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Mountain Biking

Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, located in New Paltz, NY, has a reputation for being one of the best rides in the Hudson Valley. The park preserve is situated on the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Because the trails are primarily wide carriageways, they are perfect for beginners and advanced riders alike. There are hiking-only trails in the areas that are not open to bikes. While bikers are confined the main pathways, they are challenged, should they choose specific routes, by long uphills, culminating in incredible vistas on top of rocky prominences, and rolling hills that take cyclists to and around Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting. Easily in one day a rider can cover 20-25 miles of trails. Bring plenty of food, water, and bike repair supplies because this ride can cover a lot of ground. Cyclists often share the trails with horseback riders, but both groups typically show respect for one another and an overriding respect for the preserve. For more informatio n on the trails in Minneswaska and more links, please see our hiking page.

Rail Trails
Another great cycling opportunity is the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, which runs north and south at the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, a total of 32 miles. The route of the railroad also provides a special view of the surrounding farms and fruit orchards. Bridges and large expanses of back country, far from any roads, make cycling here especially enjoyable. Many bikers, before turning back, or continuing on north, stop at New Paltz to rest, visit the town, and stock up on some refreshments. A wonderful day trip. There's also the Great Shawangunk Hill Loop, 32 miles, with some big steep hills (3200 vertical feet; 27.5 miles for the loop only). The Great Shawangunk Double route has twice as many steep hills, with memorable climbs, curves, and views.

For more information on biking in the Gunks and trail maps for cyclists,
see http://www.roberts-1.com/bikehudson/

If you have other mountain biking trails you'd like to recommend, please email them to us.
We would be happy to include your suggestions on these pages.

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