Mountain Bike Trails in New York – Top 10 Picks For 2022

Stewart State Forest

Decline Magazine is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.

If you live in NY and love mountain biking, you’re in for a treat. Time to take out your mountain bike and clean your gear as we will discuss some of the best mountain bike trails in New York in 2022.

The trails we have picked are the ones that have got the most reviews from the biking community of New York.

Besides, some of them have been visited by our biking crew too.

So let’s dig straight to them.

Top 10 Best Mountain Bike Trails in New York

1. Blue Mountain Reservation

Blue Mountain Reservation For MTB Riders
Credits: AllTrails
  • Length: 7 miles
  • Est. riding time: 15 to 30 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: (914) 231-4575 
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

We have listed Blue Mountain Reservation over Glacier Ridge because it’s easily accessible to almost all types of bikers in New York.

Located in Peekskill, the Blue Mountain trails are 7 miles long and has color markings all over based on the skillset of a rider. The distance is coverable in about 15 to 30 minutes, depending upon the type of trail you choose.

The yellow marking is for beginners, followed by orange suitable for intermediates and the red one for professional bikers.
Throughout the trail, you will get yourself entertained with fresh air, eye-catchy sceneries, and beautiful views along the way.

Not only that, but the forest terrains would be more than enough to challenge the way you ride on these surfaces.

All other amenities, including restrooms, hotels, emergency helpline numbers, and camping facilities, are available once you arrive at this place.

Moreover, you can hit this area with your friends and family and enjoy a lunch break while looking at the diverse habitat of 1,600 acres park reserved by the government.


2. Glacier Ridge Preservation – For Advanced Mountain Bikers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-b4RQuheDU
  • Length: 11 miles
  • Est. riding time: 44 to 60 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: N/A
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

Glacier Ridge Preserve is undoubtedly one of the most incredible trails available for mountain bikers on Long Island. You can get the gist of this place while riding on your bike through its surfaces.

Not to mention, the 11 miles trail system has got multiple sharp turns with narrow terrains making it a difficult option for the riders. That’s one of the main reasons we’ll recommend this trail to you only if you are a professional biker.

Glacier Ridge trail is famous for diamonds and moguls followed by sandy and fire roads that will entertain your journey to the fullest. More than that, it would be better if you maintained a slow speed in this area along with improved handling skills.

Another essential thing to consider is to keep yourself off the closed area, i.e. the East Side. It’s been marked with the signs, so you won’t need to go there.

The 11 miles distance, on the other hand, is coverable within an hour, but you’d take more than that considering the slow speed and the obstacles you’ll face on the way.

With all its beauty and scenic views intact, Glacier Ridge should be your go-to place, especially if you live in New York and want to experience a thrilling biking trail.

Not to mention, it’s been maintained solely by a guy named Hitch. Don’t forget to thank him for his services while you hit the area.


3. Stillwell Woods

Credits: BusinessYab
  • Length: 7 miles
  • Est. riding time: 30 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: N/A
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

Want to hit the closest mountain bike trail near NYC? You can consider Stillwell Woods, which is available not far away from the main city.

This beautiful MTB trail is singletrack consisting of forest area followed by aesthetic views as you continue along with it.

Meanwhile, it’s not too long as the distance is around 7 miles at most. It will take an intermediate biker to cover it within half an hour.

Talking of the terrain, it’s not too challenging compared to the other two trails discussed above. Nearby restaurants and hotels are also available for you to use in an emergency.

As per our experience, Stillwell Woods does not contain massive falls or climbing areas. However, we entertained ourselves with smooth downhill and uphill routes while cruising through it.

Apart from that, this small yet adventurous NY MTB trail is being managed by the Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB) group.

So far, they have preserved the trail in the best possible manner, and we should thank them for their service.


4. Shindagin Hollow – Full of Manmade Obstacles

Credits: MTB Project
  • Length: 17 miles
  • Est. riding time: 1 hour 8 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: 607-753-3095
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

With multiple manmade obstacles, this singletrack comprises the dead forest where you can cruise your way with all basic gear and your MTB bike.

Shindagin Hollow is situated near Ithaca, and it’s not too far away from the main city of New York. In addition to that, it has got a distance of about 17 miles, making it one of the longest MTB trails present in the vicinity of NYC.

The distance is coverable in about 1 hour and 8 minutes, but it could take you longer than that, considering the obstacles and bumps present on the terrain of this area.

Talking of the maintenance, a local club in Ithaca (in collaboration with DEC) keeps the place away from deteriorating.

Shindagin Hollow is one of the trails to consider, especially if you have intermediate biking skills and want to test them out on rough and harsh terrain.


5. Meadowlark MTB Trail – Twisty, Tight, and Technical

Meadowlark MTB Trail
Credit: Mark Cuthbertson
  • Length: 5 miles
  • Est. riding time: less than 20 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: N/A
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

Meadowlark is a highly technical trail capable of swinging your head around and around with ease and convenience. So yea, this is not for the fainthearted peeps.

That means this trail is off-limits for beginners and not even the intermediates.

Hit it only if you believe in yourself and can endure harsh obstacles and hindrances on the way to cover this trail.

Starting with the distance, Meadowlark is barely 5 miles long, and it seems like you can cover it within half an hour.

However, it’s not that EASY! It will easily take you one full hour with complete concentration to even think about covering this track. Meadowlark MTB trail will welcome you with sudden twists and tight terrains.

More than that, there are 2 to 3 climbs spread throughout the trail that would test your skill-set for sure.

Managed by CLIMB, it’s one of the most technical MTB trails in Long Island of New York City. We’d suggest that you go well prepared in your biking gear if you want to hit this area.


6. Stewart State Forest – For Beginner and Intermediate Bikers

Stewart State Forest
Credits: Scenic Hudson
  • Length: 55 miles
  • Est. riding time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: (845) 256-3095
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

Stewart State Forest covers a large area, thus welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, and campers at the same time.

The State Forest trail system has around 55 miles, which means it would take the biker around 3 hours and 40 minutes to cover the entire area.

There are different tracks available both for beginners and intermediate riders. You can choose the type of trail you want and get it covered accordingly.

Moreover, the surfaces are somewhat bumpy, followed by smooth terrains. You will often get yourself entertained with the obstacles of the forest, including rocks, gravel, tree branches, etc.

Considering how massive the State Forest of Steward is, we recommend that you find yourself a local group and travel with it to keep yourself on the safe side all the time.

Rest, even if you want to travel alone, start with a trail that seems a bit convenient as you will get an idea of the place while riding on it.


7. North Bethlehem Park Trail

  • Length: 4 miles
  • Est. riding time: 20 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: (518) 439-4955
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

Unlike the Stewart State Forest, North Bethlehem Park Trail has covered a smaller area of land and welcomes fellow MTB riders with many obstacles present in the way.

The singletrack trail consists of uphill and downhill terrains that you can cruise through while riding your bike over there. The landscape is also marked with yellow, orange, and red markers to help the riders choose their path carefully.

North Bethlehem Park offers a single loop that you can easily cover within half an hour. However, the tricky surfaces will indeed halt your overall riding experience.

Not to mention, there is a playground located at the trailhead where you can spend your time or get some rest before hitting the trails.

As far as the flow of the trail is concerned, it is linear with the fact that at 200 ft., you will directly enter into the woods. From there, it would be easier for you to follow red, orange, and blue markers.

The land is owned by the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreations. You can contact them to get details about the track before actually going there.


8. Graham Hills – Our Favorite DH Trail in New York

Graham Hills Trail Park
Credits: Flickr
  • Length: 7 miles
  • Est. riding time: 30 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: (914) 231-4500
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

Consisting of both steep and downhill terrains, Graham Hills could be regarded as one of the most fantastic mountain bike trails in New York City.

Starting with obvious, it’s not too long as the trail’s total distance is about 7 miles. The singletrack contains bumps and rocks, so it will take you about half an hour to complete the track accordingly.

Suitable for intermediate and advanced level riders, you could just bring your bike here and start cruising through the hills loaded with downhill surfaces.

There is a retired motocross track available in the hills that bikers could utilize according to their preferences and roam on that track.


9. Berm-Out Mountain Bike Trail – Includes Bridges

Berm-Out Mountain Bike Trail
Credits: REI
  • Length: 1 mile
  • Est. riding time: 15 to 30 minutes
  • Helpline numbers: N/A
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

Indeed one of the shortest trails out there, the Berm-Out trail barely measures 1.5 kilometres which roughly makes only 1 mile.

The trail is a dead-end consisting of both uphill and downhill terrains.

What’s even more impressive is that it contains bridges along with some beautiful and unique views to enhance your riding experience.

Not to forget, the trail is not suitable for beginners at all. We’d only suggest you go there, especially if you possess advanced biking skills.

Windham Area Recreation Foundation manages the trail. Riders could contact the relevant managers to know more about the place before visiting there.


10. Ellicottville Epic

  • Length: 31 miles
  • Est. riding time: 2 hours 4 minutes.
  • Helpline numbers: N/A
  • Restaurants: Yes
  • Hotels: Yes

A certified mountain bike trail from IMBA, Ellicottville Epic presents aesthetic and eye-catchy views to the riders who want to escape the leisure of sophisticated New York City.

Build by mountain bikers, Ellicottville is home to several singletrack terrains spreading at 31 miles that you can cover in about 2 hours and 4 minutes.

The trail is suitable for intermediates. However, beginners could also take advantage of it and enjoy their time there.

You will get entertained with steep climbs followed by smooth downhill terrains. The mountains and woods will welcome you with something that you probably would’ve never experienced before.

Make sure that you pack the necessary equipment before hitting this trail system, as it is full of challenges that you’ll love.


Top 5 Bike Parks in New York

Highbridge Mountain Bike Park

Highbridge Mountain Bike Park
Credits: 57Hours

Highbridge Mountain Bike Park is located near New York, where you can ride your bike and enjoy the hike over there.

Although the place is not as maintained as other parks, you will certainly like it for its smooth downhill terrain.

Cunningham Park for Mountain Biking

Cunningham Park for Mountain Biking
Credits: Reddit, u/Bike_diaries

Located right in the middle of the Queens, Cunningham Park is well-maintained and looked after by the government.

The residents living nearby the park also take good care of it. The park contains multiple tracks for you to try on your bike. This place is very well-navigated, and you will undoubtedly feel comfortable while riding on the trails here.

Mosholu-Pelham Greenway

If you do not like to visit crowded biking areas, give Mosholu-Pelham Greenway a chance, and we assure you that this place will not disappoint you.

Peaceful and calm even on the weekends, this park could be utilized for learning and improving your ride on a mountain bike.

Sprain Ridge Park

Sprain Ridge Park MTB Trail
Credits: MTB Project

This woody trail park offers several tracks for hiking and riding mountain bikes, with multiple accessories and equipment available for rent. You can visit the park to spend some quality time with your friends and family as well.

Hempstead Harbor Woods

Hempstead Harbor Woods MTB Trail
Credits: Trail Forks

Hempstead Harbor Woods is the last biking park on our list available in New York City. 

The place is undoubtedly new, but it’s becoming popular with every passing day. Give it a go, and we are sure you’ll love riding your mountain bike in this park.

MTB Clubs and Groups to Join for a Ride in New York City

The only well-known biking group available in NYC is Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers (CLIMB), which maintains different trails.

You can connect with the group by visiting their official site: http://www.climbonline.org/.

Other than that, Windham Area Recreation Foundation is a small group of enthusiasts who have covered almost three long trails. You can find them on.

Final Takeaways:

Choosing from a list of mountain bike trails in New York will give you a headache, and that’s the main motive behind compiling and organizing this guide.

It will not only help you find the best areas available for a ride in New York, but you can also scroll down to find the top MTB parks as well as MTB groups to join in the area.

Please go through it, pick the spot that you like the most, and head over there to experience mountain biking in its true essence.

Happy Mountain Biking!

Photo of author

Written By

From riding to school since the age of 13, attending BMX races and events with his dad to himself conquering 50+ trails across the globe. For Rob, his Giant Stance 29 2 2020 is the friend that makes everything better. He is also a proud member of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

Leave a Comment

Related Post