The best cycling routes around Tonawanda Town
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464
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If you've ever tried planning touring cycling around Tonawanda Town, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many paths and trails, it's hard to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has meticulously mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best.
What truly defines touring cycling around Tonawanda Town is its wonderfully flat terrain, making it incredibly accessible for all abilities. You'll find yourself cruising along historic canal paths, converted rail trails, and through scenic parklands, often with views of the Erie Canal or Niagara River. The interconnected network offers everything from easy loops to more challenging long-distance rides, and thanks to well-maintained, paved surfaces, it's a fantastic destination for cycling throughout the warmer months.
If you only do one ride, make it the Erie Canalway and Iroquois Refuge Loop, an 80.2 miles (129.1 km) route that offers a fantastic blend of history and nature, perfect for a full day's adventure. For something a bit shorter and family-friendly, the Ellicott Creek Trailway Park – Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey is a delightful 18.0 miles (29.0 km) easy ride through parkland. With more than 400 touring cyclists having explored Tonawanda Town with komoot, you know you're in good company – so grab your bike and start exploring!
Last updated: June 7, 2026
129km
07:30
230m
230m
The Erie Canalway and Iroquois Refuge Loop offers a unique touring bicycle experience, blending historic waterways with diverse natural habitats. You'll start along the Erie Canalway Trail, enjoying canal-side views and passing through charming towns, before transitioning into the tranquil wetlands of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot abundant wildlife like waterfowl and bald eagles. The terrain is a mix of paved, stone dust, and some natural, rutted sections, requiring a hybrid or gravel bike for the best ride.
Planning your trip for this difficult 80.2-mile (129.1 km) route, which takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes with 745 feet (227 metres) of elevation gain, is best done between May and September for optimal weather. While specific parking details for the entire loop aren't highlighted, amenities like bike repair stations and hostels are available along the way. This route is ideal for experienced cyclists looking for a substantial challenge and varied scenery.
What makes this loop truly stand out is its combination of historical significance and natural beauty. The Erie Canalway Trail follows a world-famous waterway that shaped American history, while the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge provides a stark contrast with its extensive wetlands and unique ecosystems. This blend offers a rich cultural and ecological journey, making it one of the top rated loop bike routes in New York for those seeking a diverse and rewarding adventure.
5.0
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36
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
40
riders
81.1km
04:34
140m
140m
The Erie Canal view – Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails loop from Amherst Street offers a long, pleasant touring cycling experience, primarily on paved surfaces. You'll follow the historic Erie Canal, enjoying water views and spotting local wildlife, before transitioning to the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, a smooth path known for its blend of urban convenience and nature observation. This moderate 50.4-mile (81.1 km) route, with a gentle 444 feet (135 metres) of elevation gain, is a great choice for cyclists looking for a scenic, accessible long ride that takes about 4 hours and 33 minutes to complete.
For planning your visit, parking is conveniently located at various points along the route, including Ives Park, Walter M. Kenney Field, and Amherst Veterans Canal Park. While the trail is mostly off-road, be prepared for a few short on-road sections where you'll share the shoulder with traffic. The Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails section is equipped with HAWK signals or RRFB at major intersections, enhancing safety for crossings.
This loop combines significant portions of the historic Erie Canalway Trail, part of the larger Empire State Trail, with the newer Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails. The Erie Canalway Trail offers a glimpse into New York's past, while the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails, constructed in 2016, provides a vital recreational link for the community. You might even spot turkeys and various bird species along the way, adding a natural element to this urban-adjacent ride.
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The Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey offers a wonderfully smooth and scenic touring bicycle experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 18.0-mile (29.0 km) route, with a gentle 155 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, follows the winding Ellicott Creek, providing open water views and passing through a pleasant mix of natural areas and semi-urban landscapes. You'll pedal past the Amherst Audubon Golf Course and the University at Buffalo campus, enjoying the paved terrain and the chance to spot local wildlife like deer and various birds.
For planning your visit, you'll find ample parking at various access points, including one conveniently located off N Forest Road. The trail is well-maintained and features amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, making it ideal for families or anyone looking for a comfortable ride. While generally accessible year-round, checking current trail conditions is always a good idea, especially during winter months.
This trail is a standout for its accessibility and historical significance as one of the oldest parks in the Erie County system, featuring some charming stone structures. It's a fantastic option for beginner touring cyclists or families with kids, offering a safe and enjoyable environment. The route also connects to the broader Erie Canalway Trail, opening up possibilities for longer cycling adventures if you're feeling ambitious.
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36.8km
02:05
60m
60m
This touring cycling loop from Beaver Island State Park offers a delightful and easy ride along the Niagara River, primarily utilizing the West River Shoreline Trail. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the water, lush wildflowers, and opportunities for birdwatching, all on a smooth, paved, and car-free surface. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Grand Island without any strenuous effort, covering 22.9 miles (36.8 km) with only 185 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain in about 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Starting your adventure at Beaver Island State Park provides convenient access to amenities like picnic areas and a nature center. The trail's flat and paved nature makes it suitable for cycling year-round, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions. Parking is generally ample at the park, making for an easy start and finish to your moderate cycling excursion.
Grand Island itself boasts a rich history, from its Indigenous roots to its strategic role in past conflicts, adding a layer of depth to your ride. The West River Shoreline Trail connects Beaver Island State Park to Buckhorn Island State Park, forming part of a larger continuous loop around the island. This route is also just a short distance from Niagara Falls, offering an impressive natural wonder nearby.
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Popular around Tonawanda Town
Tips from the Community
Great place for cycling and dog walking for nature lovers
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A pretty bridge, a nice bike path underneath and if you're lucky you might see a train passing overhead.
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The waterfalls are beautiful! The path is not easy and overgrown. There is a wooden ladder you can use to go down and skip part of the way, but it's not attached to the wall, so be careful.
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The Amherst Canalway Trail offers a peaceful, paved route perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading along the historic Erie Canal. Stretching about eleven miles, it connects Tonawanda to Amherst and showcases scenic views, parks, and local history just outside Buffalo.
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Here you have a small but pleasant park space perfect for a break.
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The UB Path Bridge, officially known as the Ralph Wilson Park Bridge, is a striking new pedestrian and cyclist crossing in Buffalo, New York. Spanning 266 feet over Interstate 190 and a CSX rail line, the enclosed steel arch bridge connects the Lower West Side neighborhood to the revitalized 100-acre Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, formerly LaSalle Park.
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Delaware Park is the jewel in the crown of Buffalo's park system. The park contains lakes, an art gallery, picnic areas, and trails. It also hosts the second largest free Shakespeare festival (after NYC) each summer. You could easily spend a full day here and still not discover everything on offer.
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Very near one end of the Empire State Trail, this repair station will help you get your bike right before you set off on your adventure. Or, to fix up anything that needs a tune up after finishing a tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Tonawanda Town?
There are over 35 touring cycling routes in Tonawanda Town, offering a variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Tonawanda Town?
Yes, Tonawanda Town offers 19 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for beginners is the Ellicott Creek Trailway Park – Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey, which is 29.0 km long and leads through a scenic park.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Tonawanda Town?
The touring cycling routes in Tonawanda Town are primarily characterized by flat terrain, making them accessible for many cyclists. You'll find paths along the historic Erie Canal, converted rail trails, and routes through local park systems.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Tonawanda Town?
Yes, many routes in Tonawanda Town are loops. For example, the Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails – South Grand Island Bridge loop from Niagara Falls Blvd & Forbes Ave (SB) is a moderate 40.2 km loop that utilizes a converted rail trail and offers views of the South Grand Island Bridge.
What are some interesting places to explore or landmarks to see along the touring cycling routes?
Along the routes, you can explore several natural attractions. Consider visiting Wilkeson Point for scenic views, or the tranquil Hoyt Lake. Ellicott Island Park also offers a pleasant stop.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Tonawanda Town?
The routes in Tonawanda Town are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained canal paths and converted rail trails, as well as the accessible, flat terrain.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, for those seeking a more challenging ride, the Erie Canalway and Iroquois Refuge Loop is a difficult 129.1 km route that explores the historic canal system and natural refuge areas.
Can I find routes that offer views of the Erie Canal?
Absolutely. The Erie Canal is a prominent feature of the region's cycling landscape. The Erie Canal view – Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails loop from Amherst Street is a moderate 81.1 km route that provides excellent canal views.
Are there any routes that connect to Niagara Falls?
Yes, you can find routes that extend towards Niagara Falls. The South Grand Island Bridge – Niagara Falls (American Side) loop from Kenmore is a moderate 69.7 km route that takes you towards this iconic landmark.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Tonawanda Town?
Given the region's characteristics, spring through fall generally offers the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Tonawanda Town. The flat terrain makes it enjoyable across these seasons, with autumn providing scenic foliage along the canal paths and park routes.
Are there any routes that are particularly good for families?
Many of the easy and moderate routes on the flat rail trails and park paths are suitable for families. The Ellicott Creek Trailway Park – Ellicott Creek Trailway loop from North Bailey is an easy 29.0 km route that is a good choice for a family outing.
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