FATMAP by Strava

Blue Mountain Intermediate Loop

New York City

A go-to ride for the locals.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
9.8 km
Ascent
225 m
Descent
225 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
26 m
High Point
144 m
Gradient
Blue Mountain Intermediate Loop Map

Blue Mountain Reservation is the top mountain biking destination in the Hudson River Valley. The trail network is notorious for its countless rocks, boulders, and session opportunities. If you're looking for an alternative to the longer advanced loop, this is for you.

Description

Every feature has a ride-around, and there are options to take doubletrack back to the trailhead should you need to cut the ride short. Know that most trail intersections are unmarked, making this network hard to navigate without GPS.

The owner of the local bike shop, Yorktown Cycles, prefers some variation of this loop as his go-to route. It's the best bang for the buck, without retracing your steps.

Beginning at the parking lot on the northeast corner of the pond, climb "2 Live Crew" to "Yang." Alternatively, you could also follow the wider Dickey Brook Trail.

"Limbo" connects to the start of "Upper SIS." After some fun, windy singletrack, you can connect to "Stinger." A short piece of doubletrack connects into most riders' favorite segment, appropriately named "My Favorite Trail." Currently, its the only one-way trail in the park and provides a challenging rocky path that transitions into Rambler.

Finish the ride by following "Switchback" to the main trailhead. Across from the park, a local bar and grill serves as a popular post-ride hub and even better, a brewery lies just a few minutes north near the Peekskill Train Station.

Sources: https://parks.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/BlueMtnmap2015.pdf https://www.yorktowncycles.com/

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between March and November

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Jumps
  • Roots
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens
  • Wooden Feature

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area