The 7 Best New York Cycling Routes

STORM KING

One of the most scenic landscapes within the Hudson Highlands is Storm King Mountain, which rises from the river to over 1,300 feet above sea level. Storm King Highway is a scenic road that offers sweeping views of the Hudson River, and connects Cornwall, NY to The United State Military Academy at West Point.
This route begins in Peekskill, NY, a one-hour train ride from Grand Central Terminal. From Peekskill, the route travels north to Beacon where it cross the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge before heading south to Storm King Mountain. The route then ascends Bear Mountain before returning to the Peekskill Brewery via the Bear Mountain Bridge.

OLD PUT RAIL TRAIL

New York cyclists can enjoy riding up the east side of the Hudson River on the interconnected South, North and Putnam County Trailway, which extends from Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx to its northern terminus in Brewster, NY. The route is a paved rail trail and provides access from Manhattan to Upstate New York and Connecticut, and combined equals 58 miles in length.
New York cyclists frequently ride the trail to the scenic Croton Dam, and can either return via train from Croton or Tarrytown, cross the Hudson River on the new Mario Cuomo Bridge, or take the trail south back to the city. The ride is a smooth, traffic-free cruise if you’re seeking an alternative to the River Road / 9W scene.

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BEAR MOUNTAIN

Perhaps the most popular climb in the New York region is Bear Mountain. At 4.5 miles long with an average grade of 5%, is a comfortable climb that offers scenic views of the Hudson Highlands region. This Century route leaves from the George Washington Bridge and heads North towards Bear Mt. on 9W. Following the ascent, the route crosses the Hudson River for a pit stop at the Peekskill Brewery before returning to NYC via the South County Trailway.

CENTRAL PARK LAPS

Central Park Laps are a must-do for any New York City cyclist. The great park in the center of the city offers the perfect training ground for road cyclists of all abilities. The 10km (6-mile) loop features a variety of terrains including 2 short climbs: Harlem Hill and Cat’s Paw, rolling hills on the west side of the park and the flat straightaway to Engineer’s Gate on the east side of the park.
On any weekday morning around 5:00am, hundreds of New York cyclists utilize the recently repaved loop as their go-to training ground. Central Park has a long and celebrated history within the New York City bike racing community, and hosts nearly 15 races each season. It’s the perfect spot for a quick spin or as many laps as your heart desires.

CITY SLICKERS URBAN CRUISE

New York City is home to countless hidden gems that you'd likely never discover through your daily routine. Riding a bicycle through town is the easiest and fastest way to discover these rare gems. One of our favorite spots to chill out and enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is the Little Red Lighthouse beneath the George Washington Bridge.
Our urban City Slickers Cruise kicks off in Central Park and travel North through town to the High Bridge. It then travels West to Inspiration Point before traveling south back to Midtown via the West Side Greenway Bike Path.

RIVER ROAD

River Road lies within the Palisades Park. The park is part of a broader network of parks known as the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, which is comprised of 19 state parks and protected nature preserves throughout Northern New Jersey and Upstate New York. Road cycling in Palisades Park takes place from dawn ‘til dusk on Henry Hudson Drive, colloquially referred to as River Road.
River Road commences just south of the GWB on the West side of the Hudson River and travels north for 8 miles, culminating with a 1-mile climb up Alpine to the Ranger Station. From there, most cyclists either continue north or return to the city via Route 9W. The round trip from Midtown Manhattan takes approx. 2.5 hours and you’ll cross paths with fellow riders on this route at all hours of the day, be it first thing in the morning before work, or as the sun begins to set. River Road is without a doubt our little slice of cycling heaven.

RIVER ROAD TO THE 9W MARKET

The 9W Market in Palisades, NJ is a popular destination for cyclists from across the area. Located 5 miles North of the Ranger Station at River Road, the Market offers coffee, pastries and lunch. The adjacent Filling Station serves burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. On weekends, hordes of cyclists descend upon the Market to chill out mid-ride before heading North or heading back to NYC. The route from midtown is 40 miles and typically takes around 3 hours.