The best road cycling routes around Allentown

The Allentown area, nestled within the Lehigh Valley, offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences. You'll find routes that follow picturesque river paths, wind through state forests, and traverse varied landscapes with a mix of flat sections and gently rolling hills. The region is known for its scenic beauty, including lush forestry and open spaces, catering to different preferences and skill levels.

Yes, Allentown offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Riverwalk Park – Whiting Field Circle Road loop from Milton is an easy 25.9-mile (41.7 km) path that leads through park areas. Another accessible option is the Roadbike loop from Santa Rosa County, which is 17.7 miles (28.5 km) long and also rated as easy. These routes are great for a relaxed ride.

For longer rides, the Allentown area provides routes that stretch over significant distances. The Blackwater River State Forest loop is a moderate 65.1-mile (104.7 km) path that takes you through state forest landscapes. Another option is the Blackwater Heritage Trail and Whiting Field Loop, a moderate 48.9-mile (78.6 km) trail, perfect for a more extended cycling adventure.

The Lehigh Valley is celebrated for its stunning scenery. Many routes follow rivers like the Jordan Creek Greenway and the Lehigh River along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail), offering picturesque views. Areas like Trexler Nature Preserve provide stunning overlooks of the Lehigh Valley, while trails through Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center and Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve wind through scenic woodlands and offer challenging climbs with incredible vistas.

Yes, the region features several excellent loop routes. The Riverwalk Park – Whiting Field Circle Road loop from Milton is a popular circular option. The Ironton Rail-Trail also forms a 9.2-mile loop, transformed from a former railroad, offering a year-round recreational resource. Additionally, the Jordan Creek Greenway offers a scenic, paved 15.5-mile loop when combined with paths in Trexler Memorial Park.

The Lehigh Valley offers beautiful cycling conditions throughout much of the year. Autumn is particularly vibrant, with stunning fall foliage across the mountains, valleys, and countryside. Spring and summer also provide pleasant riding weather. While winter cycling is possible, conditions can vary, so checking local weather is always recommended.

Absolutely. The Jordan Creek Greenway and Lehigh Parkway offer paved paths suitable for families. Trexler Memorial Park features biking paths amidst open, grassy lawns. The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) also has many sections that are multi-use and relatively flat, making them great for family outings. Covered Bridge Park and Cedar Creek Parkway also provide accessible paths.

The road cycling routes around Allentown are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, which includes river paths, state forests, and varied landscapes. The mix of flat sections and gently rolling hills, along with the scenic beauty of the Lehigh Valley, are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of riding in the area.

The Lehigh Valley is rich with points of interest. You might cycle past historic sites along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which offers glimpses into the region's industrial past. Lehigh Parkway features Bogert's Covered Bridge, the oldest bridge in the county. Trexler Nature Preserve offers opportunities to observe wildlife like elk and bison, while the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve provides incredible overlooks. The Allentown Rose Garden is also accessible via paths in Cedar Creek Parkway.

Many parks and trailheads in the Allentown area offer convenient starting points with parking. For example, Lehigh Parkway, Trexler Memorial Park, and Covered Bridge Park are popular choices with dedicated parking facilities. Access points along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail) and the Ironton Rail-Trail also typically provide parking, making it easy to begin your ride.

While many routes offer gentle terrain, the Lehigh Valley also caters to cyclists seeking more challenging rides. The region features rolling hills and routes with significant elevation gains. For instance, the New Tripoli loop, mentioned in regional research, boasts over 4,400 feet of elevation, appealing to riders looking for a strenuous workout. Areas like the Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve also offer challenging climbs.

Yes, many routes in the Allentown area are designed to follow rivers and creeks, offering picturesque and peaceful riding experiences. The Jordan Creek Greenway runs along Jordan Creek, and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor follows the Lehigh River. Lehigh Parkway also traces the Little Lehigh Creek, providing miles of trails with water views.