The best cycling routes in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed)

While the French Hill Unit itself is not ideal for typical touring bicycles, the komoot community has mapped out over 10 touring cycling routes in the surrounding region. These routes offer a variety of experiences, with 3 easy, 7 moderate, and 3 difficult options to choose from.

The immediate French Hill Unit is characterized by undeveloped nature, featuring unmarked woods roads and footpaths that can be muddy and overgrown. This makes it generally less suitable for typical touring bicycles. However, routes in the broader area often utilize more suitable surfaces, such as the North County Trailway loop from Kitchawan Nature Preserve, which is an easy route.

The touring cycling routes in the area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied scenery, including forested areas and views along bodies of water like the New Croton Reservoir, as seen on the New Croton Dam – New Croton Dam loop from New Croton Reservoir.

Yes, there are easy touring cycling routes suitable for families in the broader Westchester County area. For example, the North County Trailway loop from Kitchawan Nature Preserve is an easy option that provides a more accessible experience than the undeveloped paths within the French Hill Unit itself.

The region offers a diverse landscape including woodlands, open meadows, and significant wetland areas. You might encounter headwaters for French Hill Brook and Dogwood Creek. Routes like the Stewart's Farm – Lake Casse loop from Kitchawan Nature Preserve lead through forested areas and past Lake Casse, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.

While the park was officially closed in 2010 due to budget constraints, it is currently managed as a passive park with minimal maintenance. Visitors should expect limited amenities and prepare accordingly, as it is not listed on the official NY State Parks website. The area is better suited for activities like quiet walks and nature observation than typical touring cycling.

The French Hill Unit itself holds historical significance, as French Army troops encamped on or around French Hill during the American Revolutionary War. While there are no historical markers, stone ruins are present within the park. Routes in the wider area, such as The Pine Bridge Monument – Stewart's Farm loop from Yorktown Heights, may pass by other local historical landmarks.

For touring cycling, spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. If you are interested in scenic views, especially within the French Hill Unit, fall or winter may offer better visibility due to reduced foliage. However, be aware that trails within the unit can be muddy, especially after rain or snowmelt.

Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, the region offers more extensive routes. An example is the North County Trailway – The Pine Bridge Monument loop from Amawalk Outlet Unit, which is a difficult 68.5 km (42.6 mi) route, providing a significant challenge for experienced touring cyclists.

The French Hill Unit itself has minimal infrastructure, including a gravel parking lot and a kiosk, but no restrooms. When planning your trip, it's advisable to check the starting points of specific komoot routes for parking availability. For routes that venture outside the immediate park, amenities may be more readily available in nearby towns.

The French Hill Unit is noted as suitable for dog walking due to its undeveloped nature and footpaths. While the unit's terrain is not ideal for typical touring bicycles, many of the wider trails and paths in the surrounding Westchester County area are dog-friendly, allowing you to combine activities or find routes where your canine companion can join you.

For the unmarked woods roads and footpaths within the French Hill Unit, a touring bicycle with sturdy tires or a mountain bike would be more appropriate due to potentially muddy and uneven terrain. For the more developed touring cycling routes in the surrounding region, a standard touring bicycle or hybrid bike would generally suffice, especially on paved or stonedust surfaces like sections of the Empire State Trail system.