Catskill-Delaware River Cycling tour (60 mile days)
This tour begins and ends at Kenneth L Wilson Campground, , 859 Wittenberg Road, Mt. Tremper, NY . The first day heads west through the Catskills, the second day continues through the Catskills and then turns sound along the Delaware River to Narrowsburg, the third day continues along the river to Port Jervis and offers an option to continue along the river and through High Point State Park before returning to camp near Port Jervis. The fourth day returns the group to the starting point. The route is about half on highways with wide paved shoulders, and the rest is local roads in good condition with low traffic flow. The campsites have been chosen based on location, desired mileage and campground quality and proximity to interesting communities. The average ride distance each day is approximately 60 miles, with some distance options given. The total distance for this tour is 240 miles, with the option for a 40-60 mile extra day in the Catskills. See also the Catskill-Delaware River bicycle camping tour (long version)
 Day 1 : Kenneth Wilson Campground, Mount Trempor to Downsville on Pepacton Reservoir, 59 miles, with 3600 ft of climbing (Most between Mount Trempor and Margaretville). Stay at the Downsville Motel , or continue 8 miles to Shinopple and stay at the Peace Valley Campground. : 485 Banker Road, Downsville, NY 13755 for a total of 67 miles. The campground gets good reviews and does have a small camp store. Phone (607) 363-2211 RideWithGPS map for this ride. |
 Day 2: Downsville to Narrowsburg, 61 miles, 4000 ft. of climb. Most of that is a big climb at the half way point after Hancock. Camping in Narrowsburg at Landers River Trips. Riding from Peaceful Valley in Shinople to Landers River Trips in Narrowsburg is 57 miles. RideWithGPS map for this ride. |
 Day 3: Narrowsburg to Port Jervis. Arrive at Rockview Valley Campground 59 River Road Montague, NJ at mile 37, where you can choose to check in, then continue along river and through High Point State Park for 57 miles. Longer route can be ridden by continuing further south in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area. 57 mile ride has 3700 ft. of elevation, and most of that is in High Point State Park. RideWithGPS map for 57 mile route. 37-80 mile options |
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Start: Rockview Valley Campground 59 River Road Montague, NJ . Destination: Starting point, Kenneth L. Wilson Campground. Address: 859 Wittenberg Road, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457 This ride takes a generally straight course back to Kenneth Wilson Campground, starting with a 40 mile stretch of Route 209. 65 mile option : Port Jervis to Kenneth Wilson Campground. This is an almost identical 65 mile version of the return trip in the 76 mile ride description, with 3300 ft. of climb. The big climb into the Catskills begins at mile 39, with a steep descent at mile 51, then circling the Ashokan Reservoir back to camp. View this 65 mile ride at RideWithGPS . 75 mile option: An alternative that adds a few miles is Mountain Road (County Routes 35, 73 and 90) for the first 19 miles, in good condition. but with more elevation. The last section of the ride enters the Catskills and circles Ashokan Reservoir before returning to the campground. View this 76 mile ride at RideWithGPS |
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You can leave your camping gear at the site and explore as much of the Delaware Water Gap as you wish before returning to camp through High Point State Park, which at 1800 ft elevation is the highest point in New Jersey and offers some excellent views.
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Shown here are two options for a climbing ride from the campground in Mount Trempor on highways that have some shoulder, going around Hunter Mountain and through Woodstock just before returning to the campground. Clockwise route gives more gradual climb and steeper descent.
You may also choose a route heading southeast from the Kenneth Wilson Campground that passes through Kingston and New Paltz, 75 miles with 4600 ft. of elevation |
Route prepared by Gordon Harris, Bike New England. © Gordon Harris 2011
