The best road cycling routes around Greenwood Lake

The Greenwood Lake area offers diverse road cycling terrain. You'll find well-paved surfaces with sections ranging from mostly flat along the western edge of the lake to tree-lined roads on the eastern side featuring steep ascents and descents. The region's Highlands topography provides options for both easy rides and more challenging routes with significant climbs.

Yes, Greenwood Lake has several routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easier ride. For instance, the Greenwood Lake – Pinecliff Lake loop from Village of Greenwood Lake is classified as easy, covering about 31.8 km with moderate elevation gain. Overall, there are 7 easy routes available in the area.

For cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation changes. The Wawayanda Creek – Mount Peter loop from Mount Peter Hawk Watch Trailway is a moderate route that includes substantial climbs, covering nearly 59 km with over 800 meters of ascent. The broader Highlands region is known for its demanding terrain.

Road cycling routes often feature beautiful views of Greenwood Lake itself. The region is rich in natural woodlands and is close to several state parks like Sterling Forest State Park and Long Pond Ironworks State Park. You might also encounter other scenic lakes such as Wawayanda Lake or Sterling Lake, and even the impressive Monksville Dam.

The road cycling routes around Greenwood Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from 6 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, ranging from lake views to tree-lined roads, and the variety of terrain that caters to different fitness levels.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Greenwood Lake are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Village of Warwick and the Monksville Dam – Greenwood Lake loop from Long Pond Ironworks State Park, offering convenient circular options.

The region is particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season, offering stunning views. However, road cycling is enjoyable across multiple seasons. Even in winter, scenic trails are available, though conditions may vary. For optimal riding, spring through fall generally provides the most favorable weather.

Beyond the lake itself, you can find several points of interest. The Monksville Dam is a notable man-made monument, and natural features like Claudius Smith's Den offer unique sights. The area also features various lakes such as Wawayanda Lake and Sterling Lake.

There are over 25 road cycling routes available around Greenwood Lake, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 7 easy, 15 moderate, and 4 difficult routes.

While specific public transport options directly to trailheads may vary, the region is accessible. For detailed information on public transport to specific starting points, it's advisable to check local transit schedules for the New York and New Jersey areas bordering Greenwood Lake.

Many routes, such as the Monksville Dam – Greenwood Lake loop, start from locations like Long Pond Ironworks State Park, which typically offer designated parking. When planning your ride, check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking availability.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, routes like the Wawayanda Creek – Mount Peter loop from Mount Peter Hawk Watch Trailway extend for nearly 59 km. The region also offers the possibility to combine routes for even longer distances, with some known routes like the 'Greenwood Lake 88.5' covering over 140 km with significant elevation changes.