Things to do / Travel Guide
Opportunities for cycling abound in the western New York and south-central Ontario areas - in fact, the region is known for being especially bike-friendly. The terrain is multi-varying: One second you're rolling past graceful farmland, the next moment you're dodging trees in dense forests. There are also wetlands and brushlands; mountains, valleys, and gorges - oh my!
Buffalo, Niagara, and Toronto all have active bicycling clubs that offer a wide assortment of outings, races, and cycling events, and there is even a Pedaling History Bicycle Museum in the town of Orchard Park.
Road Cycling
The Western Erie Canalway Trail is a flat, 85-mile bike trail. It is mostly paved, but free of cars. Known by locals as the “towpath,” this trail runs from the town of Palmyra west to Lockport along New York State's Erie Canal. There are plenty of access points, and the trail winds its way past working locks, historical sights, and ice cream parlors. The trail is easy to follow - just stick close to the canal!
The Seaway Trail is 454 miles in its entirety, and is comprised of paved vehicle roads that trace the shoreline of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River. Bikers can count on courteous drivers, roads with wide shoulders and few potholes, fresh, clean air, and lake breezes that scare away the mosquitoes.
In south-central Ontario, the city of Toronto is dedicated to providing safe, bike-friendly routes and roads for residents and visitors.
Mountain Biking
Allegheny State Park in western New York provides miles of hilly, wooded terrain. The ski trails are currently open to bikes and can be accessed from the summit trail south of the town of Salamanca, or from the Bova Ski Hill trailhead past Camp Allegheny. The trails provide difficult climbs, high speeds, and excellent terrain-challenges for even the most experienced mountain bikers.
In western New York's Letchworth State Park you will find the Finger Lakes Trail. This trail is reputed to be one of the best mountain-biking trails in western New York. It is a 22-mile single-track trail with exquisite views and a wide range of rugged physical challenges. The most popular access to the trail is from the Hogs Back Trailhead: Look for signs to the Mount Morris Dam near the Genesee River, the trailhead will be on your left.
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