The best cycling routes around Harris Hill

There are 10 touring cycling routes available around Harris Hill, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists.

The touring cycling routes around Harris Hill in New York State primarily traverse forested areas and waterways. You'll encounter planted pine and spruce trees, with trails often passing through woodlots and marsh dikes. Many routes offer scenic views, including those of the Erie Canal.

Yes, Harris Hill offers 7 easy touring cycling routes. An example is the Portable Toilet – The Brickhall loop from New Enterprise, which is 18.5 miles (29.7 km) long and typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to complete.

Route lengths vary significantly. You can find shorter loops like the Restrooms loop from East Amherst, which is 18.2 miles (29.3 km) and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Erie Canal view – Gasport Lift Bridge loop from Clarence Center, can be up to 78.3 miles (126.0 km) and take over 7 hours.

The routes in Harris Hill are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 7 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes wooded trails and connections to larger trail systems, offering options for different ability levels.

Yes, several routes offer views of the Erie Canal. Additionally, you might encounter natural features like woodlots and marsh dikes. Nearby attractions include UB Path Bridge, Flattail Lake, and various trails such as Forest Trail in Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve and Lancaster Heritage Trail.

Most of the touring cycling routes in Harris Hill are designed as loops. Examples include the Erie Canal view – Gasport Lift Bridge loop from Clarence Center and the Restrooms – Portable Toilet loop from East Amherst, providing convenient starting and ending points.

While specific seasonal recommendations for touring cycling are not detailed, the Harris Hill State Forest area offers year-round informal outdoor recreational activities. However, it's always wise to check local conditions, especially during wet or muddy weather, as some trails may close. Spring through fall generally offers pleasant cycling conditions.

The region offers a range of routes with varying difficulty levels, including 7 easy routes, which can be suitable for families. The general terrain of wooded trails and marsh dikes, with mild elevation changes, can be enjoyable for family outings. For additional family-friendly amenities, Harris Hill Park in Chemung County, NY, offers picnic facilities and a pool, though it's not directly on the touring routes.

While specific parking details for each komoot route are best checked on the individual tour page, the Harris Hill State Forest area, which connects to some of these routes, typically has designated parking areas. For example, the Harris Hill Extension area, known for its trails, is accessible off Rigby Forest Road. For broader recreational areas, Harris Hill Park also provides facilities.

The guide data does not specifically list cafes or pubs directly along these touring cycling routes. However, given that many routes start from towns like Clarence Center and East Amherst, you can expect to find amenities, including places to eat, within these communities.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Harris Hill offers 2 difficult routes. One such route is the South Grand Island Bridge – Erie Canal view loop from Clarence Center, which covers 94.3 miles (151.7 km) and involves significant elevation changes over its duration.