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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.
Name | Level(s) | Distance | Difficulty Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Holiday on Ice (Beacon/ Mohonk/ Cragsmoor/ Beacon) | A | 92 | 5 out of 5 |
Tour des Catskills | A | 128 | 5 out of 5 |
Mohonk, Clove Valley, Minnewaska, Cragsmoor, Montgomery, Beacon (or Poughkeepsie ending) | A | 85 | 5 out of 5 |
Ashokan Reservoir (without the Gunks) - Rosendale Trestle option | A, B | 75 | 4 out of 5 |
Ashokan Reservoir (without the Gunks) - Ashokan Rail Trail option | A, B | 75 | 4 out of 5 |
Poughkeepsie/Minnewaska SP (Castle Point)/Poughkeepsie | B, C | 53 | 3 out of 5 |
Garrison - Ellenville - Beacon - Cold Spring | A | 101 | 5 out of 5 |
Hurley Historic District | B | 50 | 2 out of 5 |
Ashokan Reservoir Ride - Poughkeepsie, Minnewaska, Palentown, Mohonk, Poughkeepsie | A, B | 80 | 4 out of 5 |
Beacon-Ellenville-Grahamsville-Peekamoose-Poughkeepsie | A | 113 | 5 out of 5 |