Your Guide to Fall Color Bike Rides in NYC

Fall has to be our favorite time of year to ride a bike around. It’s not as hot as summer, frigid as NYC winter, and you don’t have to worry about seasonal allergies from spring flowers. The weather is perfect, and the trees paint a majestic, warm-toned background as you explore the city.

You can’t help but want to explore, take pictures, and maybe even have a picnic. The striking fall colors of yellow, orange, and red that surround bike trails add to the already scenic nature of New York. These are views you may not get while walking around NYC and definitely not by taking the subway. It’s the best time to go on a biking trip around the city with Fancy Apple! We will be happy to assist you with high-quality bikes for rent to enjoy your Big Apple ride fall trip.

The Best Fall Foliage Ride in New York

Most visitors to New York state flock to the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, or Catskills once the leaves begin to change. We’re here to say that you don’t need to drive to a national forest or national parks to enjoy the fall foliage.

NYC transforms once fall begins, and cycling through the city is the easiest way to enjoy the transition starting in mid-October. The city has plenty of thriving, accessible parks that give you a front-row seat to the season’s best views. Plenty of spaces to explore or spot for an Instagram worthy shot. All you need to do is dust off your road bike and enjoy some local bike paths lined with autumnal trees.

Central Park

If you want to live out your fall movie dreams, Central Park is the place to be. The park’s 843 acres are bustling with exciting events and serene spots of nature to enjoy.

Some landmarks to stop by include a mini castle, conservatory garden, and a zoo with plenty of iconic fountains and bridges in between. There’s a piece for everyone, and Central Park foliage during autumn days only adds to your experience. If you don’t already have a bike, you can rent one with us and explore Central Park today.

Fort Tryon Park

This pristine park sits high above the Hudson River and is the perfect place to enjoy the leaves turning impressive colors.

You can bike along the Heather Gardens or sit at Linden Terrace to enjoy a picnic on the untouched Palisades Park across the river.

The park’s open space boasts Manhattan’s most extensive dog run that’s complete with a gazebo created especially for dog owners to socialize with other people and pets. If you enjoy the company of furry friends, this is a great place to stop by, especially with Fort Tryon Park fall foliage to set the background.

Prospect Park

If you enjoy biking around Central Park, you’re sure to enjoy Prospect Park. The diversity in sites and serenity you encounter in both parks are not a coincidence but rather the shared design by common architects.

In this space, the indigenous forest is the perfect spot to park your bike under to enjoy the fall foliage in Prospect Park, maybe enjoy a picnic. This park is the premier destination for Brooklyn residents and visitors and is a short bike ride from our Brooklyn location. Get your Fancy Apple bike to ride for the most picturesque location this fall!

New York Botanical Garden

This New York gem has the most widespread garden of any city in the United States filled with over 50 specialty gardens and collections that comprise over a million plants and 30,000 trees.

As an educational and scientific research organization, the garden includes rare plants not usually found around New York, making the garden a must-see. Once the season begins, you can enjoy many fall events set against New York Botanical Garden fall foliage as you cycle around the park.

Van Cortlandt Park

The park has over 1,778 acres of public parkland to enjoy the leaves changing from green to orange during fall.

Not many people stop by this park, which makes the most beautiful and scenic bike trails for fall foliage Van Cortlandt Park NYC. The deer know that too and are not an uncommon sight around here. The serenity at this park makes it a great place to stop by when you need a break from skyscrapers and crowds. Whatever your reason is for stopping by here, you’re sure to leave with plenty of pictures.

Wave Hill

This beautiful Bronx park is one of the greatest living works of art, and Wave Hill fall foliage only adds to their title. Visitors are always dazzled by the robust gardens, serene woodlands, and spectacular view of the Hudson River. Once fall begins, the park is transformed into a colorful woodland wonderland.

Some Useful Tips When Fall Cycling

Use our tips to enjoy the best fall cycling in your life!

• Check the Weather. Fall weather can go from bright and sunny to cold and drizzly within a few hours. To ensure you enjoy the most of your ride, check the weather conditions before you leave. With this information, you can prepare to arrive at your destination during the warmest part of the day or look at alternative routes in case reaching the location is not possible.
• Keep Your Bike in Good Condition. Checking and cleaning your brakes and gears is a good routine to have as the weather gets rainier as removing any buildup can prevent an accident from occurring. A few minutes cleaning and lubricating your chain will go a long way in avoiding mechanical issues during your ride. Once your cycling gear is in its prime condition, your gear shift will be smoother and make your ride more enjoyable.
• All Season Tires. The warm-hued leaves make an attractive picture, but be careful once they’re on the ground. Once the leaves cover the street’s asphalt base layer, it can create a dangerous, slippery situation or be covered with sharp branches after strong winds. Updating your tires can ensure its more puncture resistant and improve your bike’s grip on the road.
• Be Seen. Autumn nights bring early sunsets, so make sure you’re highly visible to passersby by adding lights or reflective tape to your clothing and bike.
• Stay Hydrated. Like every other season, it’s a good idea to bring a drink with you while riding. The cool weather will make you want to ride for longer, so prepare by bringing your favorite hydrating beverage along.

What to Wear Cycling in Autumn

Autumn weather can drastically change, so it’s advisable to have an outer layer available for when you need one, preferably one that is a size larger to easily throw over your cycling clothing. Plenty of layers will help you adapt to the weather on the go, and shoe covers and water repellent clothing are essential for rainy days. Although, if there’s a downpour and you’re far from home, it’s a good idea to take shelter and wait until most of it has passed.

Because you’ll be biking for a while, it’s also good to choose clothing that will prevent you from overheating. Maybe begin the day with short sleeve jerseys with a merino wool base layer to wick away sweat while keeping you warm and have a handy rain or wind jacket with you. Or perhaps long sleeve jerseys with leg and knee warmers – whatever you’re comfortable with.

Ride Today with Fancy Apple!

New York City has so much to offer in the fall and is waiting for you to discover it. From the beautiful foliage during crisp weather to sights and smells that will fill you with happiness as you bike along magnificent trails. All you need to do is stop by any of Fancy Apple locations to rent a bike and start exploring. We’ve also mapped out the best routes to experience this season and offer guided bike tours to show you at your own pace.

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