|
|
 |
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
From Carmel, NY (junction of Rt 52 and 301), take Rt 301 for about 1 mile west, across causeway, to Gipsy Trail Road (right turn, possibly unmarked). There should be a sign for Putnam County Park. Pass the Putnam County park entrance. Look for parking lot with NYS DEP signboard on right. From Taconic State Parkway north, exit at Rt.301. Turn right onto Rt.301 and travel east along the West Branch Reservoir. Before reaching causeway turn left onto Gypsy Trail Rd. and see directions above. Parking is available only in marked parking areas.
General Description: The 1,023 acre parcel of State Land, Ninham Multiple Use Area is the largest multiple use area in Putnam County and a hidden gem. It contains numerous ridges with steep slopes and rolling plateaus. The predominant habitat is mixed hardwood forest interspersed with overgrown fields and marshy areas. Several Pine plantations are also present. The area thrives with wildlife and is home to a variety of upland game including grouse, squirrel, rabbit, woodcock and deer. Certain portions of the area have been posted with yellow and green or other No Trepassing signs. No hunting or trespassing are permitted in these areas.
August 2006: Update Access to Ninham is seriously threatened because the surrounding private land is being trespassed upon and damaged. Tickets (with court dates) for trespassing are being given out and you may even have your bike confiscated. There are few beautiful open spaces for public access left in Putnam County. It would be a shame to lose it. Obey all signs and respect private property. Cooperate with DEP officials, if you should run into them. A free permit from the NY DEC is required to ride here. You can download it from their website.
The Trails: The Ninham Multiple Use area is bisected by the Gypsy Trail Road, off Route 301. To the west, two north-south main dirt fire roads begin from the parking area. The fire roads pass through old fields, deciduous wood, and by a small pond. Head either north or south on the fire roads and return the way you came for an easier ride. A few of the trails near the parking area are suitable for intermediate and beginner mountain bikers. However, most of singletrack side spurs are technically challenging and geared for the more experienced intermediate and advanced rider who enjoy lots of rocks, roots, and elevation. If you are in the mood for a climb and a challenge (no pain, no gain), try the well groomed dirt fire road that leads to the Ninham fire tower atop what is locally known as Smalley Mtn. It's a gradual but steady incline and will give you a good workout. A one and a half mile singletrack traverses a ridge near the summit. While the view at the top is beautiful any time, it is spectacular in the fall. There is ample room at the top to spread out and relax. A picnic with a view is a good way to reward yourself. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the tower is listed in the National Historic Lookout Register, and deemed not safe to climb. It is in the process of being renovated. The return descent down the mountain is icing on the cake.
Action Alert: A PROPOSAL put forth by the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish a forestry and logging project on the slopes of Mount Ninham in Putnam County, New York has brought fierce and determined opposition from local residents and trail users. The plan is to "manage" 415 of the 1,1000 state-owned acres. The proposal involves logging up to 60% of the trees in some areas and the use of fire and herbicides to control underbrush. . . read more
For more information: New York State DEC
Phone: (845) 256-3000
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
federal & state trails / county & local trails / urban legends / new york rail trails / outdoor adventure centers & ski resorts |
|
|
|
Connecticut /
Delaware /
Maine /
Maryland /
Massachusetts /
New Hampshire /
New Jersey /
home /
special features /
in the loop /
mountain bike events calendar /
resource hub /
the bike rack /
about /
Entire contents of website, © 1999 - 2008. All rights reserved. Lynn Creative, Inc. See Terms of Use. Bikekinetix® Is A Registered Trademark of Lynn Creative Inc. |
Urban
Legend 
Directions & Trail
Description