Why Take a Hike When You Can Bike in Queensbury?
One of the great things about living and working in Queensbury is the abundance of trails, paths and routes available for those of us who love getting around on two wheels. From Queensbury, you can get to just about anywhere – safely – on a bike.
Because the community understands the benefits of cycling on multiple levels, Queensbury and neighboring communities are making it their business to make cycling good business.
In addition to the obvious health benefits of cycling, more people getting around on two wheels means less traffic on our streets, resulting in less congestion on our roadways and a reduced carbon footprint. Because Queensbury continues to attract new business to the area, commuters don’t always need to use their cars to get to work when their job is also in their home town.
Queensbury Bike Trails
Longtime recreational cycling enthusiasts already know what our scenic biking trails have to offer. Whether your goal is to travel the Warren County Bikeway into the village of Lake George for a swim in Shepherd Park, or to go the distance and explore all the beauty, nature, and history the Lake Champlain Bikeways have to offer, there are trails for beginners to advanced riders.
Some of the more scenic trails are also pathways to learning about our region’s rich history during our country’s fight for independence, as well as our role as an early industrial and commercial hub. Routes like the Feeder Canal Park Heritage Trail and the Warren County Bikeway take riders along the routes of the original canal system and the tracks of the Delaware and Hudson Railway.
Off Road Bike Trails Near Queensbury
The road isn’t your style? No worries, mountain trails that cater to all levels and off-road single track courses, from true beginners to seasoned experts, are all within easy distance. From nearby Gurney Lane Recreation Area or the Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve here in Queensbury, to the Caroline Fish Memorial Trail in Chestertown, or over to Gore Mountain, there’s an off-road bike path to please any peddler.
Where To Go Biking In and Around Queensbury:
- Warren County Bikeway: A 9.4-mile paved trail connecting historic Feeder Canal Towpath Trail in Glens Falls and Battlefield Park in Lake George NY. No dogs or motor vehicles allowed on the trail.
- Feeder Canal Towpath Trail: An easy 9-mile one-way trail in Glens Falls that follows the original 1820’s canal system.
- Fifth Peak Trail via Brown Mountain: A 5.8-mile, one-way trail for more experienced bikers, requiring uphill climbs and technical skill in Bolton Landing NY.
- Northwest Bay Trail: A 5-mile trail for more experienced bikers requiring some technical skill due to rocks, roots, and narrow points.
- Lake George Recreation Park: 4 miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails for bike enthusiasts.
- Caroline Fish Memorial Trail (Chestertown NY)
- Garnet Hill Lodge & Resort (North River NY)
- Gore Mountain (North Creek NY)
- Jabe Pond Trail (Hague NY)
- Wardsboro Road Trail (Hague NY)
- Harrisburg Lake, Wilcox Lake & Willis Lake Snowmobile Trails (Stony Creek NY)
- Pack Forest Demonstration Forest (Warrensburg NY)
- Palmer Pond Trail (Chestertown NY)
And, because Queensbury is attracting so many recreational riders from near and far, there are several great bike shops in and around town. The people at Rick’s Bike Shop on Ridge Road in Queensbury have been honing their craft for more than 60 years in this area, and they know just about all there is to know – and all you need to know – about safe, healthy, and challenging riding in our area. (They even make their own studded tires for the diehard all-weather rider.) At Inside Edge on Upper Glen St., experience combines with great service and maintenance for every brand of bicycle made.
Another great resource for cyclists is Grey Ghost Bikes in nearby Glens Falls. Part of their mission is to help expand our already flourishing cycling community and offer the best advice and equipment for all ages and skill levels.
If you haven’t sat in the saddle since you were a tyke on a trike, maybe the best way to test out two wheels is by renting. Or, maybe you have company visiting from out of town, who couldn’t fit their bikes inside their Mini Cooper. No worries there! Lake George Bike Rentals on Canada Street in the village is a nearby solution. Also, if you’re headed north for the day, The Hub in Brant Lake does repairs and adjustments if you need ’em when you’re up there!
So, go ahead and take those two wheels out for a spin. You’ll be burning up calories, cutting out the carbon, and enjoying some great views and rides in a natural setting.