There are so many amazing mountain biking trails in the Adirondacks to choose from. If you’re visiting the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, you’ll want to experience the boreal forests through the various trail networks. The six million acre Adirondack Park is full of intermediate loops, multi-use trail, and epic single track. It’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time and plan out your trip!
From the western edge of Tupper Lake to the eastern border of the Ausable River and everything in between, there are hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails. In this post we’ll be sharing the top Adirondack Mountain bike trails, proper mountain bike trail ethics, and frequently asked questions about biking in the Adirondacks.
Top Adirondack Mountain Bike Trails
With hundreds of miles of bike trails, it’s hard to choose where to ride! Here’s our list of the 10 best mountain biking trails in the Adirondacks:
Ausable Chasm Bike Center
📍 634 NY-373, Keeseville, NY 12944
Ausable Chasm offers over 25 miles of Mountain Bike Trails ideal for children and beginners! With easy and beginner loops wide enough for side-by-side riding, it’s a great place for the whole family to get out on two wheels.
Expert riders can choose to hop on the Wickham Marsh State Trails towards Lake Champlain. Here there are a variety of scenic bike routes known as the Lake Champlain bikeways you may choose to explore. Many of these routes are intended for road cyclists.
Ausable Chasm runs its own mountain bike racing from May through October. Offering three different age and ability categories, this Sunday race series is designed to encourage all kinds of riders to get out and race. With an inexpensive entry fee (kids under 18 race free!) and a variety of great prizes, it’s no surprise these are popular events.
The Megadeth Loop and Punishment Due trail are favorites among experienced riders. Trooper Loop is a great option for beginners and groups riding with children.
Brant Lake Bike Park
📍 27 Market St. Brant Lake, NY
Five miles of pro-built single track and gravel trails begin at The Hub in Brant Lake. Explore 200 acres of pristine Adirondack terrain on these privately owned, publicly accessible trails.
Known for its signature climb, The Stairway to Heaven, this trail system provides stunning, unobstructed views of Brant Lake from above. These views are also accessible by a separate hiking trail.
Funded by local founding partners, two kickstarter campaigns, and a volunteer group of mountain bikers, Brant Lake Bike Park was born. With all trails falling into the blue or black category, this isn’t a great place for beginners. There is, however, a practice loop at the trailhead.
Ricks Run, Constellation, and Golden Carrot are the favorite trails. With Ricks Run leading straight to the lake overlook at Bartonville summit, it’s an obvious favorite.
Head inside after your ride for good food, drinks, and live music at The Hub!
Dewey Mountain Recreation Center
📍 238 George H Lapan Memorial Hwy, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
With a variety of terrain for all riders, the lesser-known Dewey Mountain provides some of the best mountain biking trails in the Adirondacks. Twelve miles of single track mountain biking trails and cross country ski trails are maintained by the Town of Harrietstown and Adirondack Trails and Lakes Outfitters with the help of the volunteers at Dewey Mountain Friends.
Trails are color coded and riders can choose their level of difficulty. Red and purple trails are relatively flat and smooth with very few obstructions making them best for beginners. Green trails start to include more climbing and technicality.
Intermediate to advanced riders will have fun on the blue and black trails which are steep and involve technical rock gardens. A 450-foot climb to the summit provides beautiful views of the Saranac Lake Chain of Lakes. Twister (green), Boulder Dash (blue), and Mumbly Peg (black) have some of the best ratings on Trailforks.
Nearby, the Mt. Pisgah Recreation Center provides additional riding opportunities. It features fun, flowy singletrack trails, including the regions only machine-built flow trail, The Cure. All trails are built and maintained by the Barkeater Trails Alliance.
Flume Network in Wilmington
📍 State Route 86, across from Hungry Trout Resort
Known as the original mountain bike location in the Wilmington area, the Flume Trail Network is rugged and rowdy. It is the oldest known trail network of mountain biking trails in the Adirondacks.
Many of these trails started as unofficial herd paths and have since become officially recognized and maintained by the land manager. Starting as the Poor Mans Downhill Trails by those who couldn’t afford a Whiteface Lift Pass, the no titled Flume Network Trails are challenging and a full-suspension trail bike is highly recommended.
The Wilmington Wild Forest offers over 52 miles of trails over 18 trails. These trails are often shared with hikers and anglers, so be prepared to see others while you’re riding. Poorman’s Downhill, Gulo Gulo, and Bear Claw are the most popular trails at the Flume Network.
Garnet Hill in North Creek
📍 123 4-H Rd, North River, NY 12856
The best Adirondack Mountain Bike trails for beginners needing to rent a bike are the 25 miles of trails at Garnet Hill in North Creek. Garnet Hill features 5 miles of brand new single track and an extensive network of preexisting trails.
Garnet Hill is a rustic Adirondack hotel and resort. This space doubles as a ski area in the winter and offers mountain bike rentals in the summer and fall months.
The Paradox Trail is a fan favorite. At just over a half mile long, this blue trail is great for the whole family! If you’re looking for something a bit more difficult, check out Double Down. This mile long trail includes a black diamond climb followed by a blue, flowy downhill.
If you’re looking for a true downhill experience, check out Gore Mountain. Ride the gondola up to the 3,500-foot summit and gravity-fed downhill trails.
Gurney Lane in Queensbury
📍 18 Gurney Lane, Queensbury
Gurney Lane has the best Adirondack mountain bike trails for beginner and intermediate riders! Gurney Lane features short and sweet, well-marked single track trail. It was recently rated #1 in New York State by Singletracks.
With 7 miles of single track and 6 miles of double wide trails over 152 acres, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. Whether you’re looking for berms, rollers, and flow or technical, chunky runs, Gurney Lane near Lake George Village has you covered.
There’s an upper and lower section at the park. It’s connected by a blue-level trail called Excalibur. Although the connector trail is labeled as blue, it is one of the chunkier trails at Gurney. Luckily, you can also access the upper and lower sections through the parking area.
Our favorite trail to ride is Rogue to Rogue Extension. The black tech trails, Erratic, Rock Buster, and Deal With It, are also a ton of fun!
Hardy Road
📍 Parking lot, Hardy Rd, Wilmington, NY 12997
Hard Road Mountain Biking Trails are perfect for early season riding. Due to its location, in a rain shadow of Whiteface Mountain, the trails stay dry and warm while other locations in the area are cold and muddy.
As one of the first mountain bike specific locations built in the Adirondacks, Hard Road is home to 12 miles of epic riding.
Easy beginner riders should check out Coniferous, a smooth single track that winds its way through a black spruce forest. The tighter, hand-built trails of Make Believe, Upper Twisted, and Twister Pine are also great options.
More advanced riders should look to climb. Take All In which switchbacks nearly 800 vertical feet to the blueberry rock outcrop for amazing views of Whiteface and the ability to fly down All In to Side Pot or Ante Up.
All In, Good Luck, and Twisted Pine are fan favorites. Take the trip over to Quaker Mountain to ride the Three Sisters Trail, another popular ride with great ratings.
McCauley Mountain in Old Forge
📍 300 Mc Cauley Rd, Old Forge, NY 13420
A true mountain bike haven in the lower Adirondacks! McCauley features over 15 miles of machine built and professionally designed trails with more being added every season. The Old Forge Trail System is epic and one that should not be overlooked.
McCauley has a little bit of everything for every type of rider. There are two pump tracks next to the parking area perfect for easy beginner riders and a variety of wider, flatter cross country-style trails. There are also single track trails as well as technical, machine-built flow trails with large berms, rollers, and jumps for intermediate and advanced riders.
We love McCauley as it is a short house drive from our house and provides us with everything we’re looking for. Our favorite trails include Dirt Safari (black), Food Fight (blue), Toga Party (black), and Delta House (blue & newish!). All four trails are downhill only flow style trails with machine built berms and features that are sure to get you excited about your trip!
Adirondack Foothills Trails Alliance hosts the ADK Mountain Bike Festival every fall at McCauley Mountain. It’s a great event where you you get to ride and hangout with like-minded people. Check AFTA’s website for more information.
Oak Mountain
📍 141 Novosel Way, Speculator, NY 12164
Oak Mountain is located in the central Adirondacks and they are going to town on their bike trails! This family-fun-loving Mountain Bike adventure is built entirely by volunteers and the owners of Oak Mountain in Speculator.
The first time we rode this trail system was after a wedding venue appointment at Oak. We knew they were in the process of building and expanding the old trails so we weren’t expecting much. The trails we did ride were well kept and a lot of fun and well maintained!
With our return to the area, we’ve learned that Oak Mountain is working their tail off to expand their biking trails. We’re excited to ride some new trails and have a better understanding of the ones we previously explored. One thing is for certain, Oak Mountain love mountain biking and has some pretty great views.
Oak Mountain does take on volunteers on Thursdays and the second Sunday of every month. They ask that you please bring rakes, clippers and gloves.They’ll even offer you a little extra incentive for your hard work but you’ll have to head on over to find out!
Wheelerville Bike Trails
📍 1737 NY-10 Caroga, NY 12032
The Wheelerville Trail system is some of the gnarliest biking trails the Adirondacks has to offer. First off, if the term earn your turns was a place it would be Wheelerville. Second, whether you love flow trails or technical riding, you’ll love Wheelerville. These are some of the best mountain biking trails in the Adirodnacks.
These newly-constructed biking and hiking trails in the southern Adirondacks have a lot to offer. My first time riding Wheelerville was August of 2021. There was one main climbing trail, Wheelerville traverse to North Country, and then three downhill trails from the summit. Forever Wild (blue) is a downhill-only machine built flow trail featuring berms, jumps and freestyle elements. Live Free and Fly (black) and Deer Thirty (blue) are downhill hybrid trails featuring natural technical terrain in between machine built berms and features.
We returned in June of 2022 to find there was a new climb trail (yay!), Saddle Up, and two new downhill trails. Eagle Eye (blue) and Double Barrel (black) and two amazing flow trails from Saddle Ups first landing. It’s so nice to have a great ‘mid-mountain’ trail as the full climb can take a lot out of you when you do it over and over again.
**Summer 2023 = even more trail work at Wheelerville! The pit connector trail and skills area look great**
Because these trails are affiliated with Adirondack Foothills Trails Alliance and the Town of Caroga, they are well-maintained and always expanding! If you ever want to volunteer your time to help maintenance or build trails, follow Wheelerville Trails on Instagram for regular updates.
Mountain Bike Trail Ethics
All outdoor enthusiasts, including mountain bikers, should be familiar with the Center for Outdoor Ethic’s 7 leave no trace principles. In short, these leave no trace ethics include leaving a place better than you found it by packing out all trash and leaving everything that’s naturally occurring in the space.
Here are 7 ways Mountain Bikers specifically should leave no trace when riding in the Adirondack Mountains
1. Know before you go. Some trail systems are open seasonally or on alternating days. Many apps, like MTB Project and Trailforks, offer up-to-date information on trail conditions and other vital information. Make sure to wear a helmet, pack a spare tube, pump, multi-tool, water, food, and the ten outdoor essentials.
2. Keep singletrack single. Respect trail builders’ hard work, and avoid riding wet or muddy trails. Avoid widening the trail by riding through mud or walking over obstacles instead of going around.
3. Pack out your trash. Have a designated spot in your fanny pack, hydration pack, or jersey for food wrappers and other trash, so you won’t leave them behind or drop them when you’re on the go.
4. “Go” before you go. Inevitably, when nature calls, move well away from trails, water, and campsites. If you need to go number two, be prepared to bury poop in a 6-8” deep cathole at least 200’ from water and trail.
5. Leave nature as you find it. Help preserve the riding experience and character of the trail for riders who come after you by leaving it as you found it. Modifying the trail or building features, unless part of an authorized trail crew, is simply not cool.
6. Protect and keep wildlife wild. Don’t feed wildlife. Your fruit peels and nut shells should be packed out or you’ll be doing this unintentionally. As always, observe animals at a safe distance.
7. Share the trail. Mountain bikers always yield to hikers and horses. Additionally, like hiking, it’s common courtesy for downhill riders to yield to those riding uphill, since it’s much harder for them to get started again from a stop.
Additionally, mountain bikers should always ride in control and stay within their ability level!
Frequently Asked Questions about Adirondack Bike Trails
Where Can I Mountain Bike in the Lake Placid Region?
Beginner riders looking for trails in the Lake Placid region should check out Henry’s Woods and Heaven Hills. These trail systems offer a lot of variety over pretty gentle terrain. Experience riders should look to Lussi and Logger Trails or the Craig Wood Trails. The Lussi trails have the highest concentration of single track in the region are accessible right from town and the Craig Wood Trails are built into an old ski hill.
If you need rental equipment to ride, head over to Mt. Van Hoevenberg. With amazing amenities, including a gift shop, restaurant, and a plethora of Olympic-focused activities, it’s a great day trip for the whole family. Over 18 miles of well-groomed bike trails make this perfect for beginner and first time riders.
Are There Road Cyclists in the Adirondack Mountains?
Road cycling is very popular in the Adirondack Park. Fourteen New York scenic Byways wind through the parks six million acres. What better way to experience the steep climbs, stunning river scenery, and boreal forests than with a scenic cruise?
Choose a cycling route for the day or plan a multi-day scenic tour. Whether you’re seeking a casual ride down a dirt road or intense mileage on the primary and secondary roads of the park, road cycling has your back.
Popular routes include:
Warren County Bikeway which stretches from downtown Glens Falls to Lake George Village
Empire State Trail which highlights the The Champlain Valley Trail section passing through Ticonderoga, Westport, Keeseville, Plattsburg and Rouse’s Point.
Tobie Trail which runs along route 28 and includes pavement, dirt, and gravel roads, and snowmobile trail
Can People of All Abilities Mountain Bike the Adirondacks?
In terms of Mountain biking skill and ability, yes. The mountain biking trails in the Adirondacks lend well to riders at every level. Whether you’re brand new or an expert, you’ll find terrain you love.
If we dig deeper and look into Adaptive Mountain Biking my answer, unfortunately, is I’m not so sure. I don’t know if there are any places where you can rent an adaptive bike within the Adirondack Park. Additionally, I’m not sure which trail systems have trails of the appropriate width for an adaptive mountain bike.
How Do I Find Great Mountain Biking Routes?
Trailforks is a library of routes. With information about mountain biking trails all over the country, it’s our favorite biking research tool. If we can’t find what we’re looking for on Trailforks, we’ll use MTBproject.
How Can I Give Back to the Adirondack Mountain Biking Community?
In the Northern Adirondacks, or the High Peaks region of the park, the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), builds, maintains, and advocates for a system of community and backcountry trails for both ski touring and mountain biking . BETA hosts regular trail work days and fun riding events that are open to locals and visitors alike!
The Central Adirondack Association alongside AFTA, Adirondack Foothills Trails Alliance, oversees and supports the trails of the Central and Lower Adirondacks. From Forestport, through Raquette Lake and Indian Lake, all the way up to Long Lake, these event-driven organizations contribute to mountain biking trails in the Adirondacks. You can give back to them with time and/or donations at any time!
Where Should I Stay When Mountain Biking in the Adirondacks?
One of the best parts of the Adirondacks are all the amazing towns with wonderful accommodations, restaurants, and fun things to do! I would absolutely recommend spending extra time in the Adirondacks when you visit to mountain bike.
If you like to camp, or are simply looking to save money on your trip, check out my list of 15 free campsites in the Adirondack Park! There are so many beautiful places you can stay within the blue line.
A lot of this information has been borrowed from the Barkeater Trail Alliance (BETA)!
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