The best cycling routes around Media
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5
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Touring cycling around Media, Pennsylvania, features a landscape characterized by extensive woodlands, meadows, and dedicated parklands. The region benefits from a network of green spaces, including Ridley Creek State Park and Tyler Arboretum, which offer varied terrain for cycling. Efforts to enhance bikeability within the borough connect these natural features, providing both paved and unpaved options for touring cyclists. Crum Woods and Glen Providence Park further contribute to the area's natural appeal, with trails following scenic creeks and through forested areas.
Best touring cycling routes around Media
- The most popular touring cycling route is Bike loop from Ridley Creek State Park, a 5.2 miles (8.3 km) trail that takes about 35 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the expansive parklands of Ridley Creek.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Smedley Park – Crum Woods loop from Swarthmore College, a moderate 8.6 miles (13.8 km) path. This route navigates through the natural settings of Crum Woods and Smedley Park.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Crum Woods Trails – Smedley Park loop from Cardinal O'Hara High School, a 12.6 miles (20.3 km) trail leading through varied terrain including woodlands and park areas, often completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Media is defined by its dedicated parklands, extensive woodlands, and scenic creek valleys. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate routes with some elevation gain.
- The routes in Media are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 39 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Media's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
6
riders
16.1km
01:26
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
13.7km
01:15
170m
170m
The Smedley Park – Crum Woods Trails loop from Swarthmore offers a diverse touring cycling experience through lush native forests and wooded hills. You'll navigate a mix of accessible paved paths and more technical dirt trails, singletrack, and packed gravel, especially within the scenic Crum Woods where Crum Creek winds through. Be ready for some rocky and rooty sections that demand good bike handling, making this a rewarding ride for those who appreciate varied terrain.
This moderate 8.5-mile (13.7 km) loop involves 550 feet (168 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. Parking is available at Swarthmore College and Smedley Park, and the park is also accessible by trolley. It's best to tackle this route when conditions are dry to fully enjoy the technical sections without excessive mud.
Beyond the cycling, Crum Woods is one of Delaware County's last remaining forested areas, serving as an important educational resource for Swarthmore College due to its rich biodiversity. The area also holds historical significance, with remnants from the native Lenni Lenape and old mill ruins discoverable along the trails. This makes the route not just a physical challenge but also a journey through natural and historical landscapes.
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1
riders
23.5km
01:38
80m
80m
The Tinicum Park loop from Morton offers a wonderfully easy touring cycling experience, guiding you through the tranquil wetlands and wooded areas of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. You'll enjoy mostly flat, paved surfaces, with some packed gravel sections, as you take in the serene river trails and diverse ecosystems. It's a perfect route for a relaxed ride, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and potentially spot some local wildlife.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as this route is known for its accessibility. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the Morton area provides convenient entry points to the wider trail network. This 14.6-mile (23.5 km) loop, with a minimal 270 feet (82 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for cyclists of all skill levels, especially those new to touring.
This trail is part of a larger network that connects to significant regional routes like the D&L Canal bike path and the East Coast Greenway, offering potential for longer adventures. The area's focus on natural preservation, particularly within the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, makes it a notable spot for enjoying nature close to urban areas. You might even find options for camping nearby, extending your visit into a multi-day bikepacking trip.
4
riders
20.3km
01:38
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
12.5km
00:47
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Media
Tips from the Community
Eagle enthusiasts flock to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment for optimal eagle-watching opportunities. Traverse the impoundment loop counterclockwise, ensuring the impoundment is on your left, for the best view of these majestic birds and their nests. The observation platform and cross-dike road offer prime locations for eagle sightings.
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This side of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge tends to be quieter. There are some singletrack hiking trails and some packed gravel trails that are great on the bike. The I-95 Trail will take you northeast to the central loop of the park, or you can take the Fishing Point Trail out to the middle of Darby Creek.
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This park was named after Samuel L. Smedley, the founder of Delaware County's Parks and Recreation Board. It is popular with hikers, runners, and bikers, offering miles of trails, ruins, and the scenic Crum Creek running throughout.
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This area, similar to the world-famous Stonehenge, consists of a several-acre meadow with a circular arrangement of massive boulders. While mostly used for bonfires by local college students, it also offers a unique perspective from this viewpoint.
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Crum Woods is one of the last remaining forested areas in Delaware County, featuring 3.5 miles of trails winding through a lush, biodiverse forest. The area serves as a classroom for the college, taking advantage of its rich biodiversity.
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The native Lenni Lenape once inhabited this area, living along the banks of the Crum Creek. Along this trail, you'll encounter remnants of their time here, including old ruins. The trail is somewhat technical and features a picturesque bridge to cross.
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Eagle enthusiasts flock to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Impoundment for optimal eagle-watching opportunities. Traverse the impoundment loop counterclockwise, ensuring the impoundment is on your left, for the best view of these majestic birds and their nests. The observation platform and cross-dike road offer prime locations for eagle sightings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Media?
Touring cycling around Media offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll find routes that traverse extensive woodlands, open meadows, and dedicated parklands. Options include both paved and unpaved surfaces, with some routes following scenic creek valleys. For example, the Bike loop from Ridley Creek State Park is an easy ride on mostly paved surfaces, while routes through Crum Woods and Smedley Park offer more varied terrain.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Media?
Yes, Media offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. Four out of the six routes highlighted in the area are rated as easy. A great option is the Bike loop from Ridley Creek State Park, which is 5.2 miles (8.3 km) long and explores the expansive parklands.
What are some popular circular touring cycling routes in Media?
Many touring cyclists enjoy the circular routes available in Media. Popular options include the Smedley Park – Crum Woods loop from Swarthmore College, which is a moderate 8.6 miles (13.8 km) ride. Another favorite is the Crum Woods Trails – Smedley Park loop from Cardinal O'Hara High School, a 12.6 miles (20.3 km) trail through varied woodlands and park areas.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Media?
Media is a great place for family-friendly cycling, especially with its numerous parks and green spaces. The Bike loop from Ridley Creek State Park is an easy route suitable for all fitness levels, making it a good choice for families. Tyler Arboretum also offers wheelchair-accessible paths, which can be suitable for families with younger children or those using adaptive bikes.
What interesting places can I explore along the touring cycling routes in Media?
The touring cycling routes in Media offer access to several natural and historical attractions. You can explore the diverse plant collections and historic buildings at Tyler Arboretum, or enjoy the scenic trails of Crum Woods Trails. Smedley Park and Tinicum Park are also notable highlights along various routes, offering green spaces for relaxation and recreation.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Media?
Parking is generally available at the major parks and trailheads around Media. For instance, Ridley Creek State Park has designated parking areas. The borough of Media is also actively working on improving its bicycling environment, including expanding bicycle parking throughout the area. When planning your route, check the starting point for specific parking information.
Can I access touring cycling routes in Media using public transport?
Media is recognized for its well-connected grid network of streets, and the borough is working to enhance bikeability and connections. While direct public transport access to every trailhead might vary, Media's efforts to create a network of parks connected by sidewalks and safe bike routes aim to improve overall accessibility. For specific routes, it's best to check local public transport options to the nearest town or park entrance.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy about cycling in Media?
The touring cycling routes in Media are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the region's extensive woodlands, dedicated parklands, and scenic creek valleys. The variety of terrain, from easy paved loops to moderate routes through natural settings, is also frequently highlighted as a positive aspect of cycling in the area.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes available in Media?
Yes, for those looking for longer rides, Media offers routes that extend beyond shorter loops. The Tinicum Park loop from Morton is an easy 14.5 miles (23.4 km) route. Another moderate option is the Crum Woods Trails – Smedley Park loop from Cardinal O'Hara High School, which covers 12.6 miles (20.3 km) through varied terrain.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Media?
Media's natural landscapes, with its woodlands and meadows, make spring and fall particularly beautiful for touring cycling. During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, and the scenery is vibrant with spring blooms or autumn foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it's advisable to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the warmest parts of the day.
Are there any touring cycling routes that pass through or near Tyler Arboretum?
Yes, you can find touring cycling routes that allow you to experience the beauty of Tyler Arboretum. The Bike loop from Tyler Arboretum is an easy 4.7 miles (7.6 km) route that starts directly from the arboretum, allowing you to explore its surroundings and diverse plant collections.
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