The best cycling routes around Syracuse
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Touring cycling around Syracuse, New York, offers a diverse landscape characterized by serene lakes, historic canals, and rolling hills. The region provides a variety of trails, from flat, paved paths along waterways to more challenging routes through forested areas and agricultural lands. This environment supports a range of cycling experiences, catering to different skill levels and interests.
Best touring cycling routes around Syracuse
- The most popular touring cycling route is Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail, a 21.2 miles (34.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 56 minutes to complete. This easy route offers scenic views of Onondaga Lake and connects several local parks.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt), an easy 14.3 miles (23.0 km) path. This historic towpath provides a mostly flat ride through varied terrain, including paved and gravel sections.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Syracuse, a 22.6 miles (36.3 km) trail leading through historic canal landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 8 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Syracuse is defined by historic canals, expansive lakes, and rolling hills. The network offers options for both leisurely rides and more challenging routes with elevation changes.
- The routes in Syracuse are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Syracuse's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
3.0
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17
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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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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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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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The Onondaga Lake loop offers a wonderfully accessible touring bicycle experience, tracing the shores of Onondaga Lake on mostly paved, flat paths. You'll find yourself gliding along the East Shore Recreation Trail and the West Shore Trail, enjoying continuous, picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding urban landscape. It's a smooth, easy ride, perfect for soaking in the scenery without breaking a sweat, and the West Shore Trail section provides particularly stunning panoramas.
Planning your visit is simple, as there are multiple convenient access points and parking areas around Onondaga Lake Park, and no permits or fees are required. While the best time to cycle is generally from April to October, you can even enjoy parts of the trail, like the East Shore Recreation Trail, in winter, as they are plowed for snow-free access. This makes it a flexible option for a quick outing whenever the mood strikes.
This 7.5-mile (12.0 km) loop, with its minimal 31 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, takes only about 45 minutes to complete at an easy pace, making it ideal for families or beginners. The trail also connects to the historic Erie Canalway Trail and passes through Onondaga Lake Park, which offers amenities like the Griffin Visitor Center and picnic areas. You can even spot historical sites like The Salt Museum along the way, adding a touch of local history to your ride.
5.0
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21
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17.2km
00:59
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Syracuse
Tips from the Community
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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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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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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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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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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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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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
How many touring cycling routes are available around Syracuse?
There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Syracuse, offering a diverse range of experiences. Most of these, about 16, are rated as easy, making the region accessible for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Syracuse?
Syracuse's touring cycling routes feature a mix of landscapes. You'll find flat, paved paths along serene lakes and historic canals, as well as more challenging routes through rolling hills and forested areas. The region offers both paved and gravel sections, catering to different preferences.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Syracuse?
The touring cycling routes around Syracuse are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic views, the historical significance of the canal routes, and the variety of terrain available.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Syracuse?
Yes, many routes are ideal for beginners and families. The Onondaga Creekwalk and Loop the Lake Trail is an easy 21.2-mile route offering scenic lake views and connecting several parks. Another excellent option is the Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt), a mostly flat, 14.3-mile path with both paved and gravel sections, perfect for a relaxed ride.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in the Syracuse area?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For instance, the Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Syracuse is a 22.6-mile route that allows you to experience the historic canal landscapes in a convenient loop. Another option is the Onodaga Lake (East Shore) – Willow Bay loop from Village of Liverpool, which offers a shorter 7.5-mile lakeside ride.
What are some scenic highlights or attractions I can see along touring cycling routes?
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you can encounter stunning lakes like Onondaga Lake, Green Lake, and Glacier Lake, known for their unique turquoise waters. The historic Erie Canalway Trail features structures like the Limestone Creek Aqueduct. You can also explore areas like Green Lakes State Park and Thornden Park.
Are there touring cycling routes with significant elevation gain for a more challenging ride?
While many routes are easy, the Finger Lakes region, including areas near Syracuse, is known for its rolling hills. For a more challenging experience, consider routes that venture into the Pompey Hills, which offer steep climbs and fast descents with rewarding farmland views. These routes provide excellent training opportunities for experienced cyclists.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Syracuse?
The warmer months, from spring through fall, are generally the most popular for touring cycling in Syracuse. During these seasons, you can enjoy the region's diverse landscapes, from spring blossoms to vibrant fall foliage. The parks and forests offer different experiences with each changing season.
Are there touring cycling routes that offer opportunities to see wildlife?
Yes, routes that pass through state parks and forests, such as Green Lakes State Park and areas with old-growth forests, can offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. The diverse ecosystems around Syracuse, including lake shores and wooded areas, provide habitats for various species.
Are there any touring cycling routes that connect to urban areas or public transport?
The Onondaga Creekwalk provides an urban route that showcases Syracuse's bike infrastructure and neighborhoods, connecting directly to the Loop the Lake Trail. This integration allows for easy access from the city and can link to public transport options within Syracuse.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Syracuse?
Many touring cycling routes in Syracuse start or pass through state parks and public access points, which typically offer designated parking facilities. For example, routes around Onondaga Lake and along the Erie Canalway Trail often have convenient parking available at trailheads or nearby parks.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling options that include the Erie Canal?
Yes, the Erie Canal Trail is a significant draw for long-distance touring. The Erie Canalway Trail spans 365 miles, with a large portion being off-road. You can connect to sections like the Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt) to experience this historic waterway, which is suitable for all ages and abilities for extended rides.
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