Helderbergs West

Helderberg West

by BKClark

The Helderberg west loop takes you over a few of the higher peaks in the Helderbergs, and through Thacher Park in Upstate New York. The ride prominently features the Helderberg Escarpment — from distant views at the beginning of the ride, to spectacular views from Thacher Park at the end of the ride.

The ride starts out along the face of the escarpment. You’ll see the sheer cliffs to the west rising over 1,000 feet in places, as the route takes you northward. Head through the small towns of Altamont and Duanesburg, then a long run west, out NY route 7. If you prefer to make better time, and don’t mind interstates, take I-88. I-88 runs parallel to NY 7 and has some really nice views as well.

Along the Keyser Kill

The south bound leg of the loop takes you on some much quieter county roads, and up in elevation. In the pictures and video you can see the remnants of a spring snowstorm which blanketed the hilltops a few days earlier. As the Helderberg west loop brings you down off of the first peak, you’ll cross the Schoharie Creek, then follow the Keyser Kill through forest preserves, and along some more nice quiet county roads. The loop continues up over another peak at around 2,000 feet. Prepare for around a 10° F drop in temperature from where the ride started.

On to Thacher Park

East, and down out of the hills, then north on the final leg toward Thacher Park to finish the Helderberg west loop. The ride up to the park is nice and brings you up to around 1,200 ft. There a nice turnout to pull into with a spectacular overlook. You won’t even need to get off of your bike, but this would be a good time to take a little walk around, and take the views in from multiple angles.

Next, head down out of the park and past a view of the escarpment from another angle. To finish the loop, take the last rip down into the Hudson Valley as nice long views of the Capital District unfold before you. And, as always, enJoy the Ride!

Gallery

Directions

Start out on NY 156 heading west out of Voorheesville, NY. In Altamont, NY, turn right on Main St., then left on Maple St., then right on Western Ave. (NY 397) heading north. Turn left on US 20 heading west. In Duanesburg, NY, turn left on NY 7 heading west. In Warnerville, NY (just past Cobleskill), turn left on West Fork Rd. (county route 4), heading south. When you come to the “T”, turn right on NY 30 heading south.

In Breakabeen, NY, turn left on county 36 (Clauverwie Rd.), then turn right on county 17, heading south. Turn left on county 19 heading east. At the end of county 19, continue straight on NY 145, then, in Livingstonville, NY, turn left on county 19A heading north. Continue straight on county 353, then, in Rensselaerville, NY, turn left on NY 85 heading north. In New Salem, NY, turn left on NY 157. After leaving Thacher Park, turn right on county 256, the turn right on NY 157 heading, Finally, turn right on NY 156, heading south to go back to Voorheesville and the beginning of the loop.

Tips: If you’re going to take I-88 instead of NY 7, get on at US 20 heading west out of Duanseburg. To pick up the loop from I-88, take the Warnerville exit, then NY 7 east to a right on West Fork Rd. (Co. 4). Going through Altamont, follow the signs for NY 146 to get from NY 156 to NY397.

Shorthand:
Voorheesville, NY -> NY 156[W] -> Altamont, NY R-Main St. -> L-Maple St. -> R-NY 397(Western Ave.)[N] -> L-US 20 [W] -> Duanesburg, NY L-NY 7[W] -> Warnerville, NY L-Co. 4(West Fork Rd.)[S] -> R-NY 30[S] -> Breakabeen, NY L-Co. 36 (Clauverwie Rd.)[W] -> R Co. 17 [S] -> L Co. 19 [E] -> S-NY 145 [E] -> L Co. 19A [N/E] -> S Co. 353 -> Rensselaerville, NY L NY 85 [N] -> New Salem, NY L NY 157 [N] -> R Co 256 [W] -> R NY 157[N] – > R NY 156 [E] -> Voorheesville, NY

Details

  • Ride Type: Circular
  • Time: 2:22
  • Distance: 95 mi (153 km)
  • Average Speed: 40 mph (64 kph)
  • Road Type: US Hwy/State Routes/County Routes
  • Road Condition: 7 – A few rough sections
  • Date Ridden: 4/28/2020
  • Maximum Elevation: 2,000 ft.
  • Traffic Lights: 8
  • Stop Signs: 5

Gas:
Mobil – Voorheesville
*Stewart’s – Altamont
Citgo – Howes Cave
*Stewart’s – Cobleskill
Sunoco – Cobleskill
Citgo – Westerlo
*Stewart’s – Clarksville
*Ethanol free gas available

Food:
Paisano’s Pizza Villa
Cider House Restaurant
Rosa Villa
Duanesburg Diner
Sap Bush Hollow Cafe and Farm Store

Lodging:
Super 8 Motel

Camping:
Camp Here Here

Repair Shops:

Attractions:
Meadowvale Winery
Altamont Orchards
Howe Caverns
Scrumpy Ewe Cider
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Thompson’s Lake State Park
Max V. Shaul State Park

Connections:
Mid-Hudson West