The best gravel rides in Bergen County

The Putnam Trail – South County Trailway loop from Woodlawn Cemetery offers a demanding gravel biking adventure, blending paved rail-trail sections with challenging unpaved connectors. You'll ride through diverse landscapes, from shaded woodlots and parks to riverbanks, with notable sights like Woodlands Lake in V.E. Macy Park. Expect a varied surface under your tires, including hard-pack dirt and potentially chunky, washed-out roads, making for a true test of skill and endurance.

This difficult 58.3-mile (93.9 km) route, with 2734 feet (833 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 6 hours and 26 minutes, is best tackled by riders with very good fitness. Access is convenient from Woodlawn Cemetery, which is reachable by public transport. Plan for an early start to ensure you have plenty of daylight for this extensive loop, especially if you encounter sections requiring you to push your bike.

This loop is part of the historic New York Central Railroad's Putnam Division, known as the "Old Put," with markers detailing its past. While the main trailways are paved and accessible, this specific gravel biking route deviates to incorporate more challenging terrain, offering a unique blend of history and rugged adventure in Westchester County.

The Putnam Trail – South County Trailway loop from 231st Street offers a dynamic gravel biking experience, transitioning from urban parkways to serene lake views. You'll start in Van Cortlandt Park, riding mostly paved surfaces that gradually become more challenging as you head north. Expect to see beautiful scenery along the South County Trailway, which gives way to dense forests and stunning vistas of Lake Mahopac and Lake Gleneida on the Putnam Trailway, especially vibrant in autumn. This difficult 44.5-mile (71.6 km) route, with 1722 feet (525 metres) of elevation gain, is a substantial ride that takes about 5 hours and 9 minutes.

Accessing this route is straightforward, with public transport options like the 1 train bringing you close to the 231st Street starting point near Van Cortlandt Park. While the South County Trailway is generally well-maintained, be aware that some sections of the Old Putnam Trail may have tree roots affecting the pavement. The Putnam Trailway introduces significant hills, so come prepared for a strenuous workout. This is a popular multi-use path, so you'll share it with others; consider an early start to enjoy quieter moments.

This interconnected trail system is a notable part of the larger Empire State Trail, following the historic New York Central Railroad's Putnam Division line. You'll find markers along the way commemorating former stations, adding a layer of history to your ride. It's a fantastic way to experience a diverse range of landscapes, from city greenways to tranquil reservoirs, all while enjoying a challenging gravel biking adventure that feels like a true escape from the city.

The New Croton Dam – New Croton Dam loop from Blauvelt State Park presents a demanding gravel biking experience, weaving through varied terrain from historic aqueduct paths to scenic riverfronts. You'll encounter crushed stone, dirt, and paved sections, with stunning views of the New Croton Dam and Reservoir, but be prepared for significant elevation changes and potentially challenging surfaces. This difficult 38.4 miles (61.8 km) route, with 2189 feet (667 metres) of climbing, is estimated to take around 4 hours and 17 minutes.

Planning your ride requires careful consideration, as Blauvelt State Park's internal trails are primarily designed for mountain biking and are not suitable for typical gravel bikes. To complete this loop, you'll need to plan road sections to connect from Blauvelt State Park to the gravel biking trails around the New Croton Dam. This route demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills, with some segments potentially requiring you to push your bike.

The region is notable for its blend of historic rail trails, like parts of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, and diverse landscapes at the confluence of the Hudson and Croton Rivers. The magnificent New Croton Dam provides a picturesque backdrop, making the effort worthwhile for those seeking a challenging ride with a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks.

The Munsee-Eagle Trail loop from Pine Hill offers a fantastic gravel biking experience through the dense, varied forests of Sterling Forest State Park. You'll navigate a mix of flowy singletrack, sweeping turns through fern forests, and challenging technical rocky sections, including natural rock features and rock gardens. The route provides a true journey through wooded areas, making for a scenic and engaging ride for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge.

To plan your visit, head to Pine Hill, which provides convenient access to the trailhead within Sterling Forest State Park. Parking is typically available at designated access points. Given the trail's technical nature, it's wise to check weather conditions beforehand, as wet conditions could make the rocky sections even more demanding. This moderate 10.2-mile (16.5 km) loop involves 1175 feet (358 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes, so ensure you have adequate time and fitness.

This trail is a notable part of Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo, New York, a region celebrated for its extensive trail networks. The Munsee-Eagle Trail itself is relatively new, with sections built by the Trail Conference Conservation Corps and volunteers, fulfilling a long-standing plan to make the beautiful forest accessible. It strikes a good balance between technical and flowy singletrack, making it one of the finest multi-use trails in the area for those seeking a rewarding gravel biking adventure.