09-08-2026 Buffalo to Niagara Falls Ride

The morning started cool and sunny, which was exactly what we needed for a long ride from Buffalo up to Niagara Falls with our friend Brian. The first miles were pleasant neighborhood riding before we picked up the Shoreline Trail and started following the water north. It was a full-day ride in the best way: snack stops, lunch, Niagara power facts, a conversation with a Niagara Power employee, helping another cyclist with a pump, and then several hours exploring the Falls after we locked up the bikes and put them on charge. After Goat Island, Terrapin Point, and the new Cataract Overlook, we still had to ride back to Buffalo. The ride home was smooth, and we made it all the way to Nietzsche's in Allentown to listen to The Steam Donkeys before finishing with Greek food from Vasilis Express.

Ride facts

Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Route: Buffalo to Niagara Falls and back, finishing in Allentown.

Distance: 54.3 miles.

Time window: 10:24 am to 9:36 pm

Trail/source: Shoreline Trail / Niagara River waterfront riding, with neighborhood connectors and Niagara Falls State Park walking.

Towns/turnaround: Buffalo, Tonawanda/North Tonawanda area, Niagara Falls State Park, then back to Buffalo.

After-ride stop: Nietzsche's in Allentown for The Steam Donkeys, then Greek food from Vasilis Express.

Photo log

We couldn't have picked a nicer day for this long ride, and it's a pleasant trip through the neighborhood streets to pick up the Shoreline Trail.

We pass lots of beautiful old buildings like this church.

Onto the Shoreline Trail now, which goes through quite diverse areas on the way to Niagara Falls.

The Shoreline Trail was easy to follow here, with the river on one side and the road above us.

A smooth path right along the water as we kept heading north.

One of our little snack and rest stops along the river with Brian.

Going through the town of Tonawanda now...

Long straight trail sections like this made the ride feel easy.

The trail stayed close to the water through Tonawanda.

A short, quiet road section before picking the trail back up.

A greener section of trail as we worked north.

Gratwick Riverside Park, where there are free concerts during the summer.

A relatively new, separated path section, nicely away from traffic.

The section through the neighborhood streets of LaSalle is nicely labeled and quiet.

The trail passes these two tall buildings that house floodgates that can be deployed to close the giant water-intake tunnels underneath them.

Back on the trail we encountered a cyclist in need of a pump, and we had one, so we stopped to help him get aired up. He was super thankful.

A calm pond stop before the Niagara Falls scenery really started.

The water started getting faster as we got closer to the Falls.

Following the path beside the rushing water near Niagara Falls.

Our first big view of the Falls and the mist.

The Falls were already impressive from across the river.

Looking down at the Cave of the Winds

Looking down into the gorge and the Cave of the Winds area.

The mist and rainbow made this one of the best views of the day.

This was the hero view: mist, rainbow, balloon above, and the Maid of the Mist below.

Our electric bikes by the Nikola Tesla statue - we think he would be thrilled by them!

The Nikola Tesla statue felt like the right place to park the e-bikes for a minute.

Another wide view over the Falls, with rainbow and balloon.

Eric took a photo of Cara taking one of many pictures for our new website that helps people plan trips to the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. That site is https://USNiagaraFalls.com

This is one of the photos Cara was taking - the Maid of the Mist boat on the way to the Falls.

Terrapin Point

Walking the overlook path above the Falls.

This is the new Cataract Staircase and Overlook. It used to be called the Crow's Nest and was only accessible by taking the Observation Tower elevator.

The new Cataract Staircase and Overlook puts you right beside the water.

Up close to the wall of water and mist at Niagara Falls.

You can feel the power from the falls, and sometimes the mist as well.

A quick Falls selfie before starting the ride back.

The Observation Tower with the elevator going up.

Starting the ride back to Buffalo so we could hopefully get back in time to see a band.

Heading back along the water as evening started to settle in.

The trail was peaceful by the river on the way back.

Sunset through the bridges in Buffalo on the ride back.

I guess we were too busy enjoying the band to take photos or videos of them, but this is right outside Nietzsche's — a must-visit music bar in Allentown.

After the ride

By the end we were satisfyingly tired, but it felt worth every mile. This was not just a ride to a famous place — it was a whole Buffalo-to-Niagara day, with trails, water, people, music, and food all stitched together.