The Great Lakes Seaway Trail

This afternoon, we embarked on an 18-mile round-trip bike ride from Kiwanis Park in Lewiston, NY to Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY via the Great Lakes Seaway Trail.

The ride began on a trail adjacent to the Niagara Scenic Parkway, weaving through some tree-covered areas with just a few stretches in the direct sun—not too shabby! After a heavy morning rain, the trail was dotted with puddles. Don, ever the dedicated draft rider, followed Beth a bit too closely and got a refreshing splash of puddle water. What a splashy surprise! 😝

The trail then veered onto NY State Route 18F, hugging the Niagara River all the way into Youngstown. This scenic route offered lovely views of the river and showcased some charming riverside homes, making the ride even more enjoyable. It culminated at Fort Niagara Park, where we turned around and headed back.

While riding in the park, we didn't get to delve into the rich history of Old Fort Niagara because the Visitor Center was closed by the time we arrived. But we did manage a distant admiration and got up close and personal with one of the earliest lighthouses on the Great Lakes—a definite highlight of our ride. Other sights in Fort Niagara included a beach, an old cemetery, several soccer fields, and a collection of historic buildings.Read more