Uncover Five Key Bicycle Trails In The New York Tri-State

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

The New York tri-state area is a bicyclist's paradise, offering a wide array of trails from city paths with stunning skyline views to park trails going through the territory of nature reserves.  Allen Batista Travel, Inc. showcases five bicycle travelers for the casual bicyclists to spend a carefree afternoon cycling, as well as for professional cyclists to build their endurance.

Bicycling is beneficial to people’s health and wellbeing. It also promotes sustainable tourism since it is an environmentally friendly way to explore the area.  Here are our top five bicycle trails in the New York tri-state area.

The Hudson River Greenway, New York City

The Hudson River Greenway, which begins at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, extends to the George Washington Bridge in Washington Heights, stretches around 13 miles with great views of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and the Manhattan skyline. This paved bicycle trail is ideal for riders of all abilities. There are many parks, piers, and rest areas on the way where you might want to stop and have a picnic or just relax and watch the scenery.

This trail also intersects with Riverside Park, filled with green vegetation, historical structures, and recreational amenities. The Hudson River Greenway connects to other bike paths and parks such as the East River Esplanade and Central Park, making it an important part of the cycling system in New York City.

The Delaware And Raritan Canal State Park Trail, New Jersey

The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail is one of the longest and most scenic bike trails in New Jersey, extending more than 70 miles. The trail is named after the old D&R Canal and passes through beautiful small towns, green woods, and picturesque rivers.

The trail is suitable for both amateur and professional cyclists who prefer long, steady bike rides. Bikers will be able to catch a glimpse of various animals, such as deer and turtles, as well as birds of different species. In addition to its scenery, the trail offers some history, where traces of the old canal system still exist in the form of lock houses or stone bridges. Given the numerous chances to take a break and enjoy a meal, the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail is ideal for a one-day cycling trip.

The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Connecticut

The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail covers 84 miles across the rail trail in Connecticut and into Massachusetts. This trail follows the path once occupied by the Farmington Canal and the New Haven and Northampton Railroad, so the terrain varies between urban and rural. Riders will be able to cycle through beautiful towns, forests, and meadows. Some attractions are historical landmarks, picturesque parks, and an opportunity to observe the remnants of the canal locks of the past.

The trail is further segmented into different parts, which each have different things to offer the tourist. The southern part starts in New Haven and passes through some urban and suburban settings before reaching Cheshire. This segment includes several parks and recreational areas, including Edgewood Park and Sleeping Giant State Park, where cyclists can rest and admire the beauty of nature. The second part of the trail runs from Cheshire to the border of Massachusetts and has more picturesque landscapes: farmland, forests, and small towns.

Bronx River Parkway Reservation, New York

The Bronx River Parkway Reservation provides an off-road cycling adventure in one of the most densely populated New York City. This trail stretches for 13.2 miles along the Bronx River, from the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla to the Bronx Zoo in New York City. The road twists and turns through beautifully wooded areas, smooth creeks, and residences with backyards that are accessible to the public.

The path is smooth and mainly level, which makes it ideal for children and other occasional cyclists. The Bronx River Parkway Reservation hosts the Bicycle Sundays – on select Sundays in May, June, and September, a 13.1-mile section of the parkway is closed to motor vehicles, allowing cyclists, walkers, joggers, and skaters to enjoy the road without traffic.

North County Trailway, New York

The North County Trailway is a 22.1-mile bicycle trail on the abandoned corridor of the New York Central Railroad’s Putnam Division across Westchester County, New York. Bikers will go through beautiful villages, forests, and meadows in the picturesque area of the Hudson Valley. The trail is easy to locate and has several entry and exit points.

It starts at Eastview and runs north to Baldwin Place, where it intersects the Putnam County Trailway at its northernmost point. There are several parks and nature reserves through which the route passes: Graham Hills Park, Muscoot Farm, and Angle Fly Preserve. In addition to camping facilities, these parks provide other related activities such as hiking, bird watching and picnicking.

​Allen Batista Travel, Inc. can help bicyclists uncover the beautiful landscapes of the New York tri-state region. Contact us today.