The best cycling routes in Sullivan County

There are over 10 touring cycling routes in Sullivan County, New York, catering to various skill levels. These routes traverse the diverse landscapes of the Catskill Mountains, offering experiences from moderate to difficult.

The best time for touring cycling in Sullivan County, NY, is typically from spring through fall. The region's rolling hills and dense forests are particularly scenic during these seasons, with autumn offering vibrant foliage. Winter biking is possible but requires specific gear and conditions.

Yes, the region is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls. The route Lake Maratanza, Awosting Lake and Awosting Falls from Ellenville is a difficult 32.8-mile path that specifically passes by Awosting Falls, offering a scenic highlight.

Many touring cycling routes in Sullivan County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Peekamoose Blue Hole and Rondout Reservoir loop is a popular 33.6-mile option, and the Swinging Bridge Reservoir loop from Mongaup Valley is another excellent circular route.

Sullivan County's touring cycling routes feature a mix of terrain. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque stretches alongside rivers like the Delaware and various reservoirs. While some routes offer more gentle, scenic rides, others, like the Lake Maratanza, Awosting Lake and Awosting Falls from Ellenville, include significant elevation gain, making them more challenging.

Yes, Sullivan County offers rail trails that are great for touring cyclists seeking a smoother, flatter experience. The Fallsburg O&W Rail Trail is a leisurely gravel path, and the Delaware & Hudson Canal Linear Park also provides a historic route. You can also explore the Woodridge O&W Rail Trail.

Along the touring cycling routes, you can discover various natural and historical landmarks. The region features several reservoirs, including the Rondout and Swinging Bridge Reservoirs. You might also pass by areas like Walnut Mountain, which offers scenic views, or the Bashakill Trail, a significant wetland area.

Yes, while Sullivan County has challenging routes, there are also moderate options. The Huguenot Hill loop from City of Port Jervis is a moderate 15.2-mile route, and the Bike loop from West End is another moderate 12.3-mile option, both offering enjoyable rides without extreme elevation.

The touring cycling routes in Sullivan County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from scenic reservoir loops to challenging mountain climbs, and the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains.

Yes, the Delaware River forms the county's western border and offers picturesque routes. The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway is particularly recognized for its spectacular scenic vistas along the river, providing a safe and beautiful experience for cyclists.

Absolutely. Sullivan County is rich with lakes and reservoirs that feature prominently in cycling routes. The Peekamoose Blue Hole and Rondout Reservoir loop and the Swinging Bridge Reservoir loop from Mongaup Valley are prime examples, offering tranquil scenery around these bodies of water. You might also pass by Mongaup Pond.

For a quicker ride, you can find shorter routes in Sullivan County. The Bike loop from City of Port Jervis is a moderate 6.5-mile route, perfect for a shorter outing while still enjoying the region's scenery.