

Updated May 2018

Strap on your helmets, pull up your kickstands, and prepare to have the most fun that’s allowed on two wheels. No matter how old you are, there’s nothing more exhilarating than putting your pedals into action and coasting down a trail.

Western New York has a surplus of dedicated bike paths meant to keep you safe and off the road. Below are six awesome bike rides built for every level of rider, arranged from shortest to longest.

Preserve the Outer Harbor

Begin your day by parking at Charlie’s Boat Yard and grabbing a quick bite to eat. This little waterfront restaurant is always hopping during the summer months, with a huge outdoor patio. And btw, they serve brunch! But if you really want to hit the road fast, you can always get a bite to eat from their grab-and-go window.

Once you’ve filled up, saddle up your cycles and witness the splendor of Buffalo’s emerging waterfront. Start by going north on Fuhrmann Boulevard, eventually veering off to the left through a guided maze of new trails. Spend a little time exploring the Greenway Nature Trail and areas around Wilkenson Point, then circle around to the Times Beach Nature Preserve before heading back.

At just over 5 miles, this ride is perfect for beginners and the little ones. If you’re up for it, don’t forget that the Tifft Nature Preserve is just down the road, south of Dug’s Dive.

Charlie’s Boat Yard

1111 Fuhrmann Boulevard / Old First Ward (South Buffalo)

(716) 821-9600 / SOB LISTING

Follow the River to the Falls

Perhaps the most scenic ride on the list commences by parking your car at Devil’s Hole Park in Niagara Falls. Follow the Robert Moses Parkway and ride past DeVeaux Woods Park to see the Niagara Whirlpool in action. Continue alongside the Whirlpool Rapids, eventually reaching the city. Once inside, the city is yours to discover.

If you get hungry, visit the Old Falls Street Deli at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. Choose from a wide array of traditional New York style deli sandwiches made from hometown produce and products. Sample any one of their affordable paninis and wraps, or customize your lunch by building your own sandwich. Maybe you’ll meet the next winner of Hell’s Kitchen or star of the Food Network.

At just under 8 miles, this ride is perfect for any one just looking to step out and have fun. You can always extend your ride by remaining on the Robert Moses until you get to the Grand Island Bridge at Buffalo Ave.

Old Falls Street Deli

28 Old Falls Street / Niagara Falls (Niagara County)

(716) 210-2585 / SOB LISTING

Solitude in the Suburbs

Sometimes you want to get away without really getting away. For a quiet ride steeped in isolation, try the Clarence Pathways. Park your car on Clarence Center between Utley and Barnum Roads. Going east will take you past the Arrowhead Golf Course and into Akron. Turn right where the trail ends at Rte. 93, go left on John St., and right on Parkview Dr. After about a quarter mile you’ll come to the beautiful Akron Falls.

Travel back and unwind at the Clarence Center Coffee Co. and Café at the corner of Goodrich and Clarence Center. Don’t let the name fool you, they have a lot more to offer than coffee. Stop in for Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays and enjoy live, local music. Sample the Chipotle Pesto and Bacon Flatbread, or their Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

The total ride is about 9 miles. Parking near the trail is also available at the Clarence Highway Engineering and Building Department Complex on Goodrich Rd.

Clarence Center Coffee Co. and Café

9475 Clarence Center Road / Clarence (North Towns)

(716) 741-8573 / SOB LISTING

Blaze through Black Rock

For a more thorough ride, drive over to Aqua Lane Park in Tonawanda, and prepare your pedals for a pleasant trip lakeside. Start by going south and follow the Riverwalk past Riverside Park to the Black Rock Channel. Cross the bridge and take a quick tour of Squaw Island before crossing another bridge leading into Downtown Buffalo. Cruise through the Naval Park and Erie Basin Marina for good measure, then head back.

After a fun day traveling beside the Black Rock Channel, move to dry land and try out Sun Restaurant on Niagara St. near Squaw Island. For more details, read our full review.

As an alternate route, don’t cross the bridge at Squaw Island. Stay straight instead and follow the bike path next to Scajaquada Expressway into Delaware Park. Both trips will run about 10-15 miles.

Sun Restaurant

1989 Niagara Street / Black Rock (North Buffalo)

(716) 447-0202 / SOB LISTING, REVIEW

Roll on the Riverwalk

Make life simple and park your car next to the river on Kohler St. in Tonawanda just down the road from Niawanda Park. Kick off your journey by bearing north. The trail will end on Creekside Dr., but stay on the road and keep going until you reach Park Rd. Turn right, pick back up on the trail and follow it all the way to the scenic UB North Campus.

Later, drop your bike back at the car, and cross the street to Mississippi Mudds. Put your feet up and chill out on their iconic rooftop patio overlooking the Niagara River. Treat yourself to WNY’s best grilled chicken sandwich and a full serving of their famous Louisiana Sweet Fries. There’s a playground for the kids and plenty of ice cream, so don’t be afraid to settle in.

This ride has a total length of about 14 miles. You can also head south on the Riverwalk towards Downtown Buffalo, or follow Tonawanda Creek all the way into Lockport.

Mississippi Mudds

313 Niagara Street / Tonawanda (North Towns)

(716) 694-0787 / SOB LISTING

Trail the Canal

For long range riders, a trip along the Erie Canal will be just what you’re looking for. Start early and grab some breakfast at Tom’s Diner on Main St. in Lockport. They have it all, from hearty potato pancakes and breakfast sandwiches to a wide selection of omelets you can create yourself. Once you’re fueled up and ready to roll, leave the car and head east down Main St.

Remain on Main St. until it turns into East Ave. Hang a left on Spring St. and stay straight. Cross the bridge over the canal and turn right onto the bike trail. From here, how far you ride is totally up to you and your level of endurance. Coming out of Lockport, pass through Gasport and Middleport until you reach Medina. Keep going and you’ll eventually make it all the way to Rochester.

The road to Medina and back is about 32 total miles, and after 50 miles you’ll reach Rochester. This ride is not for the faint of heart, so be prepared for a long day and be sure to drink plenty of water. There are lots of places to stop along the way.

Tom’s Diner

11 Main Street / Lockport (Niagara County)

(716) 439-4283 / SOB LISTING