The best road cycling routes around Simpson

There are 5 dedicated road cycling routes around Simpson documented on komoot, ranging from moderate to difficult. These routes explore the scenic creek corridors, natural preserves, and rolling hills of the Endless Mountains region.

While the dedicated road cycling routes on komoot are rated moderate to difficult, the wider Simpson area offers options for beginners. The D&H Rail-Trail, for instance, provides a generally flatter experience on crushed stone or cinder surfaces, suitable for those new to cycling or looking for a less strenuous ride. This trail connects to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, forming an extensive greenway.

Road cycling around Simpson features a diverse landscape. You'll encounter scenic creek corridors, natural preserves, and rolling hills characteristic of the Endless Mountains region. Routes can include both well-paved roads and sections of rail-trails with crushed stone surfaces. Expect a mix of flat stretches and significant climbs, offering varied experiences for cyclists.

For a challenging ride, consider the View of the Lackawanna River – Lackawanna Mountain loop from Holiday Inn Express & Suites. This route covers nearly 42 miles (68 km) with over 2,900 feet (900 meters) of elevation gain, offering a difficult but rewarding experience. Other moderate routes like the Scranton loop from Electric City Trolley Station also feature significant climbs, exceeding 2,600 feet (816 meters) over 50 miles (81 km).

Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty. Many routes traverse areas with scenic creek corridors, and the Panther Creek Nature Preserve is known for its cascading waterfalls, natural waterslides, and rocky ledges. The preserve is also a Wild Plant Sanctuary, featuring diverse native trees, mosses, and seasonal wildflowers, including dense rhododendrons.

Yes, several popular routes around Simpson are loops. For example, the Scranton loop from PNC Field is a 47.4-mile (76.2 km) loop, and the Fall Brook Lake loop from Simpson offers a shorter 25.1-mile (40.4 km) option through natural areas around the lake.

The region's diverse native trees and seasonal wildflowers suggest that spring and autumn would be particularly scenic for road biking. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and fresh greenery, while autumn offers vibrant fall foliage. Summer is also suitable, though it's always wise to check local weather conditions.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Simpson, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often appreciate the varied terrain, which includes both challenging climbs and scenic stretches through natural preserves and along creek corridors, providing a rewarding experience in the Endless Mountains region.

The duration of road cycling routes around Simpson varies depending on the distance and elevation. Moderate routes like the Scranton loop from PNC Field (47.4 miles) typically take around 3 hours 50 minutes. Shorter routes, such as the Finch Hill loop from Finch Hill Restaurant and Dairy Bar (21.2 miles), can be completed in about 2 hours.

While the dedicated komoot road cycling routes are generally moderate to difficult, the D&H Rail-Trail offers a more family-friendly option. This trail, which is largely flat and on crushed stone surfaces, provides a safer and more accessible environment for families to enjoy cycling together through scenic landscapes.

Specific parking details are often available on individual route pages. However, for routes originating from towns or trailheads, you can typically find parking. For example, routes starting from Scranton, like the Scranton loop from PNC Field, would likely have parking facilities near the starting point. The D&H Rail-Trail also has designated access points with parking.