The best gravel rides around Upper Nyack

Upper Nyack offers a diverse selection of 19 gravel bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 4 easy, 9 moderate, and 6 difficult options.

Yes, Upper Nyack has 4 easy gravel bike trails perfect for beginners. The southern section of the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway, also known as the Nyack River Trail, is particularly flat and accessible, running along the Hudson River.

The region boasts a mix of trail surfaces, including asphalt, crushed stone, dirt, and gravel. You'll find riverfront paths, forested areas, and routes ascending Hook Mountain, offering varied experiences from smooth sections to more challenging, rockier terrain.

For a family-friendly experience, consider the flatter sections of the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway, especially the Nyack River Trail. This scenic path runs along the Hudson River and is generally accessible for all ages.

Gravel biking in Upper Nyack offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades Cliffs. You can explore areas like Hudson River Waterfront Trail at Nyack Beach State Park, which is a Registered National Natural Historical Landmark. Other highlights include the Tarrytown Reservoir and the Nyack River Trail. Hook Mountain is also a significant hawk and raptor viewing area, especially in the fall.

Absolutely. For experienced riders, the northern half of the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway (Haverstraw River Trail) is hillier, narrower, and rockier. Additionally, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail – Old Croton Dam Road Bridge loop from Irvington is a difficult 63 km path known for its hard gravel riding and significant elevation changes.

Parking is available at various access points to the trails. Nyack Beach State Park, for instance, provides parking and serves as a direct entry point to the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway. Look for designated parking areas near trailheads.

The spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fall providing spectacular foliage. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potential mud or snow, especially on unpaved sections. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred.

Yes, you can find places to refuel. The 9W Market is a notable spot often included in routes like the Piermont Railway Station (historic) – 9W Market loop from Irvington. The Village of Nyack also offers various cafes and pubs for cyclists.

Many routes in the area are designed as loops. A popular moderate option is the Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Village of Nyack, which covers 34.1 km. Another is the challenging Old Croton Aqueduct Trail – Old Croton Dam Road Bridge loop from Irvington.

The gravel biking routes around Upper Nyack are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic riverfront paths, and the challenging climbs offered by routes like those ascending Hook Mountain.

Yes, for longer rides, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail – Old Croton Dam Road Bridge loop from Irvington offers a substantial 63 km journey. The interconnected network of trails, including the Boulder Loop Trail project, also allows for extending rides to Rockland Lake and over Hook Mountain, creating longer excursions.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on the public gravel trails in the Upper Nyack area. However, it's always advisable to check local park regulations for any specific rules or restrictions, especially within state parks like Nyack Beach State Park.