The best cycling routes around Lakeland
4.2
(9)
92
riders
9
rides
Touring cycling around Lakeland features routes primarily centered around Onondaga Lake and the Erie Canalway. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. The region offers paved multi-use trails that traverse urban areas and natural landscapes. These routes provide access to waterfront views and green spaces.
Best touring cycling routes around Lakeland
- The most popular touring cycling route is Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt), a 14.3 miles (23.0 km) trail…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5
riders
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…
4.0
(1)
23
riders
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…
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5.0
(1)
21
riders
17.2km
00:59
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
36.5km
02:09
190m
180m
The Erie Canalway Trail – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Syracuse offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending historic canal landscapes with urban and natural scenery. You'll pedal past the…
8
riders
35.9km
02:12
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Lakeland
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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76-acre Thornden Park is a pleasant urban refuge with almost anything you could want: Flowers? There's a rose garden and a lily pond. Performing arts? There's an amphitheater and stage. Sports? You'll find a football field, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor exercise equipment, playground equipment for the kids, and a lot more... plus public bathrooms.
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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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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 in Lakeland?
Lakeland offers a variety of touring cycling routes, with over 10 options available on komoot. These routes cater to different preferences, ranging from easy loops to more challenging long-distance rides, primarily centered around Onondaga Lake and the Erie Canalway.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Lakeland?
The touring cycling routes in Lakeland are generally accessible, with the majority being easy. Out of the 11 routes listed, 8 are classified as easy, 2 as moderate, and 1 as difficult. This makes the area suitable for various cycling abilities, from beginners to more experienced riders.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling options in Lakeland?
Yes, for those seeking a longer touring experience, the Onondaga Lake (West Shore) – Newport Road Trail loop from Village of Camillus is a challenging 50.3-mile (80.9 km) path. This route explores the western shore of Onondaga Lake, providing an extended cycling adventure.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Lakeland's touring cycling routes?
Lakeland's touring cycling routes are characterized by generally flat terrain with minimal elevation gain. They primarily utilize paved multi-use trails that traverse urban areas and natural landscapes, offering smooth riding conditions and scenic waterfront views, especially around Onondaga Lake and along the Erie Canalway.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Lakeland?
Yes, Lakeland features several circular routes perfect for touring cyclists. A popular option is the Willow Bay – Willow Bay loop from Village of Liverpool, which is 10.7 miles (17.2 km) and leads through lakeside parkland. Another is the Onodaga Lake (East Shore) – Willow Bay loop from Village of Liverpool, covering 7.5 miles (11.9 km).
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the touring cycling routes?
Along Lakeland's touring cycling routes, particularly those near Onondaga Lake and the Erie Canal, you can encounter several interesting spots. These include the scenic Onondaga Lake (West Shore), the historic Erie Canal Park, and the architectural marvel of the Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct. You might also pass by Thornden Park and the Jerry Rescue Monument.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Lakeland?
The touring cycling experience in Lakeland is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 9 reviews. Cyclists often praise the flat, paved trails, the scenic lakeside views, and the urban greenways that make the area enjoyable and accessible for various skill levels.
Are there any easy, family-friendly touring cycling routes in Lakeland?
Yes, many of Lakeland's routes are ideal for families due to their easy difficulty and flat, paved surfaces. The Erie Canalway Trail (Syracuse to Dewitt) is a popular 14.3-mile (23.0 km) easy route that follows the historic canal, offering a scenic and relaxed ride suitable for all ages.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling in Lakeland?
Lakeland's touring cycling routes offer a blend of urban and natural landscapes. You'll experience extensive bikeway systems, pass by numerous lakes, and enjoy green spaces. The region is known for its commitment to bicycling infrastructure, allowing you to combine sightseeing with your ride through parks and along waterfronts.
Is Lakeland a bicycle-friendly community?
Yes, Lakeland has been designated a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The city boasts a comprehensive network of trails, including 46 miles of multi-use trails, 69 miles of marked bike lanes, and 44 miles of paved shoulders, highlighting its efforts to support cycling.
Can I find routes that offer views of multiple lakes?
While the specific routes in the guide data focus on Onondaga Lake, the broader Lakeland area (Florida) is famous for its 'Chain of Lakes.' The Lake-to-Lake Bikeway, for instance, is a prominent 26-mile urban cycling route that encircles nine lakes, allowing cyclists to combine sightseeing with their ride.
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