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Buffalo has more riding options than many visitors expect, from waterfront paths along the Niagara River to rail trails that run quietly through old industrial neighborhoods. If you are looking for bike trails in Buffalo NY, the main decision is usually about surface, distance and how much traffic you want to share the route with. This guide compares seven routes and paths, with notes on who each one suits, what to expect underneath your tires, and where you can stop for food or water along the way.
Our selection criteria focus on five things: how the route is surfaced, how long it is and whether it works as an out-and-back or a loop, how separated it is from car traffic, how well it connects to services like parking and restrooms, and how it fits into a broader ride. We drew on published route specifications, agency and trail-group descriptions, and patterns that riders commonly mention in trip reports and forum discussions. We did not ride every route for this article, so treat distances and conditions as approximate and check current trail status before you go.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Riverwalk | Relaxed rides and families | Waterfront paths with wide, mostly flat surfaces |
| Ohio Street Bike Path | Commuters and city riders | Direct connection to downtown and the waterfront |
| Scajaquada Creek Bikeway | Beginners and casual riders | Park-based setting with separated lanes in sections |
| Olmsted Parks Loop | Scenic rides and sightseeing | Historic parkways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted |
| Erie Canalway Trail (Buffalo section) | Long-distance and touring riders | Connects to a multi-state route network |
| Wehrle Drive Trail | Mountain biking and dirt riding | Unpaved, wooded singletrack-style terrain |
| Tonawanda Creek Path | Suburban and northern-edge rides | Quiet, shaded corridor with low traffic |
Buffalo Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is the most popular option for riders who want a paved, scenic route without much traffic. It suits families, casual riders and anyone building up mileage before tackling longer trails. Because it runs close to restaurants and waterfront venues, it works well as a destination ride.
Key specs
- Surface: paved asphalt, mostly smooth
- Setting: along the Buffalo River and waterfront
- Typical use: out-and-back riding with short connecting segments
- Good for road bikes, hybrids and touring bikes with moderate tires
Pros
- Flat or gently rolling terrain suits all fitness levels
- Strong views of the water and industrial heritage sites
- Easy to combine with food stops and waterfront visits
Cons
- Weekend crowds can slow progress on busy days
- Limited shade in some stretches during summer
Ohio Street Bike Path
The Ohio Street path is a practical choice for commuters and riders who want to get from downtown to the waterfront without a car. It is best for riders comfortable with city environments, including intersections and occasional road crossings.
Key specs
- Surface: paved, with some sections shared with local streets
- Setting: urban, connecting downtown with the Outer Harbor area
- Typical use: one-way or point-to-point commuting
- Suitable for hybrid and city bikes
Pros
- Direct connection to downtown services and transit
- Good signage at key junctions
- Useful as part of a longer loop through the city
Cons
- Road crossings require attention and good visibility gear
- Less scenic than the waterfront routes
Scajaquada Creek Bikeway
This route follows a creek corridor through park land and is often recommended to newer riders because it keeps you away from heavier traffic for much of its length. It works well for short rides with children or for practicing skills before attempting busier roads.
Key specs
- Surface: paved path in park sections, with on-street segments
- Setting: parkland and residential edges
- Typical use: short out-and-back rides
- Works with most bike types
Pros
- Good separation from car traffic in park stretches
- Shaded in many areas
- Easy to adjust distance by turning around at any point
Cons
- Some on-street sections require careful lane positioning
- Not ideal for long-distance training
Olmsted Parks Loop
The Olmsted park system was designed as a connected network of parks and parkways, and riding parts of it is a good way to see the city’s landscape design. This route suits riders who enjoy scenery and slower, more deliberate rides.
Key specs
- Surface: mostly paved parkways and park roads
- Setting: historic parks with mature trees and water features
- Typical use: loop rides of varying length
- Good for hybrid and road bikes
Pros
- Strong scenery and historic interest
- Gentle grades on most parkway sections
- Many access points for shorter rides
Cons
- Shared with pedestrians and joggers on busy days
- Some park roads have uneven pavement
Erie Canalway Trail (Buffalo section)
The Erie Canalway Trail is a long-distance corridor that runs across New York State along the route of the historic Erie Canal. The Buffalo section is useful for riders planning a longer tour or who want to link into the wider network. It suits riders with some endurance and comfort on multi-hour rides.
Key specs
- Surface: mix of paved and crushed stone or stone-dust sections, depending on location
- Setting: canal towpath and rural or small-town corridors
- Typical use: point-to-point touring and long out-and-back trips
- Wider tires are useful for unpaved stretches
Pros
- Connects to a long statewide trail network
- Historic canal setting with varied scenery
- Good option for multi-day touring with stops along the way
Cons
- Surface changes can slow riders on narrow tires
- Services are spaced far apart in some sections, so plan water and food carefully
Wehrle Drive Trail
Wehrle Drive is a wooded area that offers dirt riding for mountain bikers and gravel-oriented riders. It is best for riders with off-road skills who want something more technical than a paved path.
Key specs
- Surface: dirt, gravel and root-covered sections
- Setting: wooded parkland
- Typical use: loop riding with variable difficulty
- Mountain bikes with knobby tires are a common choice
Pros
- Offers a change of pace from paved routes
- Shaded tree cover in most areas
- Good for building off-road handling skills
Cons
- Wet conditions can make sections muddy and slow
- Not suitable for road bikes or narrow-tire touring setups
Tonawanda Creek Path
This path runs through quieter suburban and semi-rural edges of the region and suits riders who want fewer crowds and steady, low-traffic pedaling. It works as a relaxed ride or as part of a longer route linking neighborhoods.
Key specs
- Surface: paved and some unpaved sections, depending on segment
- Setting: creek corridor and suburban edges
- Typical use: out-and-back rides
- Works well with hybrid and cross bikes
Pros
- Lower traffic and fewer crowds than downtown routes
- Shaded and pleasant in warm weather
- Good for steady, uninterrupted riding
Cons
- Limited services, so bring water and snacks
- Surface quality varies between segments
Buying Guide
Choosing among Buffalo’s bike trails is less about buying a product and more about matching your bike, skill level and goals to the right route. The same principles that guide choosing gear also apply here: know what you need, check specifications and plan for conditions.
Selection Criteria
- Surface: Paved routes work with most bikes. Gravel, dirt and stone-dust sections call for wider tires and more stable handling.
- Distance and loop options: Decide whether you want a short out-and-back, a city commute or a longer touring day.
- Traffic separation: Park paths and creek corridors generally offer more separation than urban routes that share streets.
- Services: Check the spacing of water, restrooms and food stops, especially on rural or long-distance segments.
Important Features to Consider
Before heading out, make sure your bike is in good working order. A pre-ride inspection covering tire pressure, brakes and drivetrain takes only a few minutes and prevents most roadside problems. For longer routes, carry basic repair tools and a spare tube. If you plan to ride the Erie Canalway section or other long corridors, consider the logistics of carrying gear, which the guides on Bike Tour Packing List: What to Take and How cover in more depth.
Specs to Check on Your Bike
- Tire width: 28 to 32 mm works well for paved paths, while wider tires help on crushed stone and dirt.
- Brake type: Disc brakes handle wet conditions more consistently than rim brakes.
- Gearing: A wider range helps on the rolling sections of the Olmsted parkways and creek corridors.
- Rack and bag mounts: Needed if you plan to carry supplies on longer rides.
Choosing by Need
- Families and beginners: Start with the Riverwalk or Scajaquada Creek Bikeway.
- Commuters: The Ohio Street path offers the most direct downtown access.
- Scenery lovers: The Olmsted Parks Loop rewards slower riding.
- Tourers: The Erie Canalway Trail is the strongest option for multi-day or point-to-point rides. For route planning, see Multi-Day Bike Routes: How to Choose and Plan Them.
- Off-road riders: Wehrle Drive offers the most technical terrain on this list.
Things to Watch Out For
- Trail conditions change with weather, construction and seasonal maintenance, so check local sources before riding.
- Shared paths require courtesy toward pedestrians, and busy weekends can be crowded.
- Road crossings and driveways are common hazards. Use lights and high-visibility clothing, and review Road Safety for Bike Tourists: Visibility and Rules for practical guidance.
- Carry water and snacks on routes with limited services, and plan around the spacing of stops.
FAQ
What is the best bike trail in Buffalo NY for beginners?
The Buffalo Riverwalk and the Scajaquada Creek Bikeway are commonly recommended for newer riders because they offer flatter terrain and good separation from heavy traffic. Start with a short out-and-back and extend the distance as your comfort grows.
Can I ride a road bike on Buffalo’s bike trails?
Yes, on paved routes such as the Riverwalk, Ohio Street path and Olmsted parkways. Avoid unpaved sections like parts of the Erie Canalway Trail and Wehrle Drive unless your bike has wider tires.
Do I need a mountain bike for Wehrle Drive?
A mountain bike or a gravel bike with wider knobby tires is the most suitable choice. Road bikes with narrow tires will struggle on dirt, roots and loose surfaces.
How long is the Erie Canalway Trail in Buffalo?
The Erie Canalway Trail is a long statewide corridor, and the Buffalo section is one part of it. Distances vary depending on which segment you ride, so check current route maps for exact mileage before planning.
Are Buffalo’s bike trails safe?
Most paved park paths are considered comfortable for riders who follow basic safety practices. Urban routes that cross streets require more attention. Wear a helmet, use lights in low light and be predictable around pedestrians.
What should I carry on a ride?
Carry water, a spare tube, a pump or CO2 inflator, a multi-tool and identification. On longer routes, add food and a basic first-aid kit. For a fuller checklist, see Bike Touring Safety: Bike Checks, Roads, Weather, Help.
Are there places to get food and repairs along the trails?
Services are concentrated near downtown, the waterfront and some park areas. Rural and long-distance sections may have long gaps, so plan stops in advance and carry supplies for the stretches in between.
Conclusion
Buffalo offers a useful range of bike trails in NY, from relaxed waterfront paths to rugged dirt riding. For families and beginners, the Riverwalk and Scajaquada Creek Bikeway are good starting points. Commuters should look at the Ohio Street path, scenery seekers will enjoy the Olmsted Parks Loop, and touring riders can build longer days around the Erie Canalway Trail. Off-road riders who want something more demanding should choose Wehrle Drive. Match your bike and skill level to the route, check current conditions, and plan your water and food stops before you roll out.
