DeRuyter Lake

This route showcases the rural uplands and valleys of southern Madison County, a cycling paradise with paved roads but very little traffic. Mid or late spring is when Chittenango Falls (167 feet high) is most impressive; early October is the most colorful with all the sugar maples, sumacs and red oaks showing their oranges and reds. In summer farmlands are at their lushest and temperatures are usually moderate, though some days may reach the high 80s. Forget winter; roads are snow-covered (less)

A true lake-lover’s ride, this route features six bodies of water, beginning with Cazenovia Lake, a natural lake, and including Erieville Reservoir that was created in 1850 as a feeder for the Erie Canal and 4 other reservoirs designed as feeders for the Chenango Canal. Not as famous as the Erie Canal, the Chenango was connected to the Erie and served 18 towns between Utica and Binghamton in the days before trains. There are two big ascents, otherwise the terrain is gently rolling. Eaton is the only place on the route to re-fuel. Spring, summer, and autumn are the best (and only) times to do this loop. Rural southern Madison County is noted for its network of paved, low-traffic roads, scenic vistas and recently a revival of its once thriving hops farming. (less)