Outdoor Recreation: Cycling
NOTE: The NYSDEC has developed several accessible recreation facilities in the Catskills for individuals with disabilities. For a complete list go to the DEC’s Accessible Recreation Destinations page and search their lists for Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. For more information about NY state parks and other facilities visit Accessible Outdoor Recreation Destinations in and around the Catskills.
Northern Catskills Park
Mountain Biking
Hunter Mountain Ski Area
Ski Windham
Elm Ridge Wild Forest
Cycling
Moderate: The ride in Spruceton Valley from CR 42 to the head of the valley is one of the most beautiful and pleasant rides in the Catskills. Light traffic and nearly flat terrain with mountain ranges on both the north and south sides of the valley make for a wonderful outing.15 miles, round trip.
Feeling fiesty? Ride over Deep Notch from the hamlet of Shandaken for a full day’s outing.
Bonus: At the end of the road, leave your bike and hike .7 miles along the West Kill to Diamond Notch Falls.
Strenuous: CR 23C in the Towns of Jewett and Hunter offers spectacular scenery and rolling terrain on a quiet country road. 25 miles round trip. Have a meal and a brew in Tannersville at the end of your trip.
Southern Catskills Park
Mountain Biking
Belleayre Mountain Ski Area – no lifts for bicycles at this time, but ORDA is working on making that feature available.
Willowemoc Wild Forest – The trail system around Frick and Hodge Ponds and out to Quick Lake is extensive. The more appropriate snowmobile trails are open to mountain biking, but so are hiking trails. Use caution and be ready to yield to hikers.
Cycling
Moderate: Woodland Valley Rd. from Phoenicia out and back. A beautiful, peaceful ride in one of the Catskills most beautiful valleys. 12.6 miles round trip.
Strenuous: Ride CR 47 (Oliverea-Slide Mtn.-Frost Valley Rd.) from Big Indian to SR 55 just south of Claryville. Go east to SR55A towards Sundown and continue to West Shokan on the Sundown-Peekamoose-Watson Hollow Rd. Turn north on SR28A to Boiceville and then northwest on SR 28, returning to Big Indian. Significant climbing, 64 miles.
Western Catskills Park
Mountain Biking
Snow-mobile Trail off Morton Hill Road – Ride 2.5 miles one-way on an old road bed to the unnamed peaks north of Morton Hill.
Cycling
Moderate: Ride from the parking area just south and west of the intersection of SR 28 and Reservoir Rd. to the Shavertown Bridge on a quiet back road. This gently rolling route offers spectacular views of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains. 10 miles one way. Complete you trip by returning the via the same route or cross the bridge and follow SR 30 back to Reservoir Rd. and your car. Loop 19.7 miles.
Strenuous: Ride a complete loop around the Pepacton Reservoir. This route has significant climbing on its northern section. Start at the SR28/30 intersection west of Margaretville and ride to Downville, using the roads that hug the north side of the reservoir. Then travel back to your starting point via SR 30, BWS Road 8, Reservoir Rd. and SR 28/30. 51 miles.
Northeastern Catskill Region
Mountain Biking
Mine Kill State Park – 8 miles of trails.
Cycling
Easy: Catskill Scenic Trail from Roxbury north and west to Bloomville.
Moderately easy: CR 36 in Roxbury is a lightly traveled, gently rolling road passing through scenic farmlands.
Northwestern Catskill Region
Mountain Biking
Ski Plattekill – This ski area offers fast action on the downhill slopes; serviced with chair lifts. Check their web site for rates and various events and competitions.
Cycling
Easy: Catskill Scenic Rail Trail – see above
Southeastern Catskill Region
Mountain Biking
Vernooy State Forest – A recent addition to the State’s land-holdings, the Vernooey State Forest outside of Ellenville is a great connector between the Catskills and Shawangunks. Several dirt roads make for relaxing mountain bikes rides with little or no other traffic.
Lippman Park in Wawarsing. Built and maintained by enthusiasts.
Cycling
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail – Gentle-grade trail awaits those want to embark on a day-trip between Kingston and Gardiner. 24 miles of completed rail trail in all. Multiple access points. Nearby bike shops in Gardiner, New Paltz and Rosendale.
Bonus: The recently opened section north of Rosendale crosses the 150′ high Rosendale Trestle and passes through the historic Rosendale Cement mining operations and factory ruins.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve – miles of carriage roads.
Bonus: Marvel at Awosting Falls near the park entrance and then ride out to Lake Awosting for a swim.