MOSHOLU-PELHAM GREENWAY:
BRONX, NEW YORK
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: April 19, 2009
Length: Mosholu-Pelham Greenway; 10.5 miles
City Island Spur; 1.5 miles
Orchard Beach Spur; 1.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate. Paved trail with some hilly sections.
Directions:
You can access this trail from the southern end of the Old Putnam Rail Trail or the southern end of the Bronx River Greenway. For more information on accessing the trail from the Metro-North's Botanical Garden Station visit; Metro North Railroad . For information concerning taking your bike on the Train visit; METRO NORTH; BIKES . You may also access several sections of the trail via the NYC Subway system. For more information visit; NYC SUBWAY . For information concerning taking your bike on the Subway visit; NYC SUBWAY; BIKES .
The Mosholu-Pelham Greenway runs from Van Cortlandt Park south (along the Mosholu Parkway) to Bronx Park, then south through the park (along the Bronx River Parkway) and east along the Pelham Parkway to Pelham Bay Park. From there, you can go to either Orchard Beach, City Island, or both - as they're all within a short ride. For more information visit; MOSHOLU-PELHAM GREENWAY .
Starting from Van Cortlandt Park and the Old Putnam Rail Trail next to the Van Cortlandt Golf Course Clubhouse; The trail intersects with the Old Putnam Rail Trail next to the Clubhouse. There are green signs that read "Mosholu-Pelham Bay Bike Path" posted along the trail.
Note; Heading east takes you towards its western terminus at the edge of the park at Broadway and by the Van Cortlandt Mansion. Less then 1/2 a mile. For more information visit; VAN CORTLANDT MANSION .
Head west past the Clubhouse, then right up and under the Major Deegan Expressway. Travel up a descent sized hill. At 0.9 miles continue straight past a side trail on your right. This brings you to Van Cortlandt Park S. Head straight over the cross-walk, then travel left over Dickenson Ave and Mosholu Pkwy via a cross-light. The trail then follows alongside the Pkwy heading south. You'll travel underneath the NYC Subways Mosholu Pkwy Station via a 1910 tunnel. After crossing over Van Cortlandt Ave the trail widens and the Pkwy expands with a grassy medium dividing it. After crossing over Webster Ave at 2.1 miles, look to your left to spot a beautiful old brick building housing the PD. You then pass over the Metro-North rail line before coming to Dr Theodore Kazmiroff Blvd and the Bronx Park at 2 1/4 miles.
Note; You can access the Metro-North's Botanical Garden Station, the NY Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo by turning right along Dr Theodore Kazmiroff Blvd. For more information visit; BRONX ZOO and NY BOTANICAL GARDEN .
Turn left and follow the trail along Dr Theodore Kazmiroff Blvd to a trail junction at 2.4 miles.
Note; Left is a 1/2 mile access trail to the Bronx River Greenway. See; BRONX RIVER GREENWAY .
The Mosholu-Pelham Greenway continues straight, crossing over the Bronx River and coming to another junction at 2 3/4 miles.
Note; Heading left follows the Bronx River Greenway.
Turn right, using the cross-light (a tough intersection to cross) and travel south along the combined Bronx River/Mosholu-Pelham Greenways. After a little over 3 miles you'll pass by Waring Playground. Restrooms and a water fountain are located here. The paved trail briefly ends after another 1/4 mile, however, just continue straight alongside Bronx Park E and you'll return to the paved trail on your left as it travels east alongside Pelham Pkwy. You come to Boston Rd at 3.5 miles and the current end of the Bronx River Greenway. The Mosholu-Pelham Greenway continues east traveling underneath the rail line. A large expanse of green space is along your left, as well as a green median between the Pkwy. The trail is pretty level until you reach Williamsbridge Rd at 4 1/4 miles where you begin a gradual descent. When you reach Stillwell Ave, turn right and use the cross-light over the Pkwy, then turn left and cross the bridge over the RR tracks. Pass by an access trail with a blue sign on your right that leads to an industrial area and you'll come to the junction for the Hutchinson River Greenway to your right at 5.5 miles. See; HUTCHINSON RIVER GREENWAY . Continue straight across several on and off-ramps for the Hutchinson River Pkwy. USE CAUTION as there are no cross-walks or cross-lights. You'll come to another intersection.
Note; Heading right will bring you to NY Subway's Pelham Bay Station. The trail then loops back around to the Mosholu-Pelham Greenway.
Continuing straight, the trail is a bit bumpy and narrow in spots before you come to another intersection at 6 1/4 miles. This is where the previous trail loops back from your right.
Note; Heading right brings you to Pelham Bay Park and the Bronx Victory Memorial Column as well as the NY Subway's Pelham Bay Station.
Head left and soon the Pelham Parkway turns into Shore Rd as you cross a bridge over the mouth of the Hutchinson River as it flows into the East Chester Bay. A RR bridge crosses along your left. You'll come to the junction of City Island Rd at 7 miles.
Note; You have several options from here:
You can continue straight, following along Shore Rd, to the Westchester County line and the end of the trail. About 2 miles. I haven't ridden this section.
You can turn right and take the City Island Spur Trail. This paved trail follows along the southern side of City Island Rd. This trail winds up through a wooded hill and passes by a cove before coming to a parking lot for Rodman's Neck. Next, the trail narrows as you cross over a bridge to City Island, pass a marina and travel along a promenade. The trail ends after 1.5 miles. You can explore City Island on-road from here. It's about 1.5 miles to the southern tip. There are a lot of seafood restaurants located on the island and jugging from the amount of backed up traffic trying to enter the island I'm guessing it's a very popular dinner destination. For more information visit; CITY ISLAND . There's a Dunkin Dounuts located just as you enter the island if you need to refuel.
Another paved trail follows along the northern side of City Island Rd and will take you to City Island as well. However, when you come to the traffic circle if you bear left you will arrive at Orchard Beach after 1.3 miles. Jugging from the size of the parking lot (the last time I saw this big of a lot was in Disney World) this must be a very popular beach. A large pavilion and mile long promenade overlooks the beach. For more information visit; ORCHARD BEACH .
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