The best cycling routes around Westchester

Westchester offers over 50 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a balanced mix of easy and moderate paths to explore the region's diverse landscapes.

Yes, Westchester has many easy routes perfect for beginners and families. For a gentle ride through natural areas, consider the Brookfield Woods – Salt Creek loop from Oak Brook, an easy 16.4-mile trail. The Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Trail is also a popular, relatively flat option.

For a moderate challenge, the La Grange Park Woods – Salt Creek Woods loop from LaGrange Road covers 42.6 kilometers (26.5 miles) and offers varied terrain. The New Croton Reservoir Loop also provides a more challenging ride with scenic views of the New Croton Dam.

Westchester boasts an extensive network of multi-use trails, many built along former railroad corridors. The North County Trailway and South County Trailway form a significant 45-mile system of paved paths, ideal for touring cyclists. The Bronx River Pathway is another paved option, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers 45 miles of crushed stone carriage roads.

Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy scenic views of the Hudson River along the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Trail. The Kensico Reservoir and New Croton Dam provide picturesque backdrops for rides. Don't miss Croton Gorge Park, located at the base of the New Croton Dam, which features a beautiful waterfall. You can also explore natural areas like Brookfield Woods or visit Green Lake.

Yes, Westchester is rich in history. The Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Trail itself is a National Historic Landmark, following the path of a 19th-century aqueduct and connecting to various historic sites. You can also find cultural attractions like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio near some routes.

The touring cycling routes in Westchester are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained multi-use trails, the diverse scenery ranging from riverfront paths to forested areas, and the variety of options for different skill levels.

Westchester offers several excellent loop routes. The Salt Creek – La Grange Park Woods loop from Brookfield is an easy 18.8-mile path through wooded areas. Another moderate option is the Catherine Chevalier Woods – Des Plaines River Trail loop from River Forest, which is 23.6 miles long.

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Westchester, with lush greenery in warmer months and vibrant foliage in autumn. The region's diverse landscapes are beautiful year-round, but checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.

Many of Westchester's trails are accessible via public transportation, particularly those that run through urban and suburban areas. The Bronx River Pathway, for instance, passes through several towns with Metro-North Railroad stations, making it convenient for cyclists to reach. It's advisable to check specific train line and station proximity to your chosen trailheads.

Parking is generally available at various access points along Westchester's extensive trail systems and in many of its parks. For example, trails like the North County Trailway and South County Trailway often have designated parking areas at their trailheads or at parks they connect to. Croton Gorge Park also offers parking for access to the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail.

While many trails are well-known, exploring the lesser-traveled sections of the 45 miles of carriage roads in Rockefeller State Park Preserve can feel like a hidden gem, offering tranquil rides through varied landscapes. Additionally, the Robinson Woods North – Robinson Woods South loop from River Forest provides a moderate ride through beautiful forested areas that might offer a quieter experience.