The best cycling routes around Liverpool

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.

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.

The Onodaga Lake (East Shore) – Onodaga Lake loop from Liverpool offers a wonderfully accessible touring cycling experience, perfect for a leisurely spin. You'll enjoy continuous, picturesque views of Onondaga Lake and the Syracuse skyline, especially as you cruise along the West Shore Trail. The entire 8.6-mile (13.9 km) route is flat and paved, with only 105 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy ride that most cyclists can complete in about 49 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained and offers various amenities. You'll find restrooms and picnic areas, particularly within Onondaga Lake Park, which is often called the "Central Park of Central New York." Bike rentals are also available if you don't have your own. The East Shore Recreation Trail, a key part of the loop, is wide and even has distance markers, though you should be mindful of trams during peak season.

This route stands out not just for its scenery but also for the remarkable environmental story of Onondaga Lake. Once heavily polluted, the lake has undergone significant cleanup, leading to the return of wildlife and increased recreational use. This history adds a unique layer of interest to your ride, showcasing a successful restoration effort alongside beautiful wetlands and open areas.