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The best singletrack found in Hamilton NY. Bike trails intersect through the running trails.


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Map Key

6.0

Miles

9.7

KM

90%

Singletrack

1,544' 471 m

High

1,120' 341 m

Low

849' 259 m

Up

930' 283 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

This has been hidden from our maps to prevent overlap with existing trails, or because our research has found there is no legal access.

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The sweetest singletrack in the area. Located in the hills above Colgate sits roughly 6 miles of singletrack trails. Most of the singletrack can be ridden in either direction, allowing for a variety of combos.

Description

The most common way to start this ride is to park up in the cemetery above Colgate University. To your left will be a large flowing field. Follow the pseudo road into the trees. You'll then need to navigate a chain link stretched across the trail. This marks the start of your ascent.

The ascent starts on an old truck trail. As you climb into the woods, the trail will Y. Stay to the left where the trail starts to flatten out. Don't be fooled. There is far more climbing ahead. This is the start of a section of the ride we affectionately call The Pain Trail. You'll meander up and down some fun singletrack that has a variety of technical crossings. Near the top of the climb you'll cross over the running trails. Follow the singletrack across the way.

The trail now winds through the trees and across the running trail a few times before depositing you out on the backside of the property. This is an old snowmobile trail that leads right up to the edge of the property. You'll find a wide path ascending upwards next to an open field. Just before you reach the top of this short climb you'll see the entrance to our first downhill only trail to your right. Buckle up and hang on!

Let your bike fly as you navigate a few logs, tight turns, and a 2x6 plank. Mad fun once you know the layout.

You'll end up back on the edge of the property with some awesome rolling terrain that just begs to be ridden as hard and fast as possible. At the end of this section you'll see a green water tower above you. Look for the entrance to the next section of singletrack to your left before reaching the water tank.

Aptly so, we've named this section The Tank Trail. It's a short descent with awesome twists. In the middle you'll find a downed tree that we've cut the trail through. Or you can ride a wooden bridge over the tree. You'll end up back on the first truck trail of the day. At the Y, this time turn right and climb to the top of the hill and venture back on the running trails.

After a few ups and downs with a turn or two you'll be back to the summit of the hill. Here you should find a tail on your right. This, if successfully ridden, is the descent back to the College.

We call this section Mr. Toad's wild ride. You'll flow over the running trails three times via some wicked fun singletrack before you hit the final descent. Here you'll cross the running trail and onto what we call The Car Wash (the weeds grow tall and when covered with dew, they'll drench whatever you're wearing).

This is the final piece of descent of the trail. Towards the bottom, you'll find a wooden bridge the spans a small creek. From there you have one remaining right hand turn until you merge onto the remnants of the old ski hill. Aim for Base Camp and watch out for gopher holes! You're home.

Shared By:

Erik Moore

Trail Ratings

  3.1 from 8 votes

#1

in Hamilton

#3515

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

#1

in Hamilton

#37

in New York

#3,515

Overall
1 Views Last Month
3,809 Since May 15, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Rolling through Colgate's gorgeous hardwood forests.
Nov 30, 2015 near Hamilton, NY
Nothing beats Colgate singletrack in the fall.
Nov 30, 2015 near Hamilton, NY
Lost the Colgate Freshman 15, only to gain it right back on the new bike.
May 11, 2016 near Hamilton, NY
Technical rock section. It's to the right of the trail and not need to be ridden.
May 15, 2013 near Hamilton, NY
Technical shale cliff roll down
Aug 31, 2015 near Hamilton, NY
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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Aug 25, 2017
Jason Nalub
Very confusing run behind Colgate college. Tough to find and stay on the trail. Do not come back.
May 25, 2015
Lily Gibbs
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