Old Croton Aqueduct and North County Trailway Loop

Given the varied terrain, a hybrid or mountain bike is strongly recommended for this loop. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail section is largely unpaved with dirt, gravel, roots, and rocks, which can be challenging for road bikes. The North County Trailway is paved and smooth, but the aqueduct portion requires more robust tires.

The loop offers a diverse experience. The North County Trailway is mostly paved, flat, and well-maintained. In contrast, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is largely unpaved, featuring hard-packed dirt, grass, singletrack, and gravel. You might encounter bumps, roots, rocks, mud, and debris, making some sections quite rugged.

You'll experience a rich tapestry of scenery and history. Along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, you'll pass historic estates like Lyndhurst, charming riverfront towns, and 19th-century aqueduct structures. The North County Trailway offers scenic views of forests, wetlands, and you'll cross the New Croton Reservoir on a rail trestle bridge. You'll also pass the Tarrytown Reservoir.

Yes, this route incorporates significant portions of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and the North County Trailway. It also passes through sections of the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, Tarrytown Lakes Trail System, and the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to cycle this loop. The tree-lined sections of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail are beautiful with spring foliage or autumn colors. Summer can be pleasant, but be prepared for potential heat and humidity. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions on the unpaved sections can be challenging due to snow, ice, or mud.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on both the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and the North County Trailway, but they must be kept on a leash. Always ensure you clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Old Croton Aqueduct and North County Trailway Loop. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is part of the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, which is free to access for recreational use.

There are numerous access points with parking along both the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and the North County Trailway. Many towns along the route offer public parking lots close to trail access points. Check local town websites or trail maps for specific parking locations that suit your starting point.

Yes, both trails pass through or near several towns in Westchester County, offering opportunities for refreshments. You'll find cafes, delis, and restaurants in towns like Tarrytown, Ossining, and Croton-on-Hudson, which are easily accessible from the trail.

Given the varied terrain and length, bring plenty of water, snacks, and a repair kit for your bike (including spare tubes). Since parts of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail can be rugged, consider a first-aid kit. Navigation is key, as some on-road detours can be poorly marked, so a reliable GPS device or a downloaded komoot Tour is highly recommended.

This loop is rated as 'difficult' by komoot and 'moderate to hard' by trail researchers, primarily due to the challenging, unpaved sections of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. While the North County Trailway is easy, the overall loop requires good fitness and comfort riding on varied, potentially rough surfaces. Beginners might find it too demanding, especially if they are not on a hybrid or mountain bike.