Updated for 2025
Road cycling in New York isn’t just about city streets, it’s about discovering the balance between urban energy and open-road freedom. From Manhattan’s Central Park loops to the mountain passes of the Hudson Highlands, New York offers some of the most diverse and scenic road biking routes in the country. If you’re searching for the best road bike for NYC traffic (Premium Rush anybody?) or planning a weekend escape to Harriman State Park, this guide highlights the best places to ride for cyclists of every level.
While traffic can be overwhelming for road cyclists during rush hours and in certain densely populated areas, New York State, our fourth most populated state, offers many famously fabulous road cycling routes with open roads and wide bicycle lanes for your road riding pleasure. Many lesser known road cycling routes in New York offer plenty of calm, beautiful, and solitary road cycling, whereas riding with or in traffic involves an intricate balance requiring a fair amount of cycling skill and road riding awareness.
Let’s take a look at a couple quicker routes tucked away in the middle of NYC:
Counterclockwise Laps Cycling in Central Park
Just beyond the sprawling urban metropolis strewn with seemingly endless towering skyscrapers, multiple massive bridges, nonstop buzzing of motorized traffic, thunderous trains, roaring planes, and flashing brilliant bright lights in the bustling and concrete jungle of New York City, the forested jungles of Central Park roadways offer spectacular road cycling. While enjoying the park’s scenery for a relaxing ride or to get your challenging road ride in for the day, you can ride the three main routes in Central Park of 6.1 miles, 5.2 miles, or 1.7 miles. Racing road bikes in the park is very popular as well, with more than 15 racing events held year round.
As with most populated parks, there are rules cyclists need to follow and are required to follow for everyone’s safety. Wearing a helmet is one park rule that, as most would agree, is a good idea regardless of the rule. Riding counterclockwise keeps everyone in flow and squashes the chance of cyclists riding head-on into one another. Exceeding the park’s 20 mph speed limit, especially when there are only other riders anywhere nearby, all riding in the same direction, can be a bit of a temptation, especially when descending the two main climbs called Harlem Hill and Cat’s Paw. It’s smart to know the rules before you begin riding in Central Park.
Central Park is one of the best places to road bike in New York City for beginners and seasoned riders alike. The park’s closed roads make it perfect for early-morning training sessions, casual spins, or learning how to navigate city cycling safely. For those new to NYC riding, it’s also a great place to test bikes suited for both city commuting and endurance training, look for lightweight aluminum or carbon models that balance comfort and performance.
Quick Facts
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Loop Options: 6.1 mi (full), 5.2 mi (mid), 1.7 mi (lower)
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Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
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Climbs: Harlem Hill, Cat’s Paw
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Surface: Smooth paved roads
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Direction: Counterclockwise only
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Speed Limit: 20 mph
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Traffic: Car-free during most hours
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Events: 15+ annual road races
- Best Time to Ride: Early mornings or weekdays
City Slickers Urban Cruise
Beginning at Central Park, Rubber N’ Road, a high-end cycling store next to the park, offers several routes, including the City Slickers Urban Cruise, a flat, 20-mile road cycling cruise that meanders through the hum of the city yet is somewhat of a hidden bike path gem that travels north through the city to the High Bridge. This 60- to 90-minute cycling cruise then heads west to Inspiration Point before heading south back toward Midtown on the West Side Greenway Bike Path, where there are plenty of ideal places to stop and catch your breath and even grab a tasty sandwich by the Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge. Palisades Park’s River Road
If a bit of rolling hills climbing and descending on a 2.5 hour road ride interests you, Henry Hudson Drive, leaving from just south of the George Washington Bridge, which is also known as River Road, travels about 8 miles heading north with a mile-long climb on Alpine alongside the "great wall" up to the ranger station. At that point, most riders head north and take Route 9W and head back toward Midtown Manhattan on this heavenly slice of New York. Plenty of other cyclists will also be out riding this route at all times of the day, though the sunset is surely a show-stopper.
The City Slickers Urban Cruise shows why New York is becoming a top destination for road and gravel crossover riding. With a mix of smooth pavement and protected bike paths, this route is ideal for gravel bikes or road bikes with wider tires (28–32mm). Riders can enjoy the best of both worlds, the pace of a road ride and the exploration feel of an urban gravel loop. This route also connects to the Hudson River Greenway, one of the most scenic bike paths in NYC.
Quick Facts
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Starting Point: Central Park / Rubber N’ Road
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Distance: ~20 miles
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Ride Time: 60–90 minutes
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Surface: 70% paved, 30% protected bike path
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Best Bike: Road or gravel bike with 28–32mm tires
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Highlights: High Bridge, Inspiration Point, Hudson River Greenway, Little Red Lighthouse
- Best For: Urban exploration, fitness rides, and sightseeing loops
Palisades Park’s River Road
If a bit of rolling hills climbing and descending on a 2.5 hour road ride interests you, Henry Hudson Drive, leaving from just south of the George Washington Bridge, which is also known as River Road, travels about 8 miles heading north with a mile-long climb on Alpine alongside the "great wall" up to the ranger station. At that point, most riders head north and take Route 9W and head back toward Midtown Manhattan on this heavenly slice of New York. Plenty of other cyclists will also be out riding this route at all times of the day, though the sunset is surely a show-stopper.
River Road is a must-do ride for cyclists training for long climbs or preparing for New York Gran Fondo events. The rolling elevation and river views make it a great test for endurance riders. Many cyclists use this route to test new performance road bikes or aero models since the terrain mimics classic race conditions, punchy climbs, descents, and fast flats.
Quick Facts
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Starting Point: Just south of the George Washington Bridge
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Distance: ~8 miles (extendable via Route 9W)
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Ride Time: ~2–2.5 hours round trip
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Elevation Gain: ~1,000+ ft with a 1-mile Alpine climb
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Difficulty: Intermediate–Advanced
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Surface: Smooth pavement with rolling terrain
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Best Bike: Performance or endurance road bike
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Highlights: Alpine “Great Wall” climb, Hudson River views, sunset rides
- Best For: Climbing practice, endurance training, and Gran Fondo prep
Peekskill’s Storm King
This hilly 60-miler begins in Peekskill, which is a one-hour train ride from Grand Central Terminal, and heads up to 1300 feet elevation in the Hudson Highlands up toward Storm King Mountain on the Storm King Highway, offering stunning views and fresh air along the Hudson River, connecting Cornwall, New York, to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Most riders turn back at Storm Mountain, although plenty of additional climbing is there for those with the legs and lungs to get it done.
Finish this spectacular road cycling route after descending Bear Mountain on an easy 5% grade and rolling in to the Peekskill Brewery by accessing the Bear Mountain Bridge. Expect an all-day ride (80 miles) and 6,000 feet of climbing.
For cyclists looking beyond city limits, the Storm King route offers one of the most scenic and rewarding road rides in New York State. The combination of challenging climbs, smooth pavement, and sweeping Hudson Valley views makes it a bucket-list ride for road cyclists near NYC. Bring extra nutrition and layers, the weather can shift quickly in the highlands.
Quick Facts
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Starting Point: Peekskill, NY (1-hour train from Grand Central Terminal)
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Distance: ~60–80 miles round trip
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Elevation Gain: ~6,000 ft
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Top Elevation: ~1,300 ft
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Ride Time: 5–7 hours (full-day ride)
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Difficulty: Advanced
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Surface: Smooth pavement with sustained climbs and fast descents
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Best Bike: Lightweight climbing or endurance road bike
- Highlights: Hudson Highlands views, Storm King Highway, Bear Mountain descent, Peekskill Brewery finish
- Best For: Long-distance training, scenic endurance rides, weekend adventures
Harriman State Park
Scenic Harriman State Park, with its many campgrounds and open roads, offers one of New York’s longer road riding challenges for those seeking outdoor adventure included with this great ride. There are many beautiful lakes for warmer-weather swimming and beach life, as well as trail hiking and trail running.
It is a good idea to pack extra food for fuel and extra gear, such as a few spare tubes and needed cycling gear or extra clothing. You are able to either take the North Metro train or, if you’ve got the chops, you can ride from New York City for a solid 100-mile century ride.
Harriman State Park remains a favorite among New York road cycling clubs for weekend group rides and century training. With dozens of quiet roads winding through lakes and dense forest, it’s one of the best places to build endurance or test climbing legs. For longer adventures, connect your route to Bear Mountain or Seven Lakes Drive for a true Hudson Valley cycling challenge.
Quick Facts
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Starting Point: Accessible via Metro-North train or ride from NYC (~50 miles one way)
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Distance: 50–100 miles (varies by route)
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Elevation Gain: ~4,000–6,000 ft depending on loop
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Ride Time: 4–7 hours
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Difficulty: Intermediate–Advanced
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Surface: Smooth, low-traffic park roads
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Best Bike: Endurance or climbing-focused road bike
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Highlights: Seven Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain access, lake views, forested climbs
- Best For: Century rides, group training, and scenic long-distance road cycling
Honorable Mentions
- The Lake Tiorati Loop in Harriman State Park starts at the base of Harriman, then travels through West Point, Cold Springs, Woodbury, and back.
- The Orange Turnpike Loop is a cycling course you can ride to test your racing skills.
- Seven Lakes is a 33-mile road ride in Highland Falls, New York, United States. This road ride’s total ascent is 2134 feet, with a maximum elevation of 1183 feet.
These lesser-known road cycling routes in New York offer quieter roads and plenty of character. Each one showcases why New York State remains a hidden gem for cyclists: accessible routes, scenic climbs, and welcoming communities that support the local cycling scene. Don’t forget to check local clubs and Strava segments for seasonal events and community rides around these areas.
Bike Buying Tip for NYC Riders:
Choosing the right bike for New York depends on where you plan to ride. For urban routes like Central Park and the Greenway, look for endurance road bikes or all-road models with 28mm tires for comfort and speed. If you’re tackling longer rides in the Hudson Valley or Harriman, a lightweight carbon road bike with climbing gearing will give you the edge on steep terrain. Singlespeed bikes can also make for great urban commuters, their simplicity lets you focus on the road ahead... and build fantastic strength in your legs!
New York State does not hold back when it comes to offering superb road riding. The lovely scenery, the surprising elevation, and the presence of plenty of cyclists everywhere keep your eyes and ears busy while you take in the memories this great region will dish out to fulfill your road cycling desires.
Where to Find the Best Used Road Bikes in New York
At Cycle Limited, our team of cycling experts is here to help you find the perfect certified pre-owned road or gravel bike for your next New York adventure.
Our constantly updated inventory includes top brands like Canyon, Specialized, Trek, and Cervélo, each inspected, serviced, and ready to ride. If you’re unsure what setup best fits your riding style or local terrain, our specialists can guide you through frame options, gearing, and tire setups suited for New York’s mix of city streets, rolling climbs, and smooth open roads.
