Hit the trails in the Adirondacks
The woods of the Whiteface Region maybe be best experienced on two wheels. Whether you're looking for extreme downhill thrills, technical mountain climbs, or fast flowing singletrack, the Adirondacks are a must-ride mountain bike destination for you.
In summer, the Wilmington/Whiteface 100K is part of the qualifier series for the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. In the fall, there's the Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival.
These trail systems are largely built and maintained by volunteer members of the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) in collaboration with public agencies, including the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Park Agency, and not-for-profit environmental groups, towns, villages, and private landowners. Stop into a local bike shop for the latest trail conditions or to purchase a map, or visit TrailForks.com.
The trail systems
Hardy Road/Beaver Brook trails
The Hardy Road trail network, located in the Beaver Brook Tract, has become well known all over the Northeast as the place to mountain bike in the Adirondacks. The sandy soil and rolling terrain on the west side of Hardy Road, combined with the 800 foot vertical climb and descent on the east side, make for an awesome day in the saddle.
Trailhead
From the intersection of Route 86 and Route 431 (Whiteface Memorial Highway) in Wilmington, follow Route 86 east toward Jay. After 2.1 miles, turn right on Hardy Road and follow it to the Wilmington Wild Forest, Beaver Brook Tract Trail System (a.k.a. Hardy Road Trails), on the left.
The Flume Trail Network
The Flume Trail Network is the original two-wheeled trail destination in the Adirondacks' Whiteface Region. The lower trails are smooth and flowing. As you gain elevation on the shoulder of Marble Mountain, the terrain becomes increasingly but delightfully technical.
Trailhead
Take Route 86 west from the intersection of Route 86 and Route 431 (Whiteface Memorial Highway) in Wilmington. Follow Route 86 for 2 miles and look for the Flume parking area on the right, just before a bridge over the Ausable River. Overflow parking is located just before the main parking lot, on the opposite side of the road.
Poor Man's Downhill
This unique shuttle run in the Whiteface Region is affectionately known as Poor Man’s Downhill. This beginner's downhill run drops 1,200 feet in 3 miles from the Whiteface Mountain toll road to Wilmington. It is appropriate for any style of mountain bike, but it is rugged, so use caution when riding.
Skills Park
Located behind Little Supermarket, the Skills Park is a must do for any mountain biker in the Adirondacks! It includes a pump track, dirt jumps, and a skills park. What started as just a pump track and dirt jumps has evolved into a comphrensive skill park that was expanded with the help of BETA and Hardy Kids. Features here include jumps, rollers, seesaws, and so much more. Check it out today! (Bonus: it's free!)
Get your fat tire on
Mountain biking is no longer just a warm-weather sport. Fat tire bikes make our trails rideable, even in the winter! If you've never been on a fat tire bike, layer up and rent one from a gear shop. You won't be disappointed!
Hey, there's a map for that
A good map is a great tool to help plan mountain biking trips!
Responsible riding
Follow these tips, tricks, and rules for a safe and enjoyable experience!
- Avoid muddy trails
If your tires are sinking into the mud and leaving ruts, the trail is too muddy to ride on. - Follow Leave No Trace principles
The seven Leave No Trace principles apply to all outdoor recreation, including mountain biking. Get to know them before your next adventure! See the link below for more details. - Only ride on designated mountain biking trails
There are several designations for public land in the Adirondacks, and each dictates what can and can't be done there. To avoid any hassles, and to spend more time on the trail than online doing research, a good rule of thumb is to stick to trails that were designed with mountain biking in mind. Visit BETA's website or speak to staff at local gear shops to learn more. - Ride under control
Adirondack mountain biking trails are also used by hikers. Have fun, but do it in a way that’s not a danger to yourself or others. - Plan ahead and set out prepared
Get information, buy maps, and know where you’re going before setting out. - Respect the animals
Quite simply, if you see wildlife don’t harass it.
Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK
