Explore the best rated trails in Sidney, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and Andes Rail Trail . With more than 15 trails covering 152 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
As others have mentioned, this is a rough trail. Although somewhat scenic, it requires a lot of vigilance to slog through the gravel and overgrown path. We have hybrid tires, so perhaps mountain bikes would offer a more comfortable ride. The high point of our trip was staying at the Stamford inn and eating at the Millpond Inn.
Trail heads were hard to find, parking areas hard to find or not safe looking.
We had a beautiful Saturday for the ride, and surprised to encounter no other bikes! (Just a couple of walkers and 2 on horseback.) We started in Starrucca (at Little Ireland road), and went toward Lanesboro from there. Not clear where to park at the Starrucca trail entrance, but there's room off the road for a couple of cars.
It's always a good day on the trail when you can start with a historical marker! And there is a nice one there on an old railroad work shed that is still standing. The trail stretching north to Stevens Point is largely unimproved, but certainly ride-able with a decent off-road bike. There are stretches of grassy track that are smooth, some pretty rocky stretches that can be rough, and some muddy spots after a rain. But it's really no problem to keep moving, with a pretty steady, gentle downhill grade. Very pretty tree-lined experience, quite shady, with breaks that reveal the beautiful valley below. The stream down to the right, and occasional small waterfalls on the left, make things very pleasant.
When you get to Stevens Point, you do have to cross Starrucca Creek Road, but not a big deal, and you quickly come into the main trailhead parking area at Rockwell Memorial Park. (Thank you, kind Samaritans, for leaving some water bottles there for bikers!! Really saved us!) From there it's clear sailing all the way to Lanesboro. For this stretch, it's a broad, fine-gravel path that is very easy going, with the slight downhill grade continuing. Fantastic to ride along Starrucca Creek as it rushes to meet the Susquehanna. Outstanding dedicated bike bridges over the creek.
Before you know it, you're under the phenomenal Starrucca Viaduct, standing tall and true since the 1850's!! A testament to engineering!
We continued on to the NY border, just to say we did it! That last stretch occasionally puts you right alongside the Susquehanna, which is broad and calm. Trail surface is largely quick good along this stretch, except as you approach the border ... just gets a little rougher, but not bad.
From Starrucca to the NY border was 11.3 miles. We turned right around and went all the way back. Admittedly, the return was harder as you're going back up the gentle grade, especially the last 5 miles in the unimproved section. But it was an epic and fine journey that took us about 3+ hours of riding and a little over 4 hours elapsed time. (For what it's worth, I'll say that we are 60 and 66 years old ... and we weren't trying to set any speed records.)
If you want a less challenging and much shorter round trip, starting at Stevens Point and going down to Lanesboro and back is just the ticket!
Parked in Bloomville and traveled 7 or 8 miles. E bikes with wide tires. There are spots that are a little rough because larger stone base, but they are minimal. Trail is a real beauty. We did see 2 UTV’s, first one was rude. Also gave right of way to a horse and rider. We were concerned the whining of our e bikes might freak him out. We pulled over and shut them off. Beautiful horse, he looked thankful. We’ll be on this one again, especially when the leaves are changing. Canopy covers lots of the trail, so you can get cooled off.
A beautiful start of the trail beneath the Viaduct. It’s newly blacktop/ crushed stone trail heading south towards Starrucca. After about 3 miles it turns to jungle. It’s also all up hill which makes the ride back nicer.
The asphalt part was great, but not long enough. I was on the Scranton part of the trail near the university of Scranton ball field. Very pretty along the river. I did not feel safe or comfortable on the dirt/grass pathways. Definitely would need a buddy to travel further. Pathways weren’t well marked. I followed one path that ended with a no trespassing sign. It’s not a bike trail I would go back to - not worth the effort.
There is actually parking at the trail head by the depot, not far from Main Street in Andes. We only took a short walk with our dogs, and it was very nice.
Wife and I started at Luciana Park and road south for about 4 miles. It was during the week and we had the trail to ourselves. Enjoyable ride headed South, felt like a steady upgrade most the way. Shaded and nice river views most the way. Without being disrespectful to the custodians of the restrooms at Luciana Park……..Find a rest room before you use these! Serious.
Not a big fan, did the entire trail and although the conditions are fine there just isn’t much to see.
Just my opinion, this is a great walking trail. Not long, paved with wide paths. I am sure it’s because it’s a holiday weekend, but it was jam packed and not at all friendly for bikes. People don’t move, they walk 3 or 4 across. Not enjoyable for biking.
Did this trail yesterday from Ararat to Forest city - incredible beauty. Felt it was downhill till FS, but weirdly also felt it was downgrade on the way back? But I was upwind. Couldn’t find parking at Thompson - wasn’t sure of Startucca.
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