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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyDirt

Pelham Bay Backwoods

Pelham, New York · Bronx County

Pelham Bay Backwoods is a easy hiking trail near Pelham in Bronx County, New York.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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40.84961, -73.81848
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Pelham Bay Backwoods

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High86°F
Avg Low72°F
Peak Rain Chance41%
Humidity75%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality58 · Moderate
Today
☁️
Overcast
87°/74°
💧 2%🌬 15mph
5:53 AM8:10 PM
Mon
🌧
Rain Showers
81°/71°
💧 41%🌬 14mph
5:53 AM8:09 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
88°/64°
💧 2%🌬 10mph
5:54 AM8:07 PM
Wed
Violent Rain
81°/74°
💧 21%🌬 14mph
5:55 AM8:06 PM
Thu
🌦
Drizzle
92°/75°
💧 16%🌬 14mph
5:56 AM8:05 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Pelham Bay Backwoods

Pelham Bay Backwoods is a easy hiking trail near Pelham in Bronx County, New York.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

⚠ Note from contributors: After hopping over the guardrail, the path is generally visible and leads to the waterfront at the back of Pelham Bay Park. Called by the local teens "the backwoods."

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    41% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in New York

Trail conditions in New York change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Pelham Bay Backwoods?

Pelham Bay Backwoods is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Pelham Bay Backwoods?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

Are horses allowed on Pelham Bay Backwoods?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

What is the trail surface on Pelham Bay Backwoods?

The surface is dirt. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Pelham Bay Backwoods?

New York has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.