5 Great Spots For A Spring Bike Ride in Buffalo
Now that spring has mostly arrived in Buffalo, it's the perfect time to grab that bike out of the garage and take it for a spin.
There are tons of great spots all around Western New York to take a bike ride. Whether you're looking for a nice and easy ride, or something more challenging, you can find just about any option throughout Erie and Niagara Counties. There are even all sorts of bike associations that you could join if you're looking for a group to ride with. \
When you're ready to get out on two (or three) wheels, here are a few spots to try first.
The North Buffalo & Tonawanda Rails-to-Trails Path
Built on a former rail line, the North Buffalo and Tonawanda Rail to Trail path runs approximately 5 miles from Shoshone Park in North Buffalo northwest to the City of Tonawanda. Along the relatively flat bike path, there are all sorts of things to observe as you travel thru three different towns and cities in Eire County. As you pass by Sheridan Drive you'll be within a few feet of Teds, Paula's Donuts, and Anderson's, which might make a great spot to stop for a break. The best part of this trail is that free parking is available at the NFTA LaSalle station.
Delaware Park
From the Buffalo History Museum to the Japanese Garden, across the 198 to the Rose Garden to Rumsey Woods, back under the 198 to the Meadow, there are multiple spots to catch a quick ride. Go check it out.
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Just across the Scajaquada Creek is this amazing cemetery that is more like a park with dozens of trails, waterfalls, and more. I have ridden my bike through Forest Lawn many times and highly recommend it to someone who's looking for a different place to ride.
Buffalo Waterfront
With trails from the Erie Basin Marina, through LaSalle Park and Front Park, there are all types of scenery to be observed while you ride along Lake Erie as it flows into the Niagara River. As you ride north, the bike trail takes you alongside and then underneath the Peace Bridge. If you keep north on Niagara Street, you can turn into Broderick Park and continue to ride along the Niagara River into Buffalo's Unity Island Park where you can see Black Rock Lock, which is part of the Erie Canal system and has been in existence in some capacity since 1833.
Buffalo Outer Harbor
Farther down along the Buffalo Waterfront along Lake Erie is the Outer Harbor with Buffalo Outer Harbor State Park, Wilkinson Point, the Buffalo Harbor Lighthouse at the US Coast Guard Station, Tift Farm Nature Preserve, and the Buffalo Ship Canal, there are plenty of spots to ride and see along this 3.5 mile stretch of Buffalo.