New Route: The Carriage Roads of Mohonk Preserve
A NEW ROUTE: Climbing the Mohonk ridge, this ride then circles through some of the prettiest carriage roads in the Preserve. Shimmering hemlocks, white-rocked cliffs, and surprises tucked around every corner.
With spring’s warmth and green finally here, I took in one of my all-time favorite rides through Mohonk Preserve. Like the Minnewaska route, this ride follows carriageways to some of the prettiest spots in the Shawangunk ridge, a recreationist’s paradise.
On a brilliant mid-April morning, the carriage roads were clear of snow and mud, ascending from the farmland dotted with barns and fields to the top of the ridge, and famed Mohonk Mountain House.
Cedar trail signs at Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz, New York. The carriage roads are well-marked and tended, but make sure you have a paper map with you, or load the RideWithGPS app on your phone and bring along a backup phone charger.
Here are some things to note about this ride:
- Only Class 1 (pedal-assist, no throttle) electric bikes are allowed on the carriage roads of Mohonk Preserve.
- The cost of a day pass for bikers in the park is $20.00 per day. However, if you purchase an annual membership for $105, this gives you and your bike unlimited free access for a year. (Hike-only passes are $60.00/year).
- The park opens at 9:00 for the general public, but if you have the annual member’s pass, you can get in at 7:00am — highly recommended (especially if you’re a photographer and love that early morning light). Do yourself a favor and get the member’s pass!
- Bikes are allowed on carriage roads only. There are 71 miles of carriage roads, and enough connections to get you from one to another so you shouldn’t be tempted to sneak onto trails.
The glassy blue Mohonk Lake, with the Mohonk Mountain House in the distance. The new route skirts the lake and brings you to the incredible resort. New Paltz, New York.
More e-bike routes you might like:
An Empire State Trail Loop Ride: The Maybrook Trailway Past Whaley Lake
Ride the newly-opened Maybrook Trailway segment of the Empire State Trail; then, return via peaceful rural backroads, creating the perfect 17-mile loop for your electric bike.
The Sherman
From Sherman, Connecticut, cross into New York State and ride "The Oblong", a slice of historic disputed territory now given to forest and farm.
The Omega
Go slow on these gentle country roads. No big hills, just pretty farms and classic mid-Hudson Valley scenery.
Further Afield: Franklin Parker Preserve
Old cranberry bogs, twisted pitch pine forests and remarkable wetlands teeming with animal life and rare plants are the enchanting backdrop for this electric bike ride through the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.