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Tides of Tarrytown – Painters Point loop from Nyack
19.2km
01:10
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 5, 2026
If you've ever tried planning touring cycling around Nyack, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many paths along the Hudson River and through charming villages, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, so we've curated a shortlist of the absolute best, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Nyack is all about those stunning Hudson River views, with the dramatic Palisades cliffs often in sight. The terrain offers a fantastic mix, from easy, flat riverside paths perfect for a relaxed spin to more undulating routes with gradual climbs that will get your legs working. You'll find established trailways that connect you through the region, making it easy to link up different experiences. While you can ride here year-round, the fall foliage makes autumn an especially beautiful time to explore.
For a perfect introduction to the area, especially if you're looking for an easy, scenic ride, we'd start with the Tides of Tarrytown – Painters Point loop from Village of Nyack. At 11.9 miles (19.2 km), it's a fantastic way to soak in the riverside atmosphere without too much effort. If you're ready for a bit more distance and varied scenery, the Haverstraw River Trail – Nyack River Trail loop from Nyack offers a moderate 21.7 miles (34.9 km) that combines two prominent river trails. With more than 500 touring cyclists having explored Nyack with komoot, you know you're in good company.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tides of Tarrytown – Painters Point loop from Nyack | 19.2 km | 130 m | Easy |
| Piermont Railway Station (historic) – Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail loop from West Nyack | 40.2 km | 330 m | Moderate |
| Nyack River Trail – Haverstraw River Trail loop from West Nyack | 33.8 km | 330 m | Moderate |
| Woodlands Lake – Tarrytown Reservoir loop from Nyack | 39.4 km | 270 m | Moderate |
| Nyack River Trail – Haverstraw River Trail loop from Nyack | 11.5 km | 80 m | Easy |
| Grassy Point – Nyack River Trail loop from West Nyack | 43.5 km | 440 m | Moderate |
| Haverstraw River Trail – Grassy Point loop from West Nyack | 53.4 km | 500 m | Hard |
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19.2km
01:10
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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40.2km
02:29
330m
330m
This Piermont Railway Station (historic) – Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail loop from West Nyack offers a fantastic touring cycling experience, blending smooth paved sections with more rugged gravel and dirt paths. You'll pedal through charming hamlets, past woodlands, and along the Hudson River, where you'll catch impressive views of Piermont and the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge. It's a moderate 25.0-mile (40.2 km) ride with 1092 feet (333 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 29 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking available in West Nyack. While the Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail is largely paved and easy, the Old Erie Path section features hard-packed dirt and gravel, with some rocky parts, so a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended for comfort and stability. The historic Piermont Railway Station is a notable landmark along the route, offering a glimpse into the area's rich past.
This cycling route is steeped in history, following the former right-of-way of the Erie Railroad's Nyack and Piermont Branch. Beyond the historic railway corridor, you'll encounter areas with Revolutionary War significance in Tappan and learn about WWII history near Orangeburg, home to the former Camp Shanks. It's a great way to combine an active day out with a journey through local heritage.
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33.8km
02:20
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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39.4km
02:33
270m
270m
The Woodlands Lake – Tarrytown Reservoir loop from Nyack offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and varied cycling surfaces. You'll traverse everything from smooth paved paths, like those along the Tarrytown Lakes Extension Trail, to more rugged unpaved sections of the historic Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. Expect serene views of Woodlands Lake, especially beautiful in autumn, and expansive vistas of the Hudson River as you cross the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, connecting Westchester and Rockland counties.
This moderate 24.5-mile (39.4 km) cycling route, with 879 feet (268 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 33 minutes. While many parts are accessible for all skill levels, some unpaved segments may require a hybrid or mountain bike, and you might need to push your bike in places. Nyack and Tarrytown both offer excellent amenities like cafes and shops, perfect for mid-ride breaks or post-ride refueling.
This area is renowned for its extensive network of cycling trails, seamlessly connecting with major routes like the Empire State Trail. The blend of historic infrastructure, such as the Old Croton Aqueduct, with the natural appeal of the lakes and river, makes for a rich touring experience. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and chipmunks, particularly around Tarrytown Lakes Park.
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11.5km
00:51
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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43.5km
02:49
440m
440m
This touring cycling route offers a fantastic blend of Hudson River scenery and varied terrain, making it a moderate 27.0-mile (43.5 km) loop with 1441 feet (439 metres) of elevation gain. You'll cycle along the water, with continuous views of the Hudson and the dramatic Palisades cliffs, passing through diverse landscapes from paved riverfront paths to narrower, hillier sections further north. It's a dynamic ride that takes about 2 hours and 49 minutes, perfect for cyclists seeking more than just a flat cruise.
To make the most of your visit, plan your ride for a clear day to fully appreciate the expansive river views. While the southern parts of the trail, like the Hook Mountain Bikeway, are largely flat and accessible, the northern sections towards Haverstraw become steeper and rockier, so a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended for the full loop. Parking is available in the West Nyack and Nyack areas, but arriving early is a good idea, especially on busy days.
The route connects through several state parks, including Nyack Beach State Park, offering peaceful atmospheres and opportunities to spot wildlife. Grassy Point itself holds historical significance as a former shipping point, adding a layer of local context to your ride. This loop provides a comprehensive experience of the Nyack area's natural beauty and cycling challenges, linking various trail segments for a rewarding journey.
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53.4km
03:21
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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It is significantly better to cycle on this side of the Hudson, as you can also see from the path that runs directly along the Hudson.
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It's a beautiful view of the Hudson River with a pleasant breeze. The path up on Ferry Road is an easy, relaxing ride. A great midpoint to rest and reset.
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This trail leads on the Hudson River direktly on the shoreline. Its wonderfull to ride
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A farmers market at the OCA Trail. Lot of eat and drink posibility
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The area is quiet with lots of green trees and beautiful home gardens, and a few historical homes.
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You can enjoy almost five miles of biking along the river on this pretty, though sometimes narrow, trail. Watch out for other trail users, and please don't try this on skinny bike tires; there are parts where some riders might rather have a mountain bike, or at least a gravel bike.
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This section of the New York State Bike Route is a popular stretch, especially around the Tappan Zee Bridge. It attracts many cyclists on weekends.
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There are over 70 touring cycling routes around Nyack, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Yes, Nyack offers a good selection of easy touring cycling routes. You can find 27 routes categorized as easy, many of which are relatively flat and follow scenic riverside paths or established trailways. An example is the Tides of Tarrytown – Painters Point loop from Village of Nyack, which is an easy 11.9-mile route.
The terrain around Nyack is diverse, characterized by its proximity to the Hudson River and access to multi-use trailways. You'll find a mix of relatively flat, scenic routes along the water, historic aqueduct trails, and sections of the North County Trailway. Some paths also feature more undulating terrain with gradual climbs.
Yes, many routes around Nyack are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Old Croton Aqueduct and North County Trailway Loop, which combines two prominent regional trailways for a varied experience.
Many routes offer access to beautiful natural and historical sites. You can cycle past the Tarrytown Reservoir, explore sections of the South County Trailway, or enjoy views from the Hudson River Waterfront Trail at Nyack Beach State Park. Some routes even pass by the picturesque Peanut Leap Cascade.
For those seeking longer rides, Nyack provides access to extensive trail networks. The North County Trailway – Tarrytown Reservoir loop from Tarrytown is a challenging 54.4-mile path that explores the North County Trailway and includes reservoir views, perfect for a full day out.
The routes in Nyack are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained trailways, the stunning Hudson River views, and the variety of terrain that caters to different skill levels.
Yes, some routes incorporate gravel sections, offering a different kind of touring experience. For example, the Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Tarrytown includes gravel paths, allowing you to explore historic railway lines.
Many of the easier, flatter routes along the Hudson River and established trailways are suitable for families. These paths often provide a safe and enjoyable environment away from vehicle traffic, perfect for cycling with children. Look for routes marked as 'easy' in the guide.
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Nyack, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible, but some trails may be less maintained or have icy patches, so check local conditions.
While popular routes can see more traffic, especially on weekends, exploring some of the longer or slightly more challenging routes, or cycling during off-peak hours, can lead to a more serene experience. The extensive network of trails also allows for finding quieter sections away from the main hubs.
Many routes along the Hudson River offer spectacular views, particularly those that follow the waterfront or climb to slight elevations. The Rockland Lake West Side Path – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Valley Cottage, for instance, provides scenic vistas of Rockland Lake and the surrounding landscape.


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