Manhattan to Piermont + Nyack
Where: From the George Washington Bridge (GWB) north through Bergen County, New Jersey, and up the West side of the Hudson river into Rockland County, NY. Variation starts in Central Park.
Description: 44 miles, hilly -- George Washington Bridge (GWB) to Nyack (about 2300 vertical feet).
Central Park to Nyack -- 62 miles, moderate hilliness (about 3000 vertical feet) -- or visit both Central Park and Nyack from a start in Fort Lee, NJ look at the GWB - Central Park.
GWB to Piermont -- 30 miles, moderate (around 1400 vertical feet).
Highlights: Views of the Hudson River, a quiet road through the woods, the "state line hill" descent on Route 9W - and lots of fellow cyclists and the scene at the Runcible Spoon -- all accessible from Manhattan island.
Whether for relaxation or training, this is the most popular ride from Manhattan island.
The route we give is the one we normally ride. Local metro NYC / NJ riders have their own favorite variations.
Characteristics: One big steep hill, and various other substantial hills. Traffic interaction is significantly higher than most other routes on this website.
Traffic: Some urban traffic areas near the GWB and in Nyack. Most of the sections on high-speed Route 9W have reasonable shoulders. Much of the rest has moderate or low traffic.
Following the rules: We suggest being especially careful about obeying the traffic laws and rules -- especially when riding through Piermont and Grandview. A lot of bicyclists pass through their main streets on a nice weekend day. We have heard that they are especially concerned about bicyclists slowing down cars, and we have seen them strictly enforce rules like not riding with two bicycles side by side.
Directions to Start
Start point in Fort Lee, NJ:
To get to the West end of the south walkway of the George Washington Bridge at Hudson Terrace / Route 505 in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
From New Jersey by car: Starting from NJ Turnpike, I-95 Northbound, or I-80 Eastbound: Get into the Local lanes of the George Washington Bridge approach. Keep working into the Right-hand lanes. Exit on the Right at the "last exit in New Jersey" (last time we were there, it said Rt 67 / Lemoine Ave). At the end of the exit ramp, continue straight (becomes Bridge Plaza South) -- avoid left turn onto Lemoine Ave. Then continue straight East to Route 505 / Hudson Terrace, and find parking -- some possibilities to consider are on Hudson Terrace (north under the GWB roadway) or in Fort Lee Historical Park (south of GWB).
Alternate start points: Central Park and other points in Manhattan, Nyack NY, Piermont NY.
Cue sheet
http://www.roberts-1.com/bikehudson/r/r/m_nyack/cue_sheet/index.htm
Similar route on Ride with GPS