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A fast and flowy singletrack trail system near the Windham ski resort.


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Map Key

11.4

Miles

18.3

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,444' 745 m

High

1,769' 539 m

Low

1,227' 374 m

Up

1,227' 374 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The Elm Ridge Trail System is a welcome addition to the mountain bike scene in the northern Catskills thanks to the Windham Area Recreation Foundation. This is cross-country singletrack at its finest with sinuous curves, banked switchbacks, and a few solid climbs. The trails are all well-marked and maps are posted throughout so it's nearly impossible to get lost.

Need to Know

Mountain biking is prohibited on the Windham High Peak Trail past the Lean-to, this area is NYSDEC Wilderness classified land.

Description

Park on Route 23 at the Elm Ridge Wild Forest Parking area. Begin all rides by crossing 23 and taking a left at the Trail Sign-in Kiosk.

For an easy spin, stick to the Fun Loops in the lower elevation.

To extend your ride so that it includes more miles, climbs, and challenging terrain, follow Trail #6 and turn left onto the Escarpment Trail. After a few switchbacks, you'll reach the top of the ridge, and will find the East Gauntlet trail on your right just before the fork with the Elm Ridge Trail (which leads to Peck Road) and the Windham High Peak Trail (no bikes).

Ride the various loops on top of the ridge and descend partway down the south side using the Mid Mountain trail. After you climb back up to the main intersection, you can descend the Escarpment Trail and turn right on Trail #6 back to the Fun Loops.

I don't recommend taking the Escarpment Trail below the intersection with Levitate and Trail #6 because it is popular with hikers and rocky in a not-so-fun way.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Borrell

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 8 votes

#2547

Overall
  3.8 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
13%
Recommended Route Rankings

#25

in New York

#2,547

Overall
18 Views Last Month
12,419 Since Aug 30, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
71%
0%
29%
0%

Photos

Rolling on one of the many bridges in the elm ridge loop
Nov 4, 2019 near Cairo, NY
Incredibly beautiful day.
Oct 15, 2015 near Cairo, NY
Great October ride.
Oct 15, 2015 near Cairo, NY
Fall colors in the Elm Ridge Wild Forest
Oct 13, 2015 near Cairo, NY
Crossroads
Oct 26, 2015 near Cairo, NY
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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