Explore the best rated trails in Paterson, NJ. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the D & H Canal Linear Park and Norwalk River Valley Trail. With more than 106 trails covering 728 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I chanced upon this trail on a cycling day from Pennsylvania Terminal in NYC to Amenia, New York and while pedaling I thought of the former freight train engineers gliding through these wonderful environments and having the views all to themselves. Now, we all can enjoy the trailway! The surface is smooth and the journey is peaceful. My trip north from Gotham and return trip south two days later took place on nice days in August, and I imagine that the Maybrook must be terrific in the fall. On its own, the Maybrook is an excellent trail; connect to it via Westchester County's South- and North County Trailways and/or the Putnam Trailway, and the Maybrook becomes one leg of many possible cycling adventures. This summer, I am going back, because I need my Maybrook fix. Thank you, New York State, for investing in premier recreational resources!
On the lower Denmark road there is no designated parking. Residents have put up No parking signs. A bigger sign on the Pequest road side would be nice Nice trail. Basically level
This was my first ride on this trail. Not too crowded for a gorgeous Sunday. I parked in Palmer Park in Chester and headed to High Bridge. The pavement for the first few miles had some rough areas but very manageable after that the pavement is very nicely packed. You can get a glimpse of the Lake Solitude from the trail but if you have the time and don’t mind riding on the road I recommend riding to the base of the waterfall. It’s worth it.Overall I enjoyed the ride and look forward to riding it in the fall.
Crushed stone most of the way made it a somewhat noisy ride. A gentle upgrade most of the way out then the reverse coming back. When on dirt was quieter and more peaceful. We rode yesterday (a Saturday) so we had lots of fellow riders on the trail. Unfortunately a good number of them fail to follow basic biking courtesy and call out when passing you. Was a lovely day to ride. The trail is well maintained and the rating of a 2 out of 3 seemed appropriate. We would definitely ride there again.
I rode it with my bike it was good ride.I will be doing it again. It was clean and well maintained. A lot of walkers.
Might be a bit easier hiking, but the trail itself is rather bumpy riding a bike. Starting from the Hatchery / finish parking lot, heading southwest towards Buttzville it’s a slight decline as it parallels US-46. Only one road crossing before the end of the trail. The trail officially ends at an old rail bridge crossing, though the right of way looks to continue further. Heading northeast from the Hatchery parking lot it’s pretty flat and not nearly as bumpy, but the trail becomes increasingly narrow and overgrown. I wasn’t able to make it to the end due to all the thorn bushes in the way. Would be a nice short round trip if the trail was better maintained / a smoother ride, but I probably won’t go out of my way to ride it again until then.
Not too surprising that this trail hasn’t seen a review since 2018. I parked at the parking lot just off US-46 near the Pequest Trout Hatchery. Heading southwest from this parking lot towards Buttzville, it’s just over 2.5 miles one way. The majority of the trail is rather rocky, so if you’re on a bike you’ll be rattling quite a bit. There are stretches of just grass and less bumpy dirt / gravel, so it’s not all bad. The last tenth of a mile as you near the end of the trail on the map it gets a bit narrower / bumpy / poorly maintained, but then you stumble upon an old rail bridge and crossing. Heading northeast from the Hatchery parking lot, at first isn’t that bad. You cross a bridge quickly, but about a quarter mile past that the trail becomes narrow and overgrown. Thorn bush branches stick out and it’s pretty much impossible to not hit them. I turned back before making it to the northeastern terminus. You’ll be on a slow decline heading west, and a slow incline heading east. Overall, I likely wouldn’t go out of my way again to ride on this trail.
Not too surprising that this trail hasn’t seen a review since 2018. I parked at the parking lot just off US-46 near the Pequest Trout Hatchery. Heading southwest from this parking lot towards Buttzville, it’s just over 2.5 miles one way. The majority of the trail is rather rocky, so if you’re on a bike you’ll be rattling quite a bit. There are stretches of just grass and less bumpy dirt / gravel, so it’s not all bad. The last tenth of a mile as you near the end of the trail on the map it gets a bit narrower / bumpy / poorly maintained, but then you stumble upon an old rail bridge and crossing. Heading northeast from the Hatchery parking lot, at first isn’t that bad. You cross a bridge quickly, but about a quarter mile past that the trail becomes narrow and overgrown. Thorn bush branches stick out and it’s pretty much impossible to not hit them. I turned back before making it to the northeastern terminus. You’ll be on a slow decline heading west, and a slow incline heading east. Overall, I likely wouldn’t go out of my way again to ride on this trail.
I'm slowly checking trails that make up the Empire State Trail off my list so I will compare the Putnam Trailway to its adjacent trails.
Both the North County Trailway and Maybrook Trailway offer a better riding experience in my opinion. They are both slightly longer, are a little less hilly (which could be a positive or a negative) and are in better shape. All three trails provide similar scenery with a good mix of residential, tree cover and a few lakes/revivors.
That being said the Putnam Trailway isn't a bad trail by any means. It is hillier but that breaks up the monotony of a flat trail. Some of the hills are a fair challenge but they are not very long so its a few short climbs followed by a exciting downhill. There are a fair amount of road crossings especially around Baldwin Place but only two or three are busy, the rest were very quiet. I would say the roughest part of the trail is also around Baldwin Place, nothing crazy just a few bumps and cracks. I have a hybrid bike and had no issues with the trail.
The Rail Trails of Rockland county are simply wonderful!
NYS State Law prohibits E-Bikes from riding on the trail but it seems no one is obeying or enforcing the law. It will be an issue when someone gets hurt. There is no difference between an E-bike and a motorcycle except for the way it is powered. I'm not sure this will be an issue when someone gets hurt.
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