Biking the Carriage Roads

The Gunks are laced with historic carriage roads, wide, smooth gravel paths built in the 1800s, that make for some of the most scenic and beginner-friendly biking anywhere. Mohonk Preserve alone has around 80 miles of them, winding past cliff-top views, open meadows, and forest, with no cars to worry about.

Minnewaska's carriage roads are equally beautiful and a bit more moderate, circling the sky lakes and running out toward the falls. Because the grades are gentle and the surface is even, this is a great option for families or anyone who wants the scenery without a technical mountain-bike trail. You can also just cruise the flat rail trail in New Paltz for an easy ride.

A few details worth knowing before you go: biking needs a day pass, $20 at Mohonk Preserve, or the $10 parking fee at Minnewaska. Helmets are required, and only Class 1 eBikes are allowed. Biking is not permitted when trails are snowy, icy, or soft from thaw. Bring your own bikes, or rentals are available in New Paltz.