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The Gunks
The Gunks, formally the Shawangunks. These highlands are the Camelot of NYCC regional climbing aficionados.
Wide open vistas, unusual east of the Mississippi, long, steady ascents and geologic details unlike either the Hudson Highlands or the Catskills, the Gunks might just as well have arisen in the Black Hills of Dakota or above the Colorado River.
Beacon and Poughkeepsie serve as Metro North portals for cyclists seeking out these choice routes. Look for club rides to the Gunks during that time of year with long daylight hours because the Shawangunk Ridge lies west of New Paltz and Wallkill.
When I die, I'm going to Nyack, but for now, I make it my business to cycle in the Gunks.
![](<a href="http://imgur.com/xrvNg4K"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/xrvNg4K.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>)
| Name | Level(s) | Distance | Difficulty Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otisville, Sam’s Point, Poughkeepsie (44% gravel) | A, B | 55 | 5 out of 5 |
| Poughkeepsie, R2R, Lenape Ln, Laurel Ldg, Undercliff, Castle Point, Lake Awosting, Hamilton, Overcliff, Glory Hill, Poughkeepsie | A, B | 66 | 5 out of 5 |
| Poughkeepsie-Hunter Loop /w options: east & west side access, 23A or Devil's Kitchen ascent, Mohonk & bypass | A | 110 | 5 out of 5 |
| Minnewaska via Awosting Portal, Gunk Ridge to Mohonk, via Poughkeepsie: Gravel or Mtn bike | A | 65 | 5 out of 5 |
| Ashokan Reservoir (without the Gunks) | A, B | 75 | 4 out of 5 |
| Gunkskills: Poughkeepsie/Mohonk/Minnewaska/Yagerville/Peekamoose/Poughkeepsie | A | 101 | 5 out of 5 |
| Poughkeepsie Hippie Loop | A, B | 91 | 5 out of 5 |
| Beacon Rail Trails Loop | B | 75 | 3 out of 5 |
| Poughkeepsie, Ashokan Reservoir, Poughkeepsie via trails and roads | A, B | 75 | 4 out of 5 |
| Tour de Gunks (Mohonk - Vista Maria/Cragsmoor - Minnewaska) | A | 97 | 5 out of 5 |
