The best road cycling routes around Nazareth College

Road cycling routes around Nazareth College generally range from moderate to longer distances. For example, you can find routes like the Erie Canal Trail – George's Cove loop from Village of Pittsford, which is about 19.4 miles (31.2 km), or the Pittsford – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Bushnell's Basin Park and Ride Lot, covering approximately 30.2 miles (48.6 km).

The road cycling routes in this area are primarily categorized as easy or moderate. Many routes, especially along the Erie Canalway Trail, feature flat, paved paths, making them accessible for various skill levels. There are no routes currently classified as difficult in the immediate vicinity.

Yes, beginners will find several suitable options. The Erie Canalway Trail is particularly well-suited for beginners, offering wide, flat, and paved surfaces with continuous water views. Routes like the Pittsford – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Village of Pittsford are rated as easy and provide a great starting point.

Absolutely. The flat and well-maintained paths of the Erie Canalway Trail and sections of the Genesee Riverway Trail are excellent for family outings. These trails offer safe, scenic environments away from vehicle traffic, perfect for cyclists of all ages.

You can expect diverse and scenic views. Many routes follow the historic Erie Canalway Trail, offering continuous views of the water and passing through charming towns. The Genesee Riverway Trail provides urban riverfront scenery, including views of the Court Street Dam and the Frederick Douglass Susan B Anthony Bridge. The wider region also features parks with unique glacial features and beautiful woodlands.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of Court Street Dam – Erie Canalway Trail loop from Town of Brighton and the Kokopelli Pond loop from Town of Brighton, providing convenient round trips.

Along your rides, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. The Erie Canal Trail itself is a historic feature, with notable bridges like the Bridge over the Erie Canal. On the Genesee Riverway Trail, you can see the Court Street Dam and the Frederick Douglass Susan B Anthony Bridge. Further afield, Highland Park is known for its extensive floral collections.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling in the Rochester area. Spring brings blooming lilacs to Highland Park, while summer provides warm weather for long rides. Fall offers beautiful foliage along the trails. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear and awareness of weather conditions.

Many routes offer convenient access points with parking. For instance, the Pittsford – Erie Canalway Trail loop can be accessed from the Bushnell's Basin Park and Ride Lot. The Erie Canalway Trail and Genesee Riverway Trail have multiple access points throughout Monroe County, often with nearby parking facilities in towns and parks.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 9 reviews. Road cyclists frequently praise the flat, paved paths of the Erie Canalway Trail for their ease of use and scenic water views, as well as the overall accessibility and variety of routes available for different skill levels.

While not directly on the main road cycling routes listed, the broader Genesee River area, particularly along the Genesee Riverway Trail, is known for its impressive Genesee River Gorge and three waterfalls within the city of Rochester. Cyclists on the Riverway Trail can enjoy views of these natural features.

There are over 40 road cycling routes available around Nazareth College, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and skill levels. These include 17 easy routes and 24 moderate routes, ensuring there's something for everyone.