The best gravel rides in New York

New York offers nearly 200 gravel bike trails, catering to various skill levels. Among these, you'll find 22 easy routes and 79 moderate paths, providing plenty of options for both beginners and experienced riders.

Yes, New York has a good selection of beginner-friendly gravel bike routes. Many of these are found on converted rail trails, which offer relatively flat and well-maintained surfaces. For example, the Black River Feeder Canal Trail — Boonville is a moderate 20-mile path following a historic canal, ideal for a scenic and less strenuous ride.

New York's gravel bike trails offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find everything from the rugged, mountainous climbs in the Adirondacks and Catskills to the more gentle, rolling hills and flat rail trails in regions like the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes. Many routes combine gravel with paved sections, providing varied surfaces and scenic changes.

New York's gravel routes often pass through stunning natural landscapes and near interesting landmarks. You might encounter crystalline lakes, dense forests, and even waterfalls. For instance, the Finger Lakes region is known for its picturesque lakes and gorges, including the 19 cascading waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park. In the Hudson Valley, you can explore areas like Mohonk Preserve, which features cliffs, forests, and ponds. Some routes also pass by historic sites like the New Croton Dam or offer views of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

Yes, New York offers several options for longer gravel biking adventures. Routes like the Hudson Valley Rail Trail – Lake Minnewaska loop from Poughkeepsie cover nearly 100 kilometers, combining rail trails with scenic loops through areas like Minnewaska State Park Preserve. These longer routes often feature significant elevation changes, providing a challenging experience for those looking to cover more ground.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in New York, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from challenging mountain paths to serene rail trails, and the opportunity to explore stunning natural beauty. Many appreciate the extensive network of unpaved roads and the feeling of immersion in nature, often feeling far removed from city life even on accessible routes.

Yes, many gravel bike routes in New York are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Johnstown to Adirondack Park loop — Fulton County, which explores the edge of the Adirondack Park, or the Mohonk Lake loop from New Paltz, which takes you through the scenic Mohonk Preserve.

Absolutely. New York's varied topography, especially in regions like the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Hudson Highlands, provides numerous opportunities for scenic viewpoints. Routes around Minnewaska State Park Preserve, such as the North Lookout, Mohonk Preserve – Overlook loop from Route 44/55 Overlook, offer stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes, including lakes and dense forests.

Yes, several gravel biking areas in New York are accessible by public transport from NYC, making day trips feasible. The Catskill Mountains, for example, are accessible by commuter train and offer excellent gravel routes like the Catskill Scenic Trail. Additionally, some of NYC's own green spaces, such as Shirley Chisholm State Park, feature gravel trails and are reachable via public transit, providing a quick escape from the city.

The best time for gravel biking in New York is generally from spring through fall (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and the natural scenery is vibrant. Fall is particularly popular for its stunning foliage. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures, snow, and ice, especially in mountainous regions, which can make some trails impassable.

Many gravel routes in New York feature beautiful lakes and water features. The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its large lakes like Seneca Lake, and routes often combine gravel roads with views of these bodies of water. In the Hudson Valley, you can find routes that pass by Mohonk Lake or the Ashokan Reservoir, such as the Ashokan Rail Trail – Frozen Ashokan Reservoir loop from West Hurley.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, New York offers numerous difficult gravel bike trails, particularly in its mountainous regions. Routes like the Indian Brook Road - gravel – Graymoor Spiritual Life Center loop from Manitou in the Hudson Highlands feature significant elevation gains and rugged terrain, providing a demanding and rewarding experience.