The best gravel rides in New York County

While New York County itself offers urban green spaces and waterfront paths, it primarily serves as a gateway to more extensive gravel routes in the surrounding regions. Komoot lists 5 gravel bike trails that either start in or are easily accessible from New York County, with many more options available in the wider metropolitan area.

Within Manhattan, you'll find paved and mixed-surface paths in parks like Central Park and along the Hudson River Greenway. For true gravel, you'll venture into the wider region, where routes feature extensive white gravel roads, dirt roads winding through woods, forests, and along streams, and multi-use paths. These can range from smooth hardpack to more rugged, unpaved sections.

Within Manhattan, parks like Central Park and the Hudson River Greenway offer car-free, paved, and mixed-surface paths suitable for families. For dedicated gravel, many routes in the surrounding regions, particularly those on smoother hardpack, can be enjoyable for families, though some may involve significant climbs. Always check the route details for difficulty before heading out.

Many parks and multi-use paths in New York County, such as Central Park and the Hudson River Greenway, are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. When venturing into the wider region for gravel routes, policies can vary by park or preserve. It's always best to check specific regulations for each trail or park you plan to visit to ensure dogs are permitted.

New York County is exceptionally well-served by public transport. Many routes, especially those leading to the wider region, are easily accessible via commuter rail from Grand Central, allowing you to reach destinations like Cold Spring in Putnam County, a known gravel biking hub. Within Manhattan, the subway and bus systems provide access to various parks and starting points.

Parking within New York County itself can be challenging and expensive due to its urban density. For routes that start directly in Manhattan, public transport is often the most convenient option. If you're driving to access routes in the surrounding regions, look for designated parking areas near trailheads in places like Westchester County or the Hudson Valley. Some routes, like the La Tourette Park Greenway – Fort Wadsworth — Staten Island loop from St. George, might have more accessible parking options outside of Manhattan.

Within Manhattan, you can enjoy breathtaking river views along the Hudson River Greenway and scenic spots like the Reservoir in Central Park. Inwood Hill Park offers panoramic views of the Hudson River and ancient Tulip trees. As you venture into the wider region, gravel routes often feature stunning views of the Hudson River, small hamlets, farms, open fields, and rides under cool pine and hemlock canopies, especially in areas like the Mohonk Preserve or near Cold Spring.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the wider New York metropolitan area offers routes with significant elevation gain and varied terrain. For example, the Putnam Trail – South County Trailway loop from 191st Street is a difficult 68.2-mile route with over 2,400 feet of climbing. Another challenging option is the Nyack River Trail – Haverstraw River Trail loop from Glenwood, which covers 47.9 miles with over 1,600 feet of climbing.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons for gravel biking in and around New York County, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Spring brings cherry blossoms to Riverside Park, while fall showcases vibrant autumn colors in the Hudson Valley. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear and awareness of trail conditions, especially on unpaved sections.

Yes, many gravel biking options in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Putnam Trail – South County Trailway loop from 231st Street, a 44.5-mile route, and the Van Cortlandt Greenway – Woodlands Lake loop from Glenwood, which is a moderate 27.6-mile ride.

While gravel biking, you might pass by or be near several interesting attractions. In Manhattan, you can find iconic spots like The High Line or the serene Little Island at Pier 55. Further afield, routes might take you through areas with historic sites or natural landmarks. Always check the specific route details for points of interest along the way.

Within New York County's public parks and on most multi-use trails, permits are generally not required for cycling. However, if you venture into specific preserves or private lands in the wider region, such as the Mohonk Preserve, a day pass or membership may be required to access their carriage roads. It's advisable to check the requirements for any specific destination outside of Manhattan.

The routes in New York County and its accessible surrounding areas are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 30 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore this varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and the excellent access to regional trail networks from the city.