The best traffic-free bike rides in Bash Bish Falls State Park

There are 13 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in and around Bash Bish Falls State Park. These routes offer a range of difficulties, including 3 easy, 9 moderate, and 1 difficult option, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

The region, situated within the Taconic Mountains, features rolling hills, varied elevations, and winding roads. You'll cycle through dense woodlands, past historical sites, and experience climbs like the Bash Bish Falls bike climb itself, which has sections with grades at or above 10%.

Yes, there are 3 easy routes available. A good option for a more relaxed ride is the Snyder Pond loop from Town of Copake, which is approximately 19.5 km with a modest elevation gain, offering a pleasant experience without significant traffic.

While cycling, you'll be surrounded by dense woodlands, including old-growth forest sections of maple, oak, and beech trees. The park's namesake, Bash Bish Falls, Massachusetts' highest single-drop waterfall, is a prominent natural feature. You might also catch distant glimpses of the Catskills from certain vantage points. The area is contiguous with Mount Washington State Forest and Taconic State Park, offering expansive natural beauty.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Bash Bish Falls State Park, with an average score of 4.25 stars. Cyclists often praise the quiet, scenic roads, the challenging climbs, and the beautiful natural surroundings, especially the vibrant foliage in mid-October.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Taconic State Park – Copake Iron Furnace loop from Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Area is a difficult route spanning nearly 97 km with over 950 meters of elevation gain, offering a demanding and rewarding ride through varied landscapes.

Mid-October is particularly spectacular due to the vibrant fall foliage from the maple, oak, and beech trees. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for cycling. While the region is beautiful year-round, checking local weather forecasts is always recommended before your ride.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the The Ore Pit – Rail Trail North Start loop from Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a moderate circular route that takes you through diverse scenery without traffic.

Yes, the region's connectivity with Taconic State Park provides access to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Routes like the Rail Trail North Start – Rail trail bridge loop from Town of Hillsdale incorporate sections that offer a rail trail experience, often characterized by smoother, flatter terrain.

Yes, the area is rich in history. The adjacent Taconic State Park provides access to the historic Copake Iron Works, which you can explore as part of your cycling adventure. Routes like the Taconic State Park – Copake Iron Furnace loop specifically highlight this historical landmark.

While the overall region offers excellent road cycling, it's worth noting that road conditions near the Bash Bish Falls trailhead can be somewhat rough. However, the scenic beauty and the challenge of navigating curves and hills in this area are highly regarded by cyclists.