The best gravel rides around New City

There are over 10 gravel bike trails available around New City, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes to explore.

The terrain around New City is quite varied, featuring historic aqueduct trails, former rail beds, and wooded paths. You can expect a mix of unpaved roads, multi-use trails, and some sections with considerable elevation changes, especially as you venture into areas like the Hudson Highlands or towards the Catskills.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for beginners. A great option is the Piermont Railway Station (historic) – 9W Market loop from Village of Nyack, which is an easy 12.3-mile ride with minimal elevation gain, perfect for getting started with gravel biking.

Absolutely. For a more challenging experience, consider the New Croton Dam – Old Croton Aqueduct Trail loop from Blauvelt State Park. This difficult 38.2-mile route features significant elevation gain and explores the historic Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and the New Croton Dam area. Another challenging option is the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail – Tarrytown Highlights loop from Croton-Harmon, a 31.6-mile trail with notable climbs.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around New City are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Village of Nyack is a popular 21.2-mile loop that follows a historic rail trail.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around New City, with an average score of 3.8 stars from over 15 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscape, the blend of historic aqueduct paths and wooded trails, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.

Yes, the region offers several scenic spots and landmarks. Many routes incorporate parts of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, which is historic in itself. You can also find routes that pass by the impressive New Croton Dam. The broader region, including the Hudson Highlands and Catskills, is known for dramatic rock cliffs, river valleys, and panoramic views.

For families or those seeking a more relaxed ride, routes like the Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Village of Nyack offer mostly flat and accessible gravel surfaces, making them suitable for a family outing. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail also has many sections that are relatively flat and easy to navigate.

The spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for gravel biking around New City. Spring brings lush greenery, while fall offers spectacular foliage, especially in areas like the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Highlands. Summer can be pleasant, but be mindful of heat and humidity. Winter riding is possible, but conditions can vary with snow and ice.

While popular routes like sections of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail can see more traffic, exploring some of the less-known local paths or venturing into the broader Putnam County area (often referred to as a 'gravel mecca') can offer more secluded experiences. Early mornings or weekdays are generally best for finding quieter trails.

Many gravel biking areas in the broader New York region are accessible via Metro-North stations, particularly for routes along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. For routes directly around New City, you'll often find parking available at trailheads or nearby parks. For example, the New Croton Dam – Old Croton Aqueduct Trail loop starts from Blauvelt State Park, which typically has parking.