"I have a family gathering in Mahopac this weekend, and am looking for a route there from Manhattan. I know my way up to Mount Kisco, via the Gimbel's ride. Any road suggestions north of there (emphasizing directness and fewer hills, as opposed to ""scenic"" routes) would be appreciated."
Seeking Route to Mahopac
Mon, 05/03/2004 - 5:06pm
Mon, 05/03/2004 - 7:27pm
#1
"I think the straightest, least hilly route is actually the South County/North County Trailway, which you can pick up at the Briarcliff Library. If you can get to Pleasantville (south of Mount Kisco), take Bedford/Pleasantville Rd. west. Just before it ends in a ""T"" at South State Rd., the library is on the right. Enter the driveway, ride past the library and turn right just past the new building beyond the library. Turn left to head north on the trail and it takes you 18-19 miles straight up to Mahopac, just off Route 6. Some slight inclines, but no hills...and, oh yeah, it happens to be scenic."
Tue, 05/04/2004 - 5:30am
#2
Scenic? Feh.
"The North County Trailway is a rail-trail, formerly a freight line, and as such it passes behind malls and shopping centers, lumber yards and auto dealerships. The phrase ""wrong side of the tracks"" was coined with this trailway in mind. Much of it is buried between earthen berms, to shield genteel neighborhoods from freight trains; other parts parallel parkways, to add noise and exhaust fumes to the experience of riding in a dirt tunnel. Finally, the one section that promises an unsullied scenic vista - the bridge across a reservoir - is so completely fenced-in to protect us from ourselves that the view is totally eviscerated. A cheap, lumpy paving job (it would have been better as a dirt or cinder trail) completes the picture.
I always wondered why nobody ever included the North County Trail in a NYCC ride. Now I know."
Tue, 05/04/2004 - 5:42pm
#3
Not always a frieght line...
The North County Trailway was known as the Putnam division of the New York Central Railway.. There was passenger service on the Putnam line until 1958, then there was frieght service to elmsford until the early 1970's. Part of route 100 actually rides on the actual right of way, while the bike route is off to the side.
While I would not call the route senic, it does has its sylvan aspects that I find enjoyable.
