The best traffic-free bike rides in Monroe County

Monroe County offers nearly 20 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 4 easy, 13 moderate, and 1 difficult option to explore.

You'll find diverse landscapes, especially in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, which features scenic river views, varied terrain, and natural heritage areas. Routes often wind through pastoral scenery, charming farms, and dense forests, offering great vistas. The region's karst topography means an undulating surface, providing a mix of rolling roads and some climbs.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the High Knob loop from Pocono Summit offers a pleasant 39.9 km ride, and the Kovarick Park Lands loop from Stroudsburg is a shorter 26.1 km option. These routes generally feature less elevation gain, making them more accessible.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by natural attractions. You might encounter beautiful lakes such as Mountain Lake, Grass Lake, or Gouldsboro Lake. Other notable natural features include Eureka Creek, sections of the Appalachian Trail, and the expansive Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For panoramic views, consider routes near Big Pocono State Park.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Lenape Lake – Old Mine Road loop from East Stroudsburg is a difficult 98.5 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding ride through varied terrain.

The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling experience in Monroe County, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, low-traffic roads, the diverse scenery ranging from pastoral farms to dense forests, and the opportunity to explore natural attractions like lakes and state parks without vehicle interference.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Monroe County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the challenging Lenape Lake – Old Mine Road loop and the moderate Witmers Lake – Coal Pocket loop.

While specific seasonal considerations vary, the spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Monroe County. Spring brings blooming landscapes, summer provides warm weather, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

While the routes listed in this guide are primarily in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, other Monroe Counties (such as in New York) are known for their proximity to Lake Ontario and the Erie Canalway. If you're in Monroe County, NY, you can explore the historic Erie Canalway Trail or the Genesee Riverway Trail for scenic river views and urban landscapes. For more information on cycling in Monroe County, NY, you can visit visitrochester.com.

The focus of this guide is on 'no traffic' routes, which often means quiet rural roads or dedicated paths. While Monroe County, Michigan, is known for its 100-Mile Cornerstone Bicycle Route with dedicated bike lanes, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, offers routes where traffic density is generally light, providing a pleasant riding experience on rolling roads and through forests.

Yes, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, is rich in natural heritage areas that provide picturesque surroundings for cyclists. For detailed information on these areas, you can consult the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program at naturalheritage.state.pa.us.

The longest no-traffic road cycling route featured is the Lenape Lake – Old Mine Road loop from East Stroudsburg, which spans approximately 98.5 kilometers (61 miles) and includes significant elevation gain.