Travel and Vacations

Biking Paths in New York

Story Published on June 18, 2009 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

Though New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world, it is no surprise that people come to NY without ever visiting the city. There is so much natural beauty that few states can compare. If you enjoy cycling, don’t miss the scenic joys of New York State.

If you are new to cycling, the Auburn Fleming Trail in Auburn, NY is a great place to start. This trail began its life at a railroad track. It is a short ride in biking terms (only 3 miles long), but there is tremendous scenery from start to finish. The only caution with this trail is that its inherent popularity makes it a bit crowded with other riders and pedestrians.

Mason Lake of Speculator, New York is the perfect network of trails for the beginner. It is 6 miles of old logging road that has been opened up for mountain biking. The gravel trail is kept well-maintained, has lots of great scenery, and isn’t widely traveled. So, it’s perfect for a leisurely ride in solitude or with friends and family.

If you are looking for a trail with a bit more to offer go to Weedsport, NY. The Erie Canal/Cayuga Country Trail System stretches from Buffalo to Albany. What is especially nice about this trail is the ability to form your own path. The 15 miles of track has many entry ways, which make it easy to customize. There is no shortage of scenery, so be sure to bring your camera.

If you are looking for an absolutely incredible view of the Catskills, you must include the trails of Ninham Mountain fire tower. Just outside Carmel, is the 15 mile loop of the Ninham Mountain. This spot is not as well marked as some of the other trails in Upstate and there are no maps available, so bring a compass or someone who knows the area well.

The Dryer Road Bike Trails located in Victor, New York offers many options to the cyclist who is easily bored. They often add more paths as the season progresses, so a return visit is never wasted. Many of these paths pan out like that of popular ski resorts so they are often easy to navigate. In addition, the variety offers multiple paths at varying skill levels.

The Hither Woods trails of Montauk, New York are for the more experienced biker. There are over 40 miles of extremely scenic trails on 3,000 acres of park land, so it is highly recommended that you get a map of the area so you do not get lost. Not all the trails are well-marked. There are five different trail heads and each trail has something different to offer. Most of the trails are packed sand and relatively narrow and tight with lots of up and down action. So, be especially careful near the cliffs or water. Be prepared for a challenge!

New York is a great state filled with diversity both in culture and landscape. Though this list only mentions a few biking paths, the state is filled with hidden hot spots just waiting to be discovered. Many are worth a repeat visit and I’m sure you’ll find something that is worth your ride.

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