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Blue Mountain Reservation
Location: Peekskill, Westchester County, NY
Length: Approx. 30 miles across 1600 acres
Difficulty: 20% beginner, 20% intermediate, 60% expert
Description: Blue Mountain is one of the best trail systems in the Northeast. The product of a healthy relationship between Westchester Parks and the Westchester Mountain Bike Association, Blue showcases the best mix of rocky technical trails, fast and flowy (but still technical) cruisers, quad-killing technical climbs and cross-stuntry goodness in New York (and New Jersey). It’s easy to have a rough ride at Blue, if you don’t know where to start or what to ride. Even the carriage roads can make for a tough time, as the exposed rocks make for a technical challenge that can rival some of the singletrack. But the most popular route (and the “Chainstretcher” race route) begins with the gently climbing carriage road named the “Dickey Brook” trail, which leads to a big climb up “Ned’s Left Lung.” From there, you’re at one of the highest points for bikes in the park, and you can choose your way back down via the Stinger trails or via the SIS/Upper SIS/Crossover combination. If you’re looking for an extra challenge, try the Monster trail (from the powerline entrance near Montrose Station Road- more descending than climbing that way), and keep your eyes peeled for all the technical alternate lines off to the side of the trail. “My Favorite Trail” is another Blue Mountain classic, with extremely technical slow-speed moves, big rollers, a few good drops, and rock gardens that will leave you shaking your head. Don’t get discouraged after your first trip to Blue Mountain- it’s natural to come away thinking “how do people ride this,” but it’s the challenge that keeps riders coming back week after week, month after month, year after year… and you’ll never get tired of riding and challenging yourself at Blue Mountain.
Directions: By Car-From the Sprain Brook Parkway/Taconic Parkway, exit onto 9A (Briarcliff-Peekskill Highway) right after the Route 117 exit for Graham Hills. 9A eventually merges with 9 at the Hudson River just South of Croton-on-Hudson. Continue North, exiting at Welcher Avenue. At the light turn right, and follow Welcher Avenue straight into the park. Past the entry gate, bear left and follow the road around the lake to the back parking lot where most of the mountain bikers park. Parking is $8 from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Drive time is about one hour from NYC. By public transportation- take Metro-North to the Peekskill station (Hudson Line). From the station, climb the steep hill up Hudson Avenue, then turn right on Washington Street and left on Welcher Avenue into the park. It’s about 2.5 miles from the train station to the park.
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Graham Hills
Location: Pleasantville, Westchester County, NY
Length: Approx. 9 miles of trails across 431 acres
Difficulty: 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% expert
Description: More speed-oriented than other Westchester parks, Graham is less technical than Sprain or Blue Mountain, but just as fun. There’s much less exposed slickrock in Graham, and the dirt trails are well-packed, not too tight, and perfect for those who like good climbing matched with fast descending. A couple stop-and-play spots will entertain the cross-stuntry crowd with drops of 2-4 feet, and some of the climbing will test your technical skills, but Graham is more about fast flow than anything else. It’s also the easiest Westchester trail to get to via public transportation from NYC, so it’s a great introduction to Westchester riding for NYC’ers.
Directions: By Car- From the Sprain Brook Parkway/Taconic Parkway Northbound, take the exit for Route 117. At the light, bear right. The park entrance is immediately on your right. Drive time is 45-50 minutes from NYC. By public transportation- Take Metro-North to the Pleasantville station (Harlem Line). Exit up the southernmost staircase (at the rear of the train). At the top of the stairs, hang a right on Bedford Road. Within 100 yards, Bedford Road splits left while Pleasantville Road continues straight ahead- make a left turn to stay on Bedford Road (you’ll see the 7-Eleven on your left. Continue up the hill on Bedford Road (Route 117), and the park entrance is a mile from the train station on your left.
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Sprain Ridge Park
Location: Yonkers, Westchester County, NY
Length: Approx. 8 miles of trails across 278 acres
Difficulty: 30% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% expert
Description: Sprain is a mix of technical cross country, fast flowy trails and big freeride lines. It’s located on the top of a small ridge line, so there’s plenty of exposed rock to play on. Many expert lines are located just to the side of the main trail, making it a great place for groups of varying abilities, but to enjoy Sprain, you should really be an intermediate rider with good technical skills. Beginner trails are located on the West side of the park (the beginner trail head is marked on the map below), and are considerably less technical than the intermediate and advanced trails. For the fearless, there are drops ranging from 2 feet to 10+, gap drops, numerous steep rollers and a growing number of skinny log rides. Keep your eyes peeled to the sides of the trail for hidden gems.
Directions: By Car- From the Sprain Brook Parkway Northbound, take the Jackson Avenue exit. Turn left at the light, go straight through the next light, and look for the park entrance about a third of a mile down on the left. Follow the park drive past the pool drop-off area, then turn right into the parking lot. Park in the closest lot, and look for the trail entrance in the corner near the park drive. Drive time is 30-45 minutes from NYC. By public transportation- Take Metro-North to the Hastings-on-Hudson station (Hudson line). From the station, take Main Street the turn right on Farragut Ave., left on Ravensdale Rd. (which turns into Jackson Ave). Park entrance will be on your right approximately 3 miles from the train station.
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Trail Rules & Etiquette
TRAIL RULES & ETIQUETTE
IMBA’s Rules of the Trail
These guidelines for trail behavior are recognized around the world. IMBA developed the “Rules of the Trail” to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-use trails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary, depending on traffic conditions and the intended use of the trail.
1. Ride On Open Trails Only
Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.
2. Leave No Trace
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
3. Control Your Bicycle
Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
4. Yield to Others
Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
5. Never Scare Animals
Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.
6. Plan Ahead
Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
CLICK HERE to see these rules at IMBA.com
NYCMTB Ride Primer
Follow these tips on the trails for a safer and more enjoyable ride:
- Shift into an easier gear and stay seated while climbing. Your bike uses energy much more efficiently when you stay seated and pedal steadily. Lance Armstrong has said that everyone has a limited number of out-of-the-saddle efforts before they run out of gas, so every time you stand up, you’re pushing yourself that much closer to running out of steam.
- Do not skid. The trails are sensitive, and if you spray dirt around, or lock up your brakes and slide, you’re taking dirt off the trail and aiding erosion. Instead, learn to use your front brake more aggressively to slow yourself when necessary.
- If you encounter a muddy patch, ride through it, or walk around it, but do not ride around the side of it. This widens the trail unnecessarily and could encroach on plant and animal habitats near the trail.
- Similarly, if you encounter a trail obstacle that is beyond your ability, do not try to ride around it or create a new route around it. Trail braids are unsightly, unacceptable and contribute to erosion. This is the number one way to upset the trail builders and maintainers. Instead, get off your bike and walk or climb over it.
- Do not build extra trails without the clear and express approval from the proper authorities. This includes building trails to access technical features, drops or jumps. Do not alter or modify the trails in any way.
- Always wear eye protection.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Keep your eyes focused 20-30 feet ahead of you on the trail- look at what’s coming, not what’s under your wheel. You’ll ride straighter and smoother that way.
- Riders descending yield to riders climbing in the opposite direction. It’s much easier to continue riding downhill, while it’s much more difficult to start climbing again once your rhythm is broken.
Trails Outside NYC
TRAILS OUTSIDE NYC
Westchester County (Trails maintained by the WMBA)
- Sprain Ridge (Yonkers, NY)
- Graham Hills (Pleasantville, NY)
- Blue Mountain Reservation (Peekskill, NY)
Hudson Valley
- Ninham MUA (Carmel, NY)
- Clarence Fahnestock State Park
- Stewart State Forest
- Hudson Highlands State Park
- Taconic-Hereford MUA
Long Island (Trails maintained by CLIMB)
- Stillwell Woods
- Bethpage
- East Setauket
- Glacier Ridge
- Rocky Point
- Cathedral Pines
New Jersey (Trails maintained by JORBA)
- Ringwood State Park
- Ramapo/Skyline Drive
- Wawayanda State Park
- Lewis Morris Park
- Allamuchy State Park
- Six Mile Run
- Allaire State Park
- Hartshorne/Huber Woods
- Kittatinny State Park
- Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
- Jungle Habitat
Freeride and DH Trails
- Diablo Freeride Park
Cunningham Park
CUNNINGHAM PARK
Location: Fresh Meadows, Queens, NY
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: 33% beginner, 33% intermediate, 33% expert XC trails, plus a beginner and intermediate dirt jump park with pump track
Description: Cunningham has it all, for riders ranging from absolute beginners to skilled XC’ers in search of a challenge. Cunningham’s trail run the gamut- tight and twisty, technical singletrack, technical rock features and log-overs galore, relative smooth and wide beginner trails (wide enough to pull a baby trailer behind your bike), fast and fun intermediate trails- the only thing it doesn’t have is significant climbing. The total elevation difference in the park is only 40 feet, making the trails perfect for singlespeeders, and the biggest climbs can be cleared with no more than 10 pedal strokes. But don’t let that fool you, Cunningham provides a great workout with constant speed-ups and slow-downs, short and sharp power climbs, and some wide-open, full-speed fast trails. Some have claimed that the Cunningham trails are the most technical on Long Island, and whether you agree with that assessment or not, one thing is certain- Cunningham is fun for everything from a casual cruise with first-time mountain bikers to an all-out hammerfest with the racer crew.
Directions: By Car-From the East or West, take the LIE to the Clearview Expressway South, then take the next exit (73rd Ave). Turn left at the light, the left again at 210th Street. The trailhead is located at 210th Street and 67th Ave. By public transportation- take the F train to Jamaica/179th Street, then pedal east on Hillside Ave, turn left on 188th Street (Saul Weprin St) and right on 73rd Ave, then follow the directions above.
The Cunningham trails were built by and are managed by our friends CLIMB (Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers).
Wolfe's Pond Park
WOLFE'S POND PARK
Please consider a donation to help NYCMTB’s efforts to grow the sport of MTB in New York City.
Location: Tottenville, Staten Island, NY
Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: 50% beginner, 50% intermediate XC trails
Description: Wolfe’s Pond Park mixes a spectacular natural park environment with interesting trails that wind through the glacial ponds and native forest of this oceanfront park. Wolfe’s Pond is perfect for new mountain bikers and families looking for an enjoyable ride through the woods, as well as for intermediate riders interested in progressing their skills on the short steep climbs and twisty and rooty intermediate trails. The trails are still a work in progress, but the existing trails are open to riding, and dirt jump park is in the works for 2009.
Directions: By Car-Wolfe’s Pond Park is located on Hylan Blvd between Huegenot and Seguine Aves. By public transportation- take the Staten Island Railroad to the Prince’s Bay stop, head South on Seguine Ave, the left on Herbert Ave and into the park.
The Wolfe’s Pond trails were built by Matt Lebow, NYARA and volunteers from Ladder 5, and are managed by NYCMTB. The trails are dedicated to New York City’s Bravest.