The best road cycling routes in Macomb State Forest

Ausable Chasm is a must see!

Over millennia, sediment deposited by the Ausable River created a fertile delta used historically for agriculture and timber. Ausable Marsh is managed by the DEC, it supports activities like wildlife observation, photography, fishing, trapping, hunting, and canoeing, crucial for nesting and feeding habitats of diverse waterfowl species.

Cycling around Lower Chateaugay Lake offers a tranquil experience amidst its picturesque surroundings. At approximately a quarter of the size of Upper Chateaugay Lake, it spans 545 acres with an elevation of 1309 feet. Surrounded by private cottages and camps, the lake provides a peaceful setting ideal for cycling. Recreational opportunities abound, including fishing, paddling, boating, and swimming.

Rainbow Falls is a majestic waterfall situated at the head of Ausable Chasm, offering a spectacular sight for visitors. Located near Keeseville, you can enjoy a stunning view of the falls from the bridge on Route 9. For those interested in further exploration, guided walking tours through Ausable Chasm provide an opportunity to delve deeper into this scenic section of the river, experiencing its natural beauty up close.

Cycling by Ausable Chasm offers a unique experience through a sandstone gorge carved over millions of years. The Ausable River, spanning one mile to Lake Champlain, has formed caves and tunnels, including the spectacular Rainbow Falls near the visitor center. The chasm's walls reveal a rare exposure of mid-Cambrian Scyphomedusae jellyfish fossils, adding to its geological significance and scenic beauty.

Cycling by Macomb Reservation State Park offers a chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Summer activities are open from mid-May to Labor Day. The park features a beach, swimming, hiking and nature trails, fishing, and boat rentals. Additional amenities include boat launches, playing fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions, restrooms, showers, and campsites. In winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, making it a year-round destination.

Nestled in the valley between Lyon Mountain and Ellenburg, Chazy Lake offers spectacular scenic views and excellent waters for a variety of year-round watersports. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,541 feet, covering 1,807 acres with a maximum depth of 72 feet and a mean depth of 33 feet. It spans approximately 3.5 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

New York Route 374 near Upper Lake Chateaugay offers a comfortable ride with a generous shoulder, making it ideal for cyclists. The lake, situated at an elevation of 1,309 feet, spans 2,594 acres with a maximum depth of 78 feet and a mean depth of 33 feet. It stretches 3.3 miles in length and 1.5 miles in width, providing scenic views along this pleasant route.