The best road cycling routes around Kingston

This road cycling route from Kingston to the Upper Ashokan Reservoir offers a diverse experience, blending challenging road sections with the serene beauty of the Ashokan Rail Trail. You'll navigate significant inclines and hills on routes like 28A before reaching the flat, crushed gravel surface of the ART, which provides spectacular views of the Ashokan Reservoir and the Catskill Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including American Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons, especially around the reservoir's expansive wetlands.

Planning your ride involves preparing for varied terrain; while the Ashokan Rail Trail is easy, the road portions from Kingston are rated moderate and require good fitness. There isn't a continuous dedicated rail trail from Kingston yet, so be ready for road cycling with potential traffic and narrow shoulders on some sections. The ART is ADA-compliant and has no crossing streets, making it a smooth ride once you reach it.

The Ashokan Rail Trail is a world-class, beautifully constructed path opened in 2019, tracing the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad. It's notable for providing public access to the scenic northern shores of the Ashokan Reservoir, a primary source of New York City's drinking water, for the first time in over a century. The route also crosses the impressive 2,850-foot Glenford Dike, an engineering marvel with excellent reservoir views.

The Kingston to Fifth Lake loop via Hurley Mountain Road offers a classic road cycling experience, blending rolling terrain with scenic vistas. As you pedal, you'll pass through quiet rural stretches and open farmlands, eventually reaching the tranquil waters of Fifth Lake, a true highlight of the journey. The route provides a consistent mix of ascents and descents, keeping you engaged as the landscape shifts from forested sections to areas with rugged rock cuts, characteristic of the region's natural beauty.

This moderate road cycling route spans 49.7 miles (80.0 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 2125 feet (648 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 51 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for cyclists with good fitness looking for a substantial yet manageable ride. While specific parking details for the Kingston to Fifth Lake Hurley Mountain Road cycling route aren't detailed, starting points in Kingston usually offer convenient access, and the well-maintained road surfaces are perfect for road bikes.

Known as a top favorite among local road cyclists, this loop is celebrated for its enjoyable nature and varied landscapes. The presence of Fifth Lake along the route ensures picturesque water views, complementing the diverse scenery. This makes it a compelling option for those seeking a rewarding road cycling experience in the Kingston region, offering both a physical challenge and natural beauty.

Embark on a journey along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail from Kingston towards Stone Ridge, a moderate 22.6-mile (36.4 km) cycling route that winds through a picturesque landscape of dense woods, open fields, and farmlands. You'll encounter stunning views of the Wallkill River and the distant Shawangunk Ridge, with the iconic Rosendale Trestle offering a memorable crossing high above Rondout Creek. This ride, with its 911 feet (278 metres) of elevation gain, provides a refreshing escape into nature, taking approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete.

When planning your ride, be prepared for a predominantly unpaved, crushed-stone surface on the rail trail sections. While generally well-maintained, some segments can be rough, especially north of Rosendale, so a bike with wider tires (28mm or larger) is recommended for comfort and ease. The trail is well-shaded by a tree canopy, making it a pleasant option even on sunnier days. Parking is available at various access points along the trail, including in Kingston.

This route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local history, following a former railroad corridor that once transported goods and passengers. It's a fantastic way to experience the region's past while enjoying the present-day scenery, including historic cement-mining facilities. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is also a significant part of the larger Empire State Trail, connecting you to a vast network of multi-use paths across New York State.

The Kingston City Dock – Rosendale Trestle Bridge loop offers a diverse road cycling experience, winding through woodlands, open fields, and past serene lakes. You'll enjoy vistas of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Lakes before reaching the iconic Rosendale Trestle Bridge, which provides expansive views of the Hudson Valley from 150 feet (46 meters) above Rondout Creek. This route blends natural beauty with historical landmarks, making for a memorable ride.

This moderate 27.1-mile (43.6 km) cycling route, with 1028 feet (313 metres) of elevation gain, can typically be completed in just under two hours. While much of the trail is well-paved, some sections, especially north of Rosendale, feature rougher surfaces that might be challenging for road bikes with very narrow tires. It's a good idea to check local weather conditions before you head out, as this can impact your ride.

Part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and the larger Empire State Trail, this loop is well-marked and maintained, ensuring easy navigation. The Rosendale Trestle Bridge itself is a historic marvel, once the highest span bridge in the United States, adding a unique cultural dimension to your ride. This trail is an excellent choice for cyclists looking for a blend of scenic beauty, historical interest, and a good workout in the Hudson Valley.