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Montgomery County

The best traffic-free bike rides in Montgomery County

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 11, 2026

If you have ever tried to plan touring cycling in Montgomery County, you know how overwhelming the options can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it, and we've been there. That's why we've tapped into komoot's community, where thousands of riders have mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes. This guide is your curated shortcut, saving you the guesswork.

Montgomery County offers a distinct landscape for touring cyclists, defined by its river valleys, wooded areas, and gently rolling hills. You'll find a great mix of terrain, from easy, flat paths perfect for a relaxed spin to routes with more significant elevation changes for those looking for a bit more challenge. It’s a place where you can truly escape the traffic and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Erie Canalway Trail. This 13.7 miles (22.1 km) easy route is incredibly popular for a reason, offering minimal elevation gain along a classic, traffic-free path. For something a bit longer with varied terrain, the Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop from Fort Plain is a top favorite, covering 25.6 miles (41.2 km) with some gravel sections and a moderate 330 feet (100 m) of climbing. With more than 100 touring cyclists already exploring these paths with komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Erie Canalway Trail
  2. 2

    Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop from Fort Plain
  3. 3

    Bike loop from Foster Hill

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Erie Canalway Trail

22.1 km

50 m

Easy

Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop from Fort Plain

41.2 km

100 m

Moderate

Bike loop from Foster Hill

12.6 km

120 m

Easy

Bike loop from Johnstown

21.9 km

140 m

Easy

1.

Erie Canalway Trail

22.1km

01:15

50m

50m

If you're looking for an easy touring cycling route that blends history with natural beauty, the Erie Canalway Trail is a fantastic choice. This 13.7-mile (22.1 km) section offers a gentle ride with only 178 feet (54 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 14 minutes. You'll cycle along the historic canal towpath, enjoying a mix of paved and crushed stone surfaces, passing through woodlands and open canal views.

This trail is very beginner-friendly and suitable for families, thanks to its mostly flat and off-road nature. Parking is generally available at various trailheads along the route, making access simple. While the trail is open year-round, the best time to cycle is during the warmer months when the surfaces are dry and the scenery is lush. Always be mindful of on-road sections if you plan to explore parts that pass through towns.

The Erie Canalway Trail is a living museum, following the route of the 200-year-old Erie Canal, which played a crucial role in shaping New York and the United States. You'll encounter historical landmarks like the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, offering a unique glimpse into the past. It's also a significant part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, providing extensive touring cycling opportunities across New York State.

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2.

Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop from Fort Plain

41.2km

02:50

100m

100m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.

Bike loop from Johnstown

21.9km

01:17

140m

140m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips from the Community

Rza
September 23, 2026, Erie Canalway Gravel Path

Definitely need a mountain bike! Great ride.

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One of several locks on the Erie Canalway Trail. It is a great place for a break, as there is water and picnic benches. It is also a popular camping spot for touring cyclist riding the Erie Canalway Trail.

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Erie Canalway has a smooth gravel section. The trail is flat, and it is surrounded by green, and the canal views make it very enjoyable. The gravel adds some challenge, but shouldn’t be a problem.

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Herkimer House is a Georgian-style house museum. The mansion belonged to General Nicholas Herkimer, who took part in the battle of Oriskany, which is considered an important battle in the Revolutionary War. The museum offers tours running every hour from Wednesday to Sunday. The outsides of the house are a nice place to have a picnic with views of the Mohawk River.

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This is a great section of the Erie Canal Trail between Amsterdam and Fonda. The trail passes through forest and open farmland with views of the Mohawk River.

1

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Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is also known as the Erie Canal National Historic Landmark. It is a historic district and is where the ruins of the Erie Canal aqueduct are found.

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0

Alex Tray
April 22, 2024, Herkimer House

Revolutionary War site. Has reenactments.

0

0

Free tent camping for cyclists. Picnic benches, bike racks, bathrooms, and potable water are available. The nights can be quiet or they can be loud with the rumbling of the train across the canal. It's also next to the Highway. Geese droppings are everywhere. About 1 mile into town for food. Pizza areas don't deliver so you need to bike in. Most cafes and shops are closed on Sunday mornings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Montgomery County?

There are 4 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes currently available in Montgomery County, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. Three of these routes are rated as easy, and one is moderate.

What are some of the most popular no traffic cycling routes in Montgomery County?

The Erie Canalway Trail is a highly regarded option for no traffic touring, offering a scenic and mostly flat ride. Another popular choice is the Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop from Village of Fort Plain, which provides a slightly more challenging moderate experience.

Are there any family-friendly no traffic bike trails in Montgomery County?

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. The Erie Canalway Trail is an excellent choice, known for its flat terrain and car-free environment. The Bike loop from Foster Hill is also an easy option, perfect for a shorter family outing.

What kind of terrain can I expect on these no traffic touring routes?

The no traffic touring routes in Montgomery County primarily follow the historic Erie Canalway, meaning you can expect mostly flat or gently rolling terrain. Many sections are paved or feature well-maintained crushed stone paths, ideal for touring bicycles. The Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop specifically mentions a gravel path, offering a slightly different surface.

Are there any circular no traffic bike routes available?

Yes, there are circular routes designed for touring cyclists. The Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop from Village of Fort Plain is a moderate 41 km loop. Additionally, the Bike loop from Foster Hill (12 km) and the Bike loop from Town of Johnstown (21 km) offer easier circular options.

What can I see along the no traffic touring cycling routes in Montgomery County?

Along these routes, particularly those following the Erie Canalway, you can explore historical landmarks and natural beauty. Notable attractions include Lock and Dam 15 - Fort Plains and Erie Canal Lock 10, which showcase the engineering marvels of the canal. You might also pass by the Sprakers Reformed Church Rest Stop, offering a moment of tranquility.

Are there places to stop for refreshments or coffee along the routes?

Yes, you can find places to refuel. For example, Highwheeler Coffee is a highlight located near some of the cycling paths, perfect for a coffee break during your tour.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Montgomery County?

The komoot community rates the touring cycling experience in Montgomery County highly, with an average score of 4.25 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the Erie Canalway trails and the historical points of interest along the way, making for a relaxing and engaging ride.

What is the typical length of no traffic touring routes in this area?

The no traffic touring routes in Montgomery County vary in length. You can find shorter options like the Bike loop from Foster Hill at approximately 12 km, or longer tours such as the Herkimer House – Erie Canalway Gravel Path loop which is around 41 km. The Erie Canalway Trail section listed is about 22 km.

Is parking available near the no traffic touring cycling routes?

While specific parking locations are not detailed for every route, trails like the Erie Canalway often have designated parking areas at various access points, especially in towns or near historical sites. It's advisable to check local resources or the starting points of individual routes for precise parking information.

Are there any beginner-friendly no traffic touring bike routes?

Absolutely. Most of the no traffic routes in Montgomery County are rated as easy, making them ideal for beginners. The Erie Canalway Trail and the Bike loop from Foster Hill are excellent starting points, offering gentle gradients and a safe, car-free environment.

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