In the past, Vassar Farms was known as a BMX and freerider's paradise, complete with jumps, doubles, and numerous wooden ladder features reminiscent of the North Shore. More recently, litigation has forced the removal of those structures (that were built illegally) in favor of smoother, flowier trails. Mountain bikers are fortunate to have access to this system at all and only continue to enjoy such access through responsible trail use.
Nevertheless, the trails at Vassar are not unlike Stewart State Forest, and considerably easier and flowier than most other trail systems in the area. There are some technical sections, but they are generally short and non-threatening. While Vassar isn't much of a draw as a riding destination, the convenient location (the only trail system in the city of Poughkeepsie) makes it perfect for a couple of hot laps after work, or on your lunch break. Interspersed with fireroad and some doubletrack, Vassar even affords adventurous cyclocross riders an opportunity to touch wheels to dirt.
In the summer, Vassar can become taxing, as bushes, shrubbery and undergrowth often obstruct the trail. Mere feet from Vassar College, the spring and fall often find the trails occupied by runners as well, so please be courteous and respectful of other users.
-Updated description by NorthAtlanticDirt
Not much riding there anymore
| ThankThis was once one of the most fun places to ride in the area.. all the wood ramps and bridges are rotting but it's still fun to ride .. people need to rebuild this place like it usedto be .. screw the envienvironment .. we mtn bike that's good enough
| ThankITS A GOOD FUN RIDE THERE ARE SOME small rocks around, there are alot of roots at some points and there are a few hills that are very steep and tough to climb and some nice steep downhill parts with roots and there is also a nice fire road if u just want a nice relaxing ride. and for those who don't know there are no ladder bridges they took all of it down.
| ThankPlease ride responsibly and do not create new trails/stunts at Vassar Farms - keep this trail open for future mountain bikers! Received via email:
Vassar Farms is an ecological preserve. This land is kept as open space to provide community members the opportunity to learn about and interact with nature. In the past, bikers have been a welcome member of the community of users at the preserve. Recently, there has been an explosion in trail construction and excavation to create BMX bowls and jumps. This recent activity is environmentally harmful. It causes erosion, destroys vegetation, and can cause many other types of damage. This destruction threatens many uses of the farm. In addition to environmental concerns, we are concerned about the legal ramifications of having these extreme biking activities on Vassar property. The resulting explosion in use is threatening the mission of the preserve and the continuation mountain biking at the preserve. Thank you for your help.
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