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

No, the Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) itself is largely undeveloped and features unpaved woods roads and footpaths, making it unsuitable for road cycling. While the park is officially 'closed' since 2010, it remains open for public access for activities like hiking and birdwatching. The no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide are located in the surrounding area, offering quiet roads and scenic views near the park.

There are 9 no-traffic road cycling routes available in the vicinity of Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit). These routes offer a range of distances and difficulties for road cyclists looking for quiet rides.

Most of the no-traffic road cycling routes in this area are rated as moderate, with 8 out of 9 routes falling into this category. There is also 1 easy route available, providing options for various fitness levels.

Yes, there is one easy no-traffic road cycling route available: Trailside Café – The Pine Bridge Monument loop from Kitchawan Nature Preserve. This route covers 19.5 km with a moderate elevation gain, making it a good option for those seeking a less challenging ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.875 stars from 18 ratings. Cyclists often praise the quiet roads and scenic beauty of the routes, providing a peaceful escape from traffic.

While the park itself is undeveloped, some routes pass by or near interesting points. For example, the route The Pine Bridge Monument – Quiet resting spot loop from Donald J. Trump State Park – French Hill Section includes the Pine Bridge Monument. Other routes may offer views of natural features or pass through charming local areas.

For a longer ride, consider The Pine Bridge Monument – Quiet resting spot loop from Donald J. Trump State Park – French Hill Section, which is approximately 54.7 km long with an elevation gain of 475 meters. Another substantial option is New Croton Dam – Trailside Café loop from Parking at Valeria, covering 53 km with 630 meters of elevation.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For instance, New Croton Dam – New Croton Dam loop from Parking at Valeria offers a 25.5 km loop. Another option is Roadbike loop from Lake Mohegan, which is a 35.3 km loop.

Many routes start from locations with available parking. For example, the route New Croton Dam – Trailside Café loop from Parking at Valeria explicitly mentions starting from 'Parking at Valeria', and Roadbike loop from Lake Mohegan starts from Lake Mohegan, which typically has parking facilities.

While the routes are outside the undeveloped French Hill Unit, the surrounding region is part of the New York City Watershed Area and features diverse natural environments. You can expect to cycle through areas with continuous forest, open meadows, and potentially catch glimpses of wetlands or streams, offering a pleasant natural backdrop to your ride.

Although officially 'closed' since 2010 due to budget cuts and not listed on the official New York State Parks website, the Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) remains technically open for public access. However, it operates with minimal maintenance and no amenities, focusing on low-impact activities like hiking and birdwatching rather than road cycling.