With longer days and warmer weather, there’s no better time to explore the Lower Hudson Valley on two wheels.
The region is laced with a number of biking trails a short drive from home. Some hug the Hudson River. Others wind through rugged mountain biking terrain. Most deliver scenic views of the valley’s sprawling woodlands, wetlands and historic architecture.
Here’s a guide to the rides — big and small — in and around the Lower Hudson Valley.
North County Railway
This 22.1-mile paved path — built atop a former railway trail — runs through northern Westchester, across a steel bridge straddling the Croton Reservoir and under tree canopies. Stretching from Mount Pleasant to Somers, the trail is mostly flat and shaded, making it a fun ride for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
The entirely car-free path is one part of the 750 mile Empire State Trail, which extends from one end of the state to the other. Pedestrians, cyclists and rollerbladers alike can access the trail from a number of parking areas along the way.
A map of the trail and parking areas can be found online at the YorktownNy.gov website.
More information: yorktownny.gov/recreation-community/parks-preserves-trailways/westchester-county-parks/north-county-trailway.
South County Trailway
Winding through some of the Valley’s densest residential clusters, this car-free 14.1-mile paved path begins in the Bronx and ends in Eastview to connect with its sister trail, the North County Trailway. Though close to the hustle-bustle of urban life, the backcountry route treats riders to riverbanks, copious shade and pockets of flourishing woodland.
The mostly flat trail is beginner-friendly, passing over bridges and past county parks and golf courses. Westchester County’s Bee-Line bus service passes by several of the trail’s entry points. Parking areas can be found at multiple points along the trail.
Check out a map of the trail and parking areas at EmpireTrail.NY.gov. is a map of the trail and parking areas.
More information: empiretrail.ny.gov/new-york-city-poughkeepsie/van-cortlandt-park-elmsford.
Old Croton Aqueduct Trail
Stretching from the New Croton Dam to the Yonkers-Bronx border, this 26-mile bike path is steeped in New York history. The packed dirt trail weaves through a number of river towns and traces a historic aqueduct that once funneled water into New York City in the mid-19th century. As you zip through rural woodlands and quaint Westchester towns, be sure to stop at the multiple landmarks dotting the path, which include the Double Arch and Lyndhurst Mansion.
Parking lots near the trail can be found in Croton Gorge Park, Draper Park and at 15 Walnut St. in Dobbs Ferry. The path is accessible from multiple cross streets along the way.
See a map of the trail and parking areas online at parks.ny.gov.
More information: parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/old-croton-aqueduct-state-historic-park#info
Kenisco Reservoir Loop
This 21.1-mile path wraps around the Kenisco Reservoir, runs along the top of the massive Kenisco Dam and traverses rolling meadows. The ride — considered to be moderately easy — is mostly paved and flat, save for the occasional short climb.
Kenisco Dam Plaza, the trail’s scenic start-point, is a popular destination for picnicking, nature study sessions and outdoor fitness classes. Parking is available and free at the plaza, which is a half mile walk from Valhalla Station on the Metro-North Harlem Line.
More information: komoot.com/smarttour/e763804187/kensico-reservoir-loop.
Nyack Beach Bikeway
This 4.9-mile trail traces the Hudson River, delivering views of the waterfront and towering rock formations. The southern part of the path — the Nyack River Trail — is beginner-friendly, running directly along the flat riverside. The northern half — the Haverstraw River Trail — is significantly narrower, hillier and rockier.
The Upper Nyack bikeway connects Haverstraw Beach State Park and Nyack Beach State Park. You can park at both for a fee.
More information parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/nyack-beach-state-park.
Blue Mountain Reservation
This mountain biking hotspot is officially 100 this year. Celebrate the big day by participating in the reservation’s anniversary challenge: riding 100 miles in Blue Mountain in 100 days. Register for free online at runsignup.com.
The 1,538-acre park in Westchester County is marked with 20 miles of mountain biking trails. There are options for those at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Parking is $5 for Park Pass holders and $10 for those without.
More information: parks.westchestercountyny.gov/blue-mountain-reservation.
Sprain Ridge Park
Another one for the thrill seekers. Approximately thirteen miles of mountain bike trails weave through Sprain Ridge Park’s dense woodland. Located alongside the Sprain Brook Parkway in Westchester County, it’s fairly small but incredibly accessible, featuring trails for all levels of expertise. You can even cool off in the park’s public pool after a long ride.
Parking is $5 with a Park Pass and $10 without one.
More information: parks.westchestercountyny.gov/sprain-ridge-park.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Where to bike in Lower Hudson Valley this summer. 7 can’t-miss trails
Reporting by Leia Green, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Leia Green, Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
