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
These 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. All of the rail trails in Ulster County are free.
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. Parking is just off Route 209, about 1 mile south of Route 28 and at the intersection of Route 209 and Russell Road.
Orange Heritage Trail
Access points: Chester Depot Museum, Village of Chester; St. James Place, Village of Goshen: Park and Ride Lot B, Village of Monroe.
This 11-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.
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! Find a map here.
Wallkill to Walden Rail Trail
Access points: Route 208 in village of Wallkill; Wooster Grove Park in Walden
Beginning at Wooster Grove, once the Wallkill Valley Railroad, now thrives as a 3.22-mile long, paved trail. It links the Village of Walden to the Hamlet of Wallkill in Ulster County. The trail is used for walking, jogging, bicycling and dog walking. The newest rail trail in Ulster County is on Route 208 in the village of Wallkill and extends to Walden. Just 3 miles long, this paved route, also known as the Jesse McHugh Rail Trail, offers a great ride for little legs (not too long!).
The Catskills Visitor Center
5096 Rt. 28, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457
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.
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
Located off Rte. 44/55 in New Paltz, bordering Minnewaska State Park.
Like Minnewaska, the trails are mostly dirt carriage roads for easy riding. Helmets are mandatory. 845-255-0919
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 mountain biking 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.