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A grueling one way ride with some tough terrain, but very rewarding downhill with incredible views!


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Map Key

10.9

Miles

17.6

KM

80%

Singletrack

3,107' 947 m

High

536' 163 m

Low

1,460' 445 m

Up

3,023' 921 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

35%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Can be wet up top so ride it when it is relatively dry out - be prepared, there's no easy way out!

Overview

Starts out with a tough climb, and the entire trail is technical. There's a plane crash site on Kaaterskill High Peak that's interesting to check out, as well as some incredible views off the top of waterfalls (but be careful!)

There's also a fast long downhill at the end of the ride - not for beginners!

Need to Know

This ride is one-way, you'll need to leave a car at the bottom, or endure a tough road ride back up. There's a parking area on Rte 23A in Palenville. I wouldn't do this one alone. Don't forget to stop in at "Circle W" in Palenville for a nice, healthy lunch!

Description

Park on Gillespie Road, a steep dirt road climb to top of Cortina Mountain ski area, and access the trail behind the top of the ski lift. The trail is on State Land, marked as a snowmobile trail, and it can be wet in the spring. Start with an arduous climb for about 1/2 hour, with small ledges along the way. I don't think anyone has ever cleaned every section, but give it a shot and comment if you make it!

The trail levels out and can hold water when it's wet out. Stay left at the first intersection, turn left at the next intersection, and follow signs for Palenville. This would be the place to turn back if you have any doubts! Be prepared for some serious technical downhill. There are no big drops, but let go of the brakes and you'll be flying! The trail crosses two streams, each with spectacular views from the tops of waterfalls.

The last section drops over 1,500 feet! Have fun, ride hard, but be careful!

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Henry

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 10 votes

#3494

Overall
  3.0 from 10 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
10%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
10%
1 Star
30%
Recommended Route Rankings

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in New York

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Overall
8 Views Last Month
8,638 Since Feb 16, 2013
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Photos

smooth singletrack, for a couple hundred feet
Jul 30, 2013 near Palenville, NY
view from Wildcat Falls
Mar 20, 2013 near Palenville, NY
view from Santa Cruz falls, looking at South Mountain...Hudson River can be seen down on the valley floor
Feb 16, 2013 near Palenville, NY
Waterfall
Jul 30, 2013 near Palenville, NY
plane crash site on Kaaterskill High Peak
Feb 16, 2013 near Manorville, NY
Junction
Jul 30, 2013 near Palenville, NY
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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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