I'm not sure the Old Putnam tail I've enjoyed riding is the same one described in the other two reviews. True, the part that runs through VanCordlandt Park is the hard-packed dirt of an old railbed (complete with decaying ties), but that is only the first 1/2 mile or so. Once you exit the park at the north end, the trail becomes a well-maintained, asphalt-paved scenic pleasure. There are two places where you must leave the right-of-way and go into local streets (I think because development has encroached on the right-of-way), but for most of the 30 or so miles I've ridden (to Yorktown Heights), it is well suited for road bikes. The bridge across the Croton Reservoir is particularly enjoyable. Biking along the trail you can get a real sense of what commuting must have been like back in the steam locomotive days of these NYC bedroom community suburbs.

Don't be put-off by the previous reviews. This is one of the nicest, most consistant stretches of rail-trail available in the great NYC area.

Note: if you're considering riding the full length and returning by Metro-North from the Brewster station, remember you will need an MTA railpass. They can be obtained at most stations for a one-time cost of $5.

I explored the Old Putnam trail in Van Cortlandt Park and was really put off by the shoddy condition of the portion of the trail I rode on. I'm sure this trail isn't on any politicians adgenda to spruce up anytime in the near future. I was totally disappointed to put it simply...

Natural Dirt trail through the woods of Van Courtlant Park. The trail connects the bronx to westchester's Paved south/north county trail. Trail width varies through out with some out growing roots, railroad wood protrusions, gravel on certain parts of the path.

It's a nice trail but the dirt surface is not fun to ride on. Certain sections are very uneven and bumpy. I would not recommending riding the trail after some rain. The path will have 3-4 sections where water will puddle up and become very muddy. In it's current state, it's more favorable to mountain bikes then road bikes. Hopefully this trail gets paved so it can connect to the paved section in westchester... It's a shame that it hasn't been paved, I think more people would enjoy this section of the trail if it were. For now, it's just a rough means to get to the paved trails in westchester.