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United States
New York
Westchester County

Thornwood

The best MTB trails around Thornwood

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 31, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Thornwood, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails out there, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it. That's why we've tapped into komoot's incredible community. We've mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so this guide is your shortcut to the best mountain biking Thornwood has to offer, saving you all the guesswork.

Mountain biking in Thornwood is all about that classic wooded singletrack experience. You'll find a fantastic mix of varied terrain, from twisty sections that keep you on your toes to gully sections and even some flatter stretches. Expect features like log rides and mounds over downed trees, offering a good challenge for different skill levels, from moderate to difficult. The area truly delivers on diverse trails that feel like a proper escape into nature.

If you're looking for a solid introduction to the area, we'd start with the popular Blue Trail (Main Loop), a moderate 7.0 miles (11.3 km) ride that perfectly showcases the twisty singletrack and varied terrain. For something a bit different, the Graham Hills Park loop from Village of Pleasantville is another local favorite, offering 5.2 miles (8.3 km) of mixed wooded trails and varied surfaces. With more than 200 mountain bikers already exploring Thornwood with komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Blue Trail (Main Loop)
  2. 2

    Graham Hills Park loop from Pleasantville
  3. 3

    S4 Trail loop from Pleasantville

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Blue Trail (Main Loop)

11.3 km

190 m

Moderate

Graham Hills Park loop from Pleasantville

9.73 km

190 m

Moderate

S4 Trail loop from Pleasantville

6.50 km

130 m

Hard

Tarrytown Reservoir – North County Trailway loop from Pleasantville

32.0 km

440 m

Moderate

1.

Blue Trail (Main Loop)

11.3km

01:05

190m

190m

The Blue Trail (Main Loop) offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, weaving through wooded areas with a mix of natural obstacles. You'll encounter classic singletrack sections, navigate over roots and rocks, and enjoy the flow of varied terrain. It's a trail designed to keep you engaged, providing a scenic journey through forests and natural landscapes.

This moderate 7.0-mile (11.3 km) loop, with 621 feet (189 metres) of elevation gain, is a solid choice for intermediate riders looking to expand their skills. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 4 minutes on the bike, tackling a mix of climbs and descents. While specific parking isn't detailed, arriving early is often wise for popular trails like this.

Serving as a crucial step for riders advancing beyond beginner trails, the Blue Trail (Main Loop) introduces more technical elements and diverse terrain in a manageable way. It's a great option for those seeking a challenge that's not overly demanding, blending natural features with sections that allow for speed and rhythm.

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3.

S4 Trail loop from Pleasantville

6.50km

00:39

130m

120m

The S4 Trail loop from Pleasantville offers a concentrated dose of technical mountain biking within Graham Hills Park. This difficult 4.0-mile (6.5 km) route packs in 425 feet (130 metres) of elevation gain, making for an intense 38-minute ride. You'll encounter challenging singletrack with features like drop-offs, rock faces, and jumps, all set within an immersive forest environment that makes you forget you're in Westchester. It's a demanding ride best suited for experienced mountain bikers looking to push their limits.

Graham Hills Park is a prime spot for mountain biking, being one of the few county parks in Westchester that allows it. If you're traveling from New York City, a 55-minute train ride to Pleasantville followed by a one-mile bike to the park entrance makes it quite accessible. Be ready for a mix of technical climbs and descents, and always check trail conditions, especially after wet weather, to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

This trail is part of a larger network within Graham Hills Park, which is considered

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4.

Tarrytown Reservoir – North County Trailway loop from Pleasantville

32.0km

02:32

440m

440m

The Tarrytown Reservoir – North County Trailway loop from Pleasantville offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, blending the smooth, shaded paths of a rail-trail with the rugged, technical challenges of natural singletrack. You'll cruise along the paved North County Trailway, enjoying views of the Croton Reservoir from a bridge, before diving into the more demanding terrain around the Tarrytown Lakes, where roots, rocks, and mud will test your skills. This moderate 19.9-mile (32.0 km) route, with 1458 feet (444 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete.

This popular route is easily accessible from Pleasantville and is part of a larger countywide trailway system, offering opportunities to extend your ride. While the North County Trailway is generally well-maintained, it's a shared-use path, so expect to encounter pedestrians and other cyclists. The more technical sections around the reservoir require good fitness and advanced riding skills, so plan accordingly.

Historically, the North County Trailway follows the former New York Central Railroad's Putnam Division line, with plaques marking old station locations, adding a layer of historical interest to your ride. This loop stands out for its unique combination of accessible, easy riding and more challenging, technical mountain biking, catering to a wide range of preferences within a single outing.

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Tips from the Community

mtm05005
May 28, 2024, North County Trailway — Tarrytown

Great section of the North County Trailway. The paved path passes through a beautiful wooded area. As the trail gets to Tarrytown Reservior, there is an area with benches for a break.

0

0

Historic building which used to be the Eastview Pumping Station. It was built in 1897, and up until 1993, it was used to clean and move the vil­lage’s drinking water. The building is not open to visitors, but from some points on the trail, you can see into the old buildings.

0

0

Nice view of the Tarrytown Reservoir. The trail runs very close to the water, so you have a wonderful, unobstructed view across the reservoir. The path is popular with cyclists, so make sure you move to the edge if you want to stop to enjoy the great vistas.

0

0

Beautiful lake, at the eastern end there is a kayak rental in summer. A short boat trip loosens up the cycle tour and cools you down.

Translated by Google

4

0

Felix
October 18, 2022, Tarrytown Reservoir

This trail is more heavily used by pedestrians than the south county trailway

2

0

Graham Hills park offers several miles of singletrack for everyone from beginners to experts. You can easily reach the mountain bike trail system by train. It is only a 55-minute train trip from NYC to Pleasantville and then a one-mile ride from the train station to the park entrance.

0

0

The Tarrytown Lake Extension Trail allows you to ride your bike by the water. It is quite lovely!

2

0

good tarmac and no pot holes. the further north you ride, the better the EST becomes!

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Thornwood?

There are 11 mountain bike trails around Thornwood, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find everything from moderate routes to more challenging options.

Are there any beginner-friendly mountain bike trails in Thornwood?

Yes, Thornwood offers some trails suitable for beginners. While many routes are moderate to difficult, there is at least one designated easy trail. The region's trails often feature 'fun' and 'easy' sections, allowing riders to choose their comfort level, particularly on twisty singletrack through wooded areas.

What kind of terrain can I expect on Thornwood's mountain bike trails?

The mountain bike trails around Thornwood are characterized by twisty singletrack winding through wooded areas. You can expect varied terrain, including generally flatter sections with features like log rides, mounds over downed trees, and gully sections. Some trails also loop around lakes, offering scenic views.

Are there any challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

Absolutely. Thornwood has 5 difficult mountain bike routes for experienced riders. For example, the S4 Trail loop from Village of Pleasantville is a challenging 6.5 km route, and the North County Trailway – Tarrytown Reservoir loop from Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a longer, difficult option spanning over 38 km with significant elevation gain.

What are the typical distances and durations for mountain biking in Thornwood?

Trail distances vary significantly. Shorter routes like the S4 Trail loop from Village of Pleasantville are around 6.5 km and can be completed in under 40 minutes. Longer routes, such as the North County Trailway – Tarrytown Reservoir loop from Rockefeller State Park Preserve, can extend to over 38 km and take more than 3 hours.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Thornwood?

The mountain bike trails in Thornwood are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.0 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 200 mountain bikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the wooded singletrack and diverse features.

Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Thornwood?

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Thornwood are designed as loops. Popular circular routes include the Blue Trail (Main Loop), the Graham Hills Park loop from Village of Pleasantville, and the S4 Trail loop from Village of Pleasantville.

What natural attractions or landmarks can I see while mountain biking in Thornwood?

While mountain biking in Thornwood, you can encounter several natural attractions. Some trails loop around lakes, offering opportunities to observe wildlife. Notable water features in the area include the Kensico Reservoir, Tarrytown Reservoir, and Tarrytown Lakes. You might also come across the scenic Pocantico Falls.

Are there any trails that are shared with other users, like dirtbikes?

Yes, some areas around Thornwood, such as the Thorn Creek OHV Area, feature trails that are shared with dirtbike and moto users. These trails are primarily singletrack and often cater to green difficulty levels, meaning they are less technically demanding.

What is the elevation gain like on Thornwood's mountain bike trails?

The elevation gain on Thornwood's mountain bike trails varies. Shorter routes might have around 130-190 meters of ascent, such as the Blue Trail (Main Loop) with 189 meters. Longer, more difficult trails like the North County Trailway – Tarrytown Reservoir loop from Rockefeller State Park Preserve can feature over 600 meters of elevation gain.

Are there any specific features on the trails, like technical obstacles?

Yes, some trails in the Thornwood area, particularly within places like Findley State Park, include technical features. Riders can expect elements such as log rides, mounds over downed trees, and even teeter-totters, adding to the challenge and fun of the ride.

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