As autumn’s crisp air rolls in, Ulster County erupts with a vibrant mosaic of fiery reds, glowing oranges, and golden yellows—perfect conditions for two-wheeled explorations. If you’re craving an unforgettable weekend—or even multi-day—pedal-powered adventure, fall in Ulster offers world-class routes, scenic rail trails, rugged forest passages, and lakeside loops.
Go further, faster when you explore Ulster County’s scenic beauty by bicycle. Here’s your guide to experiencing Fall on the bike.
Ashokan Rail Trail
This 11-mile crushed-stone path stretches along the North and South Basins of the Ashokan Reservoir. It offers relatively easy gradients, scenic reservoir views framed by fall foliage, and multiple picnic spots. Technical riders and beginners alike will appreciate its smooth surface and striking backdrop of plunging chilly water and sloping hillsides painted in autumn glory.
Perfect for: Relaxed day rides and light bikepacking. Stop and picnic at the overlooks.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Lakes, Ledges & Leaves
Just below New Paltz sits Minnewaska State Park Preserve—22,000 acres of scenery built for bicycle sightseeing. With rugged shale cliffs, rock scrambles, sky lakes, and forested carriage roads, trail riding here is ideal for those seeking a moderate challenge with a high reward. With the undulating topography, remember that every climb has an amazing view waiting for you on top.
You have your choice of stunning options as well: climb to Gertrude’s Nose overlook, cruise down gravel lanes around Lake Minnewaska or Lake Awosting, or find your own adventure and enjoy countless side paths, streams, and panoramic moments.
Highlights:
- 35 miles of carriage roads & 25 miles of natural trails
- Fall foliage mirrored in sky lakes, backed by the climbing hotspot, The Gunks cliffs
Mohonk Preserve & The Trapps
Discover one of Ulster County’s true treasures: the Mohonk Preserve, a nationally recognized Leave No Trace Gold Standard site. Spanning over 8,000 acres of scenic forest, lakes, and sky-high cliffs, the Preserve offers gravel and mountain bikers a network of historic carriage roads that are as rideable as they are breathtaking. The Trapps area—celebrated by hikers and recently ranked #2 on USA Today’s Best Hiking Trails in America—is also a top pick for cyclists seeking peaceful, well-maintained paths with unforgettable views. Whether you’re chasing elevation or coasting lakeside, Mohonk delivers a ride worth the trip. Trail capacity: Over 70 miles of bike-accessible carriage roads.
Attraction: The famed John Burroughs-era woodlands and big-sky ridge panoramas with the crunching of colorful leaves under your wheels as you ride.
Reasons to Ride in Ulster County
The diverse terrain throughout Ulster County makes it both challenging and rewarding. And for every climb, your reward is a view of what makes fall so beautiful in the Catskills. From rail trails to the top of vistas, and passes to gravel roads, there is something for every skill level. Nature’s ability to create hues you can never imagine makes Ulster the epicenter of fall riding. The tapestry of abundant fall colors from inviting ambers to bold crimsons and so much in between offers nonstop photo ops for every cyclist.
Looking for a bike to rent or a tour to take? Try these:
- TRT Bicycles, Rosendale
- Bicycle Depot, New Paltz
- New Paltz Biking
- Hudson Bike Co, Highland
- Springtown Cycles, New Paltz
- Utility Bicycle Works, Kingston
- Easy Riders Ebike Rental, Saugerties
- Overlook Bicycles: Woodstock, Kingston and Shokan
- Guided Bike Tours: Hudson Valley Detours, Saugerties
The Journey Awaits—Let’s Ride
Ulster County isn’t just a region—it’s your autumn stage set for adventure. Wind through reservoirs, climb ridge-lines, splash through leaf-strewn forest—every pedal stroke reveals a burst of autumn magic and memory-making moments.
Seek for yourself this season—your bikepacking story awaits in the heart of Ulster County this fall.
