What is the minimum age to join?

Riders must be at least 13 years old to participate.

Meet at the TAE Boathouse, near the park beach at 153 State Pk Rd, Chenango Forks, NY 13746, USA.

Yes—high-quality mountain bikes and helmets are included with your booking.

How fit do I need to be?

This is a beginner session; you should be able to ride a bike on flat ground and be comfortable on short uphill sections.

Guides will adapt or reschedule sessions for unsafe trail conditions—check with the operator if weather looks poor.

What bike sizes are available?

Bikes accommodate riders roughly from 4'8" to 6'4"; staff will fit you during check-in.

Beginner Single-Track: Guided Bike Tour at Chenango Valley State Park

Guided Bike Tour with Amy at Chenango Valley State Park offers an approachable entry into single-track mountain biking in Chenango Forks, New York. Meet at the TAE Boathouse (153 State Pk Rd, Chenango Forks, NY 13746, USA) beside the park beach and expect a 60–90 minute session that blends hands-on skill coaching with a gentle loop on forested single track. This beginner-focused ride is led by Amy, a certified Level 2 NICA coach, who structures fast-learning progressions into a relaxed, encouraging pace. Staff fit you with a high-quality mountain bike and helmet, then start with posture, braking, shifting and cornering drills on flat ground. The transition to trail is deliberate: short climbs, rooty rollovers and flowing, narrow paths let you practice weight distribution and line choice without exposure to steep drops or technical rock gardens. The trail network threads through mixed hardwoods and oak stands that slope down toward the park’s small lakes and the Susquehanna valley beyond. Distinctive features include low, root-strewn ridges, smooth bermed turns and a handful of creek crossings that seasonally flash with runoff—perfect terrain to translate drills into confidence. Local wildlife such as white-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks are commonly sighted, bringing quiet moments between coaching cues. What makes this experience stand out is the combination of a certified youth coach’s teaching methodology applied to adult beginners, plus the inclusion of gear—no rental hassle—and a capped group size of eight. That small-group format creates room for individualized feedback and for riders to ask questions about technique, maintenance and trail etiquette. The meeting point at the boathouse places you a stone’s throw from beach, picnic areas and the park’s quieter singletrack connectors, so it’s easy to extend your day. Practical details: riders must be 13 or older and fit into the provided bikes (rider heights from 4'8" to 6'4"). Expect about 60–90 minutes on the trail; bring water, closed-toe shoes and a light jacket for cool mornings. If weather turns sloppy, trail staff adapt the session for safety. For travelers staying in nearby Binghamton or Chenango Forks, this guided ride is an efficient way to learn transferable skills and leave the trail with confidence to explore longer loops on your own. The tour’s approachable coaching, small group size and lakeside setting make it an ideal first step into mountain biking in upstate New York. Many riders come with little more than curiosity; by the end of the ride people typically report improved balance, better braking technique, and the confidence to tackle longer local trails such as the park’s connector loops or nearby rail-trails. Amy also answers equipment questions so riders leave ready to rent or upgrade with clearer priorities and smarter gear choices afterward.