Cedar Lake and Erie Lackawanna Trail Loop

This road cycling loop is approximately 75.6 km (about 47 miles) long. Komoot estimates the average cycling time to be around 3 hours and 16 minutes, but this can vary based on your pace and how often you stop.

While the Erie Lackawanna Trail portion is generally considered easy due to its flat, paved nature, the entire Cedar Lake and Erie Lackawanna Trail Loop is rated as 'moderate' for road cycling. This is mainly due to its longer distance and some elevation gain, suggesting a good level of fitness is beneficial. Some northern sections of the trail may also have bumps or cracks.

The majority of the loop, especially segments using the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail, features paved asphalt surfaces. As a rail-trail, it follows a former railway corridor, resulting in a relatively flat grade. However, some northern sections, particularly in Hammond and Schererville, might have bumps, dips, and cracks. The overall loop's moderate difficulty rating also accounts for the potential of some unpaved or more challenging sections.

Cyclists can enjoy a varied landscape, including wooded corridors, open prairies, wetlands, and farmlands, interspersed with urban and suburban areas. You'll also get views of Cedar Lake. Wildlife sightings might include snakes, rabbits, various bird species like cardinals and robins, and even river otters. Wildflowers add vibrant color during spring and summer.

Key highlights include cycling along the historic Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail, which is part of the Great American Rail-Trail. You'll also pass by Cedar Lake. The trail also passes historical landmarks like the Griffith Historical Park with its preserved 1911 train depot and 1924 brick tower.

Yes, the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail is a crucial part of a larger network. It connects to other significant trails such as the Monon Trail, Little Calumet River Levee Trail, and Oak Savannah Trail. The Cedar Lake and Erie Lackawanna Trail Loop itself incorporates sections of trails like ADT - Indiana (North) - G - Seg 3, 37 (Indiana), and Pennsy Greenway.

The Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail, which forms a significant part of this loop, has multiple parking areas along its length. Major trailheads typically offer more extensive facilities.

The Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail is a popular multi-use path, and dogs are generally allowed, but they should always be kept on a leash and you are responsible for cleaning up after them.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle the Cedar Lake and Erie Lackawanna Trail Loop or the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail.

Yes, amenities along the Erie-Lackawanna Rail-Trail include multiple benches, and seasonally operational water fountains and porta-potties. Major trailheads usually offer more extensive facilities.

Spring and summer are excellent times to cycle this loop, as wildflowers add vibrant color to the trail. The trail is popular year-round, but be mindful of seasonal conditions, especially in winter when parts might be less maintained or weather conditions could be challenging for road cycling.