Cunningham Park, located in Queens, New York City, is a hidden gem for mountain bikers seeking thrilling trails without leaving the city. The Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trailhead serves as the entry point to a network of exciting trails catering to riders of all skill levels. From fast cross-country tracks to technical singletrack and jump parks, Cunningham Park offers a diverse and engaging mountain biking experience.
Discover Cunningham Park’s Mountain Bike Trails: An Overview
Cunningham Park is a true local favorite, renowned for its fast, switchback-heavy trails and numerous log-overs. Recent trail maintenance has introduced new technical features and cut-outs, adding to the park’s appeal. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned XC rider looking for a challenge, Cunningham Park has something to offer. The trails range from smooth, wide green trails perfect for beginners to clover leaf outskirt trails featuring fast and fun singletrack. Expect super-fast XC sections, tight and generous switchbacks, rolling rock gardens, and challenging log-overs.
Unlike many trails in the wider region, Cunningham Park is notably flat, with a mere 40 feet of elevation change across the park. This makes it ideal for single-speed bikes and riders who enjoy constant speed variations and short, sharp bursts of power. Adding to the fun are three dirt jump “mini parks” within Cunningham, catering to free-riders and those looking for airtime. While erosion can be a concern due to high traffic and weather conditions, the dedicated volunteers at CLIMB (Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists) work tirelessly to maintain the trails in top condition.
Need to Know Before You Ride
The official Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trailhead is located at 67th Ave and 210th St in Queens, New York. Street parking is free and generally plentiful on 210th St. For those using public transportation, the F train to the last stop, Jamaica, provides convenient access, followed by a short bike ride to the trailhead.
Cunningham Park is divided into east and west sections. While the west section can be accessed from 73rd Ave east of the highway, a dedicated overpass for riders connects the east and west sections, enhancing trail connectivity. The park is open from dawn to sunset. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed. The e-bike policy is currently unknown, so it’s advisable to check local regulations before riding an e-bike on these trails.
Exploring the Trails: Section by Section
Starting from the Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trailhead at 67th Ave and 210th St, veering left onto the green trail will lead you to the entrance of various exciting sections:
- Teepee: Accessible from the green trail on your right, Teepee is a blend of fast switchbacks and log-overs. It transitions into fast singletrack with quick ascents and descents, reconnecting to the inner Green trail before Thrilla.
- Thrilla: Located to the left after Teepee and the Green trail, Thrilla is an exhilarating up-and-down trail. Known for its speed and fun factor, it can be as technical as you desire. The initial part features log balances, dirt jump opportunities, and banked turns. Mid-section, an overpass access to the park’s West side leads to Green Apple. The second half of Thrilla, back on the East side, is a rider favorite with more jumps and a free-ride area branching off the main path.
- Green Apple: Accessed via the overpass to the West side, Green Apple combines fast singletrack, switchbacks, rock gardens, and flowing climbs. The “Black” portion introduces technical log-overs, rock gardens, and tight turns, while the “Blue” section offers fast XC riding. Viper is accessible at the end of Green Apple by keeping left past the Green trail sign.
- Viper: Starting from Green Apple, Viper is a Black trail section beginning with a narrow path on a hillside, followed by short climbs and log piles. The latter half is faster XC terrain. After a short climb, switchbacks and log-overs lead out of Viper.
- Ringer: Accessed from the Green trail after Viper, Ringer’s first section (entrance on the left) features fast singletrack, steep climbs, and larger obstacles. A downhill section with a notorious log-over leads to a section with switchbacks and log-overs. The second section of Ringer is more of a free-ride park and often skipped by XC riders.
- IMBA: Located on the East side, IMBA starts at the “mountain top” (relative to Cunningham’s flatness) with a large log-over and a fast, twisty descent. It intersects the Green trail multiple times, requiring attention to trail markers. Iguana is the next section after IMBA.
- Iguana: The fastest section in Cunningham, Iguana offers long straightaways with minimal technical challenges, perfect for building speed. It concludes with a Green path leading back to the Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trailhead.
History and Background
Cunningham Park’s mountain bike trails are a result of collaboration between NYC Parks and CLIMB. This partnership ensures the ongoing development and maintenance of these valuable urban trails.
Connect and Contribute
For trail updates, maintenance efforts, and community, reach out to:
- Local Club: Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB) – Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists (CLIMB)
- Land Manager: New York City Department of Parks & Recreation – New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trails offer an accessible and exciting escape for mountain bikers in New York City. Whether you’re a local or visiting, explore the Cunningham Park Mountain Bike Trailhead and discover the thrills within this urban oasis.
