New York is known as the Empire State, largely due to the state’s significant influence on US business, culture, and industry. Consequently, when most people think of “New York,” they envision the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, not the towering trees of the Appalachian forests.
New York is also quietly building a singletrack empire, one that’s based on high-quality, accessible mountain bike trails located throughout the state. As the largest northeastern US state, New York boasts multiple mountain ranges and vast wild areas that beckon mountain bikers to explore. Regions of outstanding natural beauty include the Adirondack Mountains, the Finger Lakes Region, and the Catskill Mountains. But even close to the city, mountain bikers can still find hidden trails to enjoy.
We combed through hundreds of trail reviews on Singletracks and consulted with local experts and trail advocates to identify the best trails in the Empire State. While New York offers an endless array of singletrack to choose from, these five trails top the list.
Ellicottville Trail System
Ellicottville is New York’s lone IMBA Epic trail system, boasting more than 31 miles of singletrack in McCarty Hill State Forest. The trail system ties into the lift-served Holiday Valley Ski Area and is maintained by the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association. Ellicottville is known for its long, steep climbs and descents and for its technical trails pocked with rocks and roots. Trails are accessible from the town of Ellicottville, making it a good base camp for a weekend of mountain biking. Be sure to pick up a map at the Bike and Bean shop before you hit the trails.
“Excellent trails! Eagle Trail climb will punish even seasoned bikers, but also put a huge grin on the way back. Trails are rooty, rocky, twisty, and flowy. It’s a true Epic ride,” wrote Singletracks trail reviewer StumpyFSR.
“A few trails were not rideable because of deadfall and barely visible, though. Wish I had my portable saw this time with me. Otherwise, a very well-built and maintained trail system that everyone should put on [their] wishlist.”
Hardy Road, Wilmington
If you only have one day to ride in the Adirondacks, go to Hardy Road. “That’s basically the safest place to send somebody to for a good time,” said Patrick Carey, President of the Barkeaters Trail Alliance board.
The Hardy Road trailhead is located along the eponymous paved road, and two ridges rise on either side of the road (although you can’t see them from the trailhead). For the most mileage, you’ll want to climb up each ridge and rip back down.
The quality of the trails at Hardy Road is top-notch, and All-in is one of the standout descents. The trail descends off the top of the mountain and is filled with high-speed sections, chunky rocks, flowy berms, and optional features.
The Hardy Road trails are quite diverse, though they trend toward the rugged end. Some of the lower trails are easy and approachable for beginners, whereas the All In trail gets a black-diamond rating. Hardy also has some alt lines hidden deep in the forest, with a few massive rock drops pushing into the double-black range.
Blue Mountain, Peekskill
The Blue Mountain trails are located near Peekskill, just east of the Hudson River, and offer great scenery, with countless ponds and rock outcroppings dotting the park. The park features beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, although advanced riders will probably enjoy Blue Mountain the most, thanks to regular root webs and rock gardens. Some riders report that the trails are difficult to follow and may not be well-marked, so be sure to pick up a map.
“Best riding one hour outta NYC! It’s big, technical, rock, climbing everywhere and big log rolls,” wrote Singletracks trail reviewer Liberty. “Been riding it for years. Out of the back parking lot Blue Mountain park I take lower and upper stringer to Monster mxb then Ned’s left lung back up to the top. If you still have gas in the tank after that, then any of the singletrack down is killer, and don’t forget yin and yang at the bottom to finish out your ride.”
Glacier Ridge, Long Island
The Glacier Ridge trail system is located on Long Island, the largest and longest island in the contiguous United States. Not only that, nearly 40% of the population of the state of New York lives on Long Island, making it a huge population center. Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB) is the local club that maintains the trails at Glacier Ridge, and the club is on track to have built 20 miles of trails within 20 minutes of any community on Long Island. Talk about accessible trails!
CLIMB president Michael Vitti describes Glacier Ridge as a “13-mile pump track,” and its location near the center of the island makes it a popular spot among local riders and visitors alike. As the name suggests, Glacier Ridge offers decent climbs and descents, with approximately 150 feet of elevation separating the high and low points in the network.
“Very well built. Super flowy. Can keep your speed up most hills. And down hills, you can most of the time keep your speed with good berms,” wrote Singletracks trail reviewer Cameron Litviak. The dirt is “very well packed. Rode in the semi-wet winter conditions and it was still wonderful and couldn’t ask for better traction. I definitely had fun.”
Elm Ridge, Windham
The Elm Ridge trails run through the Catskill Mountains and are located in the protected Catskill Preserve Wild Forest. Home to some 25 miles of singletrack, this purpose-built MTB trail system is widely acclaimed as one of the best mountain bike destinations in the state.
Elm Ridge offers great beginner-friendly singletrack on the Fun Loops. “Rode the ‘Fun Loop’ today and was blown away by much ‘Fun’ it was!” wrote Singletracks trail reviewer Hodster69. “Challenging enough but not too technical for my intermediate skill level.”
More challenging trails climb up the nearby ridge, offering fast, feature-filled downhills. “Excellent trails that are well-marked,” wrote Singletracks reviewer Plankton. “New bridges get you from the parking lot across some low wet areas. The locals have done a fantastic job with the trail layout and design. The climbs are reasonable, gradually working their way up the ridge. Excellent berm and pump sections along the way. “
More great New York MTB trails
- Stewart State Forest, Newburgh
- Shindagin Hollow, Finger Lakes
- Blueberry Hill, Elizabethtown
- Gurney Lane, Queensbury
- Wheelerville Trails, Caroga Lake
Your turn: What is your favorite mountain bike trail in New York? And if you have photos of these trails you’re willing to share, let us know and we’ll consider adding them to this article!
1 Comments
0 minutes ago
Thanks, Greg!!