The best gravel rides in Hudson Highlands State Park

The park offers a diverse range of terrain for gravel biking. You'll find challenging climbs on rough dirt roads, sections of smooth hardpack, and even some rough and rocky double-track. Some routes may include narrow single-track or short sections requiring hike-a-bike. It's recommended to use tires at least 38mm wide for comfort and control.

There are 18 gravel bike routes available in Hudson Highlands State Park on komoot. Most of these routes are considered difficult, with 13 routes falling into this category, and 5 moderate options.

While many routes in Hudson Highlands State Park are rated as difficult, there are 5 moderate gravel biking options available. These routes still offer a good challenge but might be more suitable for those looking for a less strenuous experience compared to the most demanding trails.

Along the gravel bike routes, you can encounter several interesting sights. You might pass by the Ruins of the Mount Beacon Incline Railway Powerhouse or the Cornish Estate Ruins (North Gate). For stunning vistas, look for viewpoints like the View of the Hudson River from Breakneck Ridge or the View of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge from Anthony's Nose.

Yes, you can find natural features like Brook Falls within Hudson Highlands State Park, which might be accessible or visible from some of the gravel biking routes.

The gravel biking routes in Hudson Highlands State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 19 reviews. Many riders appreciate the diverse landscapes, challenging climbs, and the mix of smooth and rugged unpaved surfaces.

For an advanced and challenging loop, consider the Indian Brook Road - gravel – Sunken Mine Road loop from Garrison. This difficult 44.3-mile (71.3 km) path traverses a mix of white gravel roads and more demanding dirt sections, featuring significant elevation gain.

Yes, for a shorter loop, you could try the School Mountain Road Trail – Indian Brook Road - gravel loop from Cold Spring. This route is 21.6 miles (34.7 km) long and typically takes about 3 hours and 18 minutes to complete, leading through varied terrain.

The park is characterized by rugged mountains, lush forests, and rocky ridges, with terrain sculpted by glaciers. You'll find rolling hills ascending from the Hudson River, ancient Appalachian rocks, and diverse habitats from estuarine shores to high-elevation grasslands. Dominant oak forests, sugar maples, and pine barren ecosystems are common.

While specific recommendations for gravel biking aren't provided, the park's diverse flora and fauna suggest spring and fall offer pleasant conditions with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Winter can be beautiful, but bald eagles are particularly visible then, and conditions might be more challenging for biking. Summer can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are often preferred.

Yes, the region is home to the Old Albany Post Road, which is noted as one of the oldest unpaved roads still in use in the United States. While not explicitly part of the komoot routes provided, its presence highlights the historical significance of gravel roads in the area.

Given the varied terrain, which includes rough dirt roads and rocky sections, it is generally advised to use gravel bike tires at least 38mm wide for better comfort and control on the trails.