While a road trip through New York State is always a great idea, you may not know that you can also explore its beauty on two wheels using a system of bike trails. The latest addition, the Empire State Trail, is divided into three sections that are a mix of on-road and off-road. The trail goes from New York City all the way to the Canadian border, or through cities like Albany, Rochester and Buffalo, and to Lake Erie. There is also a network of more than 20 New York State Bicycle Routes that will take on highways and other bike-friendly roads throughout the state. Use our guide of the top bike routes in New York to start planning your next biking adventure, whether you want to take a short one-day ride or a multi-day expedition that will take you to another country.
Empire State Trail
The massive Empire State Trail was launched in 2017 and covers 750 miles, making it the perfect playground for bikers (and hikers!) to explore New York State. Different sections go between New York City and the Canadian border, Albany, and Buffalo. Find out which section of the trail suits your biking speed, whether you want mountains or lush landscapes and cities.
Hudson Valley Greenway Trail
This trail runs along both sides of the Hudson River, giving bikers and others a stretch of multi-use trail that goes from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan all the way to Whitehall, which is north of Albany near Lake George on the Vermont state line. Part of the land trail (there is also a water trail for boaters) includes Bike Route 9, which you can also get information on in this article.
Trail entry and exit location: Lower Manhattan (the Battery) to Poughkeepsie; Poughkeepsie to Albany
Type of trail: Asphalt (on- and off-road), stone dust
Erie Canalway Trail
This 365-mile trail runs between Albany and Buffalo and is a bit different from other sections of the Empire State Trail. It is almost totally off-road, on stone dust paths, unlike other sections of the Empire State Trail that are mostly on asphalt. You’ll ride through multiple cities and towns along the Erie Canal, before ending up in Buffalo at Lake Erie,
Trail entry and exit location: Buffalo to Rochester; Rochester to Syracuse; Syracuse to Utica; Utica to Watervliet
Type of trail: 87% off-road, otherwise on asphalt
Note: This map is for both the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail and Erie Canal Trail. It takes into account construction and places where the trail is not accessible to cyclists.
Champlain Valley Trail
This trail goes from Albany all the way north to Rouses Point at the Canadian border. You’ll see the Adirondack Mountains on one side, with various waterways and lakes, including the massive Lake Champlain,
Trail entry and exit location: Albany to Whitehall; Whitehall to Rouses Point (Canadian border)
Type of trail: Asphalt (On-road and off-road)
Bike Route 5
This scenic trail runs east to west, from Niagara Falls all the way to New Lebanon, New York. You’ll go through major cities like Rochester and Albany, and pass by the Finger Lakes and other majestic scenery. Just be aware that this trail can sometimes be hilly and parts of it can also be on busy roads with not a lot of space for cyclists.
Trail entry and exit location: Niagara Falls, NY to New Lebanon, NY
Type of trail: Asphalt (on- and off-road), off-road with stone dust
Bike Route 9
Are you up for an epic journey through the entire state of New York, from south to north? Bike Route 9 runs from Central Park in Manhattan all the way to Rouses Point at the Canadian border. You’ll see epic nature, including the Palisades, Bear Mountain, the Adirondacks and more, plus several cities and towns including Albany. This bike route intersects with others including bike routes 5 and 17.
Trail entry and exit location: Central Park to Rouses Point, NY
Type of trail: Asphalt (on- and off-road), off-road with stone dust
