Explore the best rated trails in Johnson City, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and Trolley Trail (Lehigh Valley) . With more than 20 trails covering 159 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I have walked & biked this trail for 2 years now. Within the last month, I no longer feel safe on this trail. Certain areas are very overgrown with the bushes. Several homeless encampments have been set up at different areas of the trail. Too bad something nice can’t be maintained.
Trail is a great ride with a slight increasing grade heading south. Majority of the trail is well shaded from a tree canopy. Trail surface is stable and smooth. Trail markers are pathetic! Extremely lacking heading south and somewhat (not enough)improved heading north.
This is an out-and-back route, though there is a parking lot at S Hibbard Road and also at Sperr Memorial Park.
Parking off S Hibbard Road in Big Flats, there's about a 10-foot incline to get up to the main trail. Once on the trail, it's a mix of packed surface, deep gravel, and some grass. There will likely be walkers to avoid, though not many. At the 1.5km mark there's a steep incline to get up and over Kahler Road, and then the trail continues through grass, but it looks like it used to be paved for vehicles so there are two car-wheel-width tracks available. There is nothing at the far end of the trail - no sign, no turn-around - just trees & weeds. Not a lot to see, but it's a fun ride. On the way back, another steep incline to get up & over Kahler Road. You can to a bit of biking around Sperr Park, but most of it is unmaintained and seldom used to you'd just be exploring.
Unlike most rail to trail venues, this one has a very nice, cleared path but no surface work. The result is walking on railroad ballast which is very tough on feet and joints. I would not consider this a safe bike trail and caution hikers. Hopefully this is just the beginning of more work to come such as seen in the Catherine Valley Trail which is much more user friendly. On the plus side, the signage and clearing work is nicely done and the old RR right of way has many small falls and streamlets to enjoy.
Shared review with Hiking NYS and Beyond.
It's a nice safe ride without slot of hassle.
I am on a quest to complete a lot of the rail trails by bike on this app in the upstate NY area. So far I have completed most of the Rochester and Syracuse trails. This sets the bar high as one of the best trails I have done. It has a lot of diverse surface types and scenery. Rode it on 650b x 47mm road plus tires. I wouldn’t recommend going much smaller in width. Some sections can be a bit bumpy. Excellent trail! Highly recommend
We have been riding the D&H for years, as it is only an hour’s car ride away for us. We find the best parking to be at the Forest City Trailhead. It is paved, large, and has an outhouse.
We recently took a 23-mile ride on our hybrids. The trip started at Forest City, riding south to Carbondale. We turned around and went north, past Forest City, to Union Dale. At Union Dale, we turned to the south and ended the ride at our starting point in Forest City.
The trail is an interesting mix of nature, history, and artwork. For most of the ride you are in an isolated area. We had a white tail deer cross the path in front of us. There are many bridges which provide opportunity to view the stream which is running high this time of the year. In Union Dale, you will find a restored railroad car and remains of a mill. In Forest City and near Carbondale, you will find some interesting artwork.
The trail is in very good shape. It is hard packed with small gravel. At one time there were large stones near the Stillwater Dam, but they are no longer there, greatly improving the ride. While there are no large hills, there is a grade going north and you will have to work. We suggest taking this into consideration as you plan your trip.
We found signage to be somewhat lacking and a single track at certain parts. Could be better with some grooming.
Great trail...well marked and fun ride. Bathroom services along the way and places to eat between Montour and Pine Vally.
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail is an all asphalt trail. We were able to keep the bikes clean and my 8 year old is safe from traffic. I found that if we travel Cass Park loops by the dog park,boat docks, inlet to Farmers Market, past the city golf course to Stewart Park loop and back, it is about 10.0 miles. Sorry for the long sentence but there’s a lot to see.
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