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The 5 best bike tours in NYC

From a quick ride across the bridge to a day-long Central Park trek, here are the best bike tours NYC has to offer

For those looking to experience New York City like the locals, hop on two wheels and join one of the best bike tours NYC has to offer. There are lots on offer but we've whittled down the best – we think you're going to like them. And yeah sure, the best walking tours  may allow you to take your time and the NYC bus tours may cover more ground, but bicycle tours are an ideal way for first-time visitors to explore a specific area or see the top New York attractions at their own pace. From a breezy ride down the idyllic Brooklyn waterfront to a cruise through Central Park, our guide rounds up the best bike tours in NYC for every mood and budget. We would say they are all wheelie good but that would be lame. Enjoy!

RECOMMENDED: 📍Full guide to NYC tours and walks 🏨Check out the best hotels in NYC 🗽Don't miss out on the best things to do in NYC

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Best NYC bike tours

1.  From Manhattan: 2-Hour Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

This one's a cracker – and not just for fans of bridges, of which we guess there are a few knocking around. Anyway, you'll ride across two iconic New York bridges in this three-hour tour. Kicking off in DUMBO, you'll travel from Brooklyn to China Town, gliding along the East River and stopping in the South Port Sea, City Hall Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Finally, the tour winds up in Brooklyn Heights, where you'll find a wealth of shops and eateries to head to post-tour. And you'll have totally earned that reward you know.

Time Out tip: Biking around the city is enjoyable overall and the guides are really good at filling you in on the history of the neighborhood. The only downside is that you don't get to see the whole bridge, so it's worth a second trip on foot if you want a closer look. 

2.  Small-Group Central Park Bike Tour

You might already know this fun fact but, fun fact:  Central Park spans a whopping 2.5 miles from 59th Street to 110th Street, making it quite a trek on foot. Luckily, you can pedal your way through a good number of the park’s famed attractions in just two hours during this tour. Stops include the Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, the Dakota, Cleopatra’s Needle and the Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

Time Out tip:  The tour is capped at just eight to provide a more personalized guided experience. Which is of course wonderful but does mean you also need to reserve your spot early.

3.  Brooklyn Bridge Guided Bike Tour

Did you know that Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city’s most popular biking destinations? Well, it is. And you'll find out why on this excellent bike tour. Your guide will take you on a quick spin around the southern tip of Manhattan before leading you into the City Hall area and then up onto the bridge. Once you hit the bridge tower on the Brooklyn side, you’ll be able to turn back towards Manhattan to snap photos of the Statue of Liberty, the port of Brooklyn and Manhattan’s Financial District. Dreamy Insta stuff.

Time-out tip: The pace of this tour makes it a great family activity, especially if you have teens. 

4.  New York at Night Bike Tour

Sightseeing in New York City doesn’t stop after sunset—this is the city that never sleeps, after all. Make the most of your evening on a bike tour of Midtown’s most dazzling lights. After meeting your guide at Columbus Circle, you’ll pedal south past Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, the Empire State Building and other iconic landmarks that light up the city skyline.   Again, great for Insta, people.

Time Out tip: Back at the meeting point you'll find the Burger Joint. A bit naughty after a bike ride, but well deserved. 

5.  New York Highlights Bike Tour

Another Manhattan-based tour, only this one is three hours long in total and sees you cruising along with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, then takes you up the Hudson Greenway, before swinging by the iconic Highline and Chinatown. After such a long but leisurely morning head to Time Out Market because, despite the shameless plug the food actually slaps, as do the views of Brooklyn Bridge from here. 

Time Out tip: If you're headed to NYC in July, first of all, lather up that sunscreen and pray for AC, and second of all you've got to capture Manhattanhenge in Midtown. 

Looking for more cycling fun?

The best cycling day trips from NYC

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Get out of town on two wheels with these fun and beautiful destinations you can reach by bike from New York

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New York Highlights Bike Tour

• From $81.66 USD
• New York City, NY

3 hours From $81.66 USD New York City, NY

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• Day tours by bike
• United States

Bike to the heart of NYC

If you're looking for a family-friendly bike tour that encapsulates the key destinations in NYC, we've got you covered. Your guided bicycle tour will take you all around the Borough of Manhattan for an all-encompassing sightseeing day tour, with the added benefit of bike rental.

In the heart of New York City sits Manhattan, the most densely populated of NYC's boroughs on one of the world's largest natural habors. Your bike tour kicks off uptown where your professionally trained guide will lead you into the shadows of the towering Lincoln Center. Ride along the urban regeneration project known as the High Line, a public park with an artistic atmosphere built out of the rubble of an old railroad. It's the perfect example of Manhattan's commitment to inspiring, challenging, and celebrating the American people.

You'll begin to ride downtown into the historic Brooklyn Bridge neighborhood for iconic views of the breathtaking structure that spans the East River. Learn from your guide the legacies that make Manhattan an area of unparalleled economic, cultural and historical significance not just to New York, but to the entire world. Whether you were drawn to Manhattan by the expansive serenity of Central Park, the majesty of the Hudson River, or the lively streets of Lower Manhattan, this bike tour gives you the opportunity to make the most of your memories of a borough with unbounded ambition.

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Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Hudson River, Lower Manhattan

What’s included

• Bike and helmet rental
• English and Dutch-speaking guide
• Illustrated map

Meeting place & directions

Unlimited Biking

Starting location - 79 Chambers Street, New York NY 10007

End location - 56 W 56th Street, New York NY 10019

Traveler photos

  Write a review

Unforgettable bike tour in NYC

· new york highlights bike tour.

I recently went on this bike tour and had an amazing experience! The tour guide was knowledgeable about the city and provided us with interesting information about the history and culture of the places we visited. The route we took was scenic and well-planned, with plenty of stops for photos and rest breaks.

The bikes provided were in excellent condition and comfortable to ride.

Overall, I highly recommend New York City Highlights tour to anyone looking for a fun and informative bike tour. It was a great way to explore this immense city and learn about its history.

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Related Day Tours

Best of New York E-Bike Tour

3 hours from $114.32 USD

Experience an unforgettable adventure in New York City from the comfort of an electric bike on the Best of New York E-Bike Tour! With the added flexibility of bike rental, you can relax into a ride around the legendary landmarks that define the… More

Highlights of Brooklyn Bridge New York Bike Tour

2 hours from $59.88 USD

For your all-encompassing guided bike tour of the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge, look no further. Offering you the most spectacular vantage points of iconic New York, this family-friendly bicycle tour is your opportunity to make the most of the magisterial… More

Highlights of Central Park New York Bike Tour

2 hours from $48.99 USD

See NYC's most iconic park in the most efficient way possible - by bike! This guided day tour is your special sightseeing experience taking you to all the noteworthy spots in this gorgeous landmark which, at a total of 843 acres, is larger than the… More

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Central Park Bike Tours

Bike Tours Central Park is a tour operator offering guided pedicab and bike tours in Central park and Manhattan, New York City. Our trips are customizable and we offer several tour options. The starting point is at 56 St and Broadway. We strive to deliver a personalized service that will satisfy all the sightseeing tourists’ needs and make your Central park tours an unforgettable event that you will always remember.

New York City’s Central park is a remarkable piece of land situated in the heart of Manhattan which contrasts with the urban atmosphere and at the same time represents New York’s diversity and dynamics. It is a tremendous place where various cultures meet and interact with each other, a place where New Yorkers feel the nature’s harmony and energy. Lots of activities happen here and you will be surprised to find out how different they are. We will provide the help of our experienced tour guides in order to discover every interesting spot Central park has to offer.

Call +1 (201) 220-5588

Best sellers.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Our Central park bike tour covers all the highlights and beautiful spots. Central Park Bike Tour

Private VIP Bike Tour

• If you prefer to have privacy, we will organize a special guided tour that will suit your requirements.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Our De Luxe bike tour offers the ultimate sightseeing experience in Central park. De Luxe Bike Tour
• This pedicab tour covers the whole Central Park territory. Apart from the highlights that can be seen.

TripAdvisor

Central Park Bikes Reviews on TripAdvisor

About the Central Park Tours

We are trying to deliver the ultimate New York experience for our customers and show them the beauties hidden inside. Our interaction with people from all the continents helps us in creating the best sightseeing services. Central Park Bikes will make sure the tours will exceed your expectation and leave wonderful memories that you will always get back to.

Having a schedule is the best way to discover all the highlights in New York. We know that the city cannot be explored in a couple of days and that’s why reserving your Central park tour online will suit your schedule perfectly. Every second that you spend in New York is precious and you must live it to the fullest. Our website is going to guide and assist you in picking up the most suitable option. Take a look!

Our main tour guide, Tony, will meet you at 58th Street and Broadway, Manhattan, zip code 10019, in front of Argo Tea Cafe. This is just a block away from Central park and is overlooking Columbus Circle.

Tony has been working for Central Park Bikes since 2009 delivering the best guided tours according to our review records . His tours are informative, funny and allow plenty of time for exploring and taking pictures of the main highlights.

More than....

Tour packages, central park tours and manhattan, central park bikes & central park wed, frequently asked questions by our customers, great park tour.

Fun, informative and a great fir for our family of 4! Plenty of stops for side trips and photos, and a great way to learn more about the park and city.

Great way to see Central Park

A bike tour was a lovely way to see the park. It allowed you to see more than you would have on foot, and some of the areas that are less touristy. Our tour guide was Sergio, he was great. Very knowledgeable of the park and the surrounding buildings. This tour was a highlight of our

Great bike tour of Central Park

Tony is the man. Our guide Tony greeted us promptly and got us outfitted with our bikes. The bikes were in good working condition and we felt safe at all times. Tony was a wealth of information about the park and the surrounding area. He was professional & very friendly. He answered all our

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56 Street and Broadway, New York City, 10019 

Phone: (201) 220-5588 Open 9AM - 8PM 365 days

New York Bike Tours

Come join us in the Empire State’s “Big Apple” for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour – the biggest recreational bike ride in the world!

In addition to a Broadway show, this tour of Manhattan takes you to Central Park, Grand Central Station, Times Square and the 911 Memorial.

New York Tours

ADVENTURE TAKEOVER

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8 Best Bike Tours in NYC

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New York City is big, bustling and attracts millions of visitors every year. But with so many tourists and lots of world-famous things to do in NYC , the streets can get a little crowded. Why not opt for one of the  best bike tours in NYC instead?

Take a look at my  top picks below, focusing on different areas in New York. Whether you want to see famous landmarks in Manhattan, hidden gems in Harlem and the Bronx or street art in Brooklyn, these top 3 best bike tours in NYC have you covered. Or, scroll down and keep reading to discover more bike tours in NYC.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• bike tours in NYC

1 – NYC Harlem and Bronx Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 4 reviews )

“If you want to see Harlem and the Bronx and get the real feel if the cities, people, culture and the history this is the tour to go on.” David. Viator

Overflowing with history and culture – yet still often overlooked due to their somewhat out-of-the-way location – Harlem and the Bronx are undeniably fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

Sure, they’re both big in size (which makes for a bounty of notable sights), but that’s exactly why hopping onto a bike and pedaling your way around with Brooklyn Giro Bike Tours is such an excellent idea.

This 25-mile Harlem and Bronx adventure takes you through these diverse communities, unraveling their fascinating past and present. And with landmarks along the way — Yankee Stadium, Strivers’ Row, and the Apollo Theater (to name a few) — you can expect myriad photo ops!

Summary of the tour:

• 25-mile (40-km) route through tucked-away neighborhoods and parks
• 6-hour bike tour in a small group (max. 8 participants)
• Helmet, high quality bike and guide included
• Admission to Hall of Fame for Great Americans, Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, United Palace and Riverbank State Park included
• book this bike tour

If you’re an adventurous tourist looking for a unique way to explore NYC, away from the run-of-the-mill sites, then this bike tour might just be the perfect option.

The average tourist would never see most of the fascinating spots visited on this tour. Robbie and the team make you feel so welcome as well. 100% recommend it!

2 – Brooklyn Street Art Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 2 reviews )

“We came to places you would normally never come. Nice group and fun guide. Our most enjoyable experience in NYC.” Maria. Viator

While you can snap those cliché photos at the Brooklyn Bridge, to really get under the skin of this dynamic and energetic borough, a behind-the-scenes street art adventure — like that run by Brooklyn Giro Bike Tours — is the way to go.

Led by street art aficionados, you’ll pedal through the vibrant enclaves of Williamsburg, Bushwick, Fort Greene and DUMBO, taking in colorful murals, graffiti art and hidden gems that only locals know about (until now).

As you check off notable installations like the Brooklyn Navy Yard exhibitions and the old Domino Sugar Factory, your guides will wax insights into the history and influences behind Brooklyn’s thriving street art scene. It’s not only a Brooklyn must-do, it’s one of the top things to do on Long Island , period.

Summary of the tour: 

• Enjoy Brooklyn’s street art on a small-group bike tour (max. 8 participants)
• Visit Bushwick and Brooklyn Navy Yard BLDG 92 and enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge
• Pass by Fort Greene Park, Domino Park and Dumbo
• Helmet and bike included
• check offer

Something a little different from the usual bike tours of New York City, this Brooklyn Street Art Bike Tour shines a spotlight on an underrated, stunning part of the local culture.

While the focus is on the art, the fact that you get to see some fantastic views of the city as well makes it a superb option!

• street art bike tours in NYC

3 – Bike Tour of Manhattan: Radical & Weird History of NYC

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 8 reviews )

“Riding a bike in New York is much more relaxed than you might think. You don’t get stuck in traffic, you move quickly and you get to see a lot in a short time. Robby designed the tour according to our wishes.” Laura. Getyourguide

Manhattan-based bike tours are a dime a dozen. But only Freewheelin’ Bike Tours combine your classic sightseeing experience with a dramatic walk through history, focusing on the weird, the wonderful and the wacky traits that make New York City so unique.

Diving into local history (think: underground movements, the mob) and the contrasting neighborhood personalities, this 8-person bike tour delves deep into Manhattan’s very storied past.

Besides learning a bunch about the city’s most famous borough, you’ll also get to snap iconic photos at the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park (to name a few).

• 4-hour bike tour of Manhattan
• Small group (max. 8 participants)
• See the famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street and Central Park
• Bike and guide included
• Food and drinks included

The history, the sights, the tour guide (Robby and co.) are all amazing! You get to see so many different aspects of New York in just a few hours, but it definitely doesn’t feel rushed.

Plus, since the tour is capped at just 8 people, you get a much more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger group tours. 10/10!

4 – Highlights of Central Park Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 405 reviews )

“An extraordinary visit where we discover Central Park with breaks punctuated by anecdotes, history, superb places where we can take photos.” Lecourieux. getyourguide

As the world’s most famous urban green space, sticking out like a sore thumb from the surrounding concrete jungle, Central Park is a non-negotiable for any tourist — especially those looking for cheap things to do in New York City .

With the Unlimited Biking crew, you’ll get to tick off the most famous things to do in Central Park like the Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and Bow Bridge ; as well as plenty of lesser-known treasures (including movie-famous landmarks).

And for the cherry on top, as you pass spots like the Belvedere Castle and the Imagine Mosaic , you’ll hear all about the man-made park’s unique history and design too.

• check this tour

No trip to New York is complete without exploring Central Park, the city’s famous green oasis — and this Unlimited Biking tour is without a doubt one of the best ways to do exactly that.

The guides share anecdotes about the history and hidden gems of the park, and they’re happy to be photographers too! Definitely recommended!

Read more: Best NYC city tours

5 – Highlights of Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.1/5 ( 600 reviews )

“The Brooklyn Bridge tour was a wonderful adventure! Our tour guide, Eddie, has an impressive knowledge of the city and sights along this route” Jean. Google review

Move over, Manhattan! As what many consider to be the frontrunner for New York’s art, food and culture, Brooklyn invites locals and tourists alike with an eccentric combination of all three.

Showing off the most celebrated things to do in Brooklyn , the Unlimited Biking highlight tour whisks you out of Manhattan toward the city’s most populous borough, where you’ll end up at picture-perfect spots like DUMBO, the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Heights .

With several panoramic viewpoints en route, and myriad stories about how this dynamic neighborhood has gentrified, you’ll get to experience a whole new side of the Big Apple.

The Unlimited crew are incredibly welcoming. And not only do they show you some of the best sights in Brooklyn, they’re also happy to answer any questions.

Manhattan has its draws, but no trip to NYC is complete without a visit over the East River to Brooklyn. Worth doing!

6 – Electric Bike Tour of Manhattan and the Waterfront Greenway

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 81 reviews )

“We were amazed at how easy it is to bicycle around NYC. Bob made it feel so accessible while teaching us new things at every turn.” Sheryn. Viator

Combining all the highlights of Central Park , the Hudson River Greenway and the West Village, this popular bike tour invites you to check off a handful of the best things to do in Manhattan without breaking a sweat — that’s the beauty of having an electric bike.

With a particular focus on green spaces, the leisurely adventure promises a relaxed change of pace from the typically chaotic city streets while still knocking off fascinating landmarks like Grant’s tomb and Columbia University .

Plus, the Unlimited Biking guides are friendly, knowledgeable about NYC history and landmarks, and will have you laughing along the way.

A very comprehensive tour of Central Park and some amazing sightseeing along the Hudson too!

The guides (Morgan, Bob, Dan and co.) keep a good pace and provide awesome updates about the landmarks. Even if you’re not overly fit, it’s a must-do.

7 – A Day in Manhattan Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 29 reviews )

“Learning new facts about ny and getting a little exercise to bootl. Weather was perfect and guide was really cool and knowledgeable.” John. Viator

Showing off a concoction of all the city’s finest sights, from the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan to the peaceful oasis of Central Park , with culture-rich enclaves like Little Italy thrown in, this Brooklyn Giro Bike Tours bike tour serves as the ideal way to get the lay of the land for NYC’s most famous borough.

Led by friendly, Manhattanite locals, you’ll spend a day ticking off some of the best places to visit in New York City — the diverse neighborhoods of Soho and the West Village , and iconic landmarks like Wall Street and the historic South Street Seaport area.

Definitely one of the more complete Manhattan bike tours, this activity is a fantastic way to explore the city by bike and hit all of the must-see spots.

Besides seeing so many iconic landmarks, Tom, Josh, John and the guides keep it interesting with wonderful stories throughout the entire ride. Highly recommended!

8 – NYC Central Park Bicycle Rentals

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 269 reviews )

“Great and easy, right across the street from Central Park! The staff was nice and helped us with everything we needed .” Kelsey. Viator

Guided bike tours are fantastic — you get to learn the ins and outs from a local’s perspective. But sometimes, you just want to explore on your own terms — peddle down that unknown street, snap selfies at quirky landmarks, even pause for a little picnic.

That independence is what you get with a Fancy Apple bike rental . Headquartered at Central Park, you can ride around at your own pace, checking out spots like the Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields – and since you’re in charge, you can venture further and explore other inviting neighborhoods as well.

Thanks to the freedom, it’s a great option for anyone looking for family things to do in New York City with kids .

• check this offer

If you want to ditch the other tourists and drive your own path, then renting is the way to go. The Fancy Apple are on hand to give you advice on places to see and answer any questions you may have as well.

Overall, a wonderful way to experience Central Park.

How to book bike tours in NYC?

As America’s most visited tourist city, NYC has no shortage of bike tours to choose from. Plus, different companies offer discounts at different times, so it can be hard to know if you’re making the right call.

For that reason, it’s best to use our search engine and compares ALL of the bike tour options available. This way, you can lock in the best price and also read helpful customer reviews.

• compare bike tours in NYC

Five Boro Bike Tour Map

About the five boro bike tour.

On the first Sunday in May, 32,000 cyclists of all skill levels come from around the world to roll through every borough of New York City on streets totally free of cars. For one day, the roads are yours, the bridges are yours, the City is yours—there’s no better way to experience the Big Apple. Produced in conjunction with the City of New York, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour is the world’s biggest charitable bike ride, with proceeds funding our free bike education programs. In 2014 alone, we taught bike skills to more than 16,000 kids and adults. When you ride with Bike New York, you’re helping us in our mission to empower more New Yorkers to grab life by the handlebars. via bike.nyc

Five Boro Bike Tour History

The event began on June 10, 1977 as the Five Boro Challenge with about 250 participants. The original tour was 50 miles long and started and ended in Queens. What started as a one-time event became a tradition the next year when the New York City Mayor Ed Koch embraced the idea of a city-wide bike tour. The distance was shortened and the word “challenge” was changed to “tour” to make the event more appealing to the general public. That year, the number of participants increased tenfold to around 3000. via wikipedia

• 2018 5 Boro Bike Tour Info
• 5 Boro Bike Tour Map for Google Earth
• Official Bike New York 5 Boro Bike Tour site
• Street Closures: How to avoid the 5 Boro Bike Tour

A Visual Tour of New York’s 750-Mile Bicycle Route

By Jane Margolies and Wm. Ferguson Nov. 5, 2021

• Share full article

We rode every inch of it, from Manhattan to Buffalo to the Canadian border. This is what it was like.

By Jane Margolies and Wm. Ferguson

Photographs and Video by Johnny Milano

November 5, 2021

Last December, the Empire State Trail — a sprawling, 750-mile cyclist and pedestrian route that connects Buffalo to Albany and New York City to the Canadian border, forming what looks like a sideways T — opened to the public. Considering the pandemic bike boom, the timing was perfect.

About 400 miles of greenways, repurposed rail lines and bike paths already existed in New York. So, when the $200 million project was announced in 2017, the state rushed to fill in the gaps between them.

Where new bike trails were not possible, blue-and-yellow signs were installed on roads signaling the way, and some guardrails were added to protect cyclists from vehicular traffic.

The result — a combination of protected paths, city streets, highway shoulders and country roads that pass by small towns and cities — offers views of wetlands, waterways, grasslands and mountain ranges. It is a showcase for New York State’s history and natural beauty.

Recently, two reporters set out on bikes to experience the trail for themselves. One traveled from Buffalo to Albany, and the other, from New York City to the Canadian border.

Here are the highlights.

Point north and start pedaling: N.Y.C. to Canada

By Jane Margolies

Rouses Point

Poughkeepsie

New York City

The route: Lower Manhattan to Rouses Point

The north/south part of the trail, on the eastern side of the state, is not one bike route but many, each differing in length, type, surface material and scenery, all stitched together.

If diversity is what you’re after, this trail’s for you.

The official website divides the whole 400-mile shebang into two main sections: the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail (N.Y.C. to Albany) and the Champlain Valley Trail (Albany to Canada). But on the ground, those categorizations are largely irrelevant; it’s the smaller trail segments that define the journey.

The approach

The concept of leaving my front door in New York City with my bike and, 400 miles later, arriving at the Canadian border, had definitely piqued my interest.

But I didn’t have a spare week to do the whole trail in one go. Plus, when I started plotting this trip back in April, I had yet to be vaccinated and trains and hotels still seemed risky. So I cooked up a crazy scheme, made possible because I have a car, a bike rack and a very understanding husband.

The plan: Whenever my husband and I had a free day, we would hitch our bikes to our car and drive to the section of the trail I’d last completed. I’d start pedaling while my husband drove to the day’s destination, parked and sometimes biked back to meet me.

After I’d completed my jaunt, we’d head home and, yeah, I do cringe at the environmental impact of all that driving.

City greenway, Bronx-bound

My first day, however, was car-free. On April 30, I started at a kiosk in Battery Park City at the bottom of Manhattan, which serves as the gateway to the Empire State Trail. It has a map and one of those “you are here” arrows at this southernmost point — which kind of throws down the gauntlet.

From there, I started pedaling north on the Hudson River Greenway .

I knew this 13-mile protected path intimately. Many cyclists depend on it as an efficient alternative to Manhattan’s traffic-choked streets. Said to be the busiest bike path in the nation, it’s usually teeming.

In Upper Manhattan, the greenway ends at Dyckman Street, and a little urban adventure — complete with iffy signage and rutted roads — begins. Beware of the dangerous Broadway Bridge entering the Bronx, and have fun when the trail takes you onto the sidewalk (seriously?) of the Manhattan College campus.

New York’s Stonehenge and quirky birdhouses

The city portion of the Empire State Trail concludes in Van Cortlandt Park, on the new and splendid, if short, Putnam Greenway . This path, which opened last fall, follows the Putnam Division of the old New York Central railroad, which operated until 1958.

I passed 18-acre Van Cortlandt Lake and the curiosity known as the Grand Central Stones , a row of pillars that some have described as an urban Stonehenge . In fact, these are quarry samples that were under consideration when Grand Central Terminal was being built in Midtown Manhattan in the early 1900s.

The Putnam flows into Westchester’s South County Trailway , where construction of a different sort caught my eye in Hastings-on-Hudson: whimsical wooden birdhouses hanging from trees. Steve Pucillo, a local retiree, makes them.

On the North County Trailway , which came next, homeowners whose properties border the bike path had built wooden boardwalks, ladders and even paths made from carpet remnants connecting their land to the trail.

After 40 or so miles and deep into Westchester County, I turned around and pedaled home.

Easy, pretty and smooth: The Maybrook Trailway

In May, I resumed my journey through Westchester. In Putnam County, I picked up the Maybrook Trailway in Brewster.

The 24-mile section opened in January, and there’s nothing quite like riding on asphalt that is still perfectly smooth, before tree roots and seasonal freeze-and-thaw cycles cause the paving to buckle. The trail is essentially flat, following part of a former freight rail corridor.

It passes wetlands, a couple of small waterfalls and, at a spot where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Empire State Trail, a bridge over a stream that is a nice place to pause, enveloped in the sound of rushing water.

Peek-a-boo with the Hudson

The trail crosses New York’s famous river four times, as the waterway goes from mighty in Manhattan to quite modest near its origin in the north.

The most dramatic crossing is the Walkway over the Hudson . This wide 1.5-mile trailway, built on a historic railroad bridge from Poughkeepsie to the town of Lloyd, is more than 200 feet above the water’s surface.

From old brickyards to open roads

I arranged to meet Andy Beers, the Empire State Trail director, in New Paltz to ride the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail . He told me about the scramble to install thousands of signs across the state (admitting to stashing some in his car so he could hop out and hammer one in on the spot). We passed the charming Rail Trail Café (wood-fired pizza, kale drinks) and old limestone caves, ending up at Kingston’s new Hudson River Brickyard Trail , which will eventually be part of a new state park on 520 riverfront acres that will include the ruins of brickyards .

At the next Hudson crossing, on the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, the view was impressive, but the busy bridge’s bike lane was entirely unprotected. Much of the Kingston-to-Hudson stretch is on-road — a taste of what I would increasingly encounter.

In fact, roads make up 55 percent of the trail heading south to north, but open roads do let you take in more of your surroundings; on the rail trails, you often can’t see beyond the dense greenery. I got so caught up ogling the historic houses on a country road in Dutchess County that I missed a sign around Bard College, and it took me a while to find the newly upgraded trail through the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area .

A trolley line with a textiles past

Another day, another fantastic trail. The 36-mile Albany-Hudson Electric Trail , between Hudson and Rensselaer, opened last December on a route where a trolley ran from 1900 to 1929. Several old depots still stand.

Much of the Electric Trail is paved with stone dust — finely crushed, compacted gravel that my road bike had no trouble handling — interspersed with asphalt.

The country road sections pass through small hamlets and wind past the ruins of old mills. This area was a major textile producer for decades, and the same creeks and waterfalls that provided water power for the trolley line also fueled the manufacture of cotton and wool.

Americana redux: shops and sites along the trolley trail

It was tempting to keep sailing along, but I stopped to check out local businesses.

Velo Domestique , a new bike shop in Valatie that opened in a 1990s carwash, has a cool relic of cycling’s early days: a set of huge old wooden rollers, which allow for indoor training on outdoor bicycles. The rollers were previously owned by a motorcycle officer and sometime cyclist who is said to have once pulled over Babe Ruth for speeding.

Farther north, Smiles Soft Serve Ice Cream , a family-run frozen custard stand in Nassau, installed a bike rack and recently added a porta-potty that the owners rented to save their septic system because of so many cyclists passing through.

And Samascott Orchards in Kinderhook rang a bell for me because its apples are sold at the city’s Greenmarkets.

A city looms on the horizon

By the time the buildings of Albany rose up in the distance, it was good to see a city again. But the route skirts the capital, continuing on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail , the river on my right already narrower and more placid.

Farther north, there were a few tranquil trails made from old canal towpaths, along with still-active canal locks and lovely Lake Champlain.

Much of the Champlain Valley Trail follows old New York State Bike Route 9 , which meant mile after mile of on-road riding, sometimes on the crumbling shoulders of 55-mile-an-hour roads. In the Adirondacks, State Route 22, north of Willsboro, wound to an elevation of nearly 1,000 feet. The ride was made all the more challenging by a skimpy road shoulder and trucks zooming by.

In Keeseville, the road leveled out. But I saw so few cyclists, I found myself waving like a maniac whenever I encountered someone on two wheels.

The final push to Canada

By this time it was June, Covid had momentarily receded as a threat, and I was able to piece together a few consecutive days to wrap up the journey. I biked by day, my husband and I stayed at Airbnbs by night, and, for our final stop, we pitched a tent at Ausable Point Campground on Lake Champlain, which put me less than 40 miles from Rouses Point, a village on the American/Canadian border, with flags from both countries flying from lampposts. I reached the border the following morning and saw the kiosk map with its “you are here” arrow, this time at the top of the trail.

I’d officially become an end-to-ender.

I doggedly covered every mile in the interests of journalism, but the 80 miles in the Adirondacks between Whitehall and Keeseville are not for everyone. You need to be physically fit to handle the hills, and you have to have nerves of steel to cope with the noise and proximity of the trucks.

For mostly stress-free riding, stick to the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, the route’s southern half, where day-trip options abound. For an overnight, consider Kingston or Hudson as midpoints.

Psychic Highway: The Erie Canalway Trail

By Wm. Ferguson

The route: Buffalo to Albany

Dotted with canalside towns that tell a rich and often strange history of the westward expansion of America, the Erie Canalway Trail, a 360-mile bike path connecting Buffalo to Albany, is a route to savor. One endurance cyclist I spoke with made it from end to end in just over 31 hours (stopping only to stretch, eat and fix a flat), which is impressive. But racing through this trail defeats its purpose.

The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, not only opened up the nation to commerce, it also was a kind of psychic highway that attracted a steady stream of 19th-century freethinkers: Abolitionists, Mormons, Spiritualists, Adventists and suffragists can all trace their roots to this fertile vein of New York State.

The towns along the path, which is much more established than its north/south counterpart, can hardly be glimpsed from the interstate and are very welcoming to cyclists.

If you live in New York City, the Erie Canalway isn’t easy to get to. I have family in Buffalo, so I could start there. Along with my 22-year-old son, we planned a week to ride to Albany, where we had left his car, and then to drive home to Brooklyn.

I highly recommend sharing the trail with a physically fit young person who is happy to bear half the camping gear and is eager to ride in front and let you draft in his slipstream.

The cycling is relatively easy. Eighty-five percent of it is on a dedicated bike path, most of which is flat and is either paved or made of crushed stone. The towns are never much more than 20 miles apart, so it’s simple enough to ride to a hotel every night.

There are a few state parks not far from the trail where you might pitch a tent, but we had planned to “wild camp” at the locks along the canal. These are first-come, first-served hiker-biker-boater sites. But as we pedaled past the locks in the early part of the ride, it was hard to tell: Were these well-tended lawns meant for public camping? Right next to the path? It turns out yes.

I spoke with Robin Dropkin, the executive director of Parks & Trails New York and the woman behind the indispensable map and guidebook “Cycling the Erie Canal.” She confirmed that these were the suggested campsites, but she also agreed with my hesitancy. “They are a little exposed,” she said.

It felt like camping in Central Park. Despite having loaded our bikes with a tent, sleeping bags and cooking gear, we mostly stuck to hotels.

Points of entry

Buffalo is a fantastic city. It had electric lights years before Paris. But if you’re only going to use Buffalo as a starting point, consider beginning farther down the road. There are a few lovely miles along the shore of Lake Erie, but the trail here is a patchwork of poorly marked sidewalks, multipurpose paths and aggravating detours.

If you’re not a completist, maybe start at North Tonawanda . This is really where the Erie Canalway begins in earnest. In fact, you could do worse than beginning your ride in Pendleton , a few miles down the path and home to Uncle G’s , the first of many excellent ice cream parlors suspiciously close to the bike trail.

We brake for honey wine

Medina doesn’t look like much from across the canal, but it’s a wonderfully preserved town that once made its fortune from Medina sandstone, used worldwide (the Brooklyn Bridge, Buckingham Palace) until the 1930s. Hart House , a boutique hotel that occupies one floor of a former shirt manufacturer, seems eager to court cyclists (our room was decorated with an enormous Schwinn medallion and nicknamed the Brake Pad). On the ground floor is Meadworks , an actual meadery that makes and sells artisanal honey wine, which is served in a rustic-chic bar or in the outdoor “Beegarten.”

Engineering feats: locks and tunnels

There are any number of impressive structures along the canal. The “flight of five” locks in Lockport is considered an engineering marvel; it allowed barges to rise in five separate chambers as if on an escalator over the Niagara Escarpment. The Nine-Mile Creek Aqueduct outside of Camillus is the last of 32 working aqueducts. The enormous UTICA tower that emerges without warning in a lonely field is kind of a thrilling moment in a monotonous stretch.

But only one attraction will elicit a visceral response from the nonengineer. Around Knowlesville , you can scramble down a hill to wander into the only tunnel to pass under the Erie Canal. It is wondrous and alarming to stand in this echo chamber, which is clearly dripping a lot of canal water.

Take the detour

The Parks and Trails guidebook offers a few alternate routes away from the canal. Around Clyde , it suggests a detour south to Seneca Falls , past Cayuga Lake and rejoining the canal after a trip through the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge . Take the detour.

Once you have left the trail and endured a short, sketchy ride on the shoulder of a busy highway, you enter miles of bucolic country lanes. We didn’t encounter a single vehicle for more than 90 minutes as we passed through Amish farmland and field upon field of sunflowers.

Seneca, not Bedford Falls

Seneca Falls simultaneously tries to honor competing pasts. It is the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, dating to the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848, which is commemorated by the Women’s Rights National Historic Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame .

It is also the inspiration for “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

There is a museum dedicated to the movie (Seneca Falls stood in for Bedford Falls), but really all you need is to stroll the truss bridge and imagine George Bailey contemplating hurling himself into the waters below.

We booked a room at the Gould , another boutique hotel. The staff was wonderful, although our room had so much chrome and filigree it looked the apartment of a drug lord in Grand Theft Auto. Still, the hotel let us store our filthy bikes in a conference room.

For dinner, the concierge suggested we make a reservation for Sackett’s Table. Reservations? On a Tuesday night in Seneca Falls? In the middle of a pandemic?

In fact, the place was booked, and it deserved to be. Sackett’s Table is an artisanal butcher attached to a restaurant, a farm-to-table experiment in a valley of brewpubs.

The menu is haute comfort food: duck nuggets, deconstructed fried chicken, braised beef ravioli. But there’s also a butcher’s case filled with locally sourced meats. You point out the cut — that pork tenderloin, say, or that beef flank — and they’ll prepare it to order. Best meal of the tour, without question.

Camping, finally

Determined to make use of the many pounds of camping gear we carried, we made for Green Lakes State Park . We had nearly 60 miles ahead of us, but we had to get through Syracuse first. We had been alerted to the terrible state of cycling there. Adventure biking forums were filled with dire warnings about unfriendly city streets and how easy it was to get lost.

But this was before a $36 million, 14-mile extension passing through the city was completed last year. The new bike path runs right through a rundown stretch of strip malls and muffler shops. But it’s nicely landscaped, and the ride feels like a gentle luge run through an urban highway. Is this what those Danish bicycle superhighways feel like?

Before we knew it, we were back in nature and climbing a steep ridge into the state park.

Rain happens

Fortified by our night in the campground, we had intended to spend the next night in the tent. But we got off to a slow start when we realized that the bolt securing my son’s pannier rack had sheared right off. It is truly amazing what you can achieve with a full roll of electrical tape and 45 minutes of profanity.

Then it started raining, just as the trail put us on a two-lane highway for 10 miserable miles. We rejoined the bike path in Ilion , sheltering at a hot dog joint adjacent to a marina along the Mohawk River. Was the grilled frankfurter at Voss’s truly the best I’d ever had? Quite possibly. But it still wasn’t reason to pitch a tent in the freezing rain next to the marina. We rode a bit longer until Little Falls and decided to check into the somewhat pompous-sounding Inn at Stone Mill .

What a stroke of luck. The hotel was part of a massive 19th-century building, and the manager had no problem allowing us to roll our sopping wet selves (and our bikes) into our room, which had a grand view of the Mohawk River and the rocky promontory of Moss Island. On the ground floor was a terrific wood-fired pizzeria . Close by was a microbrewery in a converted garage that was equally hospitable to dogs and bluegrass musicians. A perfect end to a challenging day.

To the ramparts!

We wanted to spend a little time wandering along nearby Moss Island , which has some world-class rock climbing in the middle of the Mohawk River. So instead of pushing through to Albany, we spent a last night in Amsterdam , largely because there is a hotel there that looks like a castle.

The Amsterdam Castle Hotel did not disappoint. A former armory, the castle sits on a hilltop. Where the town is tidy and unassuming, the Castle Hotel is a riot of incongruous suits of armor, random medieval weaponry, mismatched and highly ornate furniture and photocopied portraits of lords and ladies in gilded frames.

It is nutty and wonderful. And if you happen to be in town on a Friday, I highly recommend the fish fry at Shorty’s Southside Tavern , the polar opposite experience on the fancy axis.

Homeward bound

My son and I had grown a little weary of each other after six days. It happens. But the rolling hills leading into Schenectady and the well-groomed paths outside of Albany inspire a kind of Zen state. And when my annoyance subsided and I slowed down and let him catch me, we both had to smile at the beauty of an endless ribbon of bike trail.

If you want to finish the trail in a week, expect to ride a little more than 50 miles a day. It sounds like a lot, but once you’ve done a day or two of that distance, four or five more feels like no big deal. Even at a leisurely pace of 10 miles an hour, you’ve got maybe five hours in the saddle every day, with time for lunch and a snack break. Also worth bearing in mind: Heading east from Buffalo toward Albany means you’ll be going downhill overall, and the prevailing winds will be at your back.

Planning your trip

The official Empire State Trail website is a good resource; it just added GPS to its map and will soon include lodging ideas, Mr. Beers said. Come spring, there will be a trip-planning guidebook.

For day trips, consider reaching your departure point by train. Much of the trail is reachable on Metro-North and Amtrak, and they’ve been making it easier for cyclists to hop aboard.

As of this fall, it is no longer necessary to have a bike permit to get on Metro-North . On weekdays, four bikes per train are allowed; on weekends, eight. You can also check timetables for bicycle trains — look for a bike symbol and a plus sign — these can accommodate up to 44 bikes on off-peak hours, perfect for group rides.

Amtrak’s carry-on service costs $20 and requires advance reservations, although some cyclists have had success as walk-ons. Train cars marked with a sticker have bike racks.

If you are driving and doing the trip with a group, consider organizing your own “sag wagon.” Ride with a group of three or more cyclists. Every day, someone takes a turn and drives the car ahead to that day’s destination. The designated driver can either tour the town or ride halfway back and meet the group.

Lodging and dining

Unlike many bike trails, the Empire is never far from civilization. You could certainly pack all your food and a tent and rarely need to pull out your wallet. But you could just as easily rely on hotels and restaurants. Most will opt for a middle path. And it’s worth considering Warmshowers , a network for traveling cyclists that offers free lodging to members.

Do I need a special bike? Should I do this?

Pretty much any bicycle that you feel comfortable riding for more than a few hours at a time will be fine on most of the trail, and cyclists of all levels of fitness will find most of the riding doable. That said, flat-bar handlebars have fewer hand positions and become tiring on long rides or multiday trips. Carbon-fiber road bikes with narrow wheels will find the occasional passage through gravel or mud difficult to navigate. Check with an outfitter like REI or the Brooklyn-based 718 Cyclery & Outdoors to see what kind of racks and bags your bike can handle. The more rugged sections of the trail are best done on wider tires, and if you’re heading into the Adirondacks, you’ll definitely want some gears .

The Empire State Trail is about as close to biking bliss as you can get in one of the least bike-friendly regions of the country, and while it’s an achievement to have ridden from the Battery to the border or from Buffalo to Albany, any time on two wheels among its many peaceable corridors is well worth it.

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New York City Bicycle Tours

One fabulous method for exploring the numerous wonders of New York is the bicycle, which is why many visitors choose to go on a bike tour of the city. Not only are bike tours an eco-friendly means of seeing New York City, they’re also usually not as expensive as boat tours or bus tours . And while it’s true that bike tours require a greater level of physical activity than something like the classic hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour, plenty of people find them more enjoyable than a walking tour. In addition to guided group bike tours, the majority of New York City bike tour operators permit customers to rent bicycles for a given period of time. Lots of visitors take advantage of this option, as its open-ended flexibility lets you design your own personal excursion.

As far as major metropolitan areas are concerned, New York City is a great place to be a cyclist. Not only is New York in general a bike-friendly city, but some of the absolute most famous attractions in New York City are ideal subjects for bike tours. Many locals swear that the best way to experience the Brooklyn Bridge is on bike—in fact, year in and year out it’s one of the city’s most popular cycling destinations. Whether you join a guided tour or seek it out on your own time, biking across the Brooklyn Bridge will present you with amazing opportunities to photograph the Statue of Liberty , the Manhattan skyline, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Another iconic New York City attraction that’s perfectly suited for cyclists is Central Park. Here, again, you’ll be able to join a guided bike tour or rent a bike, but regardless of which direction you go in, you’ll be richly rewarded. Many first-time visitors to New York City seriously underestimate the size of Central Park, thus misjudging the distance they’ll have to cover on foot between different parks of the park they want to experience. Odds are, you’ll be able to see more and feel less worn-out covering Central Park on bike than you would during a walking tour.

No matter what you’re interested in seeing and doing while in New York City, chances are there’s a bike tour out there that’ll work for you. That’s because New York City has bike tours that prioritize all manner of landmarks, neighborhoods, themes, and more. For instance, there are guided bike tours that take you through the Bronx to Yankee Stadium, just as there are guided bike tours that show you famous sites of the Harlem Renaissance. There are guided bike tours that go to Times Square after dark or down Wall Street in the afternoon, and there’s even a full-day guided bike tour that takes you to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, showing you a tremendous cross-section of the city in the process. And that’s just to name a few!

Last but not least, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more unconventional—let’s just call it “bike-adjacent”—then you’ll want to consider one of New York City’s many different electric scooter, or electric bike tours. You’ll find these types of guided tours available at a top attraction like Central Park.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of going on a New York City bike tour, keep reading to learn more about some of the top companies specializing in group bike tours and bike rentals in New York City today.

Unlimited Biking

Unlimited Biking specializes in group bike tours of major New York City landmarks like Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Harlem. They also run multiple walking tours throughout the city and offer multi-hour bike rentals.

New York’s #1 Bike Tour Company

Overnight Bike Tours, Day Rides, Private Tours & Trip Planning

As Featured In:   The New York Times   &  The Financial Times

Give a gift card, day rides & multi-day bike tours.

Since 2014 Gotham Bicycle Tours has been New York’s premier bike tour company. Our knowledge is unmatched and our service is exceptional.

Whether it’s a day out with friends, an overnight tour, or a self-guided trip on the Empire State Trail, Gotham Bicycle Tours has tour packages for cyclists of all abilities.

Day tours to great places. Experience the new Empire State Trail or enjoy local flavor on our Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour . Or see New York City with a customized sightseeing tour .

Multi-day bike tours with flexibility.  Our Empire State Trail Vacation Tour is uniquely New York and one-of-a-kind, with the highest level of customization and customer service in the industry. Our private tours are customized for you and have maximum flexibility to let you bike New York your way!

Trip planning and bag shuttle. New York and New Jersey are great places for bike touring, but the logistics are complicated (including the Empire State Trail ). We can help you plan your tour , even if you want to go it alone. We also help you with all the details of getting to and from our regularly scheduled tours with our top-rated customer service .

—————

Gotham Bicycle Tours was founded in 2014 with a vision of helping everyone get out and explore beautiful places on their bikes. And there’s no better place to do this than New York!

We specialize in scenic, thoughtfully-planned, affordably-priced bike tours that can get you out of the city for a day, a weekend, or longer with minimum hassle for our riders. We also offer high-quality, personalized NYC sightseeing bike tours as well as concierge-style private tours, summer outings and group events where all the details get taken care of.

With the opening of the Empire State Trail in 2021, we have put our unmatched expertise of bicycle touring in New York to work for many of our customers by helping them experience spectacular trail. Whether you want to participate in an organized tour or experience the trail on your own , we have a variety of tours and services to meet everyone’s needs. We are New York’s bike tour experts, and nobody will give you a better product for a better price.  We know New York State and all it’s nuances and complications, including how to leverage our world-class transit system to facilitate one-way bicycle tours that let you see and experience more. You only get this type of knowledge from being based in New York.

Learn more about our tours!

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• Empire State Trail Vacation Tour
• Hudson Valley Craft Brewery Bike Tour
• Empire State Trail Day Tour
• Hudson Valley Food, Wine & Spirits Day Ride

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COUNTDOWN TO ANNUAL TOUR

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• Cycle the erie canal

Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour

Join us for cycle the erie canal -- july 7 - 14, 2024, ★ registration is open ★.

Every summer, cyclists leave their cars behind in Buffalo to pedal along the historic Erie Canalway Trail to Albany for Parks & Trails New York’s annual Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour.

The 400-mile journey along the legendary Erie Canal ends in Albany eight days later. Along the way, cyclists enjoy some of the finest scenery, most interesting history, and unparalleled cycling in the United States.

Covering between 40 and 60 miles per day, cyclists travel along the Erie Canalway Trail, which is now more than 85 percent complete and the east-west axis of the statewide 750-mile Empire State Trail.

Our Partners

What a ride! I have never visited New York and I have never been on a supported bike ride. PTNY has built a reputation of 1st class support that is impossible to beat. In the 400 miles and 8 days of this ride, countless volunteers provided OUTSTANDING support to the riders, and I gained many new friendships. I also learned some important history and understanding. Thank you PTNY. If you have a dream of seeing real America, do it on a bicycle and cherish the experience! PTNY will help you do it.

--2021 Cycle the Erie Canal rider

Stay connected to receive the latest info

• Receive exclusive updates by email. Sign up for our Cycle the Erie Canal Tour email list
• Stay connected during and after the tour by joining the official Cycle the Erie Canal Facebook Group

Riders cover about 50 miles a day on mostly flat terrain. About 85% of the ride is on the off-road Canalway Trail, with the remainder on public roadways with good shoulders. Most days, the route follows the canal along level ground, although there are some rolling hills and two long, gradual climbs in the Mohawk Valley.

The Terrain

The route follows the legendary Erie Canal passing locks and aqueducts and winding through historic villages and rural farmlands. Learn more about each day's route with our interactive maps .

Learn how you can get a discount on your registration

Become a member.

Parks & Trails New York is the leading statewide not-for-profit organization working to expand, protect, and promote parks and trails in New York State including the Erie Canalway Trail. Become a member and receive exclusive member benefits, including a discount on this year's bike tour:

• $35 members get $15 off
• $50 members get $25 off
• $100 members get $50 off
• $250 members get $100 off
• $500 members get $200 off

Volunteer on the Ride

Both riders and non-riding participants can volunteer to help out during the ride. Volunteers who commit to the entire tour ride for free. Time commitments are detailed here . There are many volunteer possibilities available, including SAG and luggage truck drivers, rest stop help, route marking and more!

Riders stay overnight in Buffalo, Medina, Fairport, Seneca Falls, Syracuse, Rome, Canajoharie, and Schenectady at colorful tent cities. A variety of lodging and amenities are also available, from national hotel chains to bed and breakfasts. Rental and set up of tents and air mattresses is available from Comfy Campers .

What's included?

• Indoor and outdoor camping accommodations
• Eight hearty breakfasts and six delicious dinners
• Two daily refreshment stops, stocked with fruit, snacks and beverages
• Evening entertainment, including music and historical presentations
• Guided tours of the Canal, historic sites, museums, and other attractions, including the Women’s Rights National Historic Park, Erie Canal Museum and Village, Fort Stanwix National Monument, and a boat tour through the Lockport locks.
• Kick-off reception and end-of-tour celebration
• Cycle the Erie Canal t-shirt
• Baggage transport
• SAG wagon, mobile mechanical support (fee for latter)
• Daily maps and cue sheets
• Painted and arrowed routes
• Pre-departure info packet, including training tips
• Recognition as a Cycle the Erie Canal End-to-Ender
• Amenities (for an additional fee) including fresh daily towels, gourmet morning coffee, tent and air mattress rental and set up.

This event is funded in part through the generous support of the NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Our tourism sponsors.

NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: Everything you need to know about parking on Staten Island

• Published: Apr. 27, 2024, 1:00 p.m.

More than 32,000 participants in the NYC Five Boro Bike Tour will descend upon New York City on May 5, and they’ll finish their 40-mile journey in Fort Wadsworth. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez).

• Ann Marie Barron | [email protected]

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — More than 32,000 participants in the TD NYC Five Boro Bike Tour will descend upon New York City on Sunday, May 5, and they’ll finish their 40-mile journey in Fort Wadsworth.

The event is billed as the largest charity bike ride in the world, with participants riding through all five boroughs of the city.

They’ll cross five major bridges, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which will signal to riders that the Ford Wadsworth finish, and the Finish Festival, is near.

Streets throughout the city will be closed that day along the route, and parking will be difficult for participants and spectators, who are advised to park their car on Staten Island for easy access by ferry to the Bowling Green start in Manhattan.

It’ll also be convenient for cyclists, who won’t have to travel far to their car at the end of the race.

Paid parking in lots at the Staten Island Ferry in St. George are limited, due to ongoing construction, but there are several municipal lots nearby.

Another option would be to park near a Staten Island Railway station a few stops from the Staten Island Ferry. This is a good way to find free parking. Simply hop on the Staten Island Railway, head to the ferry, and off you go to the race start. Bikes are permitted on the train.

Paid Parking

• Empire Outlets Parking

Hours: 24/7

Cost: $25/day

Note: The Empire Outlets garage will be accessible for parking only until 8:30 a.m. on Tour day.

• Saint George Courthouse Garage and Parking Lot

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $12/day (Subject to change)

Pay with cash or credit card (no debit card)

• 25 Wall Street

Cost: $15/day (Subject to change)

Pay with cash, credit, or debit card.

Cars that park without checking in with an attendant are subject to being booted. Riders must comply with all posted rules and regulations.

• 325 St. Marks Place
• South Beach Field #4, 446 Father Capodanno Blvd

Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants parking at South Beach can cycle to the Staten Island Ferry in order to get to the Start Area in lower Manhattan.

MTA Staten Island Railway

Cyclists may find luck parking on local streets near any stop, or in a free Staten Island Railway Park-and-Ride at Dongan Hills, Great Kills, Annadale, Prince’s Bay, or Huguenot stations. Municipal parking lots are also available at Great Kills and Stapleton stations.

From there, participants and fans can easily then hop on a train to the Staten Island Ferry.

Bicycles will be allowed on the trains, and you can board at any Staten Island Railway station.

MetroCard fares are collected as you enter and exit at the St. George and Tompkinsville stations. Visit www.mta.info or dial 511 for more information.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

10 Best Eco-Tours You Can Take In New York City

• Choose eco-friendly transportation: Use the highly efficient and cheap mass transit system of subways and buses in NYC to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable tourism.
• Explore NYC's top attractions sustainably: Opt for these eco-friendly NYC tours that have a minimal impact on the environment and showcase the city's history, parks, and cultural landmarks. Walk, cycle, or take an eco sailboat tour to experience the Big Apple while being environmentally conscious.
• Embrace sustainable food options: Join a walking food tour that showcases quintessential New York street food while walking through the city's streets instead of using vehicles. By supporting local eateries and choosing sustainable transportation, tourists can contribute to a greener New York City.

Eco-tourism and eco-travel in New York City? Yes, the world's busiest cosmopolitan does a lot to make it an environmentally friendly destination. The best example of this is its highly useful and used mass transit system of subway and bus services. Citizens and visitors are highly encouraged to use this super efficient and cheap mode of transportation within the city.

Sustainable tourism is conscientious travel, and this means being careful with the environment and respecting the community. Visitors can contribute towards this effort by choosing mass transit over taxis, staying at eco-friendly New York City hotels or homestays that make an effort to be “green,” shopping at a locally owned store, and eating at a diner or coffee shop instead of at a branded fast-food chain. Plus, New York City recycles its bottles and cans (including bottled water), and travelers can look for containers for recyclables before discarding litter.

Outside of the everyday small things that people can do to be eco-friendly during an NYC vacation, they can also be kind to the environment while sightseeing and having fun in the Big Apple. Tourists have an incredible amount of interesting things to do in NYC, and the city offers them lots of eco-friendly options while doing so - in the form of eco-friendly NYC tours. Here is a list of some of the best eco-tours in New York City that let travelers explore its top sights and sounds while ensuring a low-impact, low carbon footprint at the same time.

The following eco-friendly tours in New York City were selected based on their minimal impact on the environment, low carbon footprint, and appreciation and value of nature. From walking and cycling tours to excursions to botanical gardens and farms that highlight nature's importance, these environmentally friendly NYC tours are worth it for eco-conscious travelers.

Historic NYC Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown New York City! No other historical neighborhood can lay claim to so much impact or influence in the world over a relatively brief period in global events, and so a tour like this one is an essential item on the bucket list of things to do in NYC for anyone.

The tour retraces the evolution of Lower Manhattan, the historic role of New York Harbor, and the covert activities of the Revolutionary War. While on the tour, visitors will explore key historical locations like Wall Street, Stone Street Historic District, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, Hamilton's grave site, etc., and discover how Lower Manhattan has transformed since 9/11.

Downtown Manhattan is one of the most densely populated places in New York City, and a walking tour is a refreshing and most eco-friendly way of seeing this iconic city.

• Price: $50 per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Meeting Point: Upon reservation, travelers will receive a confirmation with maps and the best mode of transportation to get to the meeting point
• Reservation: Click here for reservations

Related: Just 25 Beautiful Photos Of New York City's Skyline

Central Park Walking Tour

Central Park is certainly one of the most popular places in New York City. They say even a few days walking through Central Park (which is free to visit) will not be enough to cover its many hidden corners and stories. The only way to see the park to justify the park's true potential is by walking, and this expert-led Central Park Walking Tour offers views and entrance to areas unavailable to even cyclists.

It is a relaxing stroll of a little over two hours covering the history, structures, plants, animals, and movies filmed in the park, told in a way both entertaining for adults and children. Visitors are expected to have a moderate fitness level of being able to walk for 2 hours at a comfortable pace. Being a rather large park, it's best to follow a guide who knows it very well to have a richer experience.

• Price: $45 per person
• Duration: 2 hours
• Meeting Point: CENTRALPARKHORSES, 7TH AVE &, Central Park S, New York, NY 10019

This tour will have a maximum of 12 travelers.

New York Botanical Garden Visit

Located in the Bronx, the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden is nature's paradise in every season of the year. With 50 breathtaking gardens, indoor rain forests and deserts, 50 acres of native forest, a river, waterfalls, and rolling green hills, the Garden is a blessing for the environment and a must-see destination for NYC visitors.

The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. Most of the Garden consists of outdoor spaces and are open in all weather conditions. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and exploration. Refreshments are available at the Pine Tree Café within the property.

• Price: $35 per adult, $31 per student/senior (65+), $15 per child (2-12), Free (children under 2, members)
• Duration: All day pass
• Location: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458

Related: The New York Botanical Gardens Are Home To NYC's Old Growth Forests, But That's Not The Only Reason To Visit

New York City Skyline Night Sailboat Tour

Seeing New York City's lights at night is a spectacle that just cannot be missed. City Lights Sail on America 2.0 is a breathtaking eco-friendly cruise through the waters of New York Harbor, sailing past One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, all lit up brilliantly to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that begs to be repeated, and more than just once.

This incredible eco-friendly ride is one of the best places to view the New York City skyline . It's better enjoyed with a romantic companion or a close group of friends who want to have a quiet, relaxed evening and watch the most admired skyline in the world. Each seat allows a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, or soda, and additional beverages are available for purchase by credit card.

• Price: $76 per person
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Extreme high winds, fog, torrential rain, extremely low temperatures, etc., may contribute to a cancelation decision.

New York Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

New York City isn't just a bustling financial capital. With its rich history of culture and cuisine, it is also a food capital of the world, with delicacies from around the globe in fine dining restaurants as well as finger-licking street food.

This tour allows visitors an opportunity to contribute towards a greener New York by walking the vehicle-riddled streets of Manhattan instead of using a cab or bus, all the while sampling several quintessential New York street food favorites like classic bagels, New York-style pizza and gourmet doughnuts. The local tour guide takes visitors to some of New York’s best under-the-radar eateries.

• Price: $85 per person
• Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
• Meeting Point: IFC Center, 323 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

This tour requires a minimum number of 12 travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, guests will be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Hudson River Greenway Bike Tour

Nothing could define an eco-friendly activity more than people using their energy while exploring nature. This is a small-group guided bike tour along the Hudson River in New York City on one of the most popular places to ride, offering beautiful water views, fresh unpolluted air, and a dedicated bike path that is closed to car traffic.

The use of a bicycle and a helmet is included in the Hudson River Greenway Bike Tour, so visitors have one less thing to be concerned about. Just land up there with comfortable clothing and shoes (suggested shorts or track pants with sneakers and a T-shirt) and get ready to spend some time refreshing yourself from the city's bustle. The tour prefers small groups of no more than 15 to allow a more personal experience for the group.

• Price: $53 per person
• Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
• Meeting Point: Pier 84 at Hudson River Park, 555 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Infant seats are available on request.

A Day In Brooklyn Bike Tour

Brooklyn is one of New York City's coolest neighborhoods. This bicycle tour through Brooklyn explores tough-to-reach areas that most tourists often miss. The eco-friendly ride also goes through popular landmarks and hidden gems, like areas under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, including breweries and eateries to stop and refuel.

Photo stops and complimentary tastings along the way make this a popular choice for active New York City visitors, especially those who prefer environment-friendly activities that are fun, informative, and don't leave a carbon footprint.

• Price: $118 per person
• Duration: 5 hours
• Meeting Point: Under the Manhattan Bridge - Brooklyn, NY 11205. (This location is a Lock away SeflStorage. Guests are requested to wait at the front gate for a tour guide to meet them here)

This tour will have a maximum of 12 travelers. The minimum age for travelers is 13 years old.

Prospect Park Walking Tour

Prospect Park is a 585-acre park located in the center of Brooklyn. On this tour, the experienced guide helps the visitors discover hidden treasures, natural wonders, and little-known tales of Prospect Park .

While taking in the beauty of this iconic park’s woodlands, waterways, wildlife, and landmarks, visitors also get to explore layers of history, flora, and the architecture of the surroundings. The tour gives an insight into how the park supports environmental conservation, historic preservation, and recreational and cultural access for locals and visitors from around the world.

• Price: $25 per person (children under 5 are free)
• Meeting Point: Brooklyn Public Library Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza

Related: The Ultimate Eco-Travel Checklist: 10 Things To Be Aware Of When Traveling

Farm.One Classic Tasting Tour

Farm.One’s indoor hydroponic farm uses LED lighting, hydroponics, and technology to grow hundreds of culinary plants with no pesticides or chemicals and up to 90% less water than a traditional farm. The tour offers visitors a chance to connect with fellow plant lovers while experiencing new flavors and culinary plants in a sensory experience not easily found anywhere else in New York.

This 1 hour guided tour takes visitors to the grow room, display racks, and packing room. It allows guests to taste rare herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. Each visitor gets a complimentary 0% ABV beverage crafted with Farm.One greens.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Location: 625 Bergen Street in Brooklyn, New York

Exploration Day At Randall’s Island Urban Farm

Despite its concrete density, New York City has hundreds of farms and gardens that produce fruit, vegetables, and herbs that are distributed and consumed within the city. Randall’s Island Urban Farm, set on 1 acre of land, grows hundreds of plants and teaches visitors about sustainable farming practices like pollination and composting.

The farm also has rice paddies, berry bushes, and greenhouses, all of which are open to the public on Exploration Days during weekends in the summer months. Throughout the year, the farm hosts over 200 free public events on the grounds of Randall's Island Park Alliance, including tours, waterfront activities, annual Earth Day and Harvest Festivals, and more.

• Price: Free
• Duration: Subject to individual interest
• Timing and Reservation: There are specific days when visitors can explore the farm. Please check for relevant information .