This project was initiated in 2023 and has been in development for several years. Read about the history of Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF) and this trail project here: https://cycle-cny.com/mtb-enhancement-project-at-flnf/ , or read the Spring 2026 update here: https://cycle-cny.com/mtb-enhancement-project-at-flnf-spring-2026/.

The Forest Service finalized this project plan in February 2026, and initial implementation actions began in May 2026. Cycle-CNY and local riders are excited for this opportunity to improve mountain bike access at Finger Lakes National Forest.

FLNF Trails This Summer

FLNF trails open to bikes after the seasonal closure period, March 15 – May 15. This seasonal restriction is intended to minimize trail impact during spring freeze-thaw cycles.

Signage and formal maps are being updated, and the new singletrack trails are currently unmarked in the forest (they will be blazed blue soon). Many existing trails do not indicate access use changes yet. Please be patient while the Forest Service works on these improvements.

Trails are mapped well on Trailforks (see embedded map below). Starting Saturday, May 16, the following FLNF trails are open to bikes:

All trails east of Potomac Road will open for bikes and foot traffic. This includes the new Potomac Rd singletrack trails, as well as the Potomac Rd campground area trails.
Gorge trail, as well as Interloken trail (south) from Picnic Area Rd to Burnt Hill Rd.
Interloken trail (north) from Searsburg Rd to Parmenter Rd.
Burnt Hill, NoTanTakto, Backbone trails.

The trails east of Potomac Rd dry out the fastest. On the west side, Burnt Hill, NoTanTakto, Backbone, and Interloken are mostly doubletrack trails that drain poorly and are usually the last in our region to dry out. The north/south sections of Backbone trail dry out faster than the east/west sections. All dirt roads are open to bikes year-round.

Parking and MTB Route Suggestions

The most common parking locations for mtb rides are the Potomac Rd campground, Potomac Road (south) roadside pull-offs, or the Picnic Area Rd parking lots (Blueberry or campground access). Lots of parking indicated on the Trailforks map.
The singletrack trails open to mtb are mostly on the southeast end of Potomac Rd. The area near the Potomac Rd campground is the highest elevation of those trails and often where people start their ride. Most riders will descend Snake Rake – N95 – Ventilator to the lower end, or Back Door – Gorge Flow to the lower end. These are the two main singletrack trail sections. While mainly downhill from north to south, all the trails have some punchy climbs mixed in and some technically challenging terrain.
After the singletrack descent, many riders will pop out to Potomac Rd to climb back up the dirt road to the campground start location, or will climb north up Foundation trail and then connect to Potomac Rd to climb the dirt road back up to the campground. Or, this setup makes for easy shuttle rides on Potomac Rd.
As the other forest trails dry out in the summer, other options open up, like the challenging Interloken (south) to Gorge trail loop, and the beginner-friendly Backbone trail loop. Have fun exploring!
Please Note:
- Forest Service does not allow any e-bikes on any non-motorized trail.
- Foot traffic only allowed on the middle sections of the Interloken and west Potomac Pond trails, from Picnic Area Rd to Searsburg Rd. These trails contain damaged boardwalks and poorly drained sections that cannot sustain riding at this time. These trails will eventually be improved and bike access will be phased in. These trail sections are currently not open to bikes.
- Foot traffic only on the Finger Lakes Trail, South Slope trail, and Ravine trail. These trails are not open to bikes at any time.

How Can You Help?

Please do not ride muddy trails, and especially between March 15 and May 15 when trails are closed to bikes and susceptible to damage during freeze/thaw cycles.
Do not build unauthorized trails. Report unauthorized trail building to the Forest Service at (607) 546-4470 or at the Ranger Station, 5218 NY-414, Hector.
Mountain bikers on shared trails should yield right-of-way to hikers and horses.
Contact Cycle-CNY (cyclecny@gmail.com) if you’re local and want to get involved with FLNF trail maintenance or stewardship group.
Get a Cycle-CNY membership. The $49 comes with lots of perks, and membership dues goes directly to support the advocacy work and trail support programs that Cycle-CNY champions in our region.
Contact Cycle-CNY (cyclecny@gmail.com) if you have any questions about this project.
Join Cycle-CNY for group rides at FLNF this summer. Stay tuned for dates!
Share this information with other riders.
Thank your local Forest Service employees (Matt K, Matt L, Travis R) for their dedication to the stewardship of Finger Lakes National Forest trails!