Mid Hudson Tour

This trip has got it all. You start and end with watery vistas, ride beneath a leafy canopy on seven wonderfully well maintained trails—all now part of the Empire State Trail—and spend your nights under the stars in two lovely county parks. This trip is a personal favorite of mine that makes for a great three-day vacation. Sure, you could do it in two days or even one if you really want, but at BikeTrips.NYC we’re here for the journey, not the masochism. 

Day 1: Poughkeepsie >> Sylvan Lake Beach Park

Get out early. The goal is to get to Poughkeepsie no later than noon. That will leave you plenty of time to grab eats in town, bike a leisurely two hours to Sylvan Lake Beach Park, and enjoy plenty of time by the water before sundown. While only ~80 miles north of NYC, the Metro-North is no TGV. Budget two plus hours to get from Grand Central to Poughkeepsie Station. Sit on the left side of the train for river views. 

Eat lunch in Poughkeepsie. I have no specific recommendations, but there are no shortage of options a short distance from the train station. 

Start with Walkway Over the Hudson. Think Highline on the Hudson with an epic view. This old train trestle converted to a pedestrian bridge makes a great place to start your journey—and a great spot for bike selfies. Just watch out for the pedestrians. There are lots of them and they have the right of way. Don’t be the Brooklyn Bridge “bike lane!” snob, it’s not the place for it. 

Delis are your friend. You’ll find no shortage of them in this part of the Hudson Valley. Grab Day 1 dinner to go at Francos Italian Deli or Hopewell Hot Bagels in Hopewell Junction. 

Camp at Sylvan Lake Beach Park. First time bike camper? Here are some pro tips for you: 

• Pro tip #1: Reserve ahead of time. Most campgrounds you’ll encounter on bike trips are more set up for RV summer stays than single night through-bikers. Make sure you’ve got a site locked in well in advance. 
• Pro tip #2: Eat before you arrive. More often than not you won’t find much in the way of eats near campgrounds. Ending a long ride on an empty stomach is zero fun, grab something in advance. 
• Pro tip #3: Arrive before dark. Nobody likes to set up camp at night. It never goes as fast as you expect, and it’s always harder in the dark.
• Pro tip #4: Make room for the essentials. Every bike camping trip requires at least a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, especially in the shoulder seasons. These three items will likely be the bulkiest and heaviest part of your kit. Make room for them. Everything else is negotiable. 

Day 2: Sylvan Lake Beach Park >> Croton Point Park

Diners are your friend too. Try lunch at Carmel Diner and dinner at the Croton Colonial Restaurant & Diner.

Visit Croton Gorge Park. You literally bike through it, can’t miss it. You can learn all about the history of NYC’s water supply—or you can just take a cool bike selfie in front of the old dam. You can also take a 10-mile round trip detour up Briarcliff Peekskill Trailway to Blue Mountain Park if you’re feeling extra ambitious. 

Camp at Croton Point Park Campground. Enjoy the Hudson River views.

Day 3: Croton Point Park >> Battery Park

Get breakfast at Baked by Susan. The empanadas look promising.

Don’t miss the Little Red Lighthouse! That’s right, you don’t need to be on the New England section of this site to get your lighthouse fix. There’s a real cutie cutie one sitting just under the GW bridge. It’s a great spot to take a breather and bike selfie. 

Make a week of it. This ride makes a great companion to the Kingston Weekender, Shawangunk Screamer, or Orange to Ulster for a full five days in the saddle. Alternatively if you’re short on time, consider this two-day route from Brewster to Battery Park.

Trails

• Walkway Over The Hudson
• William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail
• Maybrook Trailway
• Putnam Trailway 
• North County Trailway 
• South County Trailway 
• Hudson River Greenway