Explore the best rated trails in Hartsdale, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Walkway Over The Hudson and Ridgefield Rail Trail . With more than 102 trails covering 771 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
After starting in New Paltz on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and then crossing the Walkway Over The Hudson, I continued on to the Dutchess Rail Trail. I only went a few miles before turning around and heading back to New Paltz for a 21 mile ride.
The portion I rode is for the most part heavily forested, so if you like colorful trees in the fall or shade in the summer you'll love this. The trail is easy to ride, in amazing condition, and on a weekday morning in mid October lightly used. I especially appreciated the use of wood fencing in many spots which was the perfect architectural touch for this trail. Another highlight was Morgan Lake with its lovely swans and colorful trees reflecting upon the water.
I wish I would have had the time to venture further into the beautiful rural areas, but time was of the essence. I guess I have a reason to return and do the full length next time!
After pedaling down the Hudson Valley Rail Trail from New Paltz, I made my way onto the walkway. It was 7:30 on a brisk mid October weekday morning, and the bridge was not crawling with hordes of tourists (like me). Instead it was obviously primarily locals out jogging, getting their steps in on their walks, rollerblading, and walking their dogs.
The views are as expected - absolutely sensational and breathtaking looking both up and downriver.
After continuing across I proceeded to explore the Dutchess Rail Trail for several miles before heading back.
As luck would have it, when I returned the walkway was a completely different world. It was totally enveloped in fog, and you could no longer see the Hudson let alone fifty yards in front of you. The bridge was essentially deserted. Worst of all, I didn't get to do my selfies with a Hudson River background!
The walkway, combined with the rail trails on either end, is a must destination ride for bicyclists. What an unforgettable experience!
The history of the Long Island Motor Parkway (as it was first recalled) is revealed with signage along the length of the Parkway, including the site of the Jacob Johnson Family Burial Ground who appears in the 1830 Census as a "free colored man." At least two of his sons served in a segregated unit in the Civil War. He was a farmer in the area until retirement when he lived very close to Alley Pond.
The length of the entire park roadway, designated as part of the Greenway, has been repaved.
Review other park features when you come. In another area of the larger Alley Pond Park is found the oldest and tallest tree in NYC, already growing at the time of George Washington, known as the Alley Pond Giant. Hiking trails throughout the Park are well maintained.
This is still a great trail but currently (9/2023) the Trailway is closed between the Stormville parking area on South Green Haven Road and the road crossing at Depot Road due to a partial washout (see pic).
There is a bypass using Route 216 (busy and not always good shoulders).
People have gone around the barricades and used the Trailway. Please use caution if you do so.
Parked on the east side of the bridge after a bit of confusion finding the end of the bridge. Signs were a bit confusing. We just looked at the huge bridge went towards the obvious end of it to find parking. Lightly crowded on a Monday morning around 9:30 as we headed west across the bridge. Well worth the trip as the views of the Hudson Valley are spectacular! Rode 8 miles west out into central New York. Very little elevation change and a clean smooth trail. Worth the ride!
Very nice 7 miler tonight just before sundown. Trail was very clean and only lightly populated as we headed south for 3 1/2 miles and then back to the parking lot.
Too bad that Daddy O's had closed their kitchen when we returned. Had to go to the Redline Diner to get a post-ride meal on a Sunday night.
Road crossings were well marked and use automatic yellow flashing lights for traffic to be aware of bikers approaching the crossing. A nice feature.
The bridge is repaired and the trail is open.
Was a great great trail! Got a little lost through Goshen, thank you kind gents for allowing us to follow you to the connection!
I started my journey in Bethpage Park ($8 to park for the day) and headed south. The Massapequa Preseve is beautiful and certainly the highlight of the trail. I loved how a small, charming stream ran alongside the trail for most of this leg of the trip.
Once I got to Sunrise Hwy, it was a bit confusing because the trail is not obvious to where it picks up on the other side. I found the trail and completed the last mile. Personally, I would not recommend going south of Sunrise Hwy. The trail becomes extremely bumpy and it ends unceremoniously at the corner of a busy intersection. On my next trip, I am avoiding this leg.
Finally I biked back up to Bethpage and continued north. The Trailview State Park portion of the trail is the best maintained, with a freshly paved roadway and beautiful greenery. I didn't go further than the TSP.
All in all it was a fun ride! My next trip I am parking where the trail intersects with Sunrise Hwy and take it all the way north.
Nice short ride but afterwords you can go south on Old Dock Road and relax on a bench and enjoy the water views. Then you can do the Hike and Bike trail again.
12 miles to a awesome payoff. NYC Skyline in the distance. A bit bumpy at times. Great way to get used to clipping in. You do it a lot. Lol Many road crossings. Half the ride under shade. Clean path. 2 hours there and back at 11MPH Enjoy the ride!
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