Only a few stops out of the city on the Metro-North train, the Hudson Valley offers a handful of nature-filled bike rides for avid cyclists and recreational riders. And for those willing to venture off the beaten path, Metro-North’s Harlem and Hudson Lines offer convenient access to a bevy of charming towns, small cafes, and verdant beauty. Bicycles are allowed on any Metro-North train (excluding rush hour and holidays), so embarking on an upstate adventure is as easy as snapping on a helmet and riding away. Whether you’re looking for a casual, weekend ride through bucolic Westchester, a two-wheeled excursion to a Michelin-starred restaurant, or an adrenaline-filled climb, here are three options for your next cycling getaway.

1. Take a leisurely ride along the Bronx River Pathway

The Bronx River Pathway is a meandering, dedicated route for walking, jogging, and cycling that parallels the Bronx River Parkway—which on Sundays in summer and fall closes to motorized vehicles for cyclists, pedestrians, and inline skaters.

The Bronx River Pathway traverses central Westchester County, from Yonkers to Valhalla; it also parallels the Metro-North Harlem Line, passing every train station along the way, so this is an ideal ride for cyclists eager to flee the metropolis without having to commit to a specific destination or length of ride.

The best place to start is from the Bronxville station; you can access the trail a few blocks west at Palmer Road and Paxton Avenue. Ride north and follow the route through the towns of Tuckahoe, Scarsdale, and White Plains until it ends 12 miles later at Kensico Dam Plaza. The route will take you through Malcolm Wilson Country Park in Tuckahoe, across the tranquil wooden footbridge in Scarsdale, and past clearings along the Bronx River. For a quick snack or lunch, stop in Scarsdale for Pizza Rossa at Via Forno or savory cornish hen at Ruffled Feathers. For a less ambitious ride, stop at any town station along the route and pick up the Harlem Line south for a return trip home.

2. Ride to a world-renowned restaurant

Head north along the Hudson River from New York City, and you’ll encounter some of the state’s most charming hamlets—Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, and Tarrytown—also known as Westchester’s river towns. Tarrytown is home to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the restaurant on the property of Stone Barns Center, the educational nonprofit organization run by chef Dan Barber, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement and Chef’s Table star. Blue Hill at Stone Barns focuses on seasonal produce and meat from the farm—dishes might include parsnip steak, veal bone with beef heart, and buckwheat Oreos. Reservations are notoriously difficult to get, so make sure to plan ahead.

Only a seven-mile round trip ride from Tarrytown station, Blue Hill Farms makes for an epic day trip with minimal effort. To get there, head north from the station along Cortland Street. Turn right onto Beekman Avenue and navigate to Bedford Road when you cross Broadway. Stay on Bedford as it makes a sharp left at Lake Road until you reach the entrance.

3. Tackle a grueling mountain climb

Serious cyclists can access Bear Mountain—a rite of passage for cyclists in-the-know—by taking the Hudson Line to Peekskill and crossing the Hudson River via Bear Mountain Bridge. With epic views of the Hudson River, grueling climbs, and plenty of food and beverage options in Peekskill, this 20-mile out-and-back ride, with an elevation of 128 feet, combines a full day of adventure with the type of small-town charm that upstate is known for.

Starting the ride from the Peekskill train station, head north towards Hudson Avenue. Take a slight right and follow Water Street north, continuing as it turns to a dirt trail. Make your way through Annsville Preserve Park until the trail takes you to the Jans Peeck Bridge. Take Highway 202 for a three-mile climb that parallels the Hudson River. At the crest of the hill, turn out at the overlook to take in views of the lush, rolling hills that flank the Hudson River below before continuing down the hill and across the Bear Mountain Bridge. At the roundabout, follow Highway 9W south to Seven Lakes Drive, where you can begin the paved ascent to Bear Mountain. Follow the road for two miles and make a right on Perkins Memorial Drive. After passing though leafy, mountainous terrain, you’ll reach the summit and find sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley. On clear days, you can even glimpse Manhattan, 50 miles to the south.

Return to Peekskill via the same 10-mile route and reward yourself with pepperoni pizza slathered with Mike’s Hot Honey at Peekskill Brewery. The brewery’s standout Eastern Standard IPA will quench your thirst and keep your energy high for the train ride back to the city.