The best cycling routes around Palisades Park

Palisades Park offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes. There are over 120 routes available, catering to different skill levels. You'll find 74 easy routes, 41 moderate routes, and 11 more challenging options.

When cycling in Palisades Park, helmets are required for all riders. Groups are expected to ride single file to ensure safety. Bikes are generally restricted from hiking trails, walking paths, cross-country ski trails, and the main Palisades Interstate Parkway. Always adhere to all traffic and park regulations.

Touring cycling routes in Palisades Park offer stunning views of the iconic Palisades Cliffs, which rise over 500 feet along the Hudson River. You'll also cycle alongside the Hudson River itself, through lush forests, and can experience panoramic vistas from spots like the State Line Lookout.

Yes, a notable car-free option is a 1.5-mile section of Old Route 9W. This section, from U.S. Route 9W to State Line Lookout, is closed to automobile traffic and is open for cycling, providing a safe and enjoyable experience.

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Palisades loop over the Hudson — Manhattan, a moderate 28.9-mile (46.5 km) trail offering views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. Another option is the Palisades Interstate Park loop from 175th Street, which is 20.3 miles (32.7 km) and leads through scenic landscapes.

You can visit Fort Lee Historic Park, a site that played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. It offers historical insights along with views of the George Washington Bridge and Upper Manhattan. Many routes also provide views of the Manhattan skyline and the George Washington Bridge.

The park is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly stunning. The foliage transforms into vibrant colors, enhancing the scenic experience along the routes. Spring and early summer also offer pleasant temperatures and lush greenery.

Many of the 74 easy routes in Palisades Park are suitable for families. The Henry Hudson Drive (River Road), when open and accessible, is a popular paved option that offers continuous scenic views along the Hudson River, making it a good choice for a more relaxed family ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the dramatic scenery, especially the views of the Hudson River and the Palisades Cliffs, as well as the varied terrain that offers options for different ability levels.

While cycling, you'll be close to several natural attractions. For example, the North Woods area contains a waterfall, and you can find other natural monuments like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir East Side and The Pool, Central Park nearby.

Numerous riverfront picnic areas, such as Ross Dock, Englewood, Undercliff, and Alpine Picnic Areas, offer places to park and serve as convenient starting points for your cycling adventures. Ross Dock, in particular, provides beautiful views over the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge.

While specific public transport details directly to all cycling route starting points can vary, the park's proximity to urban areas like New York City means that options to get close to the park, such as near the 175th Street access point, are generally available. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most current information.