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Four Fall Road and Mountain Bike Rides in Central New York

man with a backpack biking

Whether you prefer relaxed road routes or challenging trails, any cyclist can find the perfect place to pedal in Central New York.

The beautiful autumnal views of the region are best captured by bike and among the quiet country roads, serene public parks and rustic paths. A Central New York tour can bring you closer to nature or enhance your travel to the many attractions here.

Ride a bicycle along your own beer trail in Brew Central. Connect a few small-town communities on a multi-day bike trip. Take your two wheels off road in every corner of Central New York.

Here’s a list to get your gears turning and find the best starting points Central New York has to offer.

Bucket List Central New York Bike Rides

Erie Canalway Trail

This massive paved biking and hiking path covers the easternmost portion of the statewide Canalway Trail. Cyclists can ride 86 uninterrupted miles from Little Falls near Utica to the Capital Region.

The savvy cyclo tourist can find plenty of stops for eating, sleeping or sightseeing in the Montgomery County communities of St. Johnsville, Fort Plain, Canajoharie and Amsterdam, which includes the newly opened Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook.

The Ridges of Madison County

Another road biking favorite is the 10 tours that cover the “Ridges of Madison County” just outside of the Syracuse metro area. The recommended routes of varying lengths represent more than 200 miles of cycling-friendly roads.

Other suggestions include the 21-mile “Traverse the Gorge,” 22-mile “Canal Cruise” and “Joy Ride through Main Street America” 16-miler.

Oneonta’s Susquehanna Greenway-Silas Lane Trail

Take a break from baseball and Cooperstown in nearby Oneonta, where mountain biking dominates the landscape. Led by the Susquehanna Greenway-Silas Lane Trail, Oneonta also hosts several other off-road destinations.

Homer Folks State Forest, Wilbur Park and Catella Park-New Island Forest all offer great rides on the outskirts of this small college town.

Short on space to pack your ride? Bike rentals are available at Otsego Bicycles in Oneonta as well as Woodland Bicycles in Milford, where you can pedal over to Glimmerglass State Park just outside of Cooperstown.

Caverns and Countryside in Schoharie County

Schoharie County has some of best outdoor scenery in Central New York and it’s best viewed by bike.

Howe Caverns wide view of the building

Six routes crafted by a local bike enthusiast range from 10.3 to 36.5 miles, taking riders through the area’s scenic countryside and charming small towns. Each tour pairs perfectly with a trip to Howe Caverns, where they begin and end. The caverns are Schoharie County‘s biggest attraction and one of the most fascinating geological phenomena on earth.

Maps are available at Howe Caverns, the Howe Caverns Motel and Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce.

The Center of New York Adventure

These road tours and trails are just a couple of paths to discovering Central New York. Link your biking experience to the historic attractions, craft beverages and other outdoor adventures that make this upstate region worth the trip.