The best MTB trails around Palisades Park

Palisades Interstate Park offers over 30 miles of trails suitable for mountain biking, with diverse options across its 2,500 acres. This guide features 7 highly-rated routes to help you explore the area.

The trails in Palisades Park feature varied surfaces, including asphalt, ballast, crushed stone, cinder, dirt, and gravel. You'll encounter diverse natural habitats, from riverfront areas and talus slopes to uplands and dramatic cliffs, offering a mix of riding experiences.

Yes, there are several easy routes. For instance, the Central Park Carousel loop from 116th Street–Columbia University is an easy 9.2-mile trail exploring the northern section of Central Park. Another easy option is the Center Drive, Central Park – Harlem Meer loop from 59th Street–Columbus Circle, a scenic 7.1-mile path through the heart of Central Park.

The Palisades Cliffs themselves are a National Natural Landmark, offering spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. You can enjoy breathtaking vistas from overlooks like Rockefeller Lookout and Clinton Point. The Hudson River Greenway – Palisades Interstate Park loop from 72nd Street offers extensive views of the river and cliffs.

While many routes are accessible, some trails offer more challenging terrain. The Hudson River Greenway loop from 86th Street is a moderate 47.6-mile route with significant elevation changes, providing a more demanding ride for experienced mountain bikers.

The mountain biking routes in Palisades Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Hudson River, the varied uplands, and the diverse trail surfaces that cater to different ability levels.

While riding, you might encounter areas near water features. For specific waterfalls, you could explore highlights like North Woods or Paley Park Waterfall. For lakes, the Harlem Meer and The Pool, Central Park are notable highlights in the vicinity.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. Examples include the Harlem Meer – Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum loop from Manhattan Island, which is a 5.8-mile trail through Central Park, and the longer Hudson River Greenway – Palisades Interstate Park loop from 72nd Street.

The park's diverse landscapes are enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, making them ideal for riding. Summer can be warm but is still popular, while winter riding depends on snow and ice conditions, especially on unpaved trails.

Palisades Interstate Park is rich in history. You can find historic sites such as the Kearney House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Fort Lee Historic Park. These offer opportunities to combine your ride with a cultural stop.

Yes, the park offers several family-friendly options, particularly on its easier, paved, or crushed stone paths. Riverfront picnic areas and playgrounds at locations like Ross Dock, Englewood, and Alpine also make it convenient for families to enjoy a day out.

Palisades Interstate Park provides various access points and parking facilities. Many scenic overlooks and picnic areas along the parkways, such as Ross Dock, Englewood, and Alpine, offer parking options. It's advisable to check specific trailheads for designated parking areas.