The best traffic-free bike rides in Stewart State Forest

Stewart State Forest offers a diverse landscape for no-traffic road cycling. You'll find approximately 22 miles of gravel roads, ideal for gravel bikes or wider tires, which are often smooth and allow for extensive riding. Some routes also feature mostly paved surfaces, suitable for all skill levels, while others may require good to very good fitness due to elevation changes. The forest's terrain includes deep woods, overgrown farm fields, and numerous ponds, providing varied scenery.

Yes, Stewart State Forest has routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Roadbike loop from Lake Osiris is rated as easy, covering 25.5 km with moderate elevation gain, making it a great option for those new to no-traffic road cycling.

For cyclists seeking a more challenging ride, Stewart State Forest offers several moderate routes. Consider the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge loop from Newburgh, which spans nearly 60 km with over 660 meters of elevation gain, providing a significant workout. Another option is the Deli Breakfast & Lunch – Skydive the Ranch loop from Town of Montgomery, a 64 km route with over 330 meters of climbing.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Stewart State Forest vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter loops around 25 km, such as the Roadbike loop from Lake Osiris, up to longer rides exceeding 60 km, like the Deli Breakfast & Lunch – Skydive the Ranch loop from Town of Montgomery. This allows for rides ranging from a couple of hours to half-day excursions.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Stewart State Forest are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path. The interconnecting paths and service roads within the forest make it easy to create an almost endless number of circular routes. Examples include the View of the Shawangunk Kill loop from Town of Montgomery and the Prospect Hill loop from Newburgh.

Stewart State Forest is enjoyable for cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with fall foliage. The varied environment, including deep woods and fields, provides ever-changing views. While specific seasonal considerations for cycling aren't detailed, the forest's diverse habitats support wildlife observation, which can be particularly rewarding in milder seasons.

Stewart State Forest offers various access points and parking areas for visitors. While specific parking locations for each route are best checked on the individual komoot tour pages, the forest is generally well-equipped for visitor access. Many routes start from nearby towns like Montgomery or Newburgh, where parking options may be available.

Stewart State Forest is rich in natural beauty. Along your no-traffic rides, you can expect to see numerous ponds, including Whalenburgh Pond, Wilkens Pond, and Rowes Pond. The forest also features wetlands, fields, and deep woods. While not directly on a cycling route, the Great Swamp Boardwalk offers a unique experience of the wetlands. The highest point, Buchanan Hill, provides scenic views, and the area is known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and various birds.

Yes, Stewart State Forest offers scenic viewpoints. The Buchanan Hill Trail, which reaches the highest point in the forest at 658 feet, provides panoramic views. The forest is also renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, which can be enjoyed from various elevated points along the routes.

Many of the routes within Stewart State Forest, particularly those on paved or smooth gravel surfaces, are suitable for families. The forest's extensive network of wide, often smooth roads allows for safe and enjoyable rides away from vehicle traffic. Routes rated as 'easy' are generally good choices for families, offering manageable distances and elevation.

Based on available information, general recreational activities like cycling in Stewart State Forest do not typically require special permits. However, it's always advisable to check the official New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website for any updated regulations or specific requirements for certain activities or areas within the forest.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Stewart State Forest, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse and scenic landscapes, and the ability to create varied loops. The extensive network of gravel and paved roads provides ample opportunities for long, uninterrupted rides.