed family outing.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Park metric century loop is a demanding 65.9-mile route with significant elevation changes through varied state park terrain. Routes like the Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park loop also offer substantial distances and climbs.

Road cycling in Luzerne County offers diverse scenery, from river views along the Susquehanna to lush forests and wetlands within state parks. You can expect to see natural features like the deep gorge of Lehigh Gorge State Park, the unique Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park, and the tranquil waters of Lake Frances in Nescopeck State Park.

While most road cycling routes don't go directly through waterfall trails, several routes pass near areas known for waterfalls. Ricketts Glen State Park, famous for its 21 named waterfalls including Ganoga Falls, is accessible via the Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Park metric century loop. You can also find waterfalls in Lehigh Gorge State Park and Bear Creek Preserve. Consider exploring the Waterfalls in Luzerne County guide for more details.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Luzerne County feature lakes and state parks. The Harveys Lake loop is a prime example. Other routes, like the Nescopeck State Park loop, offer views of Lake Frances. Frances Slocum State Park, centered around a horseshoe-shaped lake, is also featured on routes such as the Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park loop. For more information on lakes, refer to the Lakes in Luzerne County guide.

Many of the multi-use trails and state parks in Luzerne County offer designated parking areas. For instance, the Luzerne County Levee Trail has various access points with parking in communities along the Susquehanna River. State parks like Nescopeck and Frances Slocum also provide visitor parking. Specific parking details for individual routes can often be found on their respective komoot tour pages.

Luzerne County is home to several excellent multi-use trails perfect for road bikes. The Luzerne County Levee Trail (Susquehanna River Commons) offers 12 miles of paved path along the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna Warrior Trail is another 12.5-mile paved and crushed stone path following an old railroad bed. Portions of the extensive D&L Trail are also suitable for road cycling, providing scenic river views and historical sites.

The terrain for road cycling in Luzerne County is quite varied. You'll find relatively flat, paved paths along river levees and former railroad beds, ideal for leisurely rides. Other routes venture into rolling hills and more significant climbs, especially when traversing state parks and forested areas, offering challenges for more advanced cyclists. Expect a mix of smooth pavement and occasionally some well-maintained crushed stone sections on multi-use trails.

While specific road cycling routes might have restrictions, many multi-use trails in Luzerne County are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Trails like the Luzerne County Levee Trail and the Susquehanna Warrior Trail are popular for walking and cycling with leashed pets. Always check local regulations for specific trails or state parks before bringing your dog.

Many road cycling routes in Luzerne County pass through or near towns and communities where you can find cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. Routes along the Susquehanna River, for example, often connect urban centers like Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, offering numerous options for refreshments. State parks typically have visitor centers with facilities, and some smaller towns along routes may have local eateries.

The duration of road cycling routes in Luzerne County varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. Easy routes like the Harveys Lake loop (16.6 miles) can take around 1 hour 16 minutes. Moderate routes, such as the Susquehanna Warrior Trail Loop (42.8 miles), might take over 2 hours. Longer, more challenging routes like the Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Park metric century loop (65.9 miles) can take over 5 hours to complete.