Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Watervliet, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We are casual cyclists (no ebikes) and decided to take a short ride on this trail. We parked at the Nassau Lake Trailhead which has about 13 parking spots. We headed towards East Greenbush and cycled about 8 miles before turning around. The 8 mile section of the trail we cycled was paved and very well maintained. There was a slight elevation gain in this section but made for a nice downhill on the way back. There were no amenities on the 8 mile route. The trail had a couple of easy street crossings but was mostly off-road.
On the way back, we continued pass the TH parking for about 3 miles to the Village of Nassau to have a look. There is another TH in town next to a small park and across the street from an ice cream shop. This section of the trail in the village was flat. If we had the time, we would have gone further.
I would recommend this trail.
I did the entire trail, excepting the on-road portion in New York. Each section (the two in Vermont and the central part in New York) was quite different from the others, so I've broken my review into 3 parts.
The northern Vermont section (Poultney to Castleton) was in good shape and appears to get a lot of use, maybe 3 to 1 walkers to bikers. The surface of quarter inch gravel was not ideal, but enough has been brushed aside over the years that the ride was smooth and comfortable. It is well-maintained, mowed with no washouts or potholes, and just the right number of historical signs. It is generally well-shaded but probably the least scenic of the three sections.
The southern Vermont section (West Pawlet to West Rupert) was much more open and scenic, especially near Rupert, but Vermont's choice of quarter inch gravel surface is still generally in place so slows down the ride. A short detour to the general store in West Rupert for ice cream was a treat, as was a trail-side stream at the southern end to cool off in. The gentle slope made the northbound ride here more enjoyable than the southbound one. The trail was as well maintained as the northern portion. Ratio probably 4 to 1 bikers over walkers/joggers but fewer of both than the northern section.
The middle section in New York (West Pawlet to Middle Granville) was completely different. Parts of the surface were cinder (perfect for riding) while other parts were completely grass covered (and mowed) and as a result felt much like riding on someone's lawn - soft and slow. The scenery was less interesting, but the section in Granville was nice, with a park and B&B right on the trail. I didn't have time to explore the town, though. Despite the sunny Sunday, I saw few others using this part of the trail.
All in all, the trail was OK and has a lot of potential. With a better stone dust surface, I would have given it a 5-star. If the 4-mile break in New York between sections were completed, this would become a destination ride. With fall colors, it would be exceptional.
Parked in middle waked each way, nice leisurely walk.
Rode this trail as an out-and-back from the Oak Street (northwest) trailhead (limited parking, no facilities). Trail is in great condition (all paved). The south/east half of the trail is the more interesting as it includes an active freight railroad crossing (I got caught!), passing adjacent to a busy freight rail yard, and riding in a cage through a golf course!
There is a portable toilet at the Coons Crossing Road trailhead (note: as of 6/2026 construction has closed the road approaching the trailhead from the north, it is open from the south).
A great ride in the Albany area!
Tough to do on a mountain bike, unless you're an expert. not maintained at all. I would say an ok hiking trail. But not all that scenic. Not what it's billed to be by a long shot.
The surface is paved, and in excellent condition.
The trail is ever so slightly down hill from north to south.
Mostly shaded, and while not amazing scenery, it is a lovely trail. In spring, when sunny, watch to LOTS of turtles on the far bank of a swampy section near the cheshire reservoir (on the west side of the trail)!
Rode 2.5 miles from Wilmington north on mountain tire bikes and it is doable but rough with roots and rocks. Nice bridges but missing signage in some areas, others well marked. No washout areas close to Wilmington.
Morning ride, foggy with lots of little critters, trail is paved with a few hills, views of railyard, picturesque village of Round Lake, mostly forested with wild flowers, very well maintained rail well worth the ride. trail.
We biked from Granville to Rupert, 11 miles one way. It was an excellent ride! The trail is in great shape and parking on Water St. by the Slate Valley Museum was very convenient. I believe the trail continues another 2 miles into West Rupert. If you like gravel rides, I highly recommend this one!
Settle grade difference between start to finish. All paved smooth.No bugs.Crowded with walkers, skaters, and bikers.Windy in the afternoon.
Parked at northern end just S of Orphan Farm Rd, NY; Trail surface is outstanding including numerous portions of elevated sections over wetlands. Did not see much in the way of wildlife. Quite rural with the 1st p potty 10 miles south; Turned back at Millerton; Shade 50% or so.
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