The Catskills are home to varied cycling terrain that includes something for all levels – from flat, gravel trails covered by forest canopies and paved, peaceful roadways circling the region’s reservoirs for beginners and intermediate-level riders, to switchback roads offering some of the toughest climbs on the East Coast for expert cyclers and hill addicts.
Cycling in the Catskills not only offers opportunities to explore the region from the seat of your bike, but unique and unexpected ways to enjoy other experiences like the region’s growing craft beer and wine scene, Catskills restaurants, and historical museums and sites.
Routes For Newbies
If you’re just getting into cycling or you’re looking to hone your riding skills, the Catskills offer a variety of beginner and intermediate terrain to explore, as well as opportunities for one of the cycling world’s newest trends: gravel road biking.
Hop on your hybrid bike and try the leisurely gravel trail of the Fallsburg O&W Rail Trail traveling just over four miles along the former Ontario and Western Railroad bed from Mountaindale to the Neversink trailhead in Woodridge. Or, if you find yourself among the rich and lush landscape of the Catskills’ dairy farming region, explore the 26-mile flat-packed gravel Catskill Scenic Trail or venture out to bike the paved country roads of the area and pick up some goodies to enjoy after your ride at a farmers’ market or farm stand.
Cherry Ridge Wild Forest Loop
Cycle around beautiful Cherry Ridge Wild Forest along winding roads that cut right through the dense forest and surrounding farmland in Delaware County.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 29.3 miles
- Route Type: Loop
- Total Elevation Gain: 2,795 ft.
Monticello Loop
Travel to Sullivan County and cruise along the road that borders the Swinging Bridge Reservoir then back up into Monticello, passing multiple ponds along the way. End right on the banks of Sackett Lake and then head into Monticello for the rest of the day to explore the town.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 12.9 miles
- Route Type: Loop
- Total Elevation Gain: 403 ft.
Short Tour of the Shawangunks
The “short” tour of the Shawangunks in Ulster County will have your legs burning yet leave you asking for more. Starting and ending just outside of New Paltz, make sure you stop in town afterward for a delicious meal and mountain town atmosphere.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 30.1 miles
- Route Type: Loop
- Total Elevation Gain: 2,867 ft.
The Grand Fondo Tour
Head out on one of the best racecourses in the Northeast. The Grand Fondo loop in Greene County will be sure to test even the strongest riders. This strenuous ride does have its perks though, the beautiful areas you pass through will surely take your mind off the distance and help pass the time.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 73 miles
- Route Type: Loop
- Total Elevation Gain: 5,432 ft.
For an off-road riding adventure, consider mountain biking in the Catskills through scenic trails and terrain parks that test your abilities and get your heart pumping.
Cycling Events
As home to some of the toughest terrain in the country, the Catskills play host to world-class cycling competitions and events throughout the year, including:
- Tour of the Catskills – Held annually every summer, the Tour of the Catskills offers Pro/Am Stage Races, road races, and includes one of the Northeast’s most challenging climbs: The Devil’s Kitchen.
- Women’s Woodstock Cycling Grand Prix – One of the few women-only cycling races in the United States, this hilly course begins and ends in Woodstock traveling over 50 miles in total.
