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Take the New York Thruway (I-87) north and exit at NY 17/US 6 west. Proceed on Rt. 17 to exit 113 (Ellenville). After the exit ramp turn left and travel south on Rt. 209. When you see the Moose Lodge (around 2.2 miles) turn left onto Haven Road. You can park down this road or continue to the intersection with South Road. Turn right and proceed to the first of four boat launch parking areas.
General Description: The 2,200 acre Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is the largest freshwater wetland in southeastern New York State. It provides habitat for over 30 species of fish, 200 species of birds and a large variety of reptiles, mammals and plants. This scenic, unspoiled and serene setting provides an unmatched resource for birdwatching, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking. Birds that migrate through the Bashakill or make it their year-round home include the bald eagle, wild turkey, red-winged blackbird, woodpecker, hummingbird, great blue heron, red-tailed hawk, pheasant and Canada goose. There is a large wintering population of bald eagles here. So, if weather permits and there is no snow cover, then visit for a combined mountain biking and bird watching expedition here during the winter months. Mammals that frequent the wetlands and upland woods include white-tailed deer, opossum, porcupine, rabbit, raccoon, river otter, beaver and skunk. Reptiles include the box turtle, bullfrogs, salamanders, snapping turtles and toads. The Sea Lamprey, which migrates up the Delaware River from the Atlantic Ocean, and the prehistoric “Bowfin” fish are rare species of the Bashakill. The view of the wetlands and the Shawangunk Ridge escarpment from the trails are fabulous at any time of the year. In mid August, when we were here, the profusion of wildflowers in bloom (purples, reds yellows) were breathtaking. It is banked by views of the Allegheny Plateau to the west and the steep Shawangunk Ridge to the east. The ridge rises almost 700 feet.
The Trails: The old railbed of the New York, Ontario & Western Railway parallels the Bashakill on its eastern side. The towpath of the Delaware & Hudson Canal travels along it's western side. Both trails are open to biking, but may not be graded. There may be standing water, mud, exposed roots or railroad ties, grass and other surface conditions that make a mountain bike neccessary. Avoid riding after heavy rains or during wet periods. This is definitely not your typical well-maintained, graded rail trail! You can turn this into a loop ride: Head south on the old railbed from your parking area, exit onto Otisville Road, turn right onto County Road 63, turn right on US 209 and make another right onto an unmarked road. From here look for a wide double-track trail on the left that will take you onto the old Delaware & Hudson Towpath. Follow the towpath north back to Haven Road, turn right and proceed to your parking area. From the parking area on Haven Road: The railroad bed south of Haven Road is dirt, gravel and grass. There are plenty of roots here, rough sections, some downed tree branches, old railroad ties still in place and several small wooden plank bridges. The sections with lots of roots / railroad ties will make for a very bumpy ride. We suggest getting off your bike and walking. This will also give you the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the wildlife habitats and to view the abundant wildlife. (Isn't that why you came here to ride?) We spotted a group of deer at the transition zone between forest and wetland. They stopped to watch us as we slowly passed on foot. We also saw a great blue heron, a beaver, and many other birds. We easily would have missed them had we went riding by. North of Haven Road, the railroad bed is also dirt, gravel, grass but much easier to ride. It is level and graded, offering fairly easy riding for several miles north towards Route 17. The D&H Canal Towpath south of Haven Road is rideable with a surface of dirt, gravel and grass. We don't recommend biking the towpath north of Haven Road. There are also additional miles of riding on the well-maintained, marked D&H Canal Linear Park Trail. The trailhead is in the town of Wurtsboro, several miles north on Route 209.
For more information: NY State DEC Phone: (845) 256-3000
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