The best road cycling routes around Longhill

There are 14 road cycling routes available around Longhill. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate rides, with 4 easy routes and 10 moderate routes, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Road cycling routes in Longhill feature a diverse landscape, including grasslands, marshes, and woodlands, particularly around the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. While predominantly flat, some routes incorporate gentle hills, adding variety to the terrain. Roads are generally paved and low-traffic, offering a serene backdrop for your ride.

Yes, Longhill offers several routes suitable for longer rides. For example, the Omagh Town Centre loop from Dromore is a moderate 32.6-mile (52.4 km) trail. Another option is the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh – Omagh Town Centre loop from Dromore, which covers 31.7 miles (51 km).

Beginners can enjoy several easy routes in Longhill. The Irvinestown and Ederney loop from Dromore is an easy 25.7-mile (41.3 km) trail with a moderate elevation gain. Another great option is the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh loop from Dromore, an easy 25.5-mile (41.1 km) path with gentle elevation.

The primary natural feature is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a remnant of Glacial Lake Passaic. Cyclists can experience diverse habitats like grasslands, marshes, woodlands, and ponds. The refuge is also home to various wildlife, including numerous bird species like the blue heron, and you might even spot turtles. While cycling directly on refuge trails is restricted, you can explore the area along Pleasant Plains Road.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Longhill, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse natural scenery, the generally low-traffic paved roads, and the serene escape offered by the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

While Longhill's routes are primarily easy to moderate, some incorporate gentle hills to add variety. There are no routes classified as 'difficult' in the immediate area, making it more suitable for leisure and endurance rides rather than extreme climbs. The Edenaclogh Wood – Dromore Church Ruin loop from Dromore is a moderate 28-mile (45.1 km) route with over 1000 feet of elevation gain, offering a good workout.

The region's diverse habitats and wildlife make it enjoyable across seasons. However, for optimal road cycling, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. During these times, you can best appreciate the natural beauty of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Longhill are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Irvinestown and Ederney loop from Dromore and the Omagh Town Centre loop from Dromore.

While cycling directly on the refuge's internal trails is often restricted to protect wildlife, cycling is permitted along Pleasant Plains Road, which traverses through the refuge. This allows you to experience the unique blend of natural scenery and observe wildlife from the road. For more detailed information on refuge regulations, you can visit the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website: fws.gov.

Due to the rich biodiversity of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, cyclists should be mindful of wildlife. Turtles are a common road hazard, especially during certain seasons. While roads are generally low-traffic, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly during peak commuter times.