FLNF Mountain Biking Enhancement Project, Spring 2026 Update
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/
The Forest Service finalized this project plan in February 2026, and initial implementation actions are scheduled to begin in spring 2026. Cycle-CNY and local riders are excited for this opportunity to improve mountain bike access at Finger Lakes National Forest. The Forest Service has posted relevant maps and documents here. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/projects/65926
Here is a summary of what this project means for mountain bikers on the trails at Finger Lakes National Forest.
What was the problem with mtb access at FLNF?
Prior to 2026, the FLNF management plan identified nearly 30 miles of multi-use recreational trails, of which mountain bikes had access to less than 6 miles. All trails open to bikes were doubletrack managed for shared use with equestrians and snowmobiles. Trail access restrictions limited most bike routes to an out-and-back trail experience or required riding on roads to form a loop. Trail access limitations did not provide an experience that was desirable for most mountain bikers.
What happened?
In 2023, the Forest Service contacted Cycle-CNY to initiate discussions regarding trail use in the Forest. The Forest Service observed a growing number of cyclists using FLNF trails and roads, as well as identified user-created trails developed during the covid pandemic (2020-2022). Cycle-CNY submitted recommendations in 2024 for the improvement of mountain bike trail opportunities at FLNF.
In March of 2025, the Forest Service proposed their “Mountain Biking Enhancement Project” for public comment. Taking guidance from many of Cycle-CNY’s recommendations, the Forest Service project included adopting several miles of user-created singletrack trails, creating more new trails, and allowing mountain bike use on many existing trails. Immediately after the March 2025 public comment period, the Federal government halted most Forest Service projects and significantly reduced FS staffing.
What’s changing at FLNF?
After nearly a year pause, the Forest Service released a final version of their MTB enhancement project in February 2026. Most of the original MTB enhancement project was formally approved and will begin implementation in Spring 2026. Some of the most significant changes include:
- Formally adopting several miles of user-created singletrack trails that will be opened to the public on May 16, 2026. These trails, near the southeast end of Potomac Road, are intermediate to advanced skill level bike trails on challenging terrain. Trails will be managed for bike and foot traffic only.
- Created a few miles of new trail, including the Sassafras trail (1.5 mi), and the North Velie pasture trail (0.5) that will be managed for bike and foot traffic only.
- Allow access changes for bikes on existing forest trails. This action allows the FS to reevaluate existing trails for consideration of adding bikes as an allowable use. This will formalize existing bike access on Burnt Hill, Backbone, and NoTanTakto trails (6 mi), while phasing in new bike access for Gorge, Potomac Ponds Loops, and the Interloken trails (8 mi).
- Create and improve parking and trailheads near trails open to bikes, and specifically along Potomac Road.
- Two user-created trails west of Potomac Road were built without authorization in an “ecologic special area”. No trails are allowed in this protected area. The 1.5 miles of unauthorized trail is closed permanently. Locally, those trails were known as “social distancing” and “grapevine”.
- The Forest Service restricts all bikes from all trails March 15 – May 15. This seasonal restriction is intended to minimize trail impact during spring freeze-thaw cycles. This is a Forest Service policy that applies to bikes in many national forests across the Northeast and also applies to equestrians.
What does this mean for mtb trail access at FLNF?
- All trails are closed to bikes during the seasonal closure period, March 15 – May 15. This seasonal restriction is intended to minimize trail impact during spring freeze-thaw cycles.
- Starting 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 from Picnic Area Rd to Burnt Hill Rd.
- Interloken trail from Searsburg Rd to Parmenter Rd.
- Burnt Hill, NoTanTakto, Backbone trails. Please note that these doubletrack trails generally drain poorly and are usually the last in our region to dry out.
- All dirt roads are open to bikes year-round. All trails are open to foot traffic year-round.
- Forest Service does not allow any e-bikes on any non-motorized trail.
- Foot traffic only 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.
What can I do?
- Follow the current trail use rules while we await formal access changes. Signage and maps are being updated, and many new trails are currently unmarked. Many existing trails do not indicate access use changes yet.
- 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. Hiking on these trails remains open year-round.
- 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’re local and want to get involved with FLNF trail maintenance or stewardship group.
- Contact Cycle-CNY (cyclecny@gmail.com) if you have any questions about this project.
- Join the volunteer stewardship group for public trail workdays this summer. Stay tuned for dates!
- 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!
