The best MTB trails in Bethpage State Park

If you're looking for a mountain biking route that keeps you on your toes, the Stillwell Entrance Sign – Blue Trail loop from Plainview delivers. This moderate 19.4-mile (31.3 km) ride, with 672 feet (205 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, winds through cedar and maple forests. You'll encounter a mix of hard-packed dirt, sand, and cobbles, with technical features like the tight trees on "Twisted Sister" and unique timber "stairs" on downhills, making for a truly engaging experience.

This loop requires good fitness and intermediate to advanced bike handling skills, especially given the short, punchy climbs and technical descents. Be aware that sections can get muddy after rain or snow, so checking conditions before you go is a good idea. Parking is generally available near the Plainview starting point, but arriving earlier on busy days is always a smart move.

Stillwell Woods Preserve spans 270 acres of diverse old fields and oak barrens, offering a rich natural setting for your ride. It's renowned for its challenging singletrack and even hosts mountain biking races, highlighting its quality and popularity among local riders. The trails also connect to the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt trail, providing options for extending your adventure if you're up for more.

The Bethpage Bikeway loop offers a pleasant and easy mountain biking experience, primarily on a paved multi-use path that spans 12.9 miles (20.7 km). With a minimal 314 feet (96 metres) of elevation gain, this route is perfect for a relaxed ride, taking approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. You'll pedal through diverse scenery, from suburban stretches to the greener, tree-lined paths within Bethpage State Park and Massapequa Preserve, where you might spot lakes and marshland.

This route is ideal for those seeking beginner mountain bike trails or a family-friendly outing, as the Bethpage Bikeway loop difficulty is rated easy. Parking is readily available in Bethpage, and the trail provides access to amenities like restrooms and picnic areas within Bethpage State Park. It's a great option for a casual ride, especially during the milder seasons, but always check local conditions.

While the bikeway itself is paved, it acts as a crucial connector to more challenging, dedicated mountain biking trails within Bethpage State Park and Trail View State Park. This connectivity allows riders to easily transition from an easy cruise to exploring technical singletrack. The trail also passes by historical points of interest, such as remnants of the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, adding a unique cultural layer to your ride.

The Bethpage Bikeway loop from Plainview offers a unique blend of paved path riding and access to genuine mountain biking trails. As you cycle, you'll pass through pleasant tree-lined sections and alongside golf courses in Bethpage State Park, with opportunities to explore unpaved singletrack. This easy 12.0-mile (19.4 km) route features a modest 252 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour and 23 minutes, making it one of the more popular trails and routes for a quick ride with varied scenery.

For planning your visit, the bikeway is well-equipped with amenities. You'll find restrooms and water fountains conveniently located in the Bethpage State Park picnic area. While the main path is paved, look for signs indicating access to the unpaved trails within Bethpage and Trail View State Parks, which are perfect for Bethpage Bikeway mountain biking beginner friendly routes. Parking is available at several points along the route, making it easy to start your adventure.

This trail is notable for its role as a multi-park connector, linking several significant Long Island parks and offering diverse environments. It also holds a piece of history, with visible remains of the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway near the Bethpage State Park picnic area. The connection to CLIMB trails within the state parks makes it one of the best mountain biking trails near Plainview NY for those seeking off-road experiences.