@softrockhardtimes

SOFT ROCK HARD TIMES




ROUTES

· West of the 87
· Cold Spring Clover
· Rotten Apple
· Round Up
· Dirt Audax
· SRHT400


CALENDAR


ABOUT

Mountains out of molehills. Born out of a desire for all day train-accessible dirt adventures based out of NYC, Soft Rock Hard Times is a project to show that, hey, we have some pretty fantastic routes here in our backyard.

Whether you’re training for SRMR, the Colorado Trail Race,  HT550, Tour Divide, or just looking for a simple day trip or overnighter loop, there’s something for everyone. Bikepacking is possible out here! Most of these routes lean towards singletrack and class 4 trails wherever sensible.

Want to practice remote conditions? Skip out on all resupply points. You want to practice handling mountain passes? Ride in the winter*. Thou wouldst like to live deliciously? Use the routes as guides to connect cabins/campgrounds/motels with fine dining and upscale farmstands.

There is always more to find when you take a deeper look locally (or procrastinate on other activities by going doing rabbit holes while perusing RWGPS). Enjoy!

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*Respect trail crews and ride in mtb groomed parks only when conditions are dry. That said, some of the routes are on multi-use paths or stable gravel beds and won’t be negatively impacted by bike use. Read route descriptions for details. Follow advisories when arriving at trailheads.

A lot of these trails are maintained by volunteers. If you’re able to, please donate to JORBA, Palisades MTB, or NEMBA to help keep these trails going!

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Cold Spring Clover

︎  65.3mi (105km)
︎  7662’ (2335m)
︎ 60% unpaved
︎ 30% singletrack
︎  8/10 difficulty


View of the Hudson from the North Beacon vista, August.


Trail Systems

  • Hudson Highlands
  • Clarence Fahnestock
  • Cold Spring gravel
Nowhere else in the area can you find a sustained 1300’ gravel climb with such a spectacular view of the Hudson River - this ride will certainly start off with a lung-busting bang. Start your day off with a jolt of caffeine from one of the numerous cute cafes in Beacon (my favorite is Big Mouth Coffee). The “stem” of this route could be skipped if you choose to forgo the climb in favor of keeping it purely comprised of Fahnestock trails and classic Cold Spring gravel roads. Bring plenty of snacks - there’s not much along the way after leaving Cold Spring.

This route will take you through all three of the primitive bike corridors of Fahnestock: Schoolhouse, Roaring Brook, and Moneyhole. At times, they may feel like a hiking trail. Long Hill and Miller Hill are two significant paved climbs (the steepest section can hit 19%!) that follow in quick succession after descending out of Schoolhouse.

There are a few water spigots listed on the route but they may be turned off seasonally. Bring enough water or bring a filter as a backup.







Scenes from the trail


Camping options

  • Fahnestock
  • Fahnestock (group camp, reservation req)
  • Castle Rock Unique Area
Transit options

  • Beacon
  • Cold Spring
  • Peekskill


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