PWMBA is advancing a shovel-ready trail development project at Fahnestock State Park (Canopus Lake / Winter Park site) that will create approximately 2–2.5 miles of beginner-to-intermediate, mountain bike-optimized* singletrack integrated with the existing XC ski trail network, right off the Taconic State Parkway in Kent, NY.
The Phase 1 project at Canopus Lake is designed to be sustainable, minimize environmental impact, and expand safe, inclusive recreation opportunities for riders, hikers, runners, families, and youth programs such as National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), and local Scouting troops.There is a shortage of beginner-level trails in this county, defined as just a few degrees of elevation change and relatively smooth natural surface riding terrain.
If Phase 1 successfully constructs high quality trails and increases attendance and ridership at Canopus, we hope to raise funds to engage professional trail builders to explore the 850-acre portion south of Rt. 301 down to Wiccopee Ct. and submit a machine-build design to create offshoot singletrack off the Roaring Brook Trail for Phase 2. Rather than spend an exorbitant sum to rehabilitate this old DOT woods road that will be subject to future ATV and storm damage, the narrow singletracks can be designed to keep ATVs out while meandering up and over to scenic vistas and enormous rock rollers similar to Blue Mountain Reservation in Cortlandt/Peekskill. If approved, we will pursue fundraising to make this vision come to life.
Join us on Sunday, July 26th at 9:00AM for a charity ride to support the Canopus Lake Trail Fund: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-build-rad-trails-at-canopus
A non-refundable, tax-deductible donation along with your signed waiver and registration is required.
We will meet and park at 64 Pudding St. Putnam Valley, NY 10579 just off the Taconic State Parkway. Car pooling is recommended.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/htvV9X1kfA7D1es26?g_st=ic
Additional parking can be found along Brookside Rd: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BJYDfETdGwS9WWa58?g_st=ic
There is a Porta Potty here (but do not park here for the ride):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WD5nqmEB14SU2bqg7?g_st=ic
We will depart at 9:15 and ride north to sample some East Fahnestock singletrack before crossing the parkway at Mile 4 to check out the Canopus Lake Trails Project. Afterwards, we will head down through the campground and XC ski trails to the Roaring Brook Trail down to Wiccopee Rd. and cross the parkway on the overpass back to 64 Pudding St. This bail out will be at ~ Mile 8. From there, we will ride through E. Fahnestock to California Hill State Forest to sample some more singletrack and fun stuff and return to the meeting spot at ~ Mile 24.
We will have some water and fuel stashes at Pudding St. and Cali Hill (Waywayanda Ct). If you wish to plan ahead and bring two vehicles for shuttling purposes depending upon ride length, contact [email protected] for recommendations. If you are familiar with this area and would like to serve as ride staff, please let him know. Class 1 eBikes are welcome.
https://strava.app.link/fMFPh0BW73b