The best MTB trails around Oyster Bay Cove

An easy 8.3-mile mountain biking trail in Stillwell Woods Park, offering flowing terrain and a fun ride for all skill levels.

Along The Bluff offers a refreshing mountain biking experience, guiding you along elevated terrain that often provides expansive views of the surrounding area. You'll navigate a mix of hardpacked surfaces and potentially root-strewn sections, characteristic of many bluff trails. The route is designed to be engaging without being overly technical, making it a great choice for a quick, satisfying ride.

For planning your visit, it's always a good idea to confirm trailhead access and parking availability locally, as these can vary. Given its estimated duration of 59 minutes, this trail is ideal for a morning or late afternoon spin, allowing you to fit a quality ride into a busy schedule. Remember to bring water and check for any specific trail conditions or closures before heading out.

This trail is part of a broader network of bluff mountain biking trails, which are known for their unique blend of scenic beauty and varied terrain. While some bluff trails can be quite challenging, this particular route is rated moderate, making it accessible to a wider range of riders. It's a solid option if you're looking for a trail that feels a world away from urban bustle, even if it's surprisingly close to developed areas.

The Blue Trail – Stillwell Entrance Sign loop from Woodbury offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through scenic wooded areas. You'll navigate a mix of hard-packed dirt, occasional sand, and even some challenging timber-created stairs on downhills, adding a unique technical element to the ride. A distinctive feature is riding alongside the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks, which provides a different visual backdrop to the journey.

This easy 5.3-mile (8.6 km) loop, with only 163 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, is a quick ride, taking about 42 minutes. It's suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced riders looking for a fun, varied spin. The trail is part of the Stillwell Woods Park system, which is less than an hour from New York City, making it a convenient option for a quick escape.

Stillwell Woods Park is known for its well-maintained trails, thanks in part to organizations like CLIMB (Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists). The trail system features clear blazes and one-way sections, ensuring a smooth flow for riders. While generally easy, some sections with flowing berms and small tabletops provide an engaging ride, making it one of the best mountain biking trails near Woodbury, NY.

If you're looking for a mountain biking route that keeps you on your toes, the Stillwell Entrance Sign – Blue Trail loop from Plainview delivers. This moderate 19.4-mile (31.3 km) ride, with 672 feet (205 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, winds through cedar and maple forests. You'll encounter a mix of hard-packed dirt, sand, and cobbles, with technical features like the tight trees on "Twisted Sister" and unique timber "stairs" on downhills, making for a truly engaging experience.

This loop requires good fitness and intermediate to advanced bike handling skills, especially given the short, punchy climbs and technical descents. Be aware that sections can get muddy after rain or snow, so checking conditions before you go is a good idea. Parking is generally available near the Plainview starting point, but arriving earlier on busy days is always a smart move.

Stillwell Woods Preserve spans 270 acres of diverse old fields and oak barrens, offering a rich natural setting for your ride. It's renowned for its challenging singletrack and even hosts mountain biking races, highlighting its quality and popularity among local riders. The trails also connect to the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt trail, providing options for extending your adventure if you're up for more.