Get your bikes ready and enjoy the Hudson Valley like you never have before. Biking has always been a good way to bring families together, enjoy good scenery, and best of all get some exercise, but I bet you didn’t know we have some of the best biking trails right in our back yard.
Our trails include roads that are closed off to cars like Route 218 between West Point and Cornwall-on-Hudson, from 11am to 3pm the road is reserved for people who want to bike traffic free. The trails take you through stunning views of the Hudson valley along with historic locations like the Old Croton Aqueduct.
The trails range from 3 ½ to 42 miles so it’s possible for any biker of any skill level to enjoy the Hudson Valley. For a great list of bike trails and information on each go to this link.
Bike Trails
Rail trails, created by repurposing former railway beds, are used by pedestrian, biking and equestrian recreationalists. Biking is generally at a beginner level, loose gravel, and some hard pack, relatively flat, with some mild inclines.
Harlem Valley Rail Trail
1 John St., Millerton
A paved bicycle/pedestrian path built on the old railroad bed that connected New York City, the Harlem Valley, and Chatham. Access points: Undermountain Road, off Rt 22, Ancram; Valley View Rd, off Rt 22, Copake; Taconic State Park (entrance - near Depot Deli), Rte 344 Copake Falls
Hudson Valley Rail Trail
Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, 101 New Paltz Rd., Highland
A 2.5 mile nature trail extending from Commercial Avenue in the Town of Lloyd hamlet of Highland to Riverside Rd. Uses include walking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
Hurley Rail Trail
Rt. 209, Hurley
An easy trail wrapped in the beautiful pastoral landscape of historic Ulster County. The 6 mile (one way) hiking, biking, rail trail connects two quaint 17th century villages: Hurley and High Falls. The well maintained, level path passes through a dense, deciduous woodland, paralleling tranquil farmland and crossing over rivers and streams. If you’re starting in Kingston, the trailhead is in the parking lot of the Super 8 Motel, at 487 Washington Avenue in Kingston, NY 12401. It is possible that in the future, a trailhead parking area will be developed along Washington Avenue. If you’re starting in Hurley, the trailhead is a few hundred yards away from the parking areas on Route 209 for the Hurley Rail Trail.
Orange Heritage Trail
Access points: Ryerson Rd, New Hampton; Hartley Rd, Goshen; St. James Place, Village of Goshen: Chester Depot Museum, Chester; Airplane Park, Monroe; Park and Ride Lot B, Village of Monroe; River Rd, Harriman.
This 19.5-mile trail from Goshen to Monroe is perfect for young kids who may still be riding with training wheels – the entire length is paved and flat for a smooth ride. The trail does get congested in the warmer months, however, so keep an eye on little ones who are unsteady on their new wheels. Discover wonderful scenery as you pass by farm fields, flowing streams, and shaded woods along the former Erie Railroad. Click here for a map or call 845-615-3830.
Roosa Gap State Forest
Plank Rd. (Fire Tower Rd.) Parking Area, at the end of Plank Rd., Ferguson Rd. Parking Area: (41.6181218°N, 74.4342883°W)
Mountain biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
Shawangunk Ridge State Forest
Old Mountain Road Parking Area (41.658464°N, 74.421468°W) Google Maps, Cox Road Parking Area (41.646294°N, 74.401382°W) Google Maps, Route 52 Parking Area (41.66693°N, 74.404012°W)
Mountain biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Access points: Sojourner Truth Park on Plains Road in New Paltz; Ulster BOCES Center off Route 32 North in New Paltz; municipal parking off Farmer’s Turnpike in Gardiner; off Mountain Road in Rosendale. Because this Rosendale to Gardiner trail is largely unpaved, it is better suited to older riders who can handle their bike on uneven, loose stone surfaces. The 12-mile trail offers some fantastic views of horse farms, mountain vistas, and even a cool railroad trestle in Rosendale, so don’t forget the camera!
Wallkill to Walden Rail Trail
The rail-trail is currently open in two disconnected sections. The longer, southern section is paved and stretches 3 miles from Woodruff Street in Walden to Route 208 in Wallkill. A shorter section begins in Wallkill and heads north for 1.3 miles. It remains unpaved and favored by mountain bikers and horseback riders. From its northern end, trail users may connect to the scenic Wallkill Valley Rail-Trail by taking an on-road route to Denniston Road, where it begins. The Village of Walden provides parking for rail-trail users at Wooster Grove Park on East Main St. (State Route 52).
The Catskills Visitor Center
5096 Rt. 28, Mt. Tremper
The Catskills Visitor Center is your gateway to the Catskill Region and the Catskill Park. They have easy trails for biking with kids and mountain bike trails. There are also hiking trails and the fire towers are open. For a map of the trails, go to the walk-up visitor's window.
Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
Pickles Rd. and Shawanga Lodge Rd., Mamakating
Mountain biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
Off Road/Mountain Biking
Minnewaska State Park
Located off Rte. 44/55 in New Paltz.
Forty miles of carriage roads on the Shawangunk Ridge offer fairly easy riding, with long, manageable climbs. Just beware of loose rock or exposed bedrock, which can become slippery when wet. Helmets are required for all riders. 845-256-0579
James Baird State Park
14 Maintenance Lane, Pleasant Valley
This Pleasant Valley park is another great spot for novice riders. Three miles of trails on rolling terrain can be challenging; look out for roots and rocks. 845-452-1489
Stewart State Forest
This 7,000-acre state-owned land off Rte. 207 in New Windsor includes some wider roads, but is mostly narrow single-track trails with a few difficult hills. Best for more experienced riders, but has a little something for all abilities.
Mountain bikes are permitted on all marked trails throughout the trail network within Bluestone Wild Forest. Trails are maintained through a volunteer stewardship agreement with the
Fats in the Cats Bicycle Club. Please stay only on the marked trails. Some old roads and paths lead onward to private land, which should not be entered without the permission of the owner. All motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Updated 8/19/2024
Other articles by HVP Top Lists