The best road cycling routes around Laurel Run

There are 10 road cycling routes documented around Laurel Run on komoot. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from moderate rides to more challenging excursions through the region's diverse landscapes.

The Laurel Run area, particularly in Pennsylvania, is characterized by its Allegheny hills, offering a mix of challenging ascents and descents. You'll find routes through dense forest cover, with some areas providing scenic views of local wildlife and connections to natural waterways. The terrain can be quite varied, catering to different fitness levels.

Yes, the Laurel Run area offers challenging routes for experienced cyclists. For instance, the Lithia Valley Road – Luzerne County Levee Trail loop from Yatesville is classified as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains of over 1,600 meters. The Allegheny hills provide ample opportunities for vigorous workouts.

While many routes in the immediate Laurel Run area feature moderate to difficult terrain due to the Allegheny hills, some sections or connections to regional trails might offer easier options. For example, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is known for flatter sections, and Laurel, Maryland, offers more accessible paved routes. Within the komoot guide for Laurel Run, all listed routes are moderate to difficult, suggesting a good level of fitness is generally required.

Road cycling routes around Laurel Run offer diverse scenery. You can expect views of dense mountain laurel, forest cover, and local wildlife. Some routes pass by significant natural features like the Susquehanna River and lakes such as Shickshinny Lake and Harvey's Lake. The spring rhododendron bloom and fall foliage are particularly scenic along routes like Laurel Run Road.

Yes, some routes may lead you near interesting landmarks. For example, you might pass by the Market Street Bridge or the Concrete City. In Laurel, Maryland, routes might offer views of the Bollman Truss Bridge or pass by the Laurel Race Track.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Laurel Run are designed as loops. Examples include the Wilkes-Barre to Scranton loop, the Wilkes-Barre to Shickshinny Lake loop, and the Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park loop, offering convenient starting and ending points.

The spring and fall seasons are particularly scenic for road cycling in Laurel Run. Spring offers beautiful rhododendron blooms, while fall provides stunning foliage. Summer can also be pleasant, though it's wise to check weather conditions, especially for warmer days. Winter cycling might be challenging due to cold temperatures and potential snow or ice, particularly in the higher elevations of the Allegheny hills.

While the primary road cycling routes listed for Laurel Run tend to be moderate to difficult, families might find more suitable options by connecting to regional paved trails. For instance, the WB&A trail in Laurel, Maryland, or sections of the D&L Trail near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, could offer flatter, less challenging rides suitable for families.

Specific parking information varies by route. Many routes in the Laurel Run area, particularly those starting near towns like Wilkes-Barre, will have public parking available. For routes that venture into state forests or parks, designated parking areas are typically provided. It's recommended to check the specific route details on komoot for parking suggestions near your chosen starting point.

The road cycling routes in Laurel Run are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the challenging climbs, and the beautiful natural landscapes, including forest cover and scenic lakes, that make for a rewarding ride.

The road cycling routes around Laurel Run vary in length. You can find routes ranging from approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) like the Wilkes-Barre to Frances Slocum State Park loop, up to longer rides exceeding 110 kilometers (68 miles), such as the Lithia Valley Road – Luzerne County Levee Trail loop from Yatesville. Most routes fall in the 60-70 kilometer (37-43 mile) range.

Yes, several routes in the Laurel Run area feature water views. The Wilkes-Barre to Shickshinny Lake loop offers scenic views of Shickshinny Lake. Another route, the Wilkes-Barre to Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park loop, leads past both Harvey's Lake and Frances Slocum State Park, which includes a lake. Additionally, some trails in the broader region lead to the vicinity of the Susquehanna River.