The best road cycling routes in Salt Hill State Forest

The road cycling routes in and around Salt Hill State Forest feature a diverse landscape with rolling hills and rocky ridgelines. You'll encounter elevation changes, including the 699-foot Salt Hill summit, providing varied terrain. Many routes offer scenic views of the Croton Reservoir and its surrounding watershed.

While Salt Hill State Forest itself contains some informal woods roads, the road cycling routes listed on komoot predominantly use paved surfaces. These routes leverage the existing road network in the vicinity, allowing road cyclists to enjoy the natural beauty with comfortable riding conditions. Some routes may have short unpaved sections, especially if they venture deeper into the forest.

The area offers a range of difficulties. Out of 69 available routes, 50 are rated as moderate, 16 as difficult, and 3 as easy. This means you can find options from gentle loops to more challenging rides with significant elevation gains, such as the Academy Hill – Drum Hill loop from New Croton Dam, which has over 430 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, there are a few easier routes suitable for families. For instance, the New Croton Dam loop from New Croton Dam is a moderate 26.1 km path that predominantly uses paved surfaces and circles the scenic New Croton Dam area, making it a good option for a family outing.

Many routes offer stunning views of the Croton Reservoir and the New Croton Dam. You might also spot historical elements like old stone walls and foundations. During the leaf-off season, rock outcrops provide particularly clear views of the reservoir. The 8-acre Blue Lake is another picturesque feature integrated into some routes.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Salt Hill State Forest are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Academy Hill – Drum Hill loop from New Croton Dam and the longer New Croton Dam – Trailside Café loop from Parking at Valeria.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic views of the Croton Reservoir, and the mix of challenging climbs and enjoyable paved sections that make for a rewarding ride.

Absolutely. For those seeking a longer ride, the Teatown Lake Boardwalk – New Croton Dam loop from Village of Croton-on-Hudson covers over 68 km with significant elevation, offering an extended exploration of the region's beauty.

The deciduous forest environment makes spring and fall particularly beautiful, with lush greenery or vibrant autumn colors. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming flora, while fall provides cooler weather ideal for longer rides. Views of the Croton Reservoir are especially clear from rock outcrops during the leaf-off season.

While Salt Hill State Forest itself is a natural area, some routes are designed to pass by or near amenities. For example, the New Croton Dam – Trailside Café loop from Parking at Valeria explicitly mentions a 'Trailside Café' in its name, indicating opportunities for refreshments along the way.

The region is accessible, and some routes start from locations that may be reachable by public transport, such as the 'Village of Croton-on-Hudson' mentioned in the Teatown Lake Boardwalk – New Croton Dam loop. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules and routes to plan your journey to specific starting points.

Many routes are designed with convenient starting points that include parking. For instance, the The Pines Bridge Monument – Trailside Café loop from Parking at Valeria indicates a starting point with parking available at Valeria. Specific parking details are often provided within individual route descriptions on komoot.