The best cycling routes in New York

The Literary Walk in Central Park offers a charming pedestrian experience, winding through a wide, paved promenade shaded by beautiful elm trees. As you wander, you'll encounter statues of famous literary figures like William Shakespeare and Robert Burns, making it a unique cultural journey. This route, despite its name, is designed for walking and is not suitable for touring cycling due to heavy pedestrian traffic, offering a gentle 5.7-mile (9.1 km) path with minimal elevation gain of 186 feet (57 metres) that takes about 35 minutes on foot.

Planning your visit to the Literary Walk is straightforward, as it's easily accessible within Central Park from various points in Manhattan. Public transport is your best bet for reaching the park, as dedicated parking for this specific area can be challenging. There are no permits or fees required to enjoy this historic promenade, and it's a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll any time of day, though mornings can be quieter.

This iconic section of Central Park is notable for its historical significance and its role as a cultural landmark, celebrating literary figures amidst a serene natural setting. While this specific route is not for bikes, actual popular cycling routes around Manhattan, such as the Hudson River Greenway or East River Greenway, offer dedicated paths for cyclists. The Literary Walk provides a distinct, tranquil escape for those seeking a literary-themed walk in the heart of New York City.

The Manhattan and Brooklyn Waterfront Greenways Loop offers an unparalleled touring cycling experience, weaving together the vibrant urban landscapes of two iconic boroughs. You'll glide along dedicated paths like the Hudson River Greenway and the East River Greenway, witnessing the city's skyline from ever-changing perspectives. The route provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the diverse character of New York's waterfronts, from bustling piers to tranquil park spaces, all while enjoying the fresh air off the rivers.

This moderate 25.3-mile (40.6 km) cycling route, with its gentle 515 feet (157 metres) of elevation gain, is typically completed in about 2 hours and 22 minutes. It's easily accessible via public transportation throughout the city, making it convenient to start and finish at various points. For the most enjoyable ride, consider tackling this loop during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the city's energy is palpable.

What makes this loop truly special is its ability to connect you directly with the pulse of New York City, offering continuous views of its architectural marvels and waterways. It's a comprehensive way to experience the city's commitment to green spaces and active transport, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and urban dynamism. This route stands out as a premier option for those seeking a substantial, yet accessible, cycling adventure within the five boroughs.

The Palisades loop over the Hudson offers a diverse touring cycling experience, blending urban parkways with dramatic natural scenery. You'll pedal along the Hudson River, enjoying views of the towering Palisades Cliffs and the New York City skyline, especially when crossing the George Washington Bridge. This moderate 28.9-mile (46.5 km) route, with 1398 feet (426 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 51 minutes to complete, making it a rewarding ride for cyclists with good fitness.

While the route is accessible year-round, spring and fall provide the most comfortable conditions and beautiful scenery, including vibrant fall foliage. The full loop is best for experienced cyclists due to its length, varied terrain, and steep hills. Public transportation can get you to the starting point, making it convenient for those without a car.

This route stands out for its unique blend of accessibility from a major metropolitan area and significant natural beauty. The opportunity to cycle along the base of the 500-foot Palisades Cliffs on the mostly car-free Henry Hudson Drive is a highlight. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as deer, in certain sections of the 2,500-acre park.

The Brooklyn Waterfront and Ocean Parkway Loop offers a fantastic urban touring cycling experience, blending iconic city views with a relaxed ride. You'll pedal past the stunning Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and later catch impressive glimpses of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from the Shore Parkway Greenway. This moderate route is mostly flat, making it a great option for those who enjoy a longer, scenic ride without significant climbing.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with numerous public transport options to access different points along the loop. While specific parking can vary, you'll find facilities in the surrounding urban areas. For the best experience, consider cycling during the spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures and enjoy the route with fewer crowds, especially if you're looking for popular cycling routes along the Brooklyn waterfront.

This loop stands out as one of the best Brooklyn bike loops for touring, offering a unique perspective on the city's diverse landscapes. It provides a refreshing alternative to more intense cycling routes, focusing on accessible terrain and continuous visual engagement. The route's gentle elevation gain and well-maintained paths make it suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from casual riders to those seeking a longer, leisurely urban adventure.

The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway and Central Park Loop offers a unique urban cycling adventure, blending the dynamic energy of the city's waterfront with the tranquil beauty of its most famous park. You'll pedal along dedicated paths, taking in sweeping vistas of the Hudson River and iconic bridges before transitioning into the lush, green oasis of Central Park. It's a fantastic way to experience New York City's diverse landscapes from a bike.

This easy touring cycling route covers 20.6 miles (33.1 km) with a minimal 406 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable for most in about 1 hour and 58 minutes. Public transportation is your best bet for reaching the starting point, as parking can be scarce and expensive in Manhattan. Consider riding on a weekday morning to enjoy fewer crowds, especially around the popular Central Park Loop cycling sections.

What makes this route stand out is its seamless connection between two of New York City's most popular cycling routes, offering a comprehensive tour of Manhattan's highlights. You'll pass by notable landmarks like Cleopatra's Needle and enjoy prime viewpoints of the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge, providing endless photo opportunities. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxed ride with plenty of sightseeing.

The Jamaica Bay Greenway Loop offers a unique touring cycling experience, tracing the edges of a vast urban wildlife refuge. You'll pedal past diverse ecosystems, from salt marshes teeming with birdlife to open water views, with the city skyline often visible in the distance. The route is predominantly flat, making it a pleasant journey for those seeking a long, scenic ride away from traffic, especially as you cross the impressive Marine Parkway Bridge.

This moderate 31.6-mile (50.9 km) loop, with a minimal 338 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes to complete. Access points are plentiful around the bay, and public transport options are available to get you to the starting area. Consider riding in the spring or fall for the most comfortable temperatures and best wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Jamaica Bay Greenway is a fantastic way to explore the natural features of New York City's largest natural area, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. It's a popular choice for cyclists looking for an extended ride that combines natural beauty with iconic landmarks like Rockaway Beach, offering a refreshing contrast to the city's concrete jungle.

The Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway offers a refreshing escape for cyclists, tracing the scenic coastline with consistent ocean views. This moderate touring bicycle route spans 39.2 miles (63.1 km) with a negligible 118 feet (36 metres) of elevation gain, making it an accessible option for nearly everyone. You'll enjoy the open air and the sound of the waves as you pedal along this dedicated cycle path, passing by iconic spots like Jones Beach State Park.

Planning your ride is straightforward; the route is well-defined and easy to follow. While specific parking details aren't provided, you can typically find access points along the Ocean Parkway. For the most comfortable experience, aim for a spring or fall visit to avoid the peak summer heat and crowds, especially if you're looking for a more tranquil ride.

This greenway stands out as a fantastic option for family cycling or anyone seeking a long, uninterrupted ride without significant climbs. It's a great way to experience the New York coastline, offering a different perspective than many other local trails. The consistent, smooth terrain allows you to cover a good distance in about 3 hours and 33 minutes, making it a rewarding half-day adventure.

The East River and Randalls Island Greenway Loop offers a refreshing escape into an urban oasis, providing a unique perspective of New York City's iconic skyline and waterways. As you cycle, you'll traverse the dedicated Hell Gate Bike Path on Randalls and Wards Islands, enjoying open views across the East River. The route is predominantly flat and paved, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride, with the Ward's Island Bridge serving as a distinctive landmark along the way.

This easy touring cycling route covers 18.3 miles (29.5 km) with a minimal 367 feet (112 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for a leisurely ride, whether you're a beginner cyclist, cycling with kids, or simply looking for a relaxed outing. Public transport access to various points along the East River Greenway and Randalls Island is convenient, and starting earlier in the day can help you avoid busier times on the path.

Beyond the cycling, Randalls Island Park itself is a hub for recreation and offers a surprising amount of natural beauty, including the Hell Gate Salt Marsh. This loop provides a fantastic opportunity to combine active exploration with scenic viewpoints, allowing you to experience a different side of the city. It's a popular bike trail for those seeking an accessible and rewarding urban cycling adventure.

Pedal along the East River Greenway Loop for an immersive urban cycling experience that showcases New York City's iconic waterfront. This route offers continuous, sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, with highlights like the Williamsburg Bridge and the Queensboro Bridge providing impressive backdrops. You'll find yourself gliding past the vibrant Hunters Point South Waterfront Park, enjoying the unique atmosphere of the city from a dedicated path.

This easy touring cycling route covers 19.2 miles (30.9 km) with a minimal 266 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone. Expect to complete the loop in about 1 hour and 47 minutes, perfect for a leisurely ride. Public transportation, particularly the subway, is the most convenient way to access the starting point, as parking can be challenging in the city.

The East River Greenway is one of the best urban cycling loops in NYC, offering a fantastic alternative to more crowded routes while still delivering spectacular city views. It's a great option for families or beginner cyclists looking for a rewarding ride without significant physical demands. Consider cycling during the shoulder seasons for the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds.