Interested in cycling in the Chautauqua Region?
I went cycling in Chautauqua, NY, located in the far western corner of New York State. just south of Lake Erie, as it was a short drive from my home. Not as well known for cycling as the neighboring Finger Lakes Region, yet the local authorities do publish a map and list numerous local routes on their website.
This is a perfect getaway destination for a long weekend, as this region along the New York/Pennsylvania border features plenty of wineries, fruit farms, hiking, fishing, music festivals, and, of course, quiet country roads for cycling. Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, which is the largest town when not cycling is sure to visit and plan to take about 2 hours to see everything.
We planned to stay in one of the many campgrounds in the area and do some daily bike trips.
Cycling Around Chautauqua Lake
Our first cycling ride was 42 miles around the lake of the same name, which provided some great scenery and plenty of exercise. Unexpected were the numerous hills we encountered en route, although they were of a moderate grade. In this beautiful part of New York, you can also expect plentiful lake views.
We started in Jamestown at the south end of the lake, heading west on Hwy 394 along the paved shoulders and signed bike route. The traffic lightened up a bit after we crossed Interstate 86. At this point, there is also a ferry across the lake if you want to shorten the Chautauqua Lake route by about half.
We left the route to cycle on the bike paths through the famous Chautauqua Institution, a 750-acre not-for-profit community that features grand homes from the 1890s and equally grand gardens. Also impressive was the Athenaeum Hotel, located on the grounds.
We enjoyed our picnic lunch on the grounds and visited a store that was open. During the summer, major entertainers visit, including the Beach Boys and Amy Grant. You may wish to sign up for a class including topics like yoga, photography, and culinary arts.
Back on the main route, we continued to Mayville at the top end of the lake to enjoy our lunch in the park, and we noted that other cyclists had the same idea. After lunch, it was a right turn on Hwy 430, again with paved shoulders for the journey along the east side of the lake.
At Long Point State Park, we turned right, heading downhill before going left on Lakeview Road, flanked by elegant homes, and into the summer resort of Bemus Point. Onward towards Jamestown, ascending a ridge that offered more views of the lake before completing the ride.
Bike Ride in America’s Grape Country
Concord grapes grow in abundance along the Lake Erie shoreline, and most of the grape juice in the US is produced here. Welch’s factory is in Westfield, which is where we headed out on our full-day ride. You have route options that pass these lush grape vineyards, as the official route is 88 miles, including a section of Pennsylvania, but you can easily shorten or extend the route using the flat roads of Highways 20 and 5 and any of the numerous crossroads.
Scenic Hwy 20 features paved shoulders and little traffic with several wineries around the town of Westfield. You can return along Hwy 5, which overlooks Lake Erie with almost no traffic and is gently rolling, although you do cross the Lake Erie escarpment on the return. We came across a field of sunflowers where plenty of people had stopped to take pictures.
Allegheny River Trail
Others at the campground where we were staying recommended this Pennsylvania route, so we took a one-hour-plus drive through the mountains to Oil City. This is a 32-mile rail trail (one direction) plus additional side routes to other towns if you are looking for a longer ride.
Cycling along the east side of the wide Allegheny River, this paved bike path (except ½ ½-mile section) goes through a forested region surrounded by mountains. There are picnic tables and washrooms along the way. The highlight for many is the two long and dark tunnels (bring bike lights).
Chautauqua County itself features 10 additional hilly and scenic bike routes, and you can order the bike map for free. Many of the other cycling routes go through the nearby Amish Country, while others head up to the ski resort to the west. Also to the east, there were a number of more challenging routes into some hilly countryside.
There are plenty of accommodation options, including camping, B&Bs, and motels. We rented a trailer at one of the campgrounds, which, along with some grocery shopping in Jamestown, made for a very inexpensive stay.
Chautauqua Rails to Trails
These Chautauqua Rails to Trails are more connectors than a cycling route to be part of a larger journey. Some of the short segments include the 1.5-mile Summerdale to Hannum Roadwalk trail segment and the longer 9.8-mile Alison Wells Ney Trail Segment, which includes Ellicott Road.
Allegany State Park Cycling
Located to the east and not part of Chautauqua County, it is nevertheless loved by cyclists. Allegany State Park is the largest state park in western New York. Time your visit to see the particularly breathtaking fall foliage.
There are a variety of cycling opportunities, as it offers miles of rolling hills and plenty of wooded areas for riders. The Red House Area, where the historic Tudor-style Administration Building is located, has 5 miles of paved bike paths and bike rentals. The wetlands of the Quaker Run area are interesting, and there are rail trails with moderate grades suitable for riders of all abilities. As a hilly area, many routes are more suitable for mountain biking.
Lucy Desi Museum
This is a non-cycling option as it was raining one morning, and although we had rain gear, we decided to head into Jamestown and visit the Lucy Desi Museum. I am generally not a fan of museums, but I liked this one with exhibits (some interactive) from the I Love Lucy Show and other events in her life.
Nearby is the National Comedy Center Museum, and many visitors combine this visit with the Lucy Desi Museum.
Other Resources
Discover Cars – if you require a rental car while in the area
Accommodation in the Chautauqua Area
Chautauqua State Forest – located just to the west of the lake, there are 7 primitive tent sites on Hannum Road and one upgraded site with parking and a picnic shelter.
VRBO – have plenty of cabins right on Lake Chautauqua or nearby
Expedia – for hotels in Jamestown or the region
Booking.com – accommodation in the Chautauqua area, including Jamestown
Chautauqua NY Map
FAQs: Cycling in Chautauqua NY
Can you bike around Lake Chautauqua?
Yes, there are hilly but scenic roads around the lake, around 42 miles. Or if you take the ferry, it shortens the ride by about half.
How long is the Chautauqua Rails to Trails?
There are varied Rails to Trails from under 1 mile to 9.8 miles, best used as connecting routes.
Is Chautauqua a Finger Lake?
No, the Chautauqua region is to the west and is not considered one of the Finger Lakes.
Are there bears in Chautauqua, NY?
There are about 300 to 500 bears in the region, including Chautauqua County.
Looking for more information on New York State cycling?
If you are heading to the Chautauqua area to go cycling and want more information on this and nearby Pennsylvania, consider reading some of my other posts:
- To the east is another popular area for cycling in the Finger Lakes
- What about going riding along the Pine Creek Trail in Pennsylvania
- This area is not too far from the Great Allegheny Passage cycling trail
- There are plenty of additional U.S. cycling routes
Final Thoughts: Cycling in Chautauqua
Although not a cycling route, the Amish Trail runs through this area, and you may encounter Amish farms and people leading a simpler life, mainly in the eastern part of the county.
This region reminds me of the Finger Lakes, which makes sense as it is only a little west of that area. Chautauqua makes a perfect weekend cycling getaway.
