Serene lake view with rocky shoreline and lush greenery. Two people are walking along the gravel path by the water. In the background, a rocky cliff is lined with trees, and a house is perched above on the hillside under a clear blue sky. Minnewaska State Park mountain bike trail.
See all photos (50)
×
User
Today
 
  |   Rate it:

Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 15 mi (24.1 km)
Surface: Fire Road
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +589/ -609 ft
Total: 62 riders
 

Mountain Biking Minnewaska State Park

****   Add a review
#54 of 301 mountain bike trails in New York
#2,347 in the world

There are multiple spots to park but the best starting point is Minnewaska State
Park main parking. The upper parking lot overlooking Lake Minnewaska is best.
This is mostly loose gravel and all carriage roads. This is not for the
hammerhead but more for the beginner with fantastic views. First three miles
is mostly climbing but not too steep a grade. If your looking to bomb, this isn't
the place. It is shared by hikers so caution is advised. Many of the trails can be
connected for many miles. Maybe 1000' of climbing or so. Trails are very well
marked. I took the Upper Awosting trail 3.1 miles to the Lake Awosting trail,
around Lake Awosting. I then took the Castle Point trail back to the parking.
The views from Castle Point and Kempton Ledge are amazing. I went during fall
foliage and it was great. This loop totaled about 12 miles. You can get some
speed on the way down from Kempton Ledge so be careful. Many exposed
ledges!

First added by bikeit420 on Oct 9, 2011. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
Lake Minnewaska is located on route 44/55 in Ulster County, New York. Upon
exiting the New York State Thruway in New Paltz (Exit 18) (north or south), make
a LEFT on Route 299. Stay on 299 for approximately 6 miles. At Junction Route
44/55 make a Right. Park entrance is about 6 miles up winding mountain road on
Left.


Minnewaska State Park Trail map

Add to or improve this map // Share this map on your website

Local Info

Club Sponsor

-

Local Bike Shop

Trail checkins

surfx818 (Nov 6, 2024)
What's this?

Upcoming Events

None.
Add one

Trail conditions

Good (Jul 10, 2017)
login to update

Camping & Lodging

Coming soon!

Minnewaska State Park videos

Add a video
 
 
 
 
 
These videos have been shared by members of the Singletracks community. Report inappropriate content here.

More trail photos




Mountain Bike Trails Near New Paltz, New York

Beginner | 10 mi
| 1.2 mi

Add a review

Rating
 
Difficulty
 
Review

Reviews

  • @biker_bran
    ****

    I ride here with my family. Nice wide carriage trails but watch your speed. Lots of hikers and slower riders. Not a place for thrill seekers but the views are killer. Be prepared for uphills. $8 all day parking. Closes at dusk.

    Reply | Thank
  • qq
    *****

    Awesome views with a long uphill ride. The trails aren't technical at all, but the location makes it worth the ride. We parked at Spring Farms rode (about 20 miles round trip) to the Mohonk Mountain house and back.

    Reply | Thank
  • roadandmud
    ****

    This is one of the most scenic places to ride in New York State. Not much single track but a lot of mountain top close to the edge riding. Some really nice long climbs which are a lot more fun on the way down. A few places where if you are going too fast or can't stop you may find yourself getting a few hundred feet of air. There are two nice lakes in the area to cool off in after your ride, Lots of mountain climbers in this area.

    Reply | Thank
  • bikeit420   ✓ supporter
    ***

    I have xc skied here many times. First time riding it. Although it is relatively easy the scenery is amazing. No better time than the fall. About a 3 mile climb but worth it. Many trails could be connected for many miles. Not for the hammerhead although there are some exposed ledges on the way down. Bring your camera. There is an $8 fee unless you have and Empire Pass. There are many hikers here so watch for them.

    Reply | Thank

Rider questions