The best cycling routes around Ellenville
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67
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Best touring cycling routes around Ellenville traverse a landscape characterized by forested hills, serene lakes, and historic rail trails. The region offers varied terrain, from gentle paths suitable for families to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes. Touring cyclists can explore the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains foothills, with routes often winding through state parks and along waterways.
Best touring cycling routes around Ellenville
- The most popular touring cycling route is Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting Loop, a 17.0 miles (27.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 39 minutes to complete. This moderate route circles two scenic lakes within Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Lake Maratanza, Awosting Lake and Awosting Falls from Ellenville, a difficult 32.8 miles (52.8 km) path. This route offers extensive views of multiple lakes and waterfalls, providing a challenging ride through varied terrain.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Lippman Park and Vernooy Kill State Forest loop via Kerhonkson, a 25.0 miles (40.3 km) trail leading through state forest and parkland, often completed in about 2 hours 42 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Ellenville is defined by forested hills, tranquil lakes, and historic rail trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family friendly cycling trails Ellenville to more demanding long distance bike trails Ellenville area.
- The routes in Ellenville are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. More than 90 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Ellenville's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
18
riders
27.4km
02:40
410m
410m
The Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting Loop offers a truly spectacular touring cycling experience, winding through dense hardwood forests and along dramatic sheer cliffs. You'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Shawangunk Mountain ridge and the unique
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52.8km
04:20
880m
880m
This touring cycling route from Ellenville takes you deep into the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, offering a challenging yet incredibly scenic ride. You'll traverse historic carriage roads and rougher, technical sections, passing three crystalline sky lakes—Lake Minnewaska, Lake Awosting, and Lake Maratanza—before reaching the dramatic 60-foot Awosting Falls. Expect panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill peaks from various points along the way, making the significant effort worthwhile.
Planning your ride requires a good level of fitness, as this is a difficult 32.8-mile (52.8 km) route with 2898 feet (883 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 4 hours and 19 minutes. Be prepared for the steep Awosting Portal climb, which has an average grade of 9.8% and can reach 11%, potentially requiring you to dismount. The trail can feature rocks, roots, mud, and standing water, especially in technical sections around Lake Awosting.
This route is notable for its use of historic carriage roads, originally built in the late 1800s, which offer a unique cycling experience through a diverse ecosystem of chestnut oak forests and pitch pines. The park provides opportunities for swimming in Lake Awosting during summer, and the Awosting Falls area is a popular spot. It's a rigorous yet visually stunning adventure for advanced cyclists.
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1
riders
40.3km
02:42
460m
460m
The Lippman Park and Vernooy Kill State Forest loop near Kerhonkson offers a diverse touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with a solid challenge. You'll navigate a mix of unpaved and paved roads, following the rushing Vernooy Kill stream through deep hemlock forests before emerging into open farmland with impressive Catskill Mountain views. Keep an eye out for the unique steel bridge over the Rondout, which is accessible only to bikes.
This difficult 25.0-mile (40.3 km) route, featuring 1512 feet (461 metres) of elevation gain, is best tackled by touring cyclists comfortable with some bumpy sections and a sustained effort, taking about 2 hours and 42 minutes. Parking and public restrooms are available at Lippman Park, the starting point. For the most spectacular scenery, plan your ride in the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
The Vernooy Kill State Forest, a relatively recent addition to the state's landholdings, provides a quiet and scenic escape with minimal traffic. This route also offers the option of a shortcut via Cherrytown Road, passing a dude ranch, though the main path over Upper Cherrytown is renowned for its gorgeous farmland and spectacular district views.
65.9km
04:30
370m
370m
Cycle the O&W Rail Trail: Kerhonkson-Kingston Loop, a 40.9-mile moderate route with varied surfaces, historical sites, and scenic views.
5.0
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14
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Awosting Falls is always gorgeous, regardless of season and recent rainfall. It is an easy walk from the parking lot with other little falls and pools on the way up, making it a great trail for small kids. You can see the falls from both the top and bottom via a short trail.
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Head north off of the road for a couple of minutes to find the pretty waterfall. A great spot to take a shaded break off of the bike and cool off.
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Lippman Park is home to a bunch of trails that were designed with mountain biking in mind. Foot traffic is still allowed on the trails, but it's probably best to step aside for all bikes regardless of the scenario since we are out in their territory. The singletrack trails are still fantastic for hiking and running, and there are a bunch of different loop options. The trails aren't super well-marked, though, so it's probably best to take your komoot map with you.
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Lippman Park is a lovely setting to enjoy nature. The park is approximately 115 acres, with a small lake. There are also approximately 15 miles of single track mountain bike trails here, with varying levels of difficulty. The Renegades Mountain Bike Club have developed the trails.
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Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New York enchants with its dramatic cliffs, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Visitors explore diverse trails, waterfalls, and the serene beauty of the Shawangunk Mountains.
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Lippman Park is a lovely setting to enjoy nature. The park is approximately 115 acres, with a small lake. There are also approximately 15 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails here, with varying levels of difficulty. The Renegades Mountain Bike Club have developed the trails.
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This trailhead enters the central section of the O&W Rail Trail. The New York, Ontario and Western (O&W) Railway ran between Ellenville and Kingston. The line has now been converted into a multi-user trail, which is a mix of surfaces. Although the rail trail has some gaps, there are further improvement works to link it together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Ellenville?
There are over 10 touring cycling routes around Ellenville, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The region features a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult paths through its forested hills and along serene lakes.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Ellenville?
Yes, Ellenville offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. These routes often feature gentle paths, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
What are some of the more challenging long-distance cycling routes in the Ellenville area?
For those seeking a challenge, the region offers routes like Lake Maratanza, Awosting Lake and Awosting Falls from Ellenville. This difficult 32.8-mile path provides extensive views and varied terrain, making for a demanding ride.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Ellenville?
Yes, many routes in the Ellenville area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting Loop, which circles two scenic lakes within Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
What kind of scenic viewpoints or natural attractions can I expect to see along the cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes around Ellenville are rich with natural beauty. You can encounter stunning features like Lake Minnewaska, the impressive Awosting Falls, and the picturesque Lake Maratanza. Many routes also offer panoramic views from spots like Gertrude's Nose.
Are there any rail trails suitable for touring bikes in the Ellenville region?
Yes, the Ellenville area features historic rail trails that are excellent for touring cyclists. An example is the O&W Rail Trail: Kerhonkson-Kingston Loop, which offers a relatively flat and scenic ride.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ellenville?
The touring cycling routes in Ellenville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil lake loops to challenging climbs, and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains foothills.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Ellenville?
The best time for touring cycling in Ellenville is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. Autumn offers spectacular foliage, while spring brings blooming wildflowers. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there routes that pass through state parks or forests?
Absolutely. Many routes in the Ellenville area wind through beautiful natural areas. For example, the Lippman Park and Vernooy Kill State Forest loop via Kerhonkson takes you through state forest and parkland, offering a serene cycling experience.
Are there any routes that feature waterfalls?
Yes, you can find routes that include stunning waterfalls. The route Awosting Falls – Overlook loop from Horse Trailer Lot/Awosting Parking Overflow is a great option to experience the beauty of Awosting Falls.
What should I bring for a touring cycling trip in Ellenville?
For touring cycling in Ellenville, it's advisable to bring essentials like water, snacks, a repair kit, and appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions. Depending on the route, a helmet is always recommended, and navigation tools like komoot can be very helpful.
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