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ADK Recreation Interactive Trail Map and Trip Planner

Mountain Biking Adventure Guide
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Your ADKTrailMap.com Adventure will be an experience to treasure!

Double Track Mountain Biking
Double track mountain biking. Photo: NYS DEC

What good is having a mountain bike unless you ride it in actual mountains? The Adirondacks offer an abundance of trails on which to test your endurance. Although mountain biking is a great way to connect with the natural beauty of the Adirondacks and likely less impactful on the environment compared with all-terrain vehicles, some regulations pertaining to mountain biking do exist in the Adirondack Park.

To help you make the most out of your Adirondacks experience, we here at ADKTrailMap.com have assembled a guide to help you have a safe and enjoyable journey while mountain biking. Remember to review this guide each time you pack for your trip to ensure that you don't leave anything behind.

The first stop for planning any trip to New York's Adirondack Mountains should be to ADKTrailMap.com. From here you can plan your route by browsing the map; seeing where to park; searching trails by trail type, level of difficulty, distance, and/or name; and additionally exploring an array of other outdoor recreation activities.

ADK Trail Map Interactive Map
ADK Trail Map No Reception Needed App

ADKTrailMap.com is also available on mobile devices with limited features. For full functionality on smartphones, download our free 'Adirondack Trails' app from the either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Sampling of Mountain Biking Routes

Whiteface Mountain

The end of winter does not spell the end of activities at the Whiteface Ski Area near Lake Placid. Experienced riders will enjoy the greatest vertical drop in the east, while families and less experienced riders will enjoy the beginner and cross country trails. Whiteface has no shortage of trails for riders of all ability levels.

Ausable Chasm

Located in the “Grand Canyon” of New York, just a few miles from the Burlington, VT – Fort Kent, NY ferry, the Ausable Chasm offers both wide double track trails suitable for families and more advanced single track advanced trails. Rentals available.

Black Fly Challenge

Held annually on the second Sunday in June, this mountain bike race traverses 40 miles of Adirondack backcountry near Old Forge. Riders of all levels of ability participate in this race. If you choose not to participate in the race, at other times you can still ride the scenic course.

Winter Mountain Biking
Winter mountain biking near Lake Champlain. Photo:Lake Placid CVB/Flickr

Remember Winter!

Just because winter rolls around does not mean that mountain biking is impossible. Consider renting a “fat bike” and finding some groomed trails for excellent riding. Groomed cross country skiing trails are ideal for fat bikes, however be sure to obtain permission before riding on any groomed trails. If on state land, call the regional Forest Ranger office to check whether or not fat bike riding is permitted on your specific trails. Remember that bicycles are prohibited in any Forest Preserve area classified as “Wilderness.”

Before You Leave Home

Equipment

To ensure a positive experience, PRIOR to leaving, use our helpful checklist to make sure no stone is left unturned when packing for the trip.

Biking with a helmet
This rider is enjoying his ride while wearing a helmet. Photo:Mark Turner/Flickr

Adirondacks Mountain Biking Safety and Decorum

In case of any emergency know the DEC Forest Ranger Adirondacks Emergency Phone Line: 518-891-0235

If you have cell service in the Adirondacks, dialing 911 may direct you to a 911 Dispatcher in a neighboring county or potentially even Vermont. If for any reason a 911 Dispatcher can not assist you, dial the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Phone Line. DEC Forest Rangers are highly trained emergency responders knowledgeable of the geography and subtleties of the Adirondack Mountains.

Respect and help maintain the trails. Some content courtesy of the NYS DEC and the IMBA “Rules of the Trail”