From the Highland side, hook up with the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, which ferries cyclists through a corridor of rock cuts cooled by a leafy canopy past the marshy critter magnet known as Black Creek Preserve all the way to the college town of New Paltz.
Take your hobby to new heights on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Perched 212 feet above the Hudson, this linear park and engineering marvel was refashioned in 2009 from the neglected remains of what was once the longest bridge on Earth. About 500,000 visitors stream across it annually to take in the pristine panorama that encompasses the Catskills, historic architecture, Paleozoic escapements, rowers, sailboats, manicured bank parks, and hot air balloons. The short, flat channel is ideal for families and first-timers, but pros can easily keep pedaling. From the Highland side, hook up with the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, which ferries cyclists through a corridor of rock cuts cooled by a leafy canopy past the marshy critter magnet known as Black Creek Preserve all the way to the college town of New Paltz. Or head in the other direction to take a tour of rural radiance as exemplified by the old-timey barns, pastoral countryside, and a memorial mile dedicated to veterans that line the Dutchess Trail. It ends at Hopewell Depot, now a small museum and photo gallery. If you prefer hops to history, look into craft brews-and-bikes programs like the one offered by