Biking the Big Apple Shore

Biking the Big Apple Shore

best biking routes along the NYC coast

When you think of biking in New York City, the bustling streets and iconic landmarks may come to mind. However, the city also offers a captivating coastal experience that is perfect for cycling enthusiasts. Biking along the NYC coast allows you to escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the waterfront. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey along the NYC coast, highlighting the scenic routes, notable landmarks, and the joy of exploring the city on two wheels.

The Hudson River Greenway

One of the most popular coastal biking routes in NYC is the Hudson River Greenway. Stretching for miles along the western edge of Manhattan, this dedicated bike path offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey skyline. Pedal past iconic landmarks such as the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the High Line Park, and Battery Park City. Follow the path north and enjoy a break by the renowned Little Red Lighthouse – the central character of a beloved children’s book and a singular lighthouse within Manhattan. The landscape unfolds with striking cliffs, serene meadows, and shaded wooded enclaves, all commanding a vantage over the Hudson River and the majestic Palisades beyond. The Hudson River Greenway provides a tranquil escape from the city’s bustling streets, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and stunning vistas.

Stretching from Battery Park to Harlem, the East River Waterfront Esplanade graces Manhattan as a sprawling public greenway. Spanning a distance of 10 miles, this scenic pathway occasionally yields to urban blocks across about 20 intervals. Yet, cyclists and pedestrians alike can revel in a captivating journey alongside the East River, affording splendid views of the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts, the iconic Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges, all while passing by the distinguished expanse of the United Nations Plaza.

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway

For a different coastal biking experience, head to Brooklyn and explore the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. This scenic route takes you along the East River, offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Ride through the charming neighborhoods of DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Red Hook, and discover hidden gems like Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway combines waterfront beauty with the vibrant energy of Brooklyn, creating a unique cycling adventure. Many of the East River bridges have bike paths, including the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges.

Ocean Parkway is America’s first bike path built in 1894 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux seamlessly guiding cyclists from Prospect Park to the allure of Coney Island. A paved bike path follows the shore adjacent to the Belt Parkway from Owl’s Head Park then under the Verrazano Bridge to Coney Island Creek. After a short onroad stretch, from Neptune Avenue to Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, the waterfront greenway picks up again at Plumb Beach to Canarsie Pier and beyond offering amazing views of the harbor and Jamaica Bay.

The Rockaways

If you’re looking for a beachy biking experience, head to the Rockaways in Queens. This peninsula offers a fantastic coastal cycling route along the Rockaway Boardwalk, providing stunning ocean views and the opportunity to dip your toes in the Atlantic. Ride past lively beach communities, stop for a refreshing swim, and indulge in delicious beachside snacks at the local food stands. The Rockaways combine the joy of biking with the laid-back beach vibes, making it a perfect destination for a coastal cycling getaway.

A solid concrete trail traces the expanse of Jacob Riis Park, hugging the Atlantic Ocean’s edge, culminating at 169th Street, which serves as the demarcation line between Jacob Riis and Fort Tilden beaches. Another concrete pathway, known as Shore Road, traverses roughly half the length of Fort Tilden beach.

Staten Island Greenbelt

For nature enthusiasts, the Staten Island Greenbelt offers a tranquil coastal biking experience. This expansive network of trails and green spaces takes you through forests, wetlands, and along the shoreline of Staten Island. Pedal through the picturesque Great Kills Park, enjoy the scenic views at Mount Loretto Unique Area, and explore the natural beauty of Freshkills Park, a former landfill transformed into a thriving green space. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers a refreshing escape from the city, allowing you to connect with nature while enjoying the coastal surroundings.

Biking along the NYC coast provides a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to experience its natural beauty, waterfront landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods. From the Hudson River Greenway with its stunning river views, to the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway with its iconic skyline vistas, and the beachy vibes of the Rockaways, each coastal route offers its own charm and allure. So, hop on your bike, feel the wind in your hair, and embark on an exhilarating journey along the NYC coast. Explore the hidden coastal gems, discover the waterfront parks, and create unforgettable memories as you pedal your way through the coastal beauty of the city that never sleeps.

“Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this
flesh is heir to.”