Wheelerville Trails | Caroga Lake, NY
Discover the Wheelerville Trails: Flow, Forests & Community-Built Adventure in the Southern Adirondacks
Tucked into the scenic foothills of the southern Adirondacks near Caroga Lake, the Wheelerville Trails offer a thoughtfully designed network of mountain biking routes that cater to riders of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a mellow family cruise through towering pines or a fast, flowy descent filled with rollers and berms, this growing system delivers.
A Homegrown Trail System with Big Vision
What makes Wheelerville special isn’t just the terrain—it’s the people behind it. Fueled by community passion and regional pride, the trails are a grassroots success story. Spearheaded by local riders, volunteers, and the Wheelerville Trails Committee, the network has taken shape with input from professional trail builders and the support of town officials and private landowners.
As highlighted in “Infectious Nature” by the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, the project began with a vision for creating a sustainable recreational resource to draw more people to Caroga Lake and the greater Fulton County region. “People are driving from all over the state and beyond to come ride these trails,” says trail advocate James Post, showcasing how outdoor adventure is revitalizing the area.
What to Expect on the Trails
- Flow Trails: Machine-built segments packed with smooth rollers, gentle berms, and intuitive design.
- Classic Singletrack: Hand-cut sections weaving through hardwood forest deliver a more raw Adirondack experience.
- Kid-Friendly Loops: Shorter climbs and forgiving grades make it a great destination for families.
Family-Friendly Rides & Beginner Options
The Wheelerville Trails are thoughtfully designed to include options for riders of all ages and abilities—making it a great spot for families to explore together. Here’s a recommended progression route for younger or newer riders:
- Wheelieville Skills Area: Located near the bottom of the Wheelerville Traverse, this zone features a mini pump track, wood features trail, rock garden, mini jump line, and beginner downhill trail—perfect for learning basic skills in a controlled setting.
- Wheelerville Traverse to Irving Pond: A wide, mellow green trail suitable for all ages and skill levels. Scenic and relaxing with a rewarding pond view.
- Bandit: A short, fun flow trail connecting the Traverse to the skills area. Great for confident beginners.
- Upper Eagle Eye (via Saddle Up, halfway start): For more advanced kids, this smooth flow trail is fully rollable with optional jumps. It’s fast if you're off the brakes but manageable if you ride cautiously.
Pro Tip: Every kid is different—progress at their pace, celebrate small wins, and enjoy the ride together.
Know Before You Go
- Location: Just off Route 10 in Caroga Lake, NY. View on Google Maps
- Parking: Ample space available at the main trailhead.
- Trail Status: Check wheelervilletrails.com or Trailforks for updates and conditions.
Support Trail Development
Want to help grow the Wheelerville Trails? 100% of profits from select merchandise go directly toward new trail construction and ongoing maintenance efforts.
Shop Trail-Supporting MerchExtend Your Adventure
After your ride, grab a bite in Caroga Lake, dip your toes in Pine Lake, or explore more hidden gems in the southern Adirondacks. Planning a weekend? Local cabins and campgrounds make it easy to turn your trail day into a laid-back getaway.
Gear Up for the Ride
Before you go, check out our Adirondack MTB gear collection for trail-ready shirts, hats, and accessories designed for riders who love the mountains.