The best cycling routes around Hudson

The Luzerne County Levee and Rail Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, characterized by its predominantly flat and smooth terrain. You'll pedal along the Susquehanna River, enjoying continuous water views and forested banks, with some sections of the Rail Trail revealing impressive rock cliffs. The trail's gentle grade and varied scenery, including the unique sight of planes at Wyoming Valley Airport, make it an accessible and enjoyable ride for all skill levels.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with numerous access points and dedicated parking areas available along the route. The trail is well-marked with historical plaques and mile markers, and most road intersections are safely managed, often passing under bridges for seamless cycling. Its largely shaded path makes it a comfortable option during warmer months, and its accessibility extends to strollers and wheelchairs.

This notable trail system is built atop flood protection levees, effectively connecting communities like Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, and Wyoming. Beyond its scenic beauty, the route offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including bald eagles, deer, and heron. Future plans aim to integrate it with larger regional trails like the D&L Trail and the Susquehanna Warrior Trail, enhancing its appeal as a key recreational asset.

The Two Rivers loop offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, blending picturesque Lake Michigan vistas with the tranquility of dense forests. You'll cruise along the smooth Mariners Trail, enjoying continuous lake views, before heading inland through pine and birch forests, passing the historic Rawley Point Lighthouse. The route transitions through diverse ecosystems, including dunes and wetlands, making for a constantly changing backdrop.

This moderate 33.2-mile (53.4 km) touring cycling route involves 1144 feet (349 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. While much of it is flat and paved, the Rawley Point Trail section includes some rolling hills, adding a bit of challenge. Amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and bike racks with tools are available along the Mariners Trail section.

This popular cycling route integrates sections of several paths, including parts of the Ice Age Trail and the Rawley Point Recreational Trail, showcasing the region's natural beauty. It's an excellent choice for cyclists seeking a varied ride that combines scenic viewpoints with a manageable physical challenge, suitable for a range of fitness levels.

The Frances Slocum State Park loop offers a spirited 8.1-mile (13.1 km) ride through diverse landscapes, primarily on singletrack trails. You'll navigate through lush forests, open fields, and past stands of pines and hemlock, often catching picturesque views of the horseshoe-shaped Frances Slocum Lake. Expect a moderate challenge with natural obstacles like roots, rocks, and logs, making it a true mountain biking adventure rather than a casual touring cycle.

Planning your visit means preparing for varied conditions; while the park is accessible year-round, the trails can be dynamic, with slippery roots or even snow in winter. This 59-minute route, featuring 673 feet (205 metres) of elevation gain, is best for cyclists comfortable with off-road terrain. Parking is available, but be mindful that these trails are primarily designed for mountain bikers, so adjust your expectations if you're used to smoother paths.

What makes this route notable is its engaging network of trails, providing a mix of smooth sections, rolling hills, and technical challenges within a scenic natural setting. The park's significant ascent-to-mileage ratio appeals to riders who enjoy climbing, and the diverse habitats, including marshland and hardwood forests, offer a rich natural experience. It's a great way to explore the natural features of Frances Slocum State Park on two wheels.

The Campbell's Ledge and Reservoir Loop is a moderate touring cycling route that delivers big on views, but demands a capable bike and rider. You'll navigate a mix of service roads, dirt trails, and rugged sections with exposed bedrock, especially on the climb to Campbell's Ledge. The reward is a breathtaking panoramic vista of the Susquehanna River and the Wyoming Valley from Campbell's Ledge, followed by a more serene ride around the tranquil Campbell's Ledge Reservoir.

This 3.8-mile (6.0 km) loop with 692 feet (211 metres) of elevation gain can be completed in about 38 minutes, but don't let the short duration fool you; it's a physically engaging ride. Due to varied terrain and inconsistent markings, offline mapping tools are highly recommended. The trail is shared with ATVs, so be aware of other users. Autumn offers spectacular fall colors, making it a prime season for this adventure.

Beyond the natural beauty, the area holds local lore, with Campbell's Ledge historically known as "Dial Rock" by early settlers. You might also spot remnants of old coal mines along the way, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your ride. This loop is a great option for advanced cycling routes near Campbell's Ledge, offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and a good workout.

The Seven Tubs Recreation Area loop from Laurel Run offers a fantastic touring cycling experience through lush forests and past scenic viewpoints of wooded mountains. While you won't be cycling directly into the core Seven Tubs hiking area with its famous glacial potholes and waterfalls, this route provides a beautiful perspective of the surrounding natural environment, especially vibrant during autumn. It's a moderate 10.9-mile (17.5 km) ride with 1438 feet (438 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a rewarding challenge for cyclists with good fitness.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is primarily on paved surfaces, making it suitable for road bikes. However, be mindful that bicycling is strictly prohibited on the hiking trails within the immediate Seven Tubs Recreation Area. Some sections in the wider Laurel Run area might be unpaved, so check conditions if you plan to explore beyond this specific loop. The fall season is particularly recommended for its stunning foliage.

This cycling loop allows you to explore the natural beauty of the Pinchot State Forest and the Laurel Run waterway, offering a unique way to experience the region's geological formations shaped by glacial meltwater. It's a great option for those seeking scenic touring cycling trails near Seven Tubs, providing a distinct experience from the hiking-only areas. Future developments, like sections of the D&L Trail, are also enhancing cycling accessibility in this wider region of Luzerne County, PA.