East Branch Community Trails: Mountain Biking & Hiking in Keene, NY
Tucked in the scenic Keene Valley corridor, the East Branch Community Trails have quickly become one of the most exciting trail systems in the Adirondacks. Built on 121 acres of Essex County reforestation land along Route 9N, this network now spans more than 4 miles of professionally designed singletrack — with more on the way. From smooth beginner-friendly loops at the base to technical black diamond descents higher up, East Branch has something for every rider and every visit.
The system is built around a stacked-loop design: the lower trails are the most approachable, and as you climb, the terrain gets progressively more challenging. That structure means families, beginners, and adaptive riders can enjoy a full ride from the same trailhead as experienced enduro-style riders — without anyone feeling out of place.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Route 9N, approximately 3.6 miles north of the NY 9N/NY 73 intersection in Keene — east side of the road, near the Keene-Jay town line
- Distance: 4+ miles of trails (actively expanding)
- Elevation: ~600 feet top to bottom
- Difficulty: Green to black diamond
- Activities: Mountain biking, hiking, trail running, snowshoeing
- E-bikes: Class 1 e-bikes allowed on all trails
- Facilities: Designated parking area, covered pavilion, picnic area, fire pit, open field
- MTB note: Several trails are MTB-only and one-way — check trail signage at the kiosk
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go
East Branch trails are seasonal and weather-dependent. Always verify conditions before heading out — especially during spring mud season or after heavy rain.
BETA Trail Conditions → ADK Trail Conditions →The Trails
East Branch uses a stacked-loop layout — ride just the lower trails for a mellow outing, or keep climbing to unlock progressively more technical terrain. The further up the mountain you go, the more the singletrack rewards you.
A short, easy loop in the base area built for the youngest riders and absolute beginners. A great place for kids to build confidence on two wheels before tackling the Climbing Trail.
Multi-useThe backbone of the system. A gradual, well-graded ascent with manageable switchbacks that gets you to the upper network without burning your legs. Designed for all ages and abilities, including e-bikes and adaptive riders.
Multi-useAscendingE-bike friendlyA short loop at the top of the Climbing Trail that leads to a rocky outcropping with views of the surrounding peaks. The natural rest stop before you drop into the descents — take a breath and pick your line.
Multi-useSummit loopA cross-country loop in the upper network with a mix of smooth tread and rolling terrain. Connects into the descent trails and gives riders an option to extend their time on the mountain.
Multi-useLoopAn upper-network connector added in the 2025 expansion, continuing the style of manageable grades and smooth tread found on the lower Climbing Trail. Links the climb to the descent options above.
Multi-useAscendingThe signature trail of East Branch — widely regarded as one of the best flow trails in the Adirondacks. Machine-built with perfectly sculpted singletrack, sweeping berms, and big rollers. Starts about halfway up the mountain. You'll want to lap it.
MTB onlyDescentFlowA machine-built descent-only flow trail added in October 2025, featuring manicured mainline tread with jump and rock drop options along the edges for riders ready to push their skills. Official name from BETA coming soon.
MTB onlyDescentJumpsAdded 2025The companion ascent trail added alongside the descent in October 2025. Carries the same approachable grade philosophy as the lower Climbing Trail, pushing the accessible network higher up the mountain. Official name from BETA coming soon.
Multi-useAscendingAdded 2025A technical descent in the upper network loaded with rock features and optional challenge lines. Part of the spring/summer 2025 build that added 150 feet of additional vertical to the system.
MTB onlyDescentRock featuresThe crown jewel of the 2025 expansion — an enduro-style black diamond with 301 feet of descent, heavy rock work, and multiple optional lines including berms, jumps, and rock faces. Opened in June 2025 to a crowd of 100+ riders and immediately put East Branch on the radar of serious MTB riders across the region.
MTB onlyDescentEnduro301 ft descentTrail Map & Directions
Interactive Trail Map — Trailforks
Check current trail conditions, download GPX files for your device, and log your rides. Trailforks is the go-to resource for planning your visit to East Branch.
Open East Branch on Trailforks →Directions: From the intersection of NY Route 9N and NY Route 73 in the hamlet of Keene, head north on Route 9N for approximately 3.6 miles. The parking area entrance will be on your right (east side of the road). Look for the trailhead signs — the lot includes a covered pavilion and kiosk visible from the road.
Get Directions → Google MapsBuilt by the Community
East Branch didn't start with a master plan — it started with the Keene Youth Commission, which rallied around a vision for a trail system that would serve families, kids, and riders returning to the sport after time away. That early push grew into a partnership between the Town of Keene, Essex County, and the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), with Peduzzi Trail Contracting handling the professional build — a natural fit, since contractor Luke Peduzzi grew up down the road from these very trails.
Community members didn't just support the project — they helped build it. With each phase of construction, volunteers from Keene and surrounding areas have been the lifeblood of the effort, and that sense of ownership shows in how well the trails are maintained and how thoughtfully they've grown.
Designing for adaptive riders has been part of the vision from the start. BETA worked closely with experts from the Kelly Brush Foundation to refine trail width and slope — small design decisions that make a real difference in who can get out on a bike. The result is a system that genuinely welcomes riders of all abilities, including those on e-bikes and adaptive setups who may not have options elsewhere in the High Peaks region.
Phase 1 — 2022
2.5 miles of multi-use singletrack opens. Parking area, pavilion, and kiosk built out.
Phase 2 — 2023–24
Downriver, Sentinel Loop, Boulder Rush added. Gravity-oriented descents and improved connectivity.
Phase 3 — 2025
4 new trails, 150 ft more vertical, Duzzi opens to 100+ riders. Skills loop features underway.
2026 & Beyond
More singletrack, expanded parking, and progressive jump lines planned. Long-term goal: 7 miles.
Over $210,000 has been invested in the project to date through BETA's Sterling Watchorn Trail Fund, Stewart's Shops/Dake Family, PeopleForBikes grants, and community donations.
See It on the Trail — Video by Nick
East Branch in the news
East Branch has been highlighted nationally as a model for inclusive, community-driven trail development.
PeopleForBikes — "Adaptive and Youth-Friendly Mountain Bike Trails Are Growing in the Adirondacks" (April 2026) → Singletracks — "East Branch Trails Added 4 New MTB Trails in 2025" (December 2025) →Explore More Adirondack Mountain Biking
East Branch is one of many trail systems across the Adirondack Park covered in our full ADK biking guide — from beginner flow trails to technical backcountry singletrack, plus events, trail alliances, and regional resources.
View the Full ADK Biking Guide →🚵 Supporting Local Trails
The Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) builds, maintains, and advocates for sustainable trails like the East Branch Community Trails and many others throughout the greater High Peaks region. Their work is critical to keeping these routes fun, safe, and open for all.
Support BETA Trails