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Take a Ride on the West Side Along NY’s Hudson River Greenway
New York City
Hudson River Greenway
Distance: 13 miles
The Hudson River Greenway runs roughly 13 miles along Manhattan’s west side, from the southern tip at Battery Park up to the George Washington Bridge. It’s one of the busiest urban bike paths in the country, but also one of the most useful, linking neighborhoods and parks while offering up nice waterfront views. It’s great for commuters, and visitors find it an interesting way to catch a slice of the Big Apple.
Riding the West Side
The southern end begins at Battery Park, where ferries move in and out of the harbor. From there, the path moves north along the Hudson, staying almost entirely separated from traffic.
Early miles pass through Hudson River Park, where the path is wide, well-marked, and heavily used. Expect a mix of cyclists, runners, and walkers, especially on weekends. This section includes piers, small parks and frequent access points if you need to hop on or off.
Farther north, the crowds thin out slightly as you move past Midtown and into the Upper West Side. The route continues through Riverside Park, where there is less stop-and-go.
The final stretch climbs gently toward the George Washington Bridge. It’s not a long climb, but it’s one of the few spots where you’ll notice an elevation change. The payoff is a wide-open view of the river and the bridge towering overhead.
Access and navigation
One of the biggest attractions of the Hudson River Greenway is how easy it is to join the route. You can enter from nearly any cross street on Manhattan’s west side, and there are clear signs pointing toward the trail.
Because it runs north-south with little interruption, it’s simple to turn a short spin into a longer ride. Many riders do an out-and-back, while others connect it with city streets or bridges to extend their routes.
There’s no shortage of places to stop. Hudson River Park has restrooms, water fountains and food vendors scattered along the route. Piers offer places to sit, stretch or take in the skyline.
If you want a break off the bike, Riverside Park has quieter sections with benches and shaded paths. Downtown, Battery Park gives you views of the Statue of Liberty and easy access to ferries.
You’ll have company on the trail
Crowds can sometimes be an issue. Midday and weekends can slow things down, especially in the southern half of the greenway. Passing requires patience at times, and speed is often limited by foot traffic.
Even though the path is largely separated from traffic, you should pay attention at intersections with park roads and crossings. You may also encounter occasional detours or maintenance zones depending on the season. Always check conditions before planning a ride.
Cycling on the Hudson River Greenway (AI Image).
Hudson River Greenway
Distance: 13 miles
The Hudson River Greenway runs roughly 13 miles along Manhattan’s west side, from the southern tip at Battery Park up to the George Washington Bridge. It’s one of the busiest urban bike paths in the country, but also one of the most useful, linking neighborhoods and parks while offering up nice waterfront views. It’s great for commuters, and visitors find it an interesting way to catch a slice of the Big Apple.
Riding the West Side
The southern end begins at Battery Park, where ferries move in and out of the harbor. From there, the path moves north along the Hudson, staying almost entirely separated from traffic.
Early miles pass through Hudson River Park, where the path is wide, well-marked, and heavily used. Expect a mix of cyclists, runners, and walkers, especially on weekends. This section includes piers, small parks and frequent access points if you need to hop on or off.
Farther north, the crowds thin out slightly as you move past Midtown and into the Upper West Side. The route continues through Riverside Park, where there is less stop-and-go.
The final stretch climbs gently toward the George Washington Bridge. It’s not a long climb, but it’s one of the few spots where you’ll notice an elevation change. The payoff is a wide-open view of the river and the bridge towering overhead.
Access and navigation
One of the biggest attractions of the Hudson River Greenway is how easy it is to join the route. You can enter from nearly any cross street on Manhattan’s west side, and there are clear signs pointing toward the trail.
Because it runs north-south with little interruption, it’s simple to turn a short spin into a longer ride. Many riders do an out-and-back, while others connect it with city streets or bridges to extend their routes.
There’s no shortage of places to stop. Hudson River Park has restrooms, water fountains and food vendors scattered along the route. Piers offer places to sit, stretch or take in the skyline.
If you want a break off the bike, Riverside Park has quieter sections with benches and shaded paths. Downtown, Battery Park gives you views of the Statue of Liberty and easy access to ferries.
You’ll have company on the trail
Crowds can sometimes be an issue. Midday and weekends can slow things down, especially in the southern half of the greenway. Passing requires patience at times, and speed is often limited by foot traffic.
Even though the path is largely separated from traffic, you should pay attention at intersections with park roads and crossings. You may also encounter occasional detours or maintenance zones depending on the season. Always check conditions before planning a ride.
Cycling on the Hudson River Greenway (AI Image).
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