The best traffic-free bike rides around Buffalo

The Erie Canalway and Iroquois Refuge Loop offers a unique touring bicycle experience, blending historic waterways with diverse natural habitats. You'll start along the Erie Canalway Trail, enjoying canal-side views and passing through charming towns, before transitioning into the tranquil wetlands of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot abundant wildlife like waterfowl and bald eagles. The terrain is a mix of paved, stone dust, and some natural, rutted sections, requiring a hybrid or gravel bike for the best ride.

Planning your trip for this difficult 80.2-mile (129.1 km) route, which takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes with 745 feet (227 metres) of elevation gain, is best done between May and September for optimal weather. While specific parking details for the entire loop aren't highlighted, amenities like bike repair stations and hostels are available along the way. This route is ideal for experienced cyclists looking for a substantial challenge and varied scenery.

What makes this loop truly stand out is its combination of historical significance and natural beauty. The Erie Canalway Trail follows a world-famous waterway that shaped American history, while the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge provides a stark contrast with its extensive wetlands and unique ecosystems. This blend offers a rich cultural and ecological journey, making it one of the top rated loop bike routes in New York for those seeking a diverse and rewarding adventure.

The Erie Canal view – Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails loop from Amherst Street offers a long, pleasant touring cycling experience, primarily on paved surfaces. You'll follow the historic Erie Canal, enjoying water views and spotting local wildlife, before transitioning to the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, a smooth path known for its blend of urban convenience and nature observation. This moderate 50.4-mile (81.1 km) route, with a gentle 444 feet (135 metres) of elevation gain, is a great choice for cyclists looking for a scenic, accessible long ride that takes about 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete.

For planning your visit, parking is conveniently located at various points along the route, including Ives Park, Walter M. Kenney Field, and Amherst Veterans Canal Park. While the trail is mostly off-road, be prepared for a few short on-road sections where you'll share the shoulder with traffic. The Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails section is equipped with HAWK signals or RRFB at major intersections, enhancing safety for crossings.

This loop combines significant portions of the historic Erie Canalway Trail, part of the larger Empire State Trail, with the newer Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails. The Erie Canalway Trail offers a glimpse into New York's past, while the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, constructed in 2016, provides a vital recreational link for the community. You might even spot turkeys and various bird species along the way, adding a natural element to this urban-adjacent ride.

The Erie Canalway Trail – Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending historic waterways with scenic river views. You'll pedal along the south side of the Erie Canal, enjoying water views and potentially spotting wildlife, before transitioning to the Shoreline Trail with its overlooks of the Niagara River and Lake Erie. The terrain is varied, with paved and crushed stone sections, and while mostly flat, some parts along the Niagara River have cracks, making wider tires a smart choice for this easy to moderate 17.4 miles (28.0 km) route.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the loop is easily accessible from Amherst Street. This 1 hour and 34 minutes ride is suitable for most skill levels, including beginner cyclists and families. Since much of the trail is off-road, it's a safe and enjoyable option for a leisurely outing. Consider visiting during pleasant weather to fully appreciate the waterfront scenery and ensure comfortable riding on all surfaces.

This loop is steeped in local history, utilizing a former railroad corridor for the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails section, which was active in the 1880s. The Erie Canal itself is a historic marvel, once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." The Erie Canalway Trail is also a significant part of the 360-mile Empire State Trail, offering connections to a much larger network for those looking to explore further.

The Ellicott Creek Trailway Park – Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails loop from Amherst Street offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, blending smooth asphalt paths along Ellicott Creek with the urban-adjacent routes of a former railroad bed. You'll pedal past natural scenery, numerous bridges, and the University at Buffalo campus, then through residential and commercial areas. This moderate 35.2-mile (56.7 km) route, with its 265 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 13 minutes, providing a good workout with varied sights.

Accessing this loop from Amherst Street is straightforward, making it a convenient starting point for your ride. While the Ellicott Creek section is known for its smooth surface, be aware that some parts of the broader Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails network might have cracks or bumps, which could be uncomfortable for road bikes with thin tires. As a multi-use pathway, it's generally well-maintained and suitable for cycling during most daylight hours.

This trail system is a prime example of a successful rail-trail conversion, transforming an 1880s railroad corridor into a valuable community asset. It offers significant connectivity, linking Ellicott Creek Trailway Park with the Tonawanda community and providing access to the larger Erie Canalway Trail for even more scenic water views. The loop provides a unique blend of historical context and natural beauty, making it a notable cycling destination in the region.