Taconic Ramble
This is a great ride for bike trip beginners. The path is easily accessible from the Metro-North station, and runs without hills or cars on silky smooth asphalt through farm country in Dutchess and Columbia counties.
Ride Details
52 miles
1 day ride
Depart: Metro-North Harlem Line
Grand Central >> Wassaic
Return: Metro-North Harlem Line
Wassaic >> Grand Central
Asphalt all the way
Pancake flat
As a there and back ride, you’re fully in control of how far you want to go since the only way up is the same way down. Feeling ambitious? Ride the whole 50 miles from Wassaic station to Copake Falls and back. Looking for lower mileage to ease into the saddle? Then just turn around whenever you want. The town of Millerton, home to the very delicious Oakhurst Diner, makes a picturesque (and tasty) turn around point.
Wassaic <> Copake Falls
Note: Google Maps doesn't have the full trail route set up yet, so it will send you on roads. Ignore it and just keep rolling on the trail, it's impossible to miss.
Go in the fall. Truth be told, you’ll enjoy this ride in good weather any day of the year. But… As a flat and relatively straight shot, pedaling through a monochrome canopy of green can become, well, monotonous. Add a bit of fall color and it’s like biking through a kaleidoscope. Highly recommended.
Visit Taconic State Park. The Golden Rule of bike trips is that you should visit state and national parks if you pass them. Always. They are generally very pleasant, and this one is no exception. Check out the Copake Iron Works to brush up on your local history, also a good spot for a bike selfie. If you’re up for a little hike, further in you’ll find the Massachusetts border and Bash Bish Falls. I’ve never been, but the internet tells me it’s the highest single-drop waterfall in the state (swoon!) and the Google images look promising. Top it off with a stop at the Depot Deli for any provisions.
Eat at Oakhurst Diner. While you’re there grab the Herondale Burger. The meat comes from a farm up the road and is very, very delicious. The diner is right off the trailhead in Millerton. Just look for the neon sign on the circa-Marilyn Monroe chrome box building. Can’t miss it.
Caffeinate at Irving Farm. If you did justice to your burger, you’ll need some caffeine motivation for the remainder of your ride. Irving Farm—yes, that Irving Place Irving Farm off Gramercy Park—makes glorious coffee and has a cafe in Millerton! Fun fact: their official roastery is actually located just up the road. You may need an invite from an important barista to visit. Leave a good tip, maybe you’ll luck into it?
Mosey around Millerton. It’s a cute town with fun shops. Veterans Park across from Irving Farm makes a nice spot to enjoy your coffee and take a breather before returning to Wassaic station.
