1-3 Hours
Bike the Tour Road
Saratoga National Historical Park
While Saratoga National Historical Park is primarily known for its history, we’re also a very popular spot for cycling; no matter your level of expertise!
While Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the sites associated with the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, we’re also known to be a very popular spot for cycling; no matter your level of expertise. The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset; cyclists are able to ride the tour road at any time, weather and conditions permitting. Check on updates to our operating hours to see when the Tour Road is open. Bikes must remain on paved surfaces and follow all New York State bicycle laws. Off-road use is not permitted. What to Expect BRING WATER! There is no water available along the tour road and fountains are turned off during the winter months. The tour road is a 9.5-mile, paved, one way road with a 25 mph speed limit and a multi-use lane on the right hand side. A bicycle is considered a vehicle and must follow the posted speed limit and one way flow of traffic. At the end of the tour road, cyclists will need to turn right and ride 1.5 miles back to the visitor center (if this is where you started). In total, the "battlefield loop" is about 11 miles and contains steep inclines and downhills. You will probably use every gear your bike has! Need a shorter ride? A service road is available just after the 5-mile mark; it is indicated by a brown and white sign next to the bike lane. NOTE: this service road is gravel and there is a steep hill; for your safety, please walk. If you decide to turn around and head back to the parking lot going against the flow of traffic, walk your bikes on the right side of the road or in the grass. Pedestrians have right of way in pedestrian/bike lane. There are 10 parking areas along the 11-mile loop for you take a break and explore the historical grounds this park preserves. This isn’t a race, so take your time and enjoy your surroundings. Watch out for wildlife on the road. Deer can be tame and just stand on the road as you approach. Whether you've ridden the battlefield before or not, be sure to check out our additional tips below for a fun (and safe) ride at Saratoga NHP!
Tags
Road BikingAmerican RevolutionAnimalsBirdsPhotographyBurial, Cemetery and GravesiteColonization and SettlementEnslavementFarming and AgricultureFoothills, Plains and ValleysGrasslandsMeadowsMilitaryArtilleryBattlefieldsCavalryIndigenous and Native WarriorInfantry and MilitiaUS ArmyUS NavyMonuments and MemorialsMountainsNative American HeritageNatural SoundsRiver and RiparianScenic ViewsTrailsTransportationCanalsRoads, Routes and HighwaysWars and ConflictsAmerican Revolutionary WarColonial/European Contact ConflictsSaratogaSaratoga BattlefieldSaratoga National Historical ParkbikebikingOutdoor activitiesRevolutionary WarSaratogaNHP
Visitor Photos
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Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
The Battlefield Driving Tour Road (bike route) is paved, but there are sections with steep grades that may be difficult to navigate. Visitor Center Parking Two spaces available in main parking lot at bottom of ramp. Ramp has a steep incline to visitor center; additional parking is available on Roosevelt Rd. Entrance Automatic front doors (2 sets) open outwards, ramp and automatic rear door opens outwards Restrooms Partially accessible indoor restrooms are available in the visitor center - a handicap stall is available, but there is no automatic door. A partially accessible outdoor portable toilet is available in the lower level of the visitor center parking area near the tour road entrance. Water Water fountains located inside visitor center between restrooms and one located outside off ramp from main parking lot. Water contains sodium in excess of 20 mg/L Picnic tables Handicap accessible picnic area is accessible from main parking lot, picnic tables are also available behind visitor center Exhibits Artifacts on display in glass cases, visually and physically available from a wheelchair. Doors from museum area to paved patio are automatic. Tour Road (April to November) A 10-mile driving tour road provides access to areas where the critical 1777 events took place. Along the way there are a total of 10 stops, each stop has a parking area and interpretive signs. Parking Each stop along the tour road has two accessible parking spaces. Restrooms Partially accessible outdoor portable toilets are available at tour road entrance and stop 2, and a composting toilet is available at tour road stop 7. Walkways All tour road stops have paved walkways, several meet ADA grade and slope requirements, but some do not. Some visitors may experience difficulty accessing tour road stops 2, 7, and 8. Tour Road (December to April) The tour road is CLOSED to vehicles. NPS staff will plow the tour road for pedestrian use from the parking lot to the "service road," which is a distance of about 1/2 mile; and from the end of the "service road" to "Stop 8," which is a distance of about 2 miles. While the road is plowed, slippery or wintry conditions may still exist and visitors should exercise extreme caution.
Pets
Yes — Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed. Visitors are required to clean up after their pets and waste bags are provided on the premises.
Reservations
No
Location
Saratoga National Historical Park (Battlefield)