Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Pennsylvania

Butler County

The best road cycling routes in Butler County

4.5

(7)

544

riders

49

rides

Road cycling routes in Butler County, Pennsylvania, traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, expansive state parks, and scenic lakes. The region features a mix of rural roads, farmlands, and dedicated trails, offering varied terrain for cyclists. Moraine State Park, with its large Lake Arthur, is a prominent natural feature providing picturesque routes. The area's topography includes gentle gradients and more challenging climbs, catering to different cycling preferences.

Best road cycling routes in Butler County

  • The most popular road cycling route is Moraine State Park via Prospect & Porterville loop — Harmony, a 32.9 miles (52.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 31 minutes to complete. This route offers views of Moraine State Park and its surrounding areas.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Moraine Lake loop from Harcrest Park — Butler County, a difficult 65.6 miles (105.6 km) path. This challenging route circles Lake Arthur, providing extensive lake views and significant elevation changes.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Evans City & Saxonburg loop — Butler County, a 57.4 miles (92.4 km) trail leading through rural landscapes and small towns, often completed in about 4 hours 53 minutes.
  • Road cycling in Butler County is defined by state parks, large lakes, and rolling hills. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy loops to more difficult, longer rides.
  • The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 200 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Butler County's varied terrain.

Last updated: July 7, 2026

5.0

(1)

3

riders

#1.

Moraine State Park via Prospect & Porterville loop

52.9km

02:31

460m

460m

Cycle the moderate 32.9-mile Moraine State Park via Prospect & Porterville loop, enjoying scenic views of Lake Arthur and Rapp's Seat.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

106km

05:18

1,220m

1,220m

The Moraine State Park Loop offers an immersive road cycling experience through varied landscapes, from open meadows to dense woodlands. You'll navigate rolling hills and enjoy expansive views of Lake Arthur, especially along the well-maintained paved sections. The route provides a dynamic journey, with the scenery constantly changing as you pedal through the park's natural beauty, making it a favorite among local cyclists.

Planning for this difficult 65.6-mile (105.6 km) ride, which typically takes 5 hours and 17 minutes, is key. The park provides convenient amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, and you can even find bike rental facilities. Consider visiting during the fall for spectacular foliage, but always check the weather and bring plenty of water for the 4012 feet (1223 metres) of elevation gain.

Moraine State Park is renowned for its diverse cycling routes, catering to different fitness levels, though this particular loop is designed for experienced riders. The predominantly paved surfaces, often featuring a painted divider, enhance safety and ride quality. It's a highly-rated destination for those seeking a challenging and scenic day out on two wheels in Butler County, Pennsylvania.

Hard
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

The Evans City & Saxonburg loop is a demanding road cycling route in Butler County, Pennsylvania, offering a blend of open countryside and wooded stretches. As you pedal through the region, you'll experience significant elevation changes and varied rural scenery, making it a favorite among local cyclists. This 57.4-mile (92.4 km) journey, with its 3116 feet (950 metres) of climbing, is rated difficult and takes about 4 hours and 53 minutes to complete.

Planning for this challenging ride means ensuring you have adequate hydration and fuel for the duration. While specific parking details aren't provided, starting from towns like Evans City or Saxonburg offers convenient access. It's best to undertake this loop during favorable weather conditions to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and manage the strenuous climbs.

This route stands out as one of the more popular cycling trails near Evans City PA, known for its rigorous profile and picturesque rural roads. It's a true test for advanced cyclists, showcasing the best of Butler County's terrain for those who thrive on substantial climbs and a rewarding, long-distance ride.

Hard

15

riders

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

4

riders

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

The Mars – Adams Township Park loop from Pine-Richland High School offers a dynamic road cycling experience through the rolling hills of Butler County. You'll pedal through a blend of suburban areas, open countryside, and wooded sections, with roads like Valencia Road (Route 4059) providing a varied backdrop. This route is less about specific scenic overlooks and more about the journey itself, connecting local landmarks with a good workout.

To tackle this moderate 31.1-mile (50.1 km) loop, which includes 2095 feet (639 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes, you'll start from Pine-Richland High School. While specific parking information for cyclists at the high school isn't detailed, it's your designated starting point. Adams Township Park can serve as a useful turnaround or rest stop, offering amenities for a quick break.

This route is primarily a practical cycling connection using existing public roads, rather than a purpose-built recreational trail. It's an excellent choice for local cyclists seeking a challenging ride that demands good fitness due to its ascents and descents. The area's topography ensures a consistent workout, making it a solid option for those looking to combine exercise with exploring the local road networks near Adams Township Park, Mars PA.

Moderate

6

riders

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 40 more rides in Butler County.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Butler County

Road Cycling Routes around Connoquenessing

Road Cycling Routes around Evans City

Road Cycling Routes around Portersville

Road Cycling Routes around Nixon

Road Cycling Routes around Prospect

Road Cycling Routes around Callery

Road Cycling Routes around Oak Hills

Road Cycling Routes around Meadowood

Road Cycling Routes around Meridian

Road Cycling Routes around Mars

Tips from the Community

Darren Reever
March 16, 2025, Moraine State Park Bike Trail Along Lake Arthur

I actually rode here and won’t copy paste a tip from some website, who are these people? Park at the far western end of the trail and use the tire pump at the bike rental place to pump your MTB tires up nice and hard. Lock out your suspension and have a blast carving the corners all the way to the marina and up the hill to the Parking lot on Glacier Ridge. You‘re all warmed up! Bleed out some air and ride the trails back down.

0

0

Darren Reever
March 16, 2025, Lake Arthur

This is great, maybe one of the best paved multi use trails I’ve been on. I rode a bike and really enjoyed all the corners and short climbs as the path twisted along Lake Arthur. Road bike friendly, as many trees as there were I was suprised the asphalt wasn’t pushed up by roots at all and the surface was fast. Numerous pavilions, picnic tables, benches, bathrooms and green lawns for breaks.

0

0

Jamie S.
September 2, 2024, North Park Entrance

North Park is a large 3,075 acre park in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It is the largest park within the county’s 12,000-acre network of nine parks. Established in 1925, North Park aims to preserve natural resources for future generations and features a range of facilities including an archery range, ballfields, basketball courts, boating, a cafe, and a nature center. In the winter you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and in the warmer months, fishing, pickleball, and hiking, biking, and jogging numerous trails.

0

0

Alex
August 15, 2024, Rapp's Seat

Rapp's Seat, located on a steep hillside in Harmony, is a stone-carved chair created by George Rapp, founder of the Harmony Society. Rapp would climb the hill to meditate and look over the town. The site is accessible via wooden steps constructed in 1999 as an Eagle Scout project. The trail leads to a rock outcrop where the seat provides a view of the town and surrounding landscape. Although trees now obstruct some of the view, visitors can still climb to the top often.

0

0

The Mennonite Meeting House and Cemetery, preserved by the Harmony Museum, is a beautiful 1825 building that was used as a church, school, and social center for the Mennonite community led by Abraham Ziegler. The building's acoustics make it ideal for small concerts and weddings. Visitors can view it from the street or visit its historic charm during museum hours, from Tuesday to Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (724) 452-7341.

0

0

Alex
August 14, 2024, Big Run

The Jennings Environmental Education Center features Big Run, a stream that winds through the southern area of the reserve. Hikers can cross food bridges to keep their feet dry while exploring. The valley along Big Run was once home to majestic American elms, but most were lost to Dutch elm disease in the 1930s. Today, other bottomland trees, such as yellow birch and basswood, thrive in the rich and wet soils of Big Run Valley.

0

0

Jennings Environmental Education Center is dedicated to providing environmental education, combining protected prairie and forest. It is crucial to stay on the trail and exercise caution to help preserve the area.

0

0

Sue
August 14, 2024, Prospect

Prospect is a lovely small town surrounded by the quintessential beauty of Pennsylvania's rolling hills, woodlands, and farmlands. It has great shops and restaurants and is only a short ride from the beautiful Moraine State Park. On Main Street, you'll find the Prospect Corner Store, an ideal spot if you need to stop for supplies for a nice picnic at the park.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available in Butler County?

Butler County offers a diverse selection of over 40 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences. These routes traverse rolling hills, expansive state parks, and scenic lakes, providing a rich cycling experience.

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Butler County?

You can expect a varied landscape, from the rolling hills and farmlands of the rural areas to the picturesque shorelines of Lake Arthur within Moraine State Park. Routes feature a mix of gentle gradients and more challenging climbs, with surfaces ranging from paved roads to crushed limestone trails like the Butler-Freeport Community Trail.

Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, Butler County has several easy routes perfect for beginners or family outings. An excellent option is the Lake Arthur loop from Portersville, which offers a relatively flat ride with scenic views around the lake. The Moraine Bike Trail within Moraine State Park is also a paved, mostly level option.

What are some challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Moraine Lake loop from Harcrest Park offer extensive lake views and significant elevation changes over its 65.6 miles. Another demanding option is the Evans City & Saxonburg loop, which covers 57.4 miles through rural landscapes with notable climbs.

What natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes?

Many routes offer views of prominent natural features. You can cycle alongside Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, explore the unique prairie system at Jennings Environmental Education Center, or pass through the diverse wetlands near Glade Run Lake. The Butler-Freeport Community Trail follows the Buffalo Creek Watershed, offering picturesque scenery.

Are there specific routes that are loop trails?

Yes, many road cycling routes in Butler County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular examples include the Moraine State Park via Prospect & Porterville loop and the Rapp's Seat – Lake Arthur loop from Zelienople, providing convenient circular journeys.

Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Butler County?

Parking is generally available at key access points for popular routes. For routes around Moraine State Park, you'll find parking lots within the park itself. The Butler-Freeport Community Trail also has designated trailheads with parking, such as the Bulter-Freeport Community Trailhead - Laneville.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Butler County?

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the best conditions for road cycling in Butler County. Spring brings blooming landscapes, summer provides warm weather, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on roads.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the road cycling routes?

Yes, several routes pass through or near small towns and communities where you can find cafes, pubs, and restaurants. For instance, routes around Moraine State Park are close to towns like Portersville and Prospect, while the Evans City & Saxonburg loop takes you through those respective towns, offering opportunities for refreshment.

What do other road cyclists enjoy the most about road cycling in Butler County?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from the serene lake views of Moraine State Park to the quiet rural roads, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels.

Can I expect to see wildlife while cycling in Butler County?

Yes, Butler County's natural areas, including Moraine State Park and the Jennings Environmental Education Center, are home to diverse wildlife. Cyclists might spot various bird species, deer, and other small animals, especially on routes that pass through forested areas or along lake shores.

Are there any paved trails specifically for road cycling?

Within Moraine State Park, the Moraine Bike Trail offers a dedicated paved surface, ideal for road cycling. While many routes utilize public roads, this trail provides a car-free option for a portion of your ride, offering beautiful views of Lake Arthur.

Most popular routes in Butler County

Hiking in Butler County

Most popular attractions in Butler County

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Check out more Road cycling routes throughout Butler County below and find the perfect route in your destination.

ProspectSeven FieldsMoraine State ParkWest LibertyPortersvilleSaxonburgConnoquenessingMeadowoodEvans CityValenciaLake Arthur EstatesMarsCalleryHarmonyMeridianNixonOak HillsZelienople

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Shanor-Northvue

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy