With all of the snow on ground right now, it seems almost impossible to think about spring. But believe it or not, it’s right around the corner.
And if you’re anything like us, we love a bike lap around Central Park when the weather turns nice. But it turns out New Yorkers are officially ditching the city loops for something a bit more cinematic.
New data from the 2026 Trail Index by Holland Bikes shows that searches for cycling routes have spiked by a massive 96% recently.
Turns out, people aren’t just riding bikes for a workout anymore, but also now for the aesthetic.
Especially in Upstate NY which is home to routes that hug hidden waterfalls and cliffside vistas — there’s really so much to be explored.
Here’s the definitive list of the most “picture-perfect” trails to hit this spring.
The 10 most scenic bike rides, according to Holland Bikes
These spots were ranked based on a “Picture Perfect Score” out of 100, factoring in everything from trail ratings to how many photos are taken per kilometer.
- Blackhead Range via Kaaterskill Falls (Haines Falls) – 94.14
- Bull Hill & South Beacon Mountain (Cold Spring) – 92.42
- Gertrude’s Nose & Lake Awosting (Kerhonkson) – 92.12
- Inspiration Point via Rail Trail (Haines Falls) – 91.62
- Breakneck Ridge & Cornish Trail (Cold Spring) – 91.33
- Wilkinson Memorial via Bull Hill Loop (Cold Spring) – 91.23
- Millbrook Mountain Loop (Kerhonkson) – 90.92
- Inspiration Point Loop (Haines Falls) – 90.78
- Kaaterskill Falls & North Point (Haines Falls) – 90.73
- Escarpment Trail (Haines Falls) – 90.66
A quick snapshot of the top 3
The Waterfall Queen: Kaaterskill Falls 💦
Haines Falls basically swept the awards this year, taking up half of the top 10.
If you want the most “bang for your buck,” the Inspiration Point Loop has the highest “photo density” in the state. You’re basically guaranteed a stunning shot every few minutes. It’s a two-stage waterfall that is absolute magic during the spring thaw.
The Metro-North Move: Cold Spring 🚂
Don’t have a car? No problem.
Cold Spring is the ultimate escape because you can just hop on the Hudson Line.
Bull Hill and Breakneck Ridge are legendary for their panoramic river views, and just fair warning: these climbs are no joke—your quads will feel it, but the grid post will be worth it.
The Adventure Hub: Lake Placid 🌲
If you’re looking for a full weekend vibe, head to Lake Placid.
It has more trails in the top 100 than anywhere else in NY. It’s the premier base for riders who want those “big mountain” views.
What to know before you ride: advice from an expert
Holland Bikes’ Managing Director, Eric van der Zanden, gave us the lowdown on how to not ruin your vibe:
- Don’t pull a “dead phone” move: Taking 500 photos of a waterfall drains your battery fast. Bring a portable charger so you don’t lose your GPS mid-mountain.
- Trail Etiquette is Hot: If you’re stopping for the ‘gram, pull all the way to the right. Don’t be the person blocking the path for everyone else!
- Weather Realness: It might be sunny in Manhattan, but mountain weather is moody. Pack a windbreaker and a helmet—safety is always the best accessory.