As the school year comes to a close, it’s time to think about how to spend more time outdoors as a family. We’ve rounded up six beginner-friendly bike trails to help you do just that. Whether the kiddos are still getting used to riding without training wheels—or it’s been a while since you’ve biked yourself—these short cycling routes are approachable for all ages and skill levels, and offer scenic views.
Kingston Point Rail Trail
Rondout Waterfront (Kingston)
1.8 Miles
Happy Trails: Though short, this route is packed with pretty views of the Rondout Lighthouse, the Rondout Creek, the Kingston waterfront, and the Hudson River. Part of the trail runs alongside a waterfront trolley track—riders can view a restored Johnstown trolley car owned by the Trolley Museum of New York. Before turning around, consider stopping at the Hudson River Maritime Museum on the waterfront or the nearby shops and restaurants in downtown Kingston.
Part of the Kingston Point Rail Trail runs alongside a waterfront trolley track.
Walkway Over the Hudson
(Poughkeepsie)
2.58 Miles
Happy Trails: With access points on both sides of this towering car-free bridge, the Walkway Over the Hudson is a great place to bike and soak up expansive views of the Hudson River and the Poughkeepsie waterfront. For a longer ride, continue onto the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland or the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Binnewater Road Parking Lot to River Road (Rosendale)
4 Miles
Happy Trails: While the trail extends from Kingston to Gardiner, the Rosendale section is an easy route. Standing at 150 feet tall, the Rosendale Trestle crosses over the Rondout Creek and gives riders panoramic views of the village and the top of Joppenbergh Mountain. Keep pedaling south to River Road; adjacent to the trail, you’ll find the Rail Trail Cafe, where you can refuel with farm-fresh food.
Black Bridge Trail
Waterford Harbor Visitor Center (Waterford) to Cannon Street Trail Head (Green Island)
4.2 Miles
Happy Trails: Overlooking the connection point of the Mohawk and Hudson rivers, this trail is focused on the Black Bridge, formerly known as the Delaware and Hudson Railroad Bridge. Learn more about the Erie and Champlain canals at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center before setting off; you’ll immediately cross a bridge to Peebles Island State Park, where you can view lively rapids and waterfalls. Continue to Van Schaick Island, where the trail runs along the Hudson before crossing the Mohawk once more to get to Green Island.
Walden Wallkill Rail Trail
Woodruff Street (Walden) to Route 208 near Railroad Avenue (Shawangunk)
6 Miles
Happy Trails: Built atop a former Conrail railroad used for farmers, this paved trail winds through 3 miles of peaceful environs. As you traverse the path, you are surrounded by quiet fields, beautiful foliage, small streams, and nearby farms.
Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail
Oak Tree Road (Tappan) to Western Highway South (Blauvelt)
8 Miles
Happy Trails: This trail passes several historic sites in Rockland County. Starting from the hamlet of Tappan, you’ll pass the DeWint House at the 0.4-mile marker on Oak Tree Road (the 18th-century stone and brick structure is where George Washington is said to have stayed on three occasions). As you head north, you’ll enter the Hardwood Forest and ride alongside Sparkill Creek. Eventually, riders will reach a fork in the path. Bear right to follow the old Erie Path and go through the villages of Piermont and Grand View-on-Hudson. Go left at the fork to follow the Erie Railroad’s old main line, see the Camp Shanks Museum in Orangeburg, and end in Blauvelt.
*Mileage refers to the round-trip distance.
