Discover West Mountain Bike Park!
(Image courtesy of West Mountain Ski Area)
On July 6, 2017, West Mountain here in Queensbury opened their new bike park.
Originally led by local mountain biker, David Spory, the grassroots mountain biking effort has led to the launch of West Mountain’s intermediate downhill trail “Big Easy” in October 2016. Now the new bike park hosts around 10 miles of cross-country trails at the top of the mountain as well as the more challenging downhill trails, creating options suitable for a range of biking experience and family fun.
These trails offer stunning views of the Hudson River from various parts of the mountain. As an added bonus, trails are accessed by the scenic chairlift ride, offering another fun way to take in the views.
Riders can also enjoy the new pump track, the “Sawmill,” which offers a BMX experience that includes bumps, ramps, and a tabletop. Burgers, beer, and beverages are available on the patio and a picnic area is open on the Crow’s Nest Trail, overlooking the Hudson River Gorge.
This new venture at West Mountain has been funded in part through bed tax grants awarded over the last two years. Three grants totaling $28,000 have allowed the mountain to buy bike hooks for the chairlift as well as a fleet of mountain bikes and helmets to be used as rentals. These grants are set aside for ventures that bring more visitors to the area, and the town is confident that this new family-friendly park is just one more way to make Warren County a destination area for cyclists and tourists alike.
The trails are open Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. (Learn more about ticket and rental prices here.) Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to sit alone in order to ride the chairlift. Children under 18 must have an adult-signed waiver before riding the park. All riders will be required to sign a waiver before admittance. Riding is not allowed on the trails after hours and up hill traffic will not be allowed at any time.
While the park is specifically designed to be family-friendly, biking safety is always important. West Mountain cautions that riding on a mountain can have potential hazards and riders should be aware of natural obstacles like logs and rocks as well as man-made obstacles like the water bars (ditches or mounds created to help control erosion). They advise to always wear a helmet and know your own riding ability. If in doubt, walk your bike. Pay attention to trail signs and barriers. Stay on the trails at all times and be sure to carry out all picnic items. For more information, visit https://www.westmtn.net/mountain-biking/.
Looking for more ways to enjoy West Mountain this fall?
For some fall fun, save October 6-8th and 13th-15th for the Third Annual West Mountain Fall Festival. Currently scheduled activities include pony rides, hay rides (both family-friendly and haunted), hiking, biking, music, vendors, artisans, bounce house, beverage specials, food vendors, and more. Check back for more detailed information as the event draws near.
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