Find the top rated running trails in Waterloo, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We did the trail on a trip to the Finger Lakes. The trail surface was terrible. Evidently, someone decided that the trail surface needed some TLC. The problem was that the remedy was worse than the previous condition. I would describe riding the trail like riding an existing railroad bed with the ties inplace and a layer of talc on top. And that's with a gravel bike with 2.2" tires. When I got back to the car, there were 2 other riders loading their bikes and they both said how they had to turn around because the trail was so bad. The scenery wasn't anything special and there was constant noise from cars on highway 14 which paralleled the trail. Signage was also poor and there were numerous times that you weren't sure where the trail was. All in all not the worst trail but don't think I would ever come back.
As of August 2025, the northern route is impossible to traverse due to construction and trail closures with no indication of detours. While the entrance to the trail does indicate that the initial bridge is closed on weekdays, there is no indication of trail closures along the route on weekends. I generally bike south toward the Erie Canal trail, which is generally fine, but wanted to try the northern route to Lake Ontario on a gorgeous summer day. Unfortunate choice!
Very short walk but very even, no hills. Bring bug spray! Also Cooley road entry is very hard to see with car, be careful! I recommend parking on the opposite road.
About 2-3 miles heading East from the West trail head, encountered a few places where trees were down across the path from a recent severe rainstorm. Decided to turn back. I’m going to try the East trail head and head West on another day.
Beautiful trail. Well maintained. Headed west from Henrietta first, a little secluded. Only went about 2 miles then headed east to lock 33. Felt safer going east. Full of exercise traffic… love to see that!
Rode the trail on my gravel bike from Knickerbocker Rd near the Erie Canal, then down to Victor and back here in the late fall after all the leaves were down. The scenery is definitely different without the leaves affording a better view of the creeks and streams that run alongside and under the trail. The crushed stone surface is smooth and well-maintained. Overall, it was a great ride! Highly recommended.
Rode this trail on October 31st. Still beautiful colors. At the 1.2 mile had to move 2 trees that fell across the trail. Otherwise trail well maintained. The park at the end is lovely. Crossed over Rt 20 and had lunch at The Beef & Brew. They were very accommodating letting us tuck our bikes in an alcove while we enjoyed a great lunch. Will post pictures too
Took out bikes on this trail on a lovely fall day — some nice fall colors. Negative is lack of signage, which caused us to go the wrong way at one intersection. Found it easier to bike the road than on the hill portion of Maple Avenue than on the very tiny strip of bike trail on the hill. Biked the trail in the flatter portion of the the Maple Ave. trail.
This trail was terrific. Scenic and well groomed. Sheltered from the wind. This was my first time on it and I could have used a sign or two at the intersection of Rte 31 since it wasn't readily apparent to me where the trail was after I crossed the street. Also, I clocked it at 4.5 miles, not 5, on my odometer. Still a great ride and I'll do it again, now that I know where it is.
Beautiful day for a bike ride. Enjoyed the fall foliage colors and sunshiny day.
Nice trail for views but very rough in spots especially in the middle. There should almost be a warning for road bikes. Bumpy.
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