NY Bike Route 9: George Washington Bridge to Nyack Loop

The full loop, starting from the George Washington Bridge, typically takes around 3 hours and 53 minutes to complete for an average racebike rider. This covers a distance of approximately 86.6 kilometers (53.8 miles).

The route is almost entirely paved, primarily following State Route 9W. Cyclists should expect a challenging ride with significant elevation changes, including one major steep hill and several other substantial climbs. While much of the route features reasonable shoulders, you may encounter urban traffic near the George Washington Bridge and in Nyack.

No, this route is considered challenging due to its serious hills and significant elevation gain of over 700 meters (2,300 vertical feet) from the GWB to Nyack. It's often used by experienced New York City cyclists for training and logging miles, making it less suitable for beginners.

The route is popular throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with the changing foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for potentially hot and humid conditions.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the NY Bike Route 9: George Washington Bridge to Nyack Loop. Access to the George Washington Bridge North Walk is free for cyclists.

Parking options near the George Washington Bridge can be limited and costly in New York City. Many cyclists opt to use public transportation to reach the GWB or cycle from other parts of Manhattan. If driving, research parking garages in the Fort Lee, NJ area, or consider starting your ride from a different point along the route with more accessible parking.

You'll experience stunning views of the Hudson River, the New York City skyline, and the Palisades cliffs. Key highlights include crossing the George Washington Bridge, passing through Downtown Piermont, and reaching the cycling-friendly town of Downtown Nyack. The route also includes the challenging Old Mountain Road North climb.

Yes, the route is well-known for its cyclist-friendly stops. Piermont offers coffee shops like Bunbury's Coffee. In Nyack, The Runcible Spoon is a popular breakfast and brunch spot where cyclists often gather. The 9W Market is also a common stop for riders.

The North Walk of the George Washington Bridge, which is used by cyclists, reopened in February 2023 after significant renovations. It now features wider, accessible approach paths (11-14 feet), larger entry plazas, and removed stairs, making it ADA-compliant. This means cyclists no longer need to dismount and carry their bikes over stairs at the bridge towers. The South Walk is currently closed for similar renovations.

Yes, the route overlaps with sections of several other paths. Notably, it follows a significant portion of NY Bike Route 9 and also intersects with parts of the Long Path, the 9-11 Trail, the East Coast Greenway, the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, and the NorthWalk.

This route is primarily a road cycling route, and while dogs are generally not suitable companions for a fast-paced road bike ride, some towns along the way, like Nyack, may have dog-friendly establishments. However, the focus of this route is on challenging road cycling, not leisurely walks with pets.

Yes, a popular shorter option is to turn around in Piermont. This creates a roughly 50-mile round trip from the George Washington Bridge, still offering a good workout and scenic views without the full distance and climbs to Nyack.