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Empire State Trail Bike Tour Manhattan Hudson River Greenway
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Cyclists next to the water
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Views in Fall
walkway over the Hudson
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Bridge across Hudson

4.7/5 (40 reviews)

6-Day Empire State Trail Bike Tour - Discover New York's Beauty

On this scenic cycling adventure, you pedal more than 200 miles, with a mix of freshly paved bike path, rail trails and quiet roads. From the skyscrapers of Manhattan through forests, along lakes and rivers to Albany on New York’s Empire State Trail.

Start - End: Tarrytown - Tarrytown

Total trip: 6 days

Average group size: 12 people

from USD 3,699/pp including taxes and fees

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Trip Inquiry - 6-Day Empire State Trail Bike Tour - Discover New York's Beauty

Empire State Trail Bike Tour Manhattan Hudson River Greenway
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Cyclists next to the water
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Views in Fall
walkway over the Hudson
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Bridge across Hudson
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Manhattan Hudson River Greenway
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Cyclists next to the water
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Views in Fall
walkway over the Hudson
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Bridge across Hudson
Empire State Trail Bike Tour biking through a castle
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Biking through the forest
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Waterfall by the bike path
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Tandem on the bike trail
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Group Riding in the Fall
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Battery Park Manhattan
Empire State Trail Bike Tour Fisher Hall at Bard
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Trip Inquiry - 6-Day Empire State Trail Bike Tour - Discover New York's Beauty

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From the Skyscrapers of Manhatten to the picturesque river and forest trails of upstate New York, this is a bike tour to remember.

Explore an amazing new bike trail through a wide variety of landscapes in New York State. Join us for a scenic cycling adventure that includes more than 200 miles of fun riding — with a mix of freshly paved bike path, rail trails and quiet roads. Cycle from the skyscrapers of Manhattan through forests, along lakes and rivers … with a triumphant finish in Albany, the state capital. Enjoy the newly finished Empire State Trail, which allows cyclists to traverse the state almost entirely on dedicated hike/bike paths and routes.

Cycle up the west side of Manhattan Island on the Hudson River Greenway and see the waterfront and famous buildings. Spin along the Hudson with views of the towering cliffs known as the Palisades … into historic villages and through forests and farmland. Then leave suburbia behind as you enter rural lands and farm country. Highlights are rides on the famous Walkway Over the Hudson and across the iconic Rosendale Trestle.

Visit the villages of Rhinebeck, Hudson and the town of New Paltz — with chances to enjoy fascinating history, unique architecture and stunning scenery. Take advantage of optional leader-led segments through the urban areas of New York City, or ride them on your own. At the finish, you can explore Albany itself, or continue your travels home by air or train from there. Or let us give you a lift back to your car at the start.

Traveling to/from this tour: Those driving can leave cars in Tarrytown with a return shuttle on Day 6. For those flying or using trains, please contact our office for best travel times.


Surfaces for this tour: 88% Paved and 12% Gravel.

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

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The van will depart at 7:15am to transport you and the bikes to Battery Park in NY City. If you didn’t stay at the inn the night before, please check your luggage at the hotel before you leave. You can also meet us at Battery Park in New York City at 8:45am. We will most likely be parked near where Greenwich Street ends at Battery Place. Bring your luggage to that location and be ready to ride. 

You have the opportunity for a leader-led ride by a few of the nearby famous landmarks ... 911 Memorial, Wall Street and more ... before starting your journey north on the renowned Hudson River Greenway recreational path, which travels up the western side of the island. Enjoy views of the bustling commercial activity, pocket parks on the river, as well as the Palisades — dramatic cliffs along the Hudson.

Enjoy lunch at a riverfront restaurant. Then take a route on dedicated bike lanes to bring you to the trails through Van Cortland Park. You soon skirt through suburban areas before stopping in Tarrytown for the evening.

Enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel, Tarrytown
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 31.7 miles (51 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 852 feet (260 meters) ascent, 673 feet (205 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

After breakfast, you return to the bike path and travel through Putnam County — home of crystal clear lakes that provide New York City’s water supply. Catch sweeping views of the meandering Croton Reservoir as you pedal across the old North Country Trailway railroad bridge.

For lunch, you have many choices in the lively lake-side town of Mahopac. Your destination for the evening is the quaint little village of Brewster, where you stay at the Comfort Inn.

Enjoy another group dinner at a restaurant near the inn.
Accommodation: Comfort Inn Brewster, Brewster
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 36.3 miles (58.4 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,549 feet (472 meters) ascent, 1,254 feet (382 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

On this day of primarily rural riding, you pass more lakes, rivers and farms while enjoying newly paved bike path. A trail-side picnic lunch is included. As you explore the southern half of Dutchess County, you also cross the famous Appalachian Trail — the hiking route from Georgia to Maine. Your destination is a quiet suburban area in Poughkeepsie where you enjoy another group dinner.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 41.2 miles (66.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 949 feet (289 meters) ascent, 1,148 feet (350 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

You’ll get an early start today to enjoy the longer mileage—or to spend more time exploring our lovely destination town of Rhinebeck. 

The day begins with a highlight: riding across the Walkway Over the Hudson, a stunning cycling and pedestrian bridge connecting Poughkeepsie to Highland. From there, continue on a scenic rail trail to the historic and vibrant town of New Paltz, known for its colonial-era charm and quaint shops. You may want to pause for a quick break and explore a bit. In New Paltz, you also have the option to enjoy a delightful 8-mile wooded trail before continuing on. After New Paltz, more peaceful rail trail awaits, including the impressive Rosendale Trestle—a 940-foot bridge that spans 150 feet above Rondout Creek. Continue on to Kingston, where the ride ends for the day. Lunch is on your own. 

You’ll then shuttle to Rhinebeck and check in at the gracious Beekman Arms. The town is ideal for strolling and filled with charming shops and galleries. Dinner is on your own, with many excellent restaurants to choose from.
Accommodation: Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 34.6 miles (55.7 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 966 feet (294 meters) ascent, 1,182 feet (360 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

After a hearty breakfast, cycle north, regaining the Empire State Trail as you continue on quiet roads with intermittent sections of bike path and a section of un-paved path. One of the highlights today is passing through Annondale-on-Hudson, home to the attractive campus of Bard College with its Fisher Center Music Hall (2003), its facade an artistic triumph by architect Frank Gehry. Lunch is best had in the village of Germantown. Your destination today is another village that deserves some time to wander — Hudson, NY, a fashion, furniture, and foodie’s delight. Save room for dinner as you enjoy a final group get-together at a fine local restaurant
Accommodation: The Wick, Hudson
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 31 miles (49 kilometers) 
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,289 feet (393 meters) ascent, 1,470 feet (448 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Your “home stretch” ride today includes more great cycling north, including some woodland paths as well as lake-side riding near the town of Niverville. Choose a lunch spot near Nassau and Nassau Lake. Afterward, continue on the finish at the Albany- Rensselaer Train Station. Hop a train to NYC or elsewhere if you like. Those heading to the Albany airport can catch a cab or Uber, and those with cars in Tarrytown are shuttled back to the first inn.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 38.1 miles (61.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,410 feet (430 meters) ascent, 1,397 feet (426 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

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What's included

  • 5 nights’ accommodation
  • 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
  • You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Branded t-shirt and bag
  • Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals
  • Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable! 
  • Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
  • You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
  • “My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

FAQs

From questions about fitness for this tour to what the accommodations are like, please have a read through of our Frequently Asked Questions.

On the first morning of the tour please meet us at the Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel at 6:30am. The van will depart at 7:15am to transport you and the bikes to Battery Park in NY City. If you didn’t stay at the inn the night before, please check your luggage at the hotel before you leave. You can also meet us at Battery Park in New York City at 8:45am. We will most likely be parked near where Greenwich Street ends at Battery Place. Bring your luggage to that location and be ready to ride.

You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in New York, though you must make your own way to one of the two meeting points at the pre-designated times.

Your tour ends at Albany-Rensselaer Train Station around 1pm and we can transfer you back to the Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel by about 4:30pm.

Arrival: We recommend arriving in New York at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the tour, we recommend departing from New York after 8pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

If you plan to drive to the tour’s pick-up location, please ensure you arrange parking for the duration of your tour. If the pick-up point is a hotel, we recommend contacting them directly to inquire about parking availability. Keep in mind some hotels do not permit non-guests to park on-site, so you may need to find alternative parking options.

We have selected the accommodation on the tour for the stunning setting and adventuresome feel. You’ll love the places you’ll stay in on this tour, though it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in New York.

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