The best road cycling routes in Pennsylvania

This section of the Great Allegheny Passage offers a delightful ride through the Monongahela River valley, showcasing a blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. You'll glide along a smooth, packed crushed limestone surface, occasionally transitioning to paved sections, as the route winds past historical markers like the McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge. The scenery is consistently engaging, with river views, lush forests, and remnants of the region's past, providing a rich backdrop for your journey.

Planning your ride on this moderate 38.1-mile (61.2 km) route, which typically takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes with 1110 feet (338 metres) of elevation gain, is straightforward. The trail is easily accessible, and while the surface is generally excellent, tires of 28mm or wider are recommended for optimal comfort, especially if the trail is damp. Numerous trail towns along the GAP provide convenient amenities, making it easy to find refreshments or take a break.

What makes the Great Allegheny Passage truly special is its heritage as a converted rail trail, ensuring a remarkably gentle grade that's perfect for casual cycling. This route is part of a much larger network, connecting to the C&O Canal Towpath for those dreaming of a multi-day adventure to Washington, D.C. It's a fantastic way to experience a piece of American history and enjoy the outdoors without strenuous climbs.

The Panhandle Trail offers a moderate road cycling experience, covering 52.7 miles (84.8 km) with a total elevation gain of 1657 feet (505 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 3 hours and 32 minutes. As you cycle, you'll pass through diverse scenery, including hardwood forests, open farmland, and alongside creeks like Harmon Creek and Robinson Run. Keep an eye out for decorative birdhouses and memorials, especially as you approach Walkers Mill, adding unique visual interest to your ride.

When planning your visit, be aware that while much of the Panhandle Trail is paved, certain sections require consideration for your bike setup. Specifically, the eastern end from Walkers Mill and the portion extending into West Virginia are composed of crushed limestone or gravel. If you plan to ride these unpaved parts, you might find wider or knobbier tires more comfortable than narrow slick tires, ensuring a smoother journey.

This route is a rail-trail, meaning it follows a former railway line, which often translates to a relatively gentle grade and accessible cycling. The trail is particularly known for its beautiful fall foliage, making autumn an especially scenic time to visit. You'll also cross many bridges over waterways, providing pleasant views and a consistent connection to the natural landscape.

Embark on the Gettysburg Tour, an easy road cycling route that guides you through the historic Gettysburg National Military Park. You will cover 18.8 miles (30.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 711 feet (217 metres), making it a relaxed ride. As you cycle, you will pass countless monuments and markers, immersing yourself in the profound history of the Civil War battlefield. Expect to complete this tour in about 1 hour and 31 minutes, enjoying the blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

When planning your visit, remember that the terrain around Gettysburg features gentle rolling hills. Most surfaces within the battlefield park are paved, ensuring a smooth ride. While the route is generally easy, be aware that some sections might include short, punchy climbs. Cyclists have more flexibility than cars on the battlefield, as you are not always restricted by one-way roads. This allows for a more personalized exploration of the area.

Beyond the battlefield, the route also takes you through the picturesque Adams County countryside. Here, you can enjoy vast farm scenery and wooded areas, offering a different perspective of the region. Keep an eye out for observation towers along the way; these provide excellent panoramic views and are great spots to pause and take in the landscape. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with history while enjoying a pleasant ride.

The Rose Wood loop from Gettysburg offers an easy 15.2-mile (24.5 km) road cycling experience that feels like a ride through a living history book. You'll pedal through preserved rural landscapes, passing by regimental monuments nestled within wooded areas and enjoying pastoral views. With only 567 feet (173 metres) of elevation gain, this route is designed for a relaxed pace, taking about 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a leisurely exploration of the historic battlefield.

Planning your ride on this loop means opting for a more tranquil experience compared to the busier official National Park Service auto tours. Its easy difficulty makes it a fantastic choice for beginner road cycling routes in the Gettysburg area or for families looking for a comfortable outing. You can immerse yourself in the scenery without the constant presence of heavy traffic, making for a more personal and reflective journey.

This route is particularly notable for its deep historical significance, traversing an area where prolonged and bloody fighting occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. As you cycle, you'll encounter visual clues like monuments and park road signs, many named after Union officers, which help illustrate the military history and battle formations. It's a unique way to engage with the past, offering a "hands-on journey through history" that brings the battlefield to life.

The Schuylkill River Trail Loop offers a dynamic road cycling experience, transitioning from bustling Philadelphia cityscapes to tranquil riverfronts and rural landscapes. You'll pedal past iconic landmarks like Boathouse Row and enjoy views of the Philadelphia skyline from Belmont Plateau, with sections of tree-canopied paths providing a refreshing change of scenery. While predominantly paved, be prepared for some fine gravel or crushed stone surfaces, such as those found along the Manayunk Canal.

This moderate 46.7-mile (75.2 km) route involves 2009 feet (612 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 3 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Numerous access points and parking options are available, making it easy to start your ride. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant times to visit, offering mild weather and beautiful foliage, though the trail is popular year-round.

The Schuylkill River Trail is a significant part of the larger Circuit Trails network and the East Coast Greenway, highlighting its importance as a regional connector. It follows the historic Schuylkill River, offering glimpses into centuries of industrial and environmental history. This blend of urban, natural, and historical elements makes it a unique and varied cycling destination.

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail Loop offers a fantastic way to experience Pittsburgh's unique urban landscape from the saddle of your bike. This easy road cycling route winds along the city's iconic waterways, providing continuous riverfront views of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. You'll cycle past a blend of modern architecture and historical sites, including the striking Andy Warhol Bridge and the expansive Point State Park, where the three rivers converge, making for a truly picturesque journey.

Planning your ride on this trail is straightforward, as it features numerous access points with convenient parking. The route is predominantly flat and paved, making it an excellent option for accessible cycling and beginner road cycling routes. You'll find plenty of amenities, such as cafes and shops, in vibrant districts like the North Shore and the South Side Works, perfect for a mid-ride break or a post-ride refreshment.

This 11.5-mile (18.6 km) loop, with a minimal 216 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes just over 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete, making it a quick and rewarding outing. The trail is a crucial part of the larger Great Allegheny Passage, connecting you to a vast network of trails, and it offers a unique perspective on Pittsburgh's rich industrial and cultural heritage, with interpretative signage along the way.

Get ready for a moderate racebike adventure on the Delaware Water Gap Loop, a 52.8 miles (85.0 km) journey that takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. You will climb 2632 feet (802 metres) over an estimated 3 hours and 56 minutes, offering a rewarding challenge. As you cycle, you will experience scenic views along the Delaware River and the majestic Kittatinny Mountains, passing through dense forests, rolling farmland, and dramatic cliffs. Keep an eye out for the historic Millbrook Village, a unique landmark that offers a glimpse into pioneer life amidst the natural beauty.

When planning your ride on the Delaware Water Gap Loop, you can expect mostly well-paved surfaces, making it ideal for racebikes. Parking is generally available close to the starting point, but it is always wise to check local signage for any specific regulations before you arrive. This route is designed for road cycling, so you can focus on the smooth ride without worrying about unpaved sections often found on other trails in the region. Consider starting early to make the most of the scenic views and avoid peak times, ensuring a more peaceful experience.

This loop stands out for its dedicated road cycling experience within the broader Delaware Water Gap area, which is known for its diverse terrain. The route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical interest, allowing you to immerse yourself in both the environment and the past. It provides a distinct opportunity to explore the region's dramatic geology and lush ecosystems from the saddle of your racebike.

Embark on a moderate racebike journey along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail Loop, a 27.4 miles (44.0 km) route that takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll gain 1364 feet (416 metres) as you cycle past Pittsburgh's iconic skyline, with particularly striking views from the West End Bridge. The trail offers a dynamic experience, blending urban scenery with natural riverfront stretches along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including bald eagles, as you ride.

When planning your visit, know that the route is generally busy and safe during the day. You should still be aware of your surroundings, especially near certain bridges on the North Side or if you choose to ride after dark. The trail provides numerous access points and amenities along its length, making it convenient to start your adventure. You will find plenty of places to eat in areas like the Southside and The Strip District, and parking is available at various points along the route.

This loop is a fantastic way to explore Pittsburgh's vibrant riverfronts, offering diverse and engaging scenery throughout your ride. You will pass by cultural venues, downtown areas, and historic landmarks, providing a rich backdrop to your cycling experience. The trail uniquely combines urban landscapes with greener areas, ensuring a varied visual journey that highlights the city's connection to its three major rivers.

The 9/11 National Memorial Trail (Pennsylvania Loop) offers a truly unique road cycling experience, blending a demanding physical challenge with a journey through diverse landscapes. You'll pedal through picturesque farmland, dense woodlands, and along scenic river trails, with highlights like the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail providing a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. This difficult 72.7-mile (117.0 km) route, with its 2065 feet (629 metres) of elevation gain, is a hard ride that takes about 5 hours and 1 minutes, requiring very good fitness.

When planning your ride, be mindful that while the trail is federally designated, signage is still being improved across Pennsylvania, with full completion expected closer to the 25th anniversary of 9/11. This means you should come prepared with a reliable navigation system. Access points are available in various towns along the route, such as York, so you can choose your starting point based on convenience.

More than just a recreational path, this trail serves as a profound