The best road cycling routes around Mckinley

The Pennypack Trail loop from Philmont offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through dense woodlands and along the scenic Pennypack Creek. You'll experience a mix of paved surfaces and crushed stone or gravel, passing through the expansive Pennypack Park and the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, which is rich in native plants and wildlife. The varied terrain keeps the ride interesting, with lush scenery changing around every bend.

This easy road cycling route covers 23.9 miles (38.4 km) with 799 feet (244 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 56 minutes. While much of it is smooth, be prepared for some unpaved sections that might be more comfortable on a gravel bike or a road bike with wider tires. Parking is available near Philmont, but a GPS app is recommended due to inconsistent signage, especially where the surface changes.

Historically, the trail follows the corridor of the old Fox Chase – Newtown Branch Line, and you'll encounter landmarks like the 1697 Pennypack Creek Bridge, considered the oldest continuous road bridge in the United States. It's a significant part of the Circuit Trails network, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue within an urban landscape, making it a great option for a longer, varied ride.

The Pennypack Trail loop from Noble offers a scenic journey through wooded parks and alongside the Pennypack Creek, providing a mix of paved and crushed stone surfaces. You'll find yourself immersed in lush forest preserves, enjoying ample shade and water views, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. The route's varied terrain, including rolling hills and some short, steep climbs, makes it an engaging ride for those looking for more than a flat, easy spin.

For this 23.7-mile (38.1 km) moderate loop, which typically takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete with 878 feet (268 metres) of elevation gain, you'll find multiple parking areas and access points along the trail. While the specific start for this Pennypack Trail loop from Noble is well-situated, the trail's connection to the Circuit Trails network means amenities like restrooms and water are generally accessible. Consider an early start to make the most of the day, especially on weekends.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Pennypack Trail is steeped in history, following a former rail line and passing remnants of 19th-century mills. You can even see the stone-arch bridge at Frankford Avenue, considered the oldest surviving road bridge in the United States. This blend of ecological preserves, historical sites, and varied cycling conditions makes it one of the best cycling loops near Noble Road for a rewarding outing.

This 14.5-mile (23.4 km) road cycling loop from Allen Lane offers a refreshing escape, transitioning from the open Schuylkill River Trail into the verdant embrace of Wissahickon Valley Park. You'll pedal along the scenic Wissahickon Creek, where the famous Forbidden Drive's "pebble trail" surface adds a unique texture to the ride, contrasting with the smoother paved sections. Expect to encounter dense forests, steep topography, and the soothing sounds of numerous waterfalls, making for a truly immersive natural experience.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking available near Allen Lane. While the route is generally moderate with 994 feet (303 metres) of elevation gain over about 1 hour and 20 minutes, be mindful of the varied terrain; a hybrid or gravel bike might offer more comfort on the unpaved sections of Forbidden Drive. It's a great option for those seeking a moderate challenge and a blend of urban and natural landscapes, but always be prepared for potential traffic in the urban stretches of the Schuylkill River Trail.

Wissahickon Valley Park is a National Natural Landmark, celebrated for its exceptional beauty and the unique, motor-vehicle-free environment of Forbidden Drive. This route allows you to experience the best of both worlds: the expansive views along the Schuylkill River and the secluded charm of the Wissahickon, making it one of the more popular routes for road cycling near Philadelphia. It's a fantastic way to explore the natural features and landmarks of the region.

The Sandy Hill – Five Points loop from Oreland is a moderate road cycling route that takes you through the diverse landscapes of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Expect a varied ride across mostly paved surfaces, navigating a mix of flat sections and rolling terrain with some engaging climbs. It’s a good way to experience the green spaces and natural beauty characteristic of the Oreland area, offering a pleasant journey through both natural and possibly suburban settings.

For planning your ride, be aware that specific details for this particular loop are not widely documented, so local knowledge or further investigation into starting points and parking in Oreland is recommended. The 29.9-mile (48.2 km) route, with its 1311 feet (400 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete. It's best enjoyed during pleasant weather, so consider spring or fall for comfortable temperatures.

This route is a solid choice for cyclists seeking a moderate challenge and a chance to explore the varied terrain around Oreland. While not a high-altitude epic, it provides a good workout and a scenic tour through an area known for its green spaces and access to Pennsylvania's waterways. It's an excellent option if you're looking for road cycling routes near Oreland that offer a balanced mix of effort and enjoyment.