Explore the best rated trails in North Merrick, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the South County Trailway and Old Croton Aqueduct Trail . With more than 86 trails covering 634 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.
Currently there is a couple of sections that are really nice for the work thats been completed, but will be a fantastic trail once they have completed the sections necessary to connect them into one long trail. All the sections completed are mostly all paved and are great for walking/jogging/biking & wheelchair/stroller friendly. The only exception is tgr Naugatuck River Greenway section that starts at the Sullivan Senior Center, which has a paved trail that runs parallel to the the river and ends at the side road which you continue down a one way street that almost zig zags until you reach palmer bridge. Crossing the bridge and crossing to the paved trail that goes behind a condominium and continues until the end of the dirt parking lots (trail is paved) of John Toro Sports Complex, where the pavement ends towards the actual field. Then it transitions to the field with no defined trail. The Trail at that point isnt really distinct. I lived here most of my life and I didnt know until I saw a news article about The Rainbow Bridge and found that the trail in fact extended past where the pavement ends and continues straight past the dog park past both the first baseball field, the soccer field, and then about halfway through the 2nd baseball field there is a wide opening in the forest, where you then see the entrance to the Rainbow Bridge Trail. Which is an amazing small half looped trail, with some of the most beautiful works of art, and tributes to various pets (photos, stepping stones/memorial rock garden, a memorial fence, k-9 officers memorial bulletin board(s), sculptures, poems, signs, chairs, then the rainbow Bridge which is adorned with photos, momentos, stories, collars & tributes to pets of those who came to place their beloved pets memorials. After you find the exits shortly after that you can see the wide open pathway continues for a while on but ends at a fenced off area that currently is a business/underutilized "Sports park" that will eventually be replaced with a connector trail that will connect with other nearby trails.
Well-maintained level scenic paved trail. Lots to see--ocean, beach, bay, various watercraft, deer, fox, birds, fauna, all sorts of military relics (missiles, cannon) and ruins (Fort Hancock), views of Manhattan skyline, and the oldest lighthouse in the USA. The direct main trail is only about 7 miles from the south parking lot but you can easily add a few riding around Fort Hancock. We rode in late October 2025. It probably gets very hot in the summer. I GUESS there's usually a fee to drive into the area (National Park) but there was no fee when we were there, perhaps because off season, perhaps because of government shut down.
Awesome trail, I tried inline skating and I wouldn’t recommend. It’s definitely possible but not enjoyable. I feel like everything else is doable.
Took a ride on this once nice restored short trail yesterday. The state needs to get back in there and do some basic maintenance. The overgrowth of weeds has turned this into barely a single track lane. Many limbs and broken fencing. It's a shame after all the time and money put into it a few years ago.
Interesting ride did it on a hybrid not a bad ride . Rode from Tarrytown to the end south a few places to get a bite and drink however did not see any porta John’s . Some old stone houses , walls some views of the Hudson River a must see Untermyer park & garden area .
Such beautiful bike path going next to shore through wood like settings into old army base around island. Very safe scenic and smooth ride our new favorite place to go.
Living in Middlesex county are and getting into biking it’s good long path and safe. Has lot bumps as other reviews and lots stops with street crossings. Started at Gerard St and made it down just past Keansburg area roughly 14 miles round trip. Hard to keep fast momentum or consistent pace with stops but as a beginner it’s great place to ride safely
We rode the south segment (Freehold to Big Brook Park), 12 miles RT. It was lovely for a leisurely ride. But with many street crossings and twists in the trail, as well as bumps from roots, it’s not great if you are looking to get any consistent speed. Also, we went in Labor Day, so lots of foot traffic and families riding in groups. Nevertheless, we look forward to trying the other segments.
Heads up that ALL e- bikes are now banned in ALL Bergen County parks. Speed limit of 10mph for all (remaining) vehicles. ¿¿ Bummer.
While all are grateful that bike and pedestrian access were built into the new TZ Bridge, the rough bumpy surface is completely awful. Neither easy on the feet nor pleasant for bikes. I don’t know if it was like this a few years ago or was planned this way, but it’s disappointing.
I just rode the trail today and the weeds mentioned in a previous review have now been mowed and the tree leaning across the trail near Whaley Lake has been cut. The trail is now in excellent condition with none of the typical rail trail root bumps encountered today. BobG.
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