Low Impact Bicycle Rides in the New York / Long Island / Hudson Valley Region

"I Wanna Come, Too!"

Places to ride with young children

Recommendations for places to take kids are always very subjective.  I've heard from people who had an absolutely awesome time taking their pre-teenage kids on some of the most dangerous, technical mountain bike trails around and I've heard from people who had a perfectly horrible time taking their kids on paths that I would consider as easy as they get.  For this reason, I really didn't want to include this section because of the responsibility that goes along with it.  However, I've had way too many requests to ignore this category of ride.

Below are some of the simplest, flattest "park rides" I've ever found in the Long Island area.  The listing doesn't extend beyond this area because I've never felt it necessary to "travel" in search of this type of ride.  Chances are, you've got a similar type of park right in your own town or county.  But, for those who are new to the area or have just never discovered the park scene, here are a few suggested bike paths to ride with young or inexperienced riders.

NOTE: Most of these parks require small parking fees during peak season. 

Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, Nassau County

Take the Meadowbrook Parkway to exit M5 EAST (Rt. 24/Hempstead Turnpike). The park entrance is about a mile on the left.  Use the parking field for the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater. Highlights: Picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, man-made lake, War Veterans Memorial, free outdoor concerts during the summer. NOTE #1: A Nassau County leisure pass is required on weekends!

Belmont Lake State Park, Bay Shore, Suffolk County

Take the Southern State Parkway to exit 37, where you'll see signs for the park. Highlights: Picnic areas, playgrounds, Belmont Lake canoe rentals.

Caumsett State Park, Lloyd Neck, Suffolk County

This one is way out of most anyone's way and too short to make a long trip for, so I'll only provide directions from the local area.  Take Rt. 25A into the village of Huntington and turn onto Woodbury Road/West Neck Road heading north. This will take you through 6 or 7 miles of magnificent estates until you reach the park on your left. The paved trail is only a couple of miles long, but there are many dirt trails in the park if you're feeling daredevilish. Some even lead to spectacular views of Long Island Sound. Just be sure to stay off the trails marked for equestrian use.  Tip: Stop by the Queens College wildlife sanctuary while you're in the park for an up-close look at some injured bald eagles, owls, and other endangered species.  It's free and you won't even have to get off your bike!

Flushing Meadow Park, Corona, Queens

There's an entire page on this one elsewhere on this site, as it's a great ride for all ages.  Flushing Meadow Park is the former site of both the 1939 and 1964 New York World's Fairs.  Today, it is one of New York's most beautiful parks.

I would park in the lot for the skating rink and Queens Museum, which can be accessed via the Grand Central Parkway, at the intersection with the LIE.  From there, you can tour all the relics from the fairs.  Cross the parkway to the west for even more.  Then cross the LIE to the south and ride around the lake.  No explanation is needed.  Just put your wheels on the ground and ride until there's nothing left to see. Bicycle rentals were also available here, as of the summer of 2000.

Bear Mountain State Park, Rockland County

If you happen to be in this area, be sure to unpack the bikes and do a loop around the lake.  It's only about 2 miles, at the most, but it's a neat ride.  There's one pretty good climb, but it's a short one.