Suggestions for NY

[horses60]

Hello,

I'm planning about 10 days in NY state before end of November. My idea is Albany - NYC - Albany
From Albany to NYC I find the "Empire State Trail" and after I would like to cross Long Island, take a ferry to New London and go back to Albany.

It's a good idea?

Thank you for suggestions

[dkoloko]

Map shows significant sections of the northern half of the trail from Albany to New York City is off road, which you may or may not like. I'm not that enamored with trails, because of congestion, rough surfaces, being far from services, etc. I suggest you do the trail one way for the experience and return the other way on back roads through the Catskills. That would mean travelling on the west of the Hudson River, with suggested crossing at Newburgh or over the pedestrian bridge in Highland.

[BikeliciousBabe]

I'd get a move on.  While there is a warmup now, things can get pretty chilly up Albany way as November advances.  Also note that shorter days and need for indoor accommodations as state parks parks/campgrounds in CT and NY are likely to be closed.

[horses60]

 Hi,
@dkoloko: Thank you for suggestions about the itinerary.
@bikeliciousbabe: The days are shorter but doing about 65-70 miles each day we will have time also to relax. I have already planned to sleep in hotel. No problem for the cold…we are Canadians 😊

[canalligators]

Cycling Long Island is best done by tying local streets together.  It gets complex.  There is talk of a long distance route, an extension to the Empire State Trail, but it’s years away.  The state bike routes are doable but you’ll have to deal with a lot of traffic.

I’ve ridden Ripley in the west to Brooklyn, and eastern LI.  I would like to complete crossing the state, but haven’t gotten the gumption up to ride Brooklyn to Hither Hills State Park.

Bottom line is, skip Long Island.

[BikeliciousBabe]

Let us know how it turns out.

[horses60]

Thank you!