Legendary mountain biking in the Lake Champlain Region
If you prefer to get off the asphalt and experience some thrills of more rugged terrain on your bike, the Lake Champlain Region has plenty to offer. There's everything from blueberry-laden rocky outcroppings to bright green forests deep in the backcountry.
Scenic trail systems with terrain for all skill levels
Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) has played a positive role in the revitalization of the area as a mountain biking mecca with their efforts in both maintenance of existing trails and building of news ones. Speaking of new trail, BETA, in partnership with the Town of Elizabethtown, has worked on creating new trails for the Cobble Hill trail network, which is right in town. While generally intermediate, the roughly 3 miles of trail are incredibly fun, and in perfect condition being so new. It's easy to connect these trails with the BETA maintained Blueberry Hill Trails, a network of 30 trails offering different challenges and lengths no matter your fat-tire or mountain biking abilities. Choose your own adventure via the link up trails, which join other longer trails.
Otis Mountain Ski & Bike Trails is an entire recreation area on an old time ski hill in Elizabethtown. The trails are spread out over more than 600 acres and includes several summits, a waterfall, and plenty of natural and man-made features, including a magical, mythical soda machine.
In a quieter section of the area, Thrall Dam hosts a few miles of gentle mountain biking trails right in the town of Lewis. Once a popular destination because of the lake that existing before the dam was no longer functioning, the town hopes to attract new visitors interested both the incredible wildlife that can be seen at several wetlands, and the trails that are perfect for mountain biking. It's a great option for those initially nervous about the more technical trails found further south in the Boquet Valley.
Ausable Chasm Campground & Recreation Area has 25 miles of mountain bike trails for cyclists of all abilities; from double-wide easier trails to single track challenges. Ausable Chasm is one of the first areas to open in the spring, and features excellent rides just for kids, and weekly races for a variety of age groups. Plus, it's near Ausable Brewing, so what more could you ask for?
Responsible riding
Follow these tips, tricks, and rules for a safe and enjoyable experience!
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Avoid muddy trails
If your tires are sinking into the mud and leaving ruts, the trail is too muddy to ride on. -
Follow Leave No Trace principles
The seven Leave No Trace principles apply to all outdoor recreation, including mountain biking. Get to know them before your next adventure! -
Only ride on designated mountain biking trails
There are several designations for public land in the Adirondacks, and each dictates what can and can't be done there. To avoid any hassles, and to spend more time on the trail than online doing research, a good rule of thumb is to stick to trails that were designed with mountain biking in mind. Visit BETA's website or speak to staff at local gear shops to learn more. -
Ride under control
Adirondack mountain biking trails are also used by hikers. Have fun, but do it in a way that’s not a danger to yourself or others. -
Plan ahead and set out prepared
Get information, buy maps, and know where you’re going before setting out. You can check trail conditions through Trail Forks and at local gear shops. -
Respect the animals
Quite simply, if you see wildlife don’t harass it.
