New York Cycling Adventures: 8 Scenic Destinations

New York State has thousands of excellent roads and mountain trails for cycling, making it a paradise for riders of all levels. From scenic lake shores to historic canals and breathtaking mountain vistas, there’s no better way to experience the Empire State’s diverse landscapes than on two wheels. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly rail trail or a multi-day adventure, New York has something for everyone. Below are eight scenic cycling destinations across New York State that showcase the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

1. Cayuga Waterfront Trail (Ithaca, Finger Lakes)

Departure

Cass Park, Ithaca, NY

Route

An easy 8-mile paved trail along the southern end of Cayuga Lake. The trail is divided into two sections and connects Cass Park to Stewart Park, passing through the Ithaca Farmers Market.

Scenic Highlights

Cass Park's ice rink, pool, and ball fields

Marina views with calm waters

Ithaca Farmers Market (one of the top 20 in the U.S. for food lovers)

Stewart Park’s open lakefront lawns

Nature and Views

Peaceful rides alongside Cayuga Inlet

Well-shaded paths lined with trees and gardens

Distant views of hills across Cayuga Lake

Boats moored along the shore

Distance

8 miles (approx. 13 km), mostly flat and paved — ideal for families, students, and casual riders.

2. Manhattan Waterfront Greenway (New York City)

Departure

Battery Park, southern tip of Manhattan, New York City

Route

A 32-mile loop around Manhattan via the NYC Waterfront Greenway. The route follows the Hudson River Greenway up the west side and returns down the East River Greenway on the east side, forming a nearly continuous, mostly car-free loop.

Scenic Highlights

Hudson River Park and the High Line

George Washington Bridge and Riverside Park

United Nations Headquarters

Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Seaport

Statue of Liberty views and Chelsea Piers

Nature and Views

Sweeping skyline views across the Hudson and East Rivers

Riverfront benches, grassy picnic areas, and waterfront piers

Panoramas of New Jersey’s Palisades and the Brooklyn waterfront

Green space along both coasts of the island

Distance

32 miles (approx. 51 km), mostly flat with paved, dedicated bike paths. Ideal for intermediate to experienced riders seeking a safe, scenic loop around Manhattan.

3. Walkway Over the Hudson & Hudson Valley Rail Trail (Hudson Valley)

Departure

Poughkeepsie, NY – East entrance to the Walkway Over the Hudson

Route

Start on the Walkway Over the Hudson, a 1.28-mile elevated bridge crossing the Hudson River. It connects to the Dutchess Rail Trail on the east and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the west, creating a nearly 20-mile continuous paved route.

Scenic Highlights

Walkway Over the Hudson (world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge)

Hudson River views from 212 feet above

Interpretive signs with local history

Scenic outlooks and panoramic photo spots

Autumn foliage in the Hudson Valley

Nature and Views

Sweeping views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains

Forested riverbanks and rural farmlands

Wooded trails and peaceful fields along both rail trails

Colorful fall landscapes during autumn

Distance

2.5 miles (out-and-back across the bridge) or up to 20 miles (full rail trail route). Mostly flat, smooth, and family-friendly — perfect for casual riders, tourists, and nature lovers.

4. Niagara Falls & Niagara Gorge Trails (Western New York)

Departure

Downtown Buffalo, NY – near Lake Erie

Route

Ride north from Buffalo along the Niagara River Greenway, connecting with the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail, all the way to Goat Island at Niagara Falls. The full one-way ride is about 25–30 miles, using a mix of dedicated bike paths and parkway shoulders.

Scenic Highlights

Niagara River’s calm-to-rapid transformation

Goat Island with close-up waterfall overlooks

Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Gorge, Whirlpool State Park & Devil’s Hole

Misty rainbows and iconic Horseshoe Falls

Nature and Views

Turquoise river waters and churning rapids

Breathtaking canyon views from rimside trails

Forested riversides and cliff-edge overlooks

Refreshing mist from the falls on warm days

Distance

25–30 miles (40–48 km) one way. Some road sections; best suited for experienced riders or e-bikes with range. Expect a thrilling mix of natural wonder and riverside riding from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

5. Thousand Islands Seaway Trail (St. Lawrence River)

Departure

Clayton, NY – a scenic riverside village along the St. Lawrence River

Route

Follow a 50-mile segment of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail from Clayton to Alexandria Bay, tracing the U.S.–Canada border along the St. Lawrence River. This National Scenic Byway combines light road traffic with continuous water views and small-town charm.

Scenic Highlights

Endless island views – over 1,800 in total!

Boldt Castle on Heart Island (via short ferry from Alexandria Bay)

Lighthouse viewpoints and quiet marinas

Historic riverfront villages and local charm

Nature and Views

Evergreen-covered islands and sparkling freshwater

Large cargo ships on the St. Lawrence Seaway

Peaceful shoreline hamlets and sandy coves

Serene forests and slow-moving waters under open skies

Distance

Approximately 50 miles (80 km) point-to-point. Some shared-road sections with low traffic. Ideal for e-bike explorers looking for a mix of culture, scenery, and quiet adventure along one of New York’s most iconic waterfront corridors.

6. Adirondack Park – The Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway

Departure

Blue Mountain Lake, NY – in the heart of Adirondack Park

Route

Ride a 20–30 mile segment of the Adirondack Trail Scenic Byway, part of a 188-mile (300 km) route through the park. A popular stretch runs between Blue Mountain Lake and Long Lake, offering alpine scenery and small-town charm.

Scenic Highlights

Towering pines and wilderness lakes

Reflective views of Blue Mountain and Long Lake

Rustic trail signs and old-style guideposts

Long Lake village cafes and general stores

Roadside picnic spots and quiet beaches

Nature and Views

Pristine forest landscapes and crisp mountain air

Wildlife sightings (deer, wild turkeys, etc.)

Panoramic lake views framed by Adirondack peaks

Quiet roads winding through untouched nature

Distance

20–30 miles (32–48 km) depending on route choice. Some moderate climbs and descents; ideal for e-bikes to enjoy the ups and downs. Perfect for adventurous riders looking for a scenic day trip immersed in New York’s mountain wilderness.

7. Ashokan Rail Trail (Catskill Mountains)

Departure

West Hurley Trailhead or Boiceville Trailhead, Catskill Mountains, NY

Route

The Ashokan Rail Trail is an 11.5-mile (one way) crushed-stone path following the northern edge of the Ashokan Reservoir. Built on a former rail corridor, it provides a flat, wide, and car-free surface — perfect for hybrids, e-bikes, and gravel models.

Scenic Highlights

Continuous views of the Ashokan Reservoir

Fall foliage mirrored in calm waters

The Burroughs Range peaks in the distance

Trailside benches and scenic overlooks

Quiet, forested surroundings

Nature and Views

Sparkling lake and Catskill mountain backdrops

Lush woods along both sides of the trail

Peaceful reflections and abundant birdlife

Seasonal color changes and mountain air

Distance

11.5 miles one way (23 miles round trip). Flat and ADA-accessible the entire length — ideal for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a relaxed scenic ride through the Catskills.

8. Erie Canalway Trail (Albany to Buffalo)

Departure

Start at any segment between Albany and Buffalo, NY — popular starting points include Albany, Schenectady, or Pittsford.

Route

The Erie Canalway Trail stretches 360 miles across New York State, following historic canal towpaths. It’s mostly flat, partly paved, and passes through scenic countryside, small towns, and historic canal infrastructure from the 1800s.

Scenic Highlights

Peebles Island State Park

Historic canal locks and lift bridges

Canal-side murals and interpretive signs

Museums and heritage stops celebrating Erie Canal history

Charming villages and riverside parks

Nature and Views

Mohawk and Hudson River vistas

Shaded sections through woodlands and farmland

Calm canal waters and open greenways

Great mix of nature and historical landmarks

Distance

Up to 360 miles total; suitable for short leisure segments or full multi-day touring. Smooth terrain with plenty of waypoints and support services — ideal for beginner to advanced cyclists seeking a cultural and scenic adventure.