The best cycling routes around University At Buffalo
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Touring cycling routes around University At Buffalo offer diverse terrain, primarily characterized by flat, accessible paths along waterways and former rail lines. The region features the historic Erie Canalway, providing extensive, level routes ideal for touring cyclists. Numerous creek and river trails, such as the Ellicott Creek Trailway, contribute to a network of scenic and generally low-elevation paths. These routes often connect urban areas with natural preserves, offering a mix of developed and natural landscapes.
Best touring cycling routes around University At Buffalo
- The most popular touring cycling route is Erie Canalway and Iroquois Refuge Loop, a 80.2 miles (129.1 km) trail that takes 7 hours 30 minutes to complete. This difficult route offers extensive canal-side riding and views of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails – South Grand Island Bridge loop from Niagara Falls Blvd & Forbes Ave (SB), a moderate 24.9 miles (40.2 km) path. This route utilizes a former rail line and includes a loop over the South Grand Island Bridge, providing varied scenery.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Ellicott Creek Trailway Park – Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey, a 18.0 miles (29.0 km) trail leading through Ellicott Creek Trailway Park, often completed in about 1 hour 39 minutes.
- Touring cycling around University At Buffalo is defined by canal paths, converted rail trails, and creek-side routes. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
- The routes in University At Buffalo are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 250 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore University At Buffalo's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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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.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey offers a wonderfully smooth and scenic touring bicycle experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 18.0-mile (29.0 km) route, with a gentle 155 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, follows the winding Ellicott Creek, providing open water views and passing through a pleasant mix of natural areas and semi-urban landscapes. You'll pedal past the Amherst Audubon Golf Course and the University at Buffalo campus, enjoying the paved terrain and the chance to spot local wildlife like deer and various birds.
For planning your visit, you'll find ample parking at various access points, including one conveniently located off N Forest Road. The trail is well-maintained and features amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it ideal for families or anyone looking for a comfortable ride. While generally accessible year-round, checking current trail conditions is always a good idea, especially during winter months.
This trail is a standout for its accessibility and historical significance as one of the oldest parks in the Erie County system, featuring some charming stone structures. It's a fantastic option for beginner touring cyclists or families with kids, offering a safe and enjoyable environment. The route also connects to the broader Erie Canalway Trail, opening up possibilities for longer cycling adventures if you're feeling ambitious.
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This easy 14.5-mile (23.4 km) touring bicycle loop, taking about 1 hour and 19 minutes, offers a pleasant ride through the Town of Tonawanda, combining urban convenience with natural beauty. You'll cycle along the flat, paved Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, built on a historic railway corridor, before enjoying dedicated pathways and expansive views from the South Grand Island Bridge. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like turkeys and various bird species as you pass by the Erie Canal and Niagara River.
Parking is readily available at multiple points along the trail, making access straightforward. The route is entirely paved and wide, featuring safety measures like HAWK signals at major intersections, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience for all users. Its minimal 136 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain makes it an ideal choice for families, beginners, or anyone seeking a leisurely outing.
The Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails is a vital recreational link, connecting residential areas and extending north to the vast Erie Canalway Trail. This former Erie Lackawanna Railway corridor, established in 2016, provides a notably flat and straight path, making it perfect for relaxed cycling. It's a great option for those looking for a family-friendly cycling route with easy access and a blend of local scenery and historical context.
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Popular around University At Buffalo
Tips from the Community
Great place for cycling and dog walking for nature lovers
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The waterfalls are beautiful! The path is not easy and overgrown. There is a wooden ladder you can use to go down and skip part of the way, but it's not attached to the wall, so be careful.
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The Amherst Canalway Trail offers a peaceful, paved route perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading along the historic Erie Canal. Stretching about eleven miles, it connects Tonawanda to Amherst and showcases scenic views, parks, and local history just outside Buffalo.
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Here you have a small but pleasant park space perfect for a break.
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The UB Path Bridge, officially known as the Ralph Wilson Park Bridge, is a striking new pedestrian and cyclist crossing in Buffalo, New York. Spanning 266 feet over Interstate 190 and a CSX rail line, the enclosed steel arch bridge connects the Lower West Side neighborhood to the revitalized 100-acre Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, formerly LaSalle Park.
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This little point looks out over the outlet of Tonawanda Creek, where it first merges into the Little River and then, together, the two waters merge into the Tonawanda Channel of the Niagara River. From here you have your choice of two different riverwalks: The Eerie Canalway Trail to the east, which runs upstream along Tonawanda Creek; and the Shoreline Trail which runs southwest along the Niagara River.
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Delaware Park is the jewel in the crown of Buffalo's park system. The park contains lakes, an art gallery, picnic areas, and trails. It also hosts the second largest free Shakespeare festival (after NYC) each summer. You could easily spend a full day here and still not discover everything on offer.
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Very near one end of the Empire State Trail, this repair station will help you get your bike right before you set off on your adventure. Or, to fix up anything that needs a tune up after finishing a tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around University At Buffalo?
There are over 20 touring cycling routes available around University At Buffalo, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult. The komoot community has explored these routes over 250 times.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near University At Buffalo?
The region primarily features flat, accessible paths along waterways and former rail lines. You'll find extensive, level routes along the historic Erie Canalway, as well as scenic creek and river trails like the Ellicott Creek Trailway. These routes often connect urban areas with natural preserves, offering a mix of developed and natural landscapes.
Are there routes suitable for beginner touring cyclists?
Yes, approximately two-thirds of the touring cycling routes around University At Buffalo are classified as easy, making them ideal for beginners. An excellent option is the South Grand Island Bridge – Isle View Park loop from Tonawanda Town, which is 11.1 miles (17.9 km) long and offers gentle terrain.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in the University At Buffalo area?
The best time for touring cycling in the University At Buffalo area is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the canal paths and rail trails are in prime condition. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear and awareness of snow and ice conditions.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Erie Canalway and Iroquois Refuge Loop is a difficult 80.2 miles (129.1 km) route. It offers extensive canal-side riding and views of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, taking approximately 7 hours 30 minutes to complete.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available near University At Buffalo?
Many routes in the area are designed as loops, providing a convenient circular experience. For example, the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails – South Grand Island Bridge loop from Niagara Falls Blvd & Forbes Ave (SB) is a moderate 24.9 miles (40.2 km) circular path that utilizes a former rail line and includes a loop over the South Grand Island Bridge.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes around University At Buffalo?
Many trailheads and parks along the major cycling routes, such as the Erie Canalway and Ellicott Creek Trailway, offer dedicated parking areas. Specific parking information can often be found on local park websites or within the komoot tour details for each route.
Are there any touring cycling routes with cafes or places to stop for refreshments?
Yes, some routes pass by or near establishments where you can grab refreshments. For instance, the Uncle G's Icecream – Erie Canal view loop from Niagara Falls Blvd & Creekside Dr (NB) is a moderate route that includes a stop at Uncle G's Icecream, perfect for a mid-ride treat with a view.
Are there bike repair facilities along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the area is equipped with some convenient bike repair facilities. You can find a repair station at Amherst Veterans Canal Park Bike Repair Station and another at Bike Repair and Charging Station at Niawanda Park, ensuring you're covered for minor adjustments or fixes.
What scenic views or points of interest can I expect on touring cycling routes near University At Buffalo?
You can expect scenic views along the Erie Canalway, offering historic waterways and natural landscapes. Routes often feature parks like Ellicott Creek Trailway Park and views of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. You might also cross notable structures like the UB Path Bridge or ride along the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, which provides varied scenery.
Are the touring cycling routes around University At Buffalo suitable for families?
Many of the easy and moderate routes, particularly those along the flat canal paths and rail trails, are very suitable for families. The generally low elevation gain and well-maintained surfaces make for a pleasant and safe cycling experience for all ages. The Ellicott Creek Trailway Park – Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey is an easy 18.0 miles (29.0 km) route that is popular with families.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around University At Buffalo?
The touring cycling routes around University At Buffalo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths, scenic canal views, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
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