Green lakes

[hillman1]

Been out mountain biking here lately. Incredible sections of single track mixed with old roads and minimal pavement. Some of the climbs get tedious, but I'm still in early season condition, the downhills are out of hand, very fast. My girlfriend was catching the singletrack buzz there today for the first time ever. It was beautiful out.

[Joe H.]

Where is this trail system? It sounds great.

[hillman1]

Near Syracuse. It used to be closed to bicycles, but has recently reopened. Quite a few trail are still closed, but what is open is incredible. Terrain for every ability level.

[Joe H.]

Thanks. Unfortunately too far west to be part of my typical summer radius, and way too far from northern VA. If your are in the central Adirondacks you should give Garnet Hill a try or the course of the Black Fly Challenge (just a nice ride through the woods on a dirt road).

Thanks again for your response.

[StonerLakeLover]

How's Green Lakes for cyclocross? Are there any other nice single track areas for cyclocross between Syracuse and the finger lakes? I'm looking for less rocky terrain, rock gardens every once and a while are ok but miles of rocky landscape hurts my rigid fork self. Thanks!

[hillman1]

I think it would be great for cyclocross, I'm actually thinking of picking a cross bike up. I start on rte. 290 and it is a nice little climb to warm up with, then you are on top of rolling meadows interspersed with tons of singletrack. It dumps you out eventually on the other side of the lakes, and there is a great paved downhill.

[ProbKid]

Highland Forest County park (Onondaga Co.) also has some great riding. It's a little more technical, but if you're willing to get a little muddy, you'll have a blast.

There are tons of NYDEC & SUNY-ESF lands adjacent to Highland, but I've never been sure if they allow riding.

[hillman1]

I've rode highland forest alot. It is great. The Morgan hill area has some great riding also. Green lakes is my favorite right now. The trails are in late summer condition.

[StonerLakeLover]

Thanks for the replies! Hills and mud sound right up my alley! I can't wait. Thank you! Good luck getting a cross bike Hillman1, you won't regret it. There's nothing like riding fast in the drops through the woods.