The best traffic-free bike rides in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed)

While the guide title mentions 'Closed', search results indicate that the French Hill Unit remains officially open for low-impact recreation, including cycling, though it is not listed on the official NY State Parks website. It is managed as a passive park, offering a rustic and undeveloped experience for those seeking solitude.

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available in the vicinity of Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit). These routes offer a range of distances and difficulty levels to suit various cyclists.

The routes in this area are generally accessible, with 2 easy routes and 3 moderate routes. This makes the area suitable for both casual cyclists and those looking for a slightly more challenging ride without extreme elevation gains.

The French Hill Unit is characterized by its undeveloped nature, featuring woods roads and footpaths rather than paved, busy roads. This provides a quieter, more secluded cycling experience, appealing to those who prefer solitude and immersion in nature away from vehicular traffic.

Given the undeveloped nature of the French Hill Unit, formal designated parking for cyclists might be limited. Cyclists often find informal parking near access points or utilize parking available for other nearby trailheads or public spaces. It's advisable to research specific starting points for individual routes for the best parking options.

The French Hill Unit boasts a diverse natural landscape, including continuous forest, expansive open meadows, and several large wetlands. It serves as the headwaters for French Hill Brook and Dogwood Creek. Cyclists might encounter interesting rock formations and have opportunities for wildlife sightings, including bald eagles, adding to the natural allure.

Yes, the area has historical significance. You might come across stone ruins, which are remnants of an older estate. The park was also used as an encampment for the French Army in 1781 and 1782, making it part of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route. A plaque dedicated to William Delavan Baldwin can also be found overlooking the Taconic State Parkway.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, undeveloped nature of the routes, the opportunity for solitude, and the immersion in natural landscapes away from traffic.

Yes, routes like New Croton Dam – New Croton Dam loop from New Croton Reservoir and New Croton Dam – Old Croton Dam Road Bridge loop from New Croton Dam are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. These routes offer relatively gentle terrain and a pleasant, traffic-free environment.

For the longest no-traffic touring cycling experience, consider the Maybrook Trailway – Maybrook Trailway loop from Shenorock. This route spans over 60 km, providing an extensive ride through the scenic landscape.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in this region, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible but may require appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on trails.

While the area's terrain is generally easy to moderate, routes like the Maybrook Trailway – Maybrook Trailway loop from Shenorock offer a moderate challenge with an elevation gain of approximately 447 meters, providing a more substantial workout for touring cyclists.