The best traffic-free bike rides in Hook Mountain State Park

The terrain in Hook Mountain State Park offers a diverse experience for gravel bikers. While some sections, like the southern half of the Nyack River Trail, are flatter and at sea level, the northern parts, including the Haverstraw River Trail, are described as hilly, narrow, and rocky. This variety makes the area well-suited for gravel bikes, providing both challenging and more relaxed sections along the Hudson River waterfront.

Yes, there are several excellent loop routes designed for gravel biking. A popular option is the Haverstraw River Trail – Nyack River Trail loop from Haverstraw Beach State Park, which offers a scenic ride along the river. Another great choice is the Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Village of Nyack, providing a longer adventure.

Hook Mountain State Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. You can expect dramatic cliffs and nearly seven miles of waterfront along the Hudson River. The summit of Hook Mountain itself, at 730 feet, offers spectacular panoramic views of Rockland Lake and the expansive Hudson River Valley. The park is also a New York State Important Bird Area, so keep an eye out for migratory hawks, especially in the fall.

Yes, there are options suitable for beginners, though some sections can be more challenging. The southern part of the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway offers a flatter ride. For a relatively easy loop, consider the Piermont Railway Station (historic) – Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) loop from Village of Nyack, which covers about 16.8 km with moderate elevation gain.

The park offers beautiful scenery year-round, but spring and fall are particularly popular. In autumn, the park is known for attracting thousands of migratory hawks, making it a great time for birdwatching in addition to biking. The forested paths and varied terrain are enjoyable in milder weather, avoiding the peak heat of summer or potential snow/ice in winter.

While some sections of the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway can be hilly and rocky, the flatter portions along the Nyack River Trail are more accessible for families. For a relatively easy and enjoyable ride, consider the Piermont Railway Station (historic) – 9W Market loop from Village of Nyack, which is rated as easy and offers a pleasant experience.

Access to the trails is available from various points. The Haverstraw River Trail can be accessed from Haverstraw Beach State Park, which typically has parking facilities. The Nyack River Trail is accessible from Nyack Beach State Park. Additionally, routes originating from the Village of Nyack, such as the Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop, would likely utilize parking within or near the village.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Hook Mountain State Park, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning Hudson River views, the diverse terrain, and the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the trails.

Yes, experienced riders looking for a challenge can find suitable routes. The northern half of the Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway is known for being hilly, narrow, and rocky. For a longer and more difficult option, consider the New Croton Dam – Old Croton Dam Road Bridge loop from Croton-Harmon, which is rated as difficult and covers over 26 km with significant elevation changes.

Yes, the trail system in Hook Mountain State Park connects to Rockland Lake State Park, which features a paved loop around the lake. This offers additional cycling opportunities and allows for varied rides, combining gravel sections with smoother paved paths.

Hook Mountain State Park is a New York State Important Bird Area, so birdwatching is a prominent activity. You might spot various bird species, especially migratory hawks in the fall. The undeveloped nature of the park also means you could encounter other local wildlife in its forested and natural habitats.