The best cycling routes around Avalon

There are over 39 touring cycling routes around Avalon, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include urban riverfront paths, former rail trails, and suburban roads with varied terrain.

Yes, Avalon offers many easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the View of the Andy Warhol Bridge – North Shore Trail loop from Brunot Island is an easy 10.5-mile (16.9 km) path that provides urban scenery and views of iconic bridges along the riverfront. Another accessible option is the Bike loop from Glenfield, which is just over 10 km long.

Touring cycling routes around Avalon are characterized by their proximity to major rivers, offering flat, scenic paths alongside water. You'll also find routes that explore local parks and residential areas, with generally moderate elevation changes. The region features a mix of urban and natural settings, including wooded sections on rail trails.

While many routes feature moderate elevation, some offer more challenging sections. The Enlow Tunnel – Montour Trail loop from Glenfield is a moderate 21.1-mile (34.0 km) trail that utilizes a popular rail-trail with tunnels and wooded sections, involving a notable elevation gain of 188 meters. Another moderate option is the View of the Andy Warhol Bridge – Penn Avenue Shopping District loop from Allegheny Observatory, which includes nearly 300 meters of elevation change over 31.4 km.

Many routes in Avalon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Popular circular routes include the Enlow Tunnel – Montour Trail loop from Glenfield, the View of the Andy Warhol Bridge – North Shore Trail loop from Brunot Island, and the Acrisure Stadium – Point State Park Fountain loop from Bellevue. These loops offer varied distances and difficulties.

Many routes offer views of significant landmarks and attractions. You can cycle past Acrisure Stadium, explore the Fort Pitt Block House, or visit the Great Allegheny Passage Trailhead – Point State Park. The Acrisure Stadium – Point State Park Fountain loop from Bellevue specifically leads through urban landscapes and along riverbanks, offering views of these points of interest.

The touring cycling routes in Avalon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 230 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained riverfront trails, the urban park connectors, and the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels. The scenic views of bridges and cityscapes are also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. Routes along the riverfront, such as the View of the Andy Warhol Bridge – North Shore Trail loop from Brunot Island, provide excellent photo opportunities of iconic bridges and urban skylines. The varied terrain also offers picturesque views of local parks and natural features, especially along the rail trails.

The duration of routes varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. Shorter, easy routes like the Bike loop from Glenfield can be completed in under an hour, while moderate routes such as the Enlow Tunnel – Montour Trail loop from Glenfield typically take around 2 hours and 11 minutes. There are options for quick rides or longer excursions depending on your preference.

Given the urban and suburban nature of many routes, public transport options are generally available. Many routes start or pass through areas with good public transport connections, especially those near city centers or major attractions. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules and bike-on-board policies for specific routes and starting points.

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, routes that utilize popular rail-trails or urban park connectors often have designated parking areas nearby. For routes starting from locations like Glenfield or Bellevue, you can typically find parking in adjacent public lots or street parking, though availability may vary.