Low Impact Bicycle Rides in the New York / Long Island / Hudson Valley Region

Mountain Biking Long Island

All right!  You wanted to know about some of the better mountain biking sites on Long Island...well, here goes!

It's been a while since I've done any of these, so I'm sure things have changed.  For that reason, I won't try to describe the trails themselves in too much detail.

The Pine Barrens at Rocky Point

This was always my number one MTB ride.  It's about 14 miles of mostly flat, winding forest, with some challenging hills and a few bail-out points.  I heard recently that C.L.I.M.B. (Concerned Long Island Mountain Bikers) has been cutting some new, more challenging trails here, but I can't say for sure.  If you plan to ride here, be sure to get a permit from the NYSDEC by calling 631-444-0273.  Don't take that suggestion lightly, either.

To reach Rocky Point from points west, take the LI Expressway to exit 66 North.  Turn left to travel north on Rt. 21.  This will involve a few zig zags, but try to stick with it.  Rt. 21 is also called "Middle Island Road" and "Yaphank Road" at certain points, but eventually becomes "Rocky Point Road."  Stay on Rt. 21 approximately six miles and pass "Whiskey Road."  Now, look on your left for a parking lot full of cars with bike racks.  It's a small lot and there may not be a space for you.  If not, DO NOT park on Rocky Point Road as your car will likely be towed while you're out on the trail.  Ask one of the regulars where the other lots are, as there are several in the area.

Stillwell Woods at Syosset

One of the most popular, most challenging MTB trails on Long Island, this 4-mile loop is part of the much larger Nassau/Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which leads all the way to Bethpage State Park.

From the LIE, Northern State Parkway, or Southern State Parkway, exit at Route 135 North and continue to Exit 14 East (second to last exit).  Proceed to the third traffic light, which is Southwoods Road.  (Along the way, you'll pass the Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, which houses my bicycle recycling program).  Make a left onto Southwoods Road, pass two traffic lights, pass the Syosset High School on your left, and look for signs for "Stillwell Field" on your right.  Turn into the parking lot and drive past the athletic fields to the far corner of the complex, where you'll usually find several other bikers gearing up for the ride.

If the loop isn't enough for you, ask one of the other riders how to detour onto the Greenbelt Trail that leads, first, to Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury, where you can grab a drink at Pathmark, then on to Bethpage State Park, about 9 miles down the trail.

Bethpage State Park

One of Long Island's finest MTB areas, saved from the wrecking ball by mountain bikers who fought hard against the building of a new golf course here.

Bethpage State Park has, probably, 75 to 100 miles of MTB trails altogether.  They just don't seem to end.  I used to really enjoy getting lost here, as I could never follow the trail markings to save my life. 

The ultimate ride is to reach Bethpage State Park by bicycle from Stillwell Woods in Syosset.  However, if you're not that ambitious, take the LIE or the Northern State Parkway to Rt. 135 South, OR the Southern State Parkway to Rt. 135 North, then proceed to the Bethpage State Park exit.  When you enter the parking lot, turn left and go the far corner of the parking field, where you'll see a trail head sign.  From there, it's all just you and the woods...