I started my ride on this trail at Fort Lee NJ. From there I rode across the George Wahington bridge, picked up the trail and rode to the Brooklyn bridge and back for about a 30 mile ride. The pedestrian path at the NYC end of the bridge is very narrow and pretty steep. Also from the steet level down to the trail at the red lighthouse is very steep. From here on the trail was level and very easy peddlilng. Traffic was light at the north end, but very heavy the further south you go. If you like big city riding, this trail is for you. Except for the steep parts at the bridge, this is a very enjoyable ride.

"Easily the best thing to happen to NYC parks in my lifetime the Hudson River Park and the bike trail included is a gem beyond measure. Great surfaces (flat, smooth, purpose-built bike path), peerless views and Manhattan location. Yes the Battery to 125th is a great delight but now as improvements are made cyclists can enjoy Passing the North River Plant, and going on up to Dyckman Street if you are not afraid of a couple of inclines. Inwood Park, the Greek Temple and the hidden details of Riverside Drive will make it all worth while. And then go East for the East Side Bike trail..."

"Dear Fellow Riders,

If one is lucky enough to have the time, I recommend the following bike trip: Stay overnight in New York City near or in Battery Park. There are beautiful grounds by the Embassy Suites that are right on the riverfront. Take the HRT up to the George Washington Bridge and cross the bridge using the bike path. Then take 9W North (on-road route). To the next trail in Tappan, New Jersey, see this Web site for details.

In Piermont take the rail-trail to South Nyack. Then meander through the Nyack shops, etc. Take the Hook Mountain Trail to Haverstraw. Follow the Haverstraw Waterfront (on-road route) to Stony Point, then take side roads, or 9W, to Bear Mountain. Take Bear Mountain Bridge (bike path) to 9A North (some trails criss-cross this road. Go to the Newburgh Beacon Bridge. There is a three-mile bike/walking path attached.

Take side roads south to Cornwall, then Route 218 to West Point. You'll end up back in Bear Mountain. You can return to New York City the same way.

The total trip is maybe 150-miles. Consider hotels in West Point, NY, or Newburgh. Or even B&Bs. It makes for a great weekend of bike trails, rails-to-trails, small roads, and riverfront towns."

Pedestrian walkways and resting areas and parks are being finished on former piers. The Hudson River Greenway keeps getting better all the time.

The Hudson River Greenway is now finished completely since 9/11. The segment near the WTC site is done and the trail now goes from 181st Street (and beyond the George Washington Bridge) to Battery Park.

It becomes the East River greenway from here.

It goes around Battery Park and has an on road segment by the Staten Island Ferry and then converts to a sidewalk path for a while before becoming two lanes: one for pedestrians and one for bikes. It passes piers and has a lot of historical markers. It is steady going until around 34th Street where there is a fence in front of you and the waterfront and the FDR takes over.

From here it's an on-street route with hardly any signs as of yet. You have to pick up a 2003 NYC cycling map to see the on-street routes in the five boroughs as well as all the greenways.

The greenway picks up around 63rd Street and continues until the Triborough Bridge entrance around 125th Street. That bridge is bike friendly as are all the East River bridges.

The greenway around the Manhattan is about 90% complete. From 125th Street as per the cycling map it is expected to connect diagonally through Dyckman Street and then connect to the West Side of Manhattan near the little red lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge. I'm guessing total mileage for both the Hudson River and the East River Greenways is about 25-30 miles.

"There is no other city like New York, and there is probably no other trail like the Hudson River Greenway. Easy, safe cycling amidst the controlled urban chaos of New York. I am involved in building trails in our small city; therefore, I cannot imagine the expense and difficulties involved in this project.

Congratulations to those with the vision. Don't visit New York without taking your bike!"

"The day we chose to be on this well paved and maintained Greenway was a sunny Saturday. Despite the crowds on the trail it was an enjoyable experience.

We started from 34th Street and headed downtown after getting off from the ferry that took us from Imperial Port, NJ. We were dodging pedestrians, joggers, rollar bladders and other bikers along the way and at some points and it was a bit frustrating. However this was more than made up by the spectabular scenic view of the Hudson, and its gentle breeze that accompanied us through most of the ride.

The Greenway passes several ports, museums, helicopter landing pads, some retail stores. The way is equipped with many traffic lights which was new for us bikers who are so used to riding on railroad trails. Crossing the road wasn't fun knowing how New Yorkers drive sometimes.

We took a detour through the public walkway next to the what appears to be multi-apartment complexes. This walk way, shared by many pedestrian turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was like riding through a beautiful private park. Across the Hudson we saw the Statue of Liberty. We eventually reached Battery Park and witness the Eternal Flame.

When we were riding back up we foundout this Greenway can be entered through Manhattan Westside 88th Street. We could have avoided paying $12 round trip/person for the ferry and $6 for parking."

"This trail offers a unique way for bicyclists to travel in busy Manhattan without the noise and dangers associated with motor vehicles.

The best portion of this route is from 80th Street or so south to Battery Park. A great place to park and begin is at 96th Street and the Henry Hudson Drive. There's currently a detour in place that will take you through bustling Riverside Park, but once you get back on the Greenway a little north of 80th Street you'll have a very nice ride south.

Sights along the route include the 79th Street Boat Basin, a passenger ship terminal, the Intrepid Floating Museum, Chelsea Piers, the former World Trade Center Site, Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry.

On good weather days the Greenway is filled with in-line skaters, walkers and bikers. If you’re single, it’s a great meeting spot.

The Greenway segment from 96th Street to 125th Street is immediately adjacent to the Henry Hudson Parkway. This section is very noisy and frequently covered with broken glass (a result of bottles tossed from passing automobiles).

A detour along local streets is in place from 125th Street until the Greenway resumes at approximately 135th Street.

As of this date, I have not yet biked north of 125th Street.

If you’re visiting the Big Apple, bring your bike. The trail is totally flat (at sea level) and nicely paved.
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