Explore the best rated trails in East Rockaway, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Ridgefield Rail Trail and Norwalk River Valley Trail . With more than 81 trails covering 553 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The history of the Long Island Motor Parkway (as it was first recalled) is revealed with signage along the length of the Parkway, including the site of the Jacob Johnson Family Burial Ground who appears in the 1830 Census as a "free colored man." At least two of his sons served in a segregated unit in the Civil War. He was a farmer in the area until retirement when he lived very close to Alley Pond.
The length of the entire park roadway, designated as part of the Greenway, has been repaved.
Review other park features when you come. In another area of the larger Alley Pond Park is found the oldest and tallest tree in NYC, already growing at the time of George Washington, known as the Alley Pond Giant. Hiking trails throughout the Park are well maintained.
The bridge is repaired and the trail is open.
Nice short ride but afterwords you can go south on Old Dock Road and relax on a bench and enjoy the water views. Then you can do the Hike and Bike trail again.
12 miles to a awesome payoff. NYC Skyline in the distance. A bit bumpy at times. Great way to get used to clipping in. You do it a lot. Lol Many road crossings. Half the ride under shade. Clean path. 2 hours there and back at 11MPH Enjoy the ride!
This is a nice bike ride. The trail is well paved and very level. Not many other riders/hikers. The unavoidable intersections are very disruptive if you are riding for a steady fast pace or for a strenuous workout. Also not much shade. But if you are biking or walking for an enjoyable bit of exercise, it can't be beat for this area.
I took the Metro North out of the city up to Bronxville to cycle all the way to the north end of this trail, and had a very good time. While it's not exactly a quiet trail, running alongside the Bronx River Parkway for the majority of it, it is surprisingly secluded and peaceful.
I do have two warnings, which I've also submitted as edits to the description of this trail, so hopefully they'll appear above this review in the future.
One: there is a small section of gravel between Hartsdale and White Plains. I took my Brompton since I was expecting asphalt the whole way, and while it performed surprisingly admirably on the gravel, it was still rough enough to give me a tire puncture. Gravel bikes and hybrids will likely have no problems, but folding bikes and skinny-tire road bikes may want to be cautious in this section - it's unfortunately too long to simply walk it.
Two: there are a number of extremely low-clearance parts of this trail where it passes under the Bronx River Parkway. I'm 5'11" and I had to duck while *walking* my bike several times. These are all well signposted, but do *not* ride your bike under there unless you know exactly how tall you (and your helmet) are on your bike. Many of these crossings are also blind and narrow, so if you do ride through them, I'd recommend ringing your bell as you go to warn anyone approaching.
Men hanging out along the path. Would not be heard if you shouted out
The pavement is too rough and also there are little hills that might be dangerous. Is great for bikes though
Not sure why I did 5 stars on my previous review, but this trail, as scenic as it is, is not deserving of 5 stars. 4 stars at best.
I used to ride this trail as a kid all the time with my dad, and since I am training for a 50 mile bike ride I decided to not do the Jones Beach/Gilgo ride and did this one instead. I started my ride by the Merrick Road entrance and made my way north using the trail. I could not get over how many cracks and bumps there are! I couldn’t ride fast and seriously thought I popped my tire a few times. I don’t remember it being that bad when I was younger. Sadly, the trail didn’t get better until around the Southern State entrance. From there is was smooth sailing to Sunnyside Blvd
Absolutely perfect for rollerblading! This is going to be a regular path for me :)
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