What is the best motorcycle ride near New Paltz, NY?
Routes 44/55 up the Shawangunk Ridge, part of the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. The road climbs for about 10.4 miles, with a hairpin turn and a scenic overlook above the Wallkill Valley. It passes the Mohonk Preserve entrance and leads to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Ride it early and check conditions.
New Paltz sits at the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, and the town is home to Huguenot Street, often called the oldest inhabited street in America. That mix of old and wild is what makes the area special. The ridge road is the main event.
The rides
Routes 44/55 up the ridge
This classic mountain road climbs for 10.4 miles, with a hairpin turn on the way up and an overlook at the top that looks out over the Wallkill Valley. Back on the road, you pass under a steel bridge and by the Mohonk Trapps parking and entrance. It is part of the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway.
Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska
The Mohonk Preserve West Trapps trailhead is reached by taking Route 299 west through New Paltz to its end, then turning right onto Routes 44/55. Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located at 5281 Route 44-55. Both make natural turnaround points.
Huguenot Street
Often called the oldest inhabited street in America, Huguenot Street is a historic district in the heart of New Paltz. It is a quiet way to start or finish the day on foot.
Season notes
Weekends in peak fall can mean serious traffic on the ridge, and preserve parking fills early. Midweek mornings are calmer. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and fewer visitors.
Watch for
The hairpin and tight corners on the climb, hikers and cyclists on the shoulders, and cars slowing for overlooks and preserve entrances. Keep your speed in check on the descent too.
Questions riders ask about New Paltz
How long is the Routes 44/55 climb?
The Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway describes the classic mountain climb as 10.4 miles, with a hairpin turn and a scenic overlook over the Wallkill Valley at the top.
Where is Minnewaska State Park Preserve?
The park is at 5281 Route 44-55 in Kerhonkson, on the Shawangunk Ridge. It is on the same road that climbs from New Paltz.
Roads, closures and seasonal hours change, so check current conditions before you ride. FJP is an online shop with no storefront or events in New Paltz. This guide is a free resource for riders.