Where to Ride Your Mountain Bike

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Introduction

In most metro NY/NJ park and forest areas, mountain bikes (ATBs), like horses and other alternative trail uses, are allowed only on trails specifically designated for their use. No ATB riding allowed in any NYC park (including Staten Island) nor on the Appalachian Trail. No ATBs are allowed anywhere in Sterling Forest State Park.

Local bike shops are also sources of information and often sponsor group rides. But, always play it safe and check first with the land managing agency as we have heard of some bike shops giving out incorrect or out-dated information. 

See Bike Trail Maintenance Opportunity.

See also: The AMC bicycling page.

Southern New York

East Hudson Maps

• Fahnestock State Park - multi-use trail starting from Pelton Pond Picnic area
• Hubbard Perkins Conservation Area - Schoolhouse Road

Shawangunk Maps

• Minnewaska State Park - extensive network
• Mohonk Preserve, 845/255-0919 - Permit required

Harriman-Bear Maps

• One ATB trail starting from Anthony Wayne area. - Get a free map a the PIPC Visitors Center, Palisades parkway near exit 17.

West Hudson Maps

• Black Rock Forest, 845/534-4517 - Permit required

Stewart Airport Properties

• No permit required - park and ride.

Westchester County

• Old Croton Aqueduct/Trailway State Park - all 26 miles
• Blue Mountain Reservation, 914/593-PARK - most trails
• Graham Hills County Park, 914/593-PARK

Long Island

• Call the LI Greenbelt Trail Conference @ 516/360-0753 
• Write Climb (Concerned LI Mountain Bicyclists), PO Box 203, Woodbury NY 11797.

Catskills Maps

Marked Catskill trails are currently open to ATB's but many are ill-suited for bikes. Look for the trails routed over old woods roads. Please observe the IMBA code; avoid designated wilderness areas.

New Jersey 

For the latest information, we suggest you contact the specific park before you go. NJ Parks Regional Office: 973/827-8848. Also try NJ RailTrails, PO Box 23, Pluckemin NJ 07978. ATB riding is illegal in South Mountain and the other county-owned reservations in Essex County. Morris County parks have some designated bike trails in Mahlon Dickerson, Lewis Morris (the yellow trails) - but beware of crossing into Jockey Hollow where no bikes are allowed except on the paved roads, and possibly other parks.

North Jersey Trails Maps

• Wawayanda State Park - designated trails only
• Ringwood State Park - designated trails only
• Ramapo Mountain State Forest - designated trails only

Kittatinny Trails Maps

• High Point State Park - many designated trails
• Stokes State Forest - many designated trails

Other NJ Parks & Forests

• Allaire
• Allamuchy
• Belleplain
• Cheesequake
• D&R Canal
• Estell Manor
• Hartshorne Woods
• Lebanon
• Monmouth Battlefield
• Parvin
• Round Valley
• Washington's Crossing
• and some others. 

International Mountain Bicycling Association Code of Conduct

1. Ride on open trails only. Respect trail closures, private property, permit requirements, designated wilderness areas.
2. Leave no trace. Don't ride in wet conditions, or off trail, or skid your tires. Leave no litter.
3. Control your bike. Excessive speed frightens and injures people. It also gives mountain biking a bad name and results in trail closures. Be attentive.
4. Always yield to other trail users. Stop, dismount when near horses. Make your approach known in advance with a bell or soft "hello."
5. Never spook wildlife or other animals.

Mountain Bike Issues

• Trail Use Policy NY-NJ Trail Conference
• ATC Trail Management Policies Bicycles (no longer available)
• Off-Road Impacts of Mountain Bikes
• Mountain Bike Policy AHS (no longer available)
• Sierra Club Mtn.Bike Policy & Guidelines
• Studies Weigh Mountain Biking and Hiking Impacts
• BLM Mountain Bike Strategy
• Mountain Bikes Damage Trails

Mountain Bike Club Links

• Ramapo Valley Cycling Club
• Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association

Maps available from: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference