The best cycling routes in Vernooy Kill State Forest

Touring cycling routes in Vernooy Kill State Forest primarily feature unpaved roads and old logging routes. You'll encounter a diverse landscape with varied topography, including gentle climbs, rolling hills, and some more rugged sections. The routes wind through hemlock thickets, open farmland fields, and offer impressive views of the Catskills. While some sections can be bumpy, they are generally manageable for bikes capable of handling unpaved surfaces.

Yes, the picturesque Vernooy Kill Falls is a prominent natural attraction within the State Forest. This series of waterfalls drops approximately 30 feet in four stages and features wading pools. While the falls are accessible via trails, some cycling routes will bring you close to the area, allowing for a scenic stop.

Beyond the Vernooy Kill Falls, you'll find the unique Balsam Swamp, an extensive balsam fir-mountain laurel swamp. Cyclists can also observe old stone fences and abandoned structures, remnants of the area's past private ownership and farming. The routes often follow the course of several brooks, including the Vernooy, Rondout, and Mombaccus Creek, adding to the natural beauty.

While many routes involve unpaved surfaces, there are options that offer a more moderate experience. For example, the Red Barns at Lippman Park loop from Town of Wawarsing is a 12.7-mile moderate trail that leads through quiet neighborhoods and open fields, making it a good choice for those seeking a less strenuous ride.

Lippman Park in Wawarsing is a common starting point for rides into Vernooy Kill State Forest. It offers convenient parking and amenities, providing easy access to routes that lead into the state forest and connect to broader regional cycling networks.

The spring, summer, and fall seasons generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling. Spring brings fresh foliage and flowing waterfalls, while summer provides lush greenery. Autumn is particularly scenic with vibrant fall colors. Winter cycling is possible but may involve snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, for those seeking a more demanding ride, the Lippman Park and Vernooy Kill State Forest loop via Kerhonkson is a difficult 25.0-mile trail with significant elevation changes, offering a robust challenge and extensive views of the Catskills.

Yes, the broader Hudson Valley region, where Vernooy Kill State Forest is located, is known for its bike touring opportunities. You can integrate rides within the State Forest into longer regional tours that might include rail trails like the O&W, Hudson Valley, and Wallkill Valley Rail Trails. The O&W Rail Trail loop between Kerhonkson and Kingston is an example of a route that utilizes a regional rail trail.

The diverse ecosystem of Vernooy Kill State Forest supports a variety of wildlife. You might encounter white-tailed deer, black bear, rabbits, squirrels, grouse, turkeys, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, fox, mink, and fisher, offering opportunities for observation during your ride.

Yes, the Bald Eagle Viewing Area – Rondout Reservoir loop from Kerhonkson is a moderate 25.5-mile path that features scenic stretches along the Rondout Reservoir, providing beautiful water views and potential wildlife spotting opportunities.

There are six touring cycling routes detailed in this guide for Vernooy Kill State Forest, offering a range of distances and difficulties to explore the region's diverse landscape.

Yes, as you cycle through Vernooy Kill State Forest, you might come across remnants of the area's past. These include old gristmill ruins and abandoned structures, which serve as reminders of its history as private property and farming land.