Syracuse Through the Spokes of a Bicycle
I’ve been to Syracuse more times than I can count, but it wasn’t until I explored it on two wheels that I truly felt I knew the city. There’s something magical about the rhythm of pedaling—fast enough to cover miles, slow enough to notice the scent of fresh bagels wafting from a side street bakery, the faint splash of a fountain tucked behind a row of brownstones, or the laughter of kids chasing one another in a park.
Syracuse isn’t just a city of snow (though yes, it snows a lot), it’s a city of vibrant street art, historic waterways, rolling parks, and neighborhoods with stories. And the best way to connect those dots? A bike.
Over the years, I’ve tested different routes, from lakeside trails to downtown mural hunts, and rented from more than a few local shops. In this guide, I’ll take you through three of my own most memorable Syracuse cycling adventures, then recommend four more routes worth adding to your list. We’ll talk where to rent bikes, how to get to starting points, where to grab food along the way, and even how to sprinkle in a bit of culture between rides.
So, clip in (or just hop on if you’re a casual rider), and let’s hit the streets.
Part 1 – My Personal Syracuse Cycling Adventures
1. Onondaga Lake Park Loop – My First Syracuse Ride
The Onondaga Lake Park Loop was the first trail I ever cycled in Syracuse, and it’s still one of my favorites. The ride begins at the Willow Bay Area on the lake’s eastern shore. You can get there easily by car from Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) in about 15 minutes or from the Amtrak station in less than 10.
Bike Rental:
I rented from Mello Velo Bicycle Shop & Café (550-556 Westcott St, Syracuse, NY 13210). They have hybrid bikes starting at \$30/day and e-bikes for \$60/day. I went for a hybrid—comfortable enough for a leisure ride but efficient on flat paths.
The Ride Experience:
The loop itself is about 7.5 miles of flat, paved trail hugging the lake’s edge. On that particular morning, the air was cool and crisp, the kind that makes your lungs feel brand new. I passed joggers, families with strollers, and fellow cyclists nodding hello.
Attractions Along the Way:
- Salt Museum – A small but fascinating museum detailing Syracuse’s salt industry history. Entry is free.
- Onondaga Lake Visitors Center – Great for panoramic views and history panels.
Food Stop:
Halfway through, I couldn’t resist stopping at Café at the Park for an iced coffee and a blueberry scone (\$8 total). The café has outdoor seating with a perfect lake view.
Pros & Cons:
- Pros: Scenic, flat, family-friendly.
- Cons: Can get busy on sunny weekends.
Pro Tip: Go just after sunrise for the quietest, most photogenic experience.
2. Erie Canalway Trail – Syracuse Section
This route feels like riding through the veins of history. The Erie Canalway Trail once guided mule-drawn barges; now it guides cyclists, runners, and dreamers.
Bike Rental:
This time, I used Pedal to the Metal (421 Burnet Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203). They had a special: \$50 for a two-day hybrid bike rental.
The Ride Experience:
Starting at the Erie Canal Museum downtown, the trail runs east toward DeWitt, passing through shady corridors, old canal locks, and peaceful stretches where the only sounds are your tires and birdsong.
Stops Along the Way:
- Erie Canal Museum (318 Erie Blvd E) – Admission \$10, free on Wednesdays.
- Recess Coffee – Possibly the best cold brew in Syracuse.
- Historic Lock 50 – Perfect Instagram stop.
Cultural Note:
Riding here is like flipping through pages of a living history book—only you’re doing it at 12 miles per hour.
Best Photo Spots:
Early morning when mist hangs over the water, and late afternoon when the sun hits the trees just right.
3. City Mural & Food Ride
If you’re like me, you believe art and food are inseparable. This self-made route takes you past Syracuse’s most colorful murals while making strategic food stops.
Bike Rental:
E-bike from Syracuse Bicycle (2540 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13224) for \$70/day—worth every penny for quick hops between spots.
Route Highlights:
- “Greetings from Syracuse” Mural (West Fayette St)
- “Salt City Market” – Indoor food hall with global eats.
Food Stops:
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Pulled pork sandwich, \$14, smoky perfection.
- Glazed & Confused Donuts – \$3 each, small-batch creative flavors.
Best Moment:
Stopping mid-ride to watch a street musician perform under a mural. That’s Syracuse—unexpected moments tucked between brick and paint.
Part 2 – Recommended Routes for Visitors
- Clark Reservation State Park Trails – Rugged, great for mountain biking.
- Syracuse University & Thornden Park Ride – Gardens, architecture, and student life.
- Skaneateles Lake Scenic Ride – Lakeside boutiques and fall foliage.
- Green Lakes State Park Loop – Emerald waters and birdwatching.
Part 3 – Where to Rent Bikes in Syracuse
- Mello Velo Bicycle Shop & Café – Great for pairing rides with coffee.
- Syracuse Bicycle – Best for e-bikes and performance gear.
- Pedal to the Metal – Affordable multi-day rentals.
- University Biking Co-op – Budget-friendly for students and visitors.
Part 4 – Related Attractions, Food Stops, and Cultural Notes Along the Rides
Cycling in Syracuse isn’t just about the pedal—it’s about the pauses. On every route, I make a point of stopping for:
- Local Markets like Salt City Market for international flavors.
- Art Installations in Armory Square.
- Cultural Spots like the Landmark Theatre.
The beauty is that by bike, these stops become part of the journey rather than detours.
Part 5 –Why Syracuse by Bike Stays With You
Every city I’ve explored has left me with memories, but Syracuse imprinted itself in a way I didn’t expect. Maybe it’s because the bike allows you to earn each sight—the slight burn in your legs as you crest a hill into Thornden Park, the satisfying rush as you coast down toward the Onondaga Lake shore, the way the breeze carries the scent of both lilacs and grilled chicken from a food truck parked somewhere unseen.
Riding here isn’t just transportation. It’s a slow conversation between you and the city. You hear the echo of basketball games drifting from open gym windows in the Near Westside. You smell bread baking at Columbus Bakery long before you see the sign. You pass kids on bikes too big for them, wobbling but determined, and you realize you’re seeing the future of cycling in Syracuse right there.
Here’s what stuck with me most after all my rides:
- The Accessibility: Most of the routes start within a 10–15 minute ride from downtown. You can land at the airport in the morning and be cruising beside the Erie Canal by lunch.
- The Layered History: On one ride you might pass a Native American heritage site, an industrial-era relic, and a sleek new food hall—all in the same afternoon.
- The Culinary Rewards: Few places let you pair world-class barbecue, fresh lake trout, and artisan donuts between bike segments.
Why I’ll Keep Coming Back:
Cycling in Syracuse feels personal. It’s not overrun with rental scooters or tourist pelotons. You often have whole stretches of trail to yourself, yet you’re never far from a friendly hello or a café willing to refill your water bottle.
If you decide to explore Syracuse on two wheels, give yourself permission to go slow. Skip a turn if a street looks interesting. Pull over if a mural catches your eye. Take the long way around the lake just because the water’s shimmering differently in the late afternoon light.
And most of all, make space for your own Syracuse story. Mine is written in the squeak of brakes outside the Salt Museum, the sugar dust on my fingers from a morning donut, and the way the city’s skyline looked small but proud from across the lake.
If you’re ready to make yours, the bike shops are waiting, the trails are open, and the next perfect riding day might just be tomorrow.
