The Four Best Bike Rides Outside New York City

Bike rides are a great way to get the heart pumping and bask in the exhilaration of speed. Millions around the country are taking to bikes not only to get to work, but to spend their leisure hours in a healthy pursuit.

Outside of New York City there are tons of opportunities to catch some air on two wheels. From short quick jaunts to longer, more in depth journeys to truly escape your worries, there’s something for everybody in terms of length, scenery, and – most importantly – fun.

We’ve put together a list of the top four bike trails you can find outside New York City. Have you visited one of these destinations? Let us know in the comments!

Governors Island

If you’re looking for a veritable cycling oasis, look no further than Governors Island. Only accessible by ferry, Governors Island is a car-free zone with tons of bike trails to enjoy.

Perhaps the best part of Governors Island is Blazing Saddles. This bike company rents out bikes for free on weekdays from 10 AM to noon so you can enjoy all the pleasures of cycling on the cheap!

Hudson River Greenway

For those searching for a long bike trail to spend the day, the Hudson River Greenway’s eleven miles of riverside trails are for you. It’s hard to miss that this incredible bike trail has one of the best views of the New York Skyline around.

An added bonus for this trail is the Met Cloisters. A refurbished mansion open to the public, you can relax and walk the beautiful grounds and enjoy museum-level artwork inside.

Putnam’s Trailway

Sometimes you’ve just got to get away. If you’re willing to take an hour plus drive out of the city, make Putnam’s Trailway – which cuts through a pristine and thickly-wood trail – your top choice.

This 12-mile trail is fit best for those hoping to get their blood pumping. With some steep inclines you can really work those leg muscles and get into shape.

South County Trailway

Not for the faint of heart! This 25-mile voyage from Yonkers to Van Cortlandt Park is a true all-day journey for fresh air and sweat-pumping cardio. Mostly flat and smooth, this is a trail great for both fast riders and casual strolls through beautiful, untouched nature.

A little bit of trivia – this incredible rail ends near Sleepy hollow, the one made famous by the 1999 film of the same name.