Pack your bike and head to the ‘burbs, where countless trails, paths, and scenic rides are ready to explore on two wheels.
While we’ll always have a soft spot for Central Park loops and Hudson River rides, we’ve been blown away by the endless places to bike in the suburbs. As you explore different towns—and if biking in the ‘burbs tops your must-have list—consider bringing a bike along or renting one when you arrive. It’s an amazing way to see the towns like a local.
Heading to Connecticut?
Fairfield County has bike trails for riders of all ages and skill levels. One favorite: Mianus River Park in Greenwich and Stamford. It’s a great mix of nature trails and single-track paths, perfect for new and intermediate riders. Bring the kids and check out the 12-station educational nature trail while you’re there.
Winslow Park in Westport is another go-to. With easy trails, a picnic area, and a dog run, it’s perfect for a laid-back family ride.
If you’re exploring Greenwich, check out the Greenwich Point Park bike paths. Known locally as Tod’s Point, this scenic waterfront park offers paved and gravel paths winding through beaches, salt marshes, and coastal trails. It’s perfect for a family ride with incredible views of Long Island Sound—and after your ride (and depending on weather!) you can cool off with a swim or relax at the beach.
In Stamford, head to Mill River Park in downtown. This 26-acre urban park has a wide, smooth path that’s perfect for bikers of all ages—and because it’s right in the heart of downtown, you can combine a ride with a picnic, a carousel visit, or even an outdoor concert in warmer months. It’s a true green oasis in the city.
Another favorite? Riding along the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT), a growing multi-town greenway that eventually aims to connect Norwalk to Danbury. For now, the Norwalk section offers about 5 miles of flat, family-friendly, paved trail, winding through parks and wetlands—perfect for younger bikers or those just getting into cycling.
Over in Ridgefield, Bennett’s Pond State Park offers another amazing option, with wooded trails and lake views that are perfect for mountain bikers craving a more technical ride.
Heading to New Jersey?
In Essex County, the West Essex Trail in Verona offers a relaxed 2.8-mile gravel trail that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Start at the Fairview Avenue entrance and enjoy a scenic, shaded ride.
Don’t miss South Mountain Reservation, which spans Millburn, Maplewood, South Orange, and West Orange. With countless trails and access to the Lenape Trail, it’s an amazing place for longer, nature-packed rides.
The Middlesex Greenway is another favorite. Running through Metuchen, Edison, and Woodbridge, this 3.5-mile paved trail is family-friendly and part of the larger East Coast Greenway, which will eventually stretch from Maine to Florida.
In Union County, check out the emerging Rahway Valley Rail Trail, which will link Kenilworth to Roselle Park through a mix of county parks and green spaces, connecting to Watchung Reservation.
For a coastal ride, head to Sandy Hook in Monmouth County. The Sandy Hook Bike Path offers an easy 8.7-mile ride with stunning views of the bay, beaches, historic lighthouses, and the Manhattan skyline.
Heading to Westchester?
Westchester is loaded with incredible biking. Start with Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, one of the top mountain biking destinations in the Hudson Valley, with over 20 miles of trails through woods, hills, and freshwater ponds.
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is another favorite. This 26-mile path runs from Croton to Yonkers along the historic aqueduct that once brought fresh water to New York City. You’ll pass charming downtowns like Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and Ossining.
In Briarcliff Manor, check out the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway, a 12-mile natural surface trail through woods, nature preserves, and scenic hills.
For an easier, more urban option, try the Bronx River Parkway Pathway, a flat, 13-mile path stretching from Bronxville to White Plains. Don’t miss Bicycle Sundays, when the Bronx River Parkway shuts down to cars and opens up to cyclists, walkers, and runners for a car-free ride.
In Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, RiverWalk offers a relaxed, paved path right alongside the Hudson River—perfect for scenic rides, river views, and skyline vistas.
Heading to Long Island?
With its coastline and beautiful parks, Long Island is packed with places to ride. In Babylon and Jones Beach, check out the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, starting at Captree State Park. You’ll cruise along the Atlantic, pass beach entrances, and maybe catch some live music at the beach when you reach Jones Beach State Park.
Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale is another standout. It’s famous for its golf courses, but it’s just as beloved for its bike trails. From here, connect to the Bethpage Bikeway which leads south to Massapequa Preserve, winding past lakes, ponds, and marshland.
In Lloyd Harbor, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is a hidden gem. This sprawling park along Long Island Sound has paved and gravel trails perfect for leisurely rides, with gorgeous water views at almost every turn.
The Greenbelt Trail, stretching from Massapequa up to Cold Spring Harbor, offers a mix of woodsy, moderate trails (bike-friendly in certain sections), and is a great day trip if you’re ready to cover a few extra miles.
Ready to Explore the Suburbs on Two Wheels?
Whether you’re looking for flat, easy family rides, rugged mountain bike trails, or long coastal journeys, the New York City suburbs are filled with biking adventures waiting just outside the city.
Schedule your FREE initial strategy call today and let us help you find the perfect suburb—where the biking (and everything else) fits your family perfectly.
For more insights, visit SJ’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.
