The 7 Best Motorcycle Rides in New York (2026): From the Catskills to the Adirondaks

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The Ride Experience

Riding from Malone to Otter Lake is a 138-mile visual narrative that tracks the transition from the rolling meadows of the Canadian border into the vertical heart of the Adirondack High Peaks. As a scout who has documented every mile of this run, I consider it one of the best ways to experience the Adirondacks by motorcycle. The road is a rhythmic series of massive sweepers that hug the shorelines of Long Lake and Blue Mountain Lake. The true “reveal” happens as you crest the ridges near Tupper Lake, where the horizon suddenly explodes with the silhouette of 4,000-foot peaks—a world-class motorcycling moment.

Technical Terrain Analysis

Keep an eye out for bumpy sections of road (called frost heaves) between Malone and Paul Smiths. These bumps can make the bike feel a bit bouncy, so just stay relaxed on the handlebars and keep a steady speed. For the 2026 season, watch for road work in Franklin County. You might run into some fresh, smooth pavement, but be ready for short delays if you have to follow a “pilot car” through a construction zone.

The temperature can change quickly here; it often gets 15 degrees colder once you’re in the shadows of the tall mountains. In early summer, look out for leftover winter sand in the middle of the turns, especially near Indian Lake. If you’re riding in the morning, you might also hit some thick fog that stays on the road until the sun burns it off around 10:00 AM.

Logistics & Biker-Friendly Stops

• Hoss’s Country Corner (Long Lake): The unofficial headquarters for North Country riders. Park the bikes, grab a “trail-ready” sandwich from the deli, and stock up on gear.
• The Adirondack Hotel: Located directly across from the lake, the historic porch is the premier spot for a long lunch and some quality “bike-watching” as the afternoon crowd rolls through.
• Fuel Strategy: This is wilderness riding. Fuel up in Malone and top off in Tupper Lake. Once you dive into the Central Adirondacks, gas stations and cell signals become scarce—know your range before you drop the clutch.

> Click here for the Google Maps Adirondack Trail Route Link

> Unlock the Full Adirondack GPX files on Patreon

The Ride Experience

The High Peaks & Olympic Run is a 50-mile trip through the heart of the 1980 Winter Olympics. Starting in Paul Smiths, you’ll ride through the famous towns of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid before heading into the high mountains. The best part of the ride is Wilmington Notch, where you’ll have the high cliffs of Whiteface Mountain on one side and the river on the other. It is a stunning, therapeutic ride that makes you feel like you are deep in the wilderness.

Technical Terrain Analysis

This route has some of the tightest mountain turns in New York, especially as you ride through the “notches” (narrow mountain gaps). Because the road is carved into the rock, the turns can feel a bit narrow, so it’s important to stay in your lane and keep your eyes on the road ahead. For the 2026 season, watch for small rocks or sand near the mountain trailheads on NY-73, as heavy rain often washes debris onto the road.

You should also be prepared for strong wind gusts as you come out from behind the mountains into the open gaps near the Cascade Lakes. Also, keep in mind that the temperature drops quickly in the deep, shaded valleys—it can be 10 degrees colder in the woods than it is in town, so bring a light jacket.

Logistics & Biker-Friendly Stops

• Olympic Jumping Complex: A must-stop for a photo. Park at the base of the massive ski jumps for the ultimate “I was there” Adirondack picture.
• The Pickled Pig (Lake Placid): A great “biker-friendly” BBQ spot with easy parking where you can watch the bikes roll down the main street.
• Fuel Strategy: Lake Placid is your last chance for gas for a long stretch. Fill your tank there before heading south toward Underwood, as gas stations disappear once you enter the high mountain pass.

> Click here for the Google Maps High Peaks & Olympic Run Link

> Download the High Peaks & Olympic GPX on Patreon

The Ride Experience

Riding US-20 (known as the Cherry Valley Turnpike) is like traveling through a living postcard of old New York. Starting in the high hills of Pompey, this 70-mile route offers a relaxing “visual narrative” of massive, rolling farm valleys and charming historic towns like Cazenovia and Sharon Springs. The best part of this ride is the “reveals”—as you crest each hill, you’re treated to panoramic views that stretch for miles. It’s a therapeutic, wide-open cruise that lets you soak in the scenery without having to fight your handlebars.

Technical Terrain Analysis

This road is famous for its long, straight stretches and big “drumlin” hills, which make it very beginner-friendly. Because the road is wide and well-maintained, you can relax and enjoy the gentle climbs. For the 2026 season, the pavement is in great shape, but watch for active farm machinery near the fields. It’s common to see tractors moving slowly or turning onto the road.

Because Route 20 runs along a high ridge, you should be ready for strong side winds that can push the bike a bit, especially on the open hilltops. You’ll also want to watch your speed as you enter small towns like Morrisville or Sangerfield—they are beautiful spots to slow down, but the speed limits change quickly. If you’re riding in the evening, keep a sharp eye out for deer near the cornfields, as they often cross the road right at sunset.

Logistics & Biker-Friendly Stops

• Cazenovia Lake: A perfect early-ride stop. Park near the water in the historic village center for a great view of the lake and some of the best architecture on the route.
• The Beekman 1802 Area (Sharon Springs): This historic spa town is a favorite for riders. It feels like you’ve stepped back 100 years. There are several small cafes and shops that are very welcoming to motorcyclists.
• Fuel Strategy: Gas is easy to find in the larger towns like Cazenovia and Richfield Springs. Since you aren’t in the deep wilderness here, you don’t need to worry as much about range, but I always recommend filling up before the long, rural stretch between Sharon Springs and Esperance.

> Click here for the Google Maps Cherry Valley Turnpike Route Link

> Download the Historic Route 20 GPX on Patreon

The Ride Experience

Riding NY Route 22 is a 100-mile journey through the quiet, scenic edge of the state. Known as The Berkshire Shadow, this route keeps you sandwiched between the farm fields of the Hudson Valley and the high ridges of the Berkshire Mountains just across the state line. As a scout, I love this ride for its therapeutic, steady pace—you’ll pass through historic villages like Salem and Hoosick Falls where time seems to have slowed down. The best part is the wide-open views south of Stephentown , where the road feels like a long, silver ribbon cutting through golden valleys.

Technical Terrain Analysis

This is a very easy road for beginners because the turns are wide and you can see a long way ahead. However, because this is a main road for the region, watch for grooves in the pavement  caused by heavy truck traffic. For the Spring 2026 season, the road is mostly smooth, but keep an eye out for bridge inspections in Washington County that might cause short 10-minute delays.

You also need to stay alert for slow farm tractors and hidden driveways, as this is a very active agricultural area. Because the road sits in a valley, morning fog is common, which can leave the pavement feeling slightly damp and slick in the shaded areas. As you get closer to Millerton, the road starts to roll over small hills that can hide what’s coming next, so keep a good distance from cars in front of you so you have plenty of time to react.

Logistics & Biker-Friendly Stops

• Hoosick Falls: A great middle-of-the-ride stop with a historic downtown. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs and grab a coffee while admiring the old-school architecture.
• Millerton, NY: This is the ultimate “finish line.” Millerton is a trendy, biker-friendly village full of great spots like Harney & Sons Tea or Irving Farm Coffee.
• Fuel Strategy: Fuel is easy to find in the larger towns like Cambridge and Hoosick Falls, but there are some 20-mile stretches of pure farmland in between. Gas up in Salem if you’re heading south so you don’t have to worry about your fuel light while you’re enjoying the views.

> Click here for the Google Maps Berkshire Shadow Route Link

> Download the NY-22 GPX File on Patreon

The Ride Experience

NY Route 97 is a 70-mile that follows the winding path of the Delaware River . This route is famous for the Hawk’s Nest, a legendary stretch of cliffside road just north of Port Jervis where the asphalt is carved directly into the mountain. I love the dramatic “reveal” as you round the stone-walled corners and seeing the river far below. Once you pass the Nest, the road opens up into a therapeutic, scenic cruise through small river towns like Barryville and Narrowsburg, offering some of the best water-side views in the Northeast.

Technical Terrain Analysis

The Hawk’s Nest section is very exciting but requires you to stay focused on the road rather than the view. The turns are well-marked, but they are “stacked” on top of each other, so it’s important to look ahead to the next curve. For the 2026 season, watch out for leftover sand and salt in the shaded corners near the stone walls. While the road is usually in excellent shape, local crews often perform spring cleanups through April and May, so you might see slow-moving maintenance trucks.

Beyond the famous curves, the road follows the river canyon, which means you should be ready for sudden gusts of wind that can blow through the gaps in the hills. Because this is a popular area for eagles and deer, keep a high visual lead and stay alert for wildlife crossing the road, especially near the water.

Logistics & Biker-Friendly Stops

• The Hawk’s Nest Overlook: There are several small pull-offs along the stone walls. It’s the mandatory spot to park, take a photo of the “staircase” curves, and chat with the other riders who gather here daily.
• Narrowsburg, NY: A trendy, biker-friendly river town with great shops and cafes. It’s the perfect spot for a mid-ride lunch with a view of the water.
• Fuel Strategy: Port Jervis and Hancock are your main hubs for gas at the start and end. While there are a few stations in the river towns like Barryville, I recommend starting with a full tank in Port Jervis so you can enjoy the “river flow” without stopping for fuel.

> Click here for the Google Maps Hawk’s Nest Route Link

> Download the 70-Mile Upper Delaware GPX on Patreon

The Ride Experience

The trip from Catskill to Deposit is a nearly 150-mile marathon that showcases the best of the southern New York landscape. As a rider who has navigated these mountains, I consider the “climb” on NY-23A from Palenville to Haines Falls to be the ultimate hook—it’s a series of tight, vertical switchbacks that lead you past the roaring Kaaterskill FallsClick to open side panel for more information. The “reveal” happens as you transition onto NY-30, where the road opens up into massive, high-speed sweepers that hug the shoreline of the Pepacton Reservoir. It’s a rhythmic, therapeutic ride that perfectly balances technical mountain work with wide-open “flow state” cruising.

Technical Terrain Analysis

The initial climb through Kaaterskill Clove on NY-23A is the most technical part of the ride. The turns are steep and stacked, so stay focused on the road and watch for pedestrians near the waterfall trailheads. For the 2026 season, the pavement across most of this route is in excellent condition, but keep an eye out for scattered gravel in the tighter corners of NY-214 (Stony Clove Notch) where debris builds up in the shadows of the high peaks.

Once you reach the Pepacton Reservoir on NY-30, the terrain becomes much more beginner-friendly with wide lanes and long sightlines. Be alert for wildlife, specifically deer and wild turkeys, which are extremely active in the valleys between Margaretville and Walton. These valleys can also hold morning fog that stays on the road until the sun clears the ridges around 10:30 AM.

Logistics & Biker-Friendly Stops

• Phoenicia Diner: A legendary “must-stop” on NY-28. It’s the unofficial social hub for riders in the region—park the bikes, grab a modern take on classic comfort food, and check out the other rigs in the lot.
• Shavertown Bridge: Located on NY-30, this is the best photo-op on the reservoir. There is a small pull-off where you can park and capture a panoramic shot of the water and the bridge against the mountains.
• Fuel Strategy: This is a long-distance run. Fuel up in Catskill before you start the climb. While you’ll find stations in Phoenicia and Margaretville, the 40-mile stretch between Walton and Deposit is very rural. I recommend topping off your tank in Margaretville so you can enjoy the reservoir sweepers without any fuel anxiety.

> Click here for the Google Maps Catskills route link

> Download the 150-Mile Catskill Backbone GPX on Patreon

The Ride Experience

Riding Seven Lakes Drive is a 18-mile therapeutic escape through the heart of Harriman and Bear Mountain State Park. As a riding enthusiast, I love this route for its pure “flow state”—it connects a series of pristine alpine lakes with smooth, rhythmic curves that never feel overwhelming. The “reveal” happens as you pass Lake Tiorati, where the road dips and weaves through dense hardwood forests that open up to sudden, sparkling water views. It’s the perfect short-distance run for riders coming from the NYC metro area who need a quick mountain fix.

Technical Terrain Analysis

This road is exceptionally beginner-friendly due to its wide lanes and consistent pavement quality. The turns are predictable and flowing, making it a great place to practice smooth throttle control and lane positioning. Because this is a popular recreational area, you should also be prepared for heavy weekend traffic, including cyclists and hikers, especially near the major lake access points.

The elevation changes are gradual, but you should stay alert for wildlife crossing in the more remote sections of the park. Deer are extremely common here, especially during the early morning and “Golden Hour” near sunset. Also, keep in mind that the temperature can drop slightly as you climb toward the Bear Mountain summit, so a light windproof layer is recommended even on warmer days.

Logistics & Biker-Friendly Stops

• Reeves Meadow Visitor Center: A perfect starting point or early break spot. It offers plenty of parking and is a great place to check your gear before heading deeper into the park.
• Lake Tiorati: A mandatory photo-op. There is a large circular parking area near the beach where riders often gather to take a break and enjoy the view of the water.
• Fuel Strategy: Sloatsburg is your primary hub for gas before you enter the park. There are no gas stations on Seven Lakes Drive itself, so fill up in Sloatsburg to ensure you can enjoy the loop and the ride home without any stress.

> Click here for the Google Maps Seven Lakes Dr route link

> Unlock the NY State GPX File Vault on Patreon

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