need northern short cut

[moniker000]

I'm doing the Northern route this summer but, sadly, I don't have time to start from Maine. I need to start from NY and cut across to Lake Erie. I'd love to know if anyone could recommend a route that would get me to Buffalo. Alternatively, I could shoot across the southern route of PA then cut up to Buffalo or pick up the route at Huron.

[DU]

Here is a link to the N.Y. state bike routes, hopefully it will help.

https://www.nysdot.gov/divisions/operating/opdm/local-programs-bureau/biking

[jimbo]

Where in NY State are you starting from?  The Erie Canal towpath can take you from the Albany area to Buffalo. I used it last Fall from Buffalo to the Johnstown area before heading north towards Saratoga Springs. The Towpath is a great way to avoid traffic, but you still need to use roads about 1/3 of the time. We followed ACA map in Ontario Canada and Lake Connector in Michigan. There is a booklet of maps for using the Towpath.
I live in the Finger Lakes region..a great cycling region with many hills..a contrast to the flat Canal Towpath.
Jim

[ekonijnendijk]

Hi,

I'm interested to know how much information you've found so far, because I'm planning to cycle from Buffalo to NY cite and try to find out if that's a good plan. Thanks!

[litespeed]

I haven't done the Erie Canal towpath but I would still recommend it over crossing the Finger Lakes region. I picked my way around the lakes and did alt. 20 east-to-west. This area is very, very hilly with short, brutally steep ups and downs. Unless you want the workout I'd stick to the Canal.

[Annalisa]

i did the northern tier last summer - east bound.
we also decided to cut through (into michigan ) to new york city.

so i would recommend (from nyc) going north on route 9 until Albany.  then west bound through syracuse and rochester to buffalo.  (i forgot the route number - but im sure its on a ny state bike map)
hope that helps! if you have any other questions feel free
a