New York metro area

Here are some of my favorite routes through the New York Metro area

Most of these routes begin at the State Line Lookout off of the Palisades Parkway. The State line lookout is located 10 miles north of the George Washington Bridge off of the northbound side of the Palisades Parkway. Look for the sign that says Restaurant and Cross Country Skiing. Others begin at the now closed Red Apple Rest. It is located on NY route 17 in Southfields, NY, about 8 miles north of I287 and about 3 miles south of the intersection of US route 6. Other starting points are noted at the beginning of the route.

These routes tend to avoid the main highways. So don't miss an opportunity to get gas. They also cover some rather small roads. Don't be afraid to get a little lost. Please don't forget that road conditions, as well as your mileage on these routes will vary.

About the roads I like

Reading my route sheets

The Routes

Over the last few years I've enjoyed collecting routes through the back roads of New York, New Jersey Connecticut and Pennsylvania.  Please enjoy them and remember that road conditions as well as your mileage on these routes will always vary.

I'm interested in archiving or setting up links to other routes throughout the country. Tell me about any links you might have.

Jon Kadis / jon@roadtwist.com

About the roads I like

I enjoy riding the back roads and the routes that I've included here reflect that. These routes will take you over some very interesting little roads. It takes a little bit of persistence to find them sometimes, so there often seems like a there are lot of turns onto lots of little roads, be patient, they will be worth the trouble. Back roads also implies that the roads will often take strange turns and on occasion have questionable surfaces. Pay attention to what is going on. You may find that you will enjoy the routes more on the second trip over them (once you know where you're going).

Reading My Route Sheets

Here is a typical beginning to one of my route sheets:

  Mileage       
Total  Leg      
 0.0     0.0   BEAR RIGHT      State Line Lookout onto PIP North        
19.1    19.1   EXIT RIGHT      Exit 14  
19.3     0.2   LEFT            At bottom of ramp. Rockland Co. 98       
20.8     1.5   STRAIGHT        Join Rockland Co. 106

The first column is the total accumulated mileage along the route. The second column list the mileage until you do what is listed in the third column. The third column lists which way you should go. The last column lists the road you will be going on to and often will list something to look for. Special things to look for include:

  • STOP - Stop Sign
  • T - A T in the road
  • LIGHT - Traffic Light
  • EXIT - Take the Exit off of the highway

Also remember to stay on the road that you are on, unless I tell you to turn off of it or stay on the bigger road when you are in doubt of which road to take.