Bike the Tour Road

Cyclist using the bike lane on the tour road in Saratoga NHP

NPS Photo: VIP G. LeClair

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!

Details

Duration

1-3 Hours

Activity

Road Biking

Cyclists must remain on paved surfaces at all times, off-road use is NOT permitted within Saratoga NHP.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

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.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Saratoga National Historical Park (Battlefield)

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.

Winter (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.

Time of Day

Day

The grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.

Accessibility Information

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.

Before you Arrive

Inspect the condition of your bike

If you plan to ride your bike, you want to make sure it's in good shape and safe to ride. This may seem like common sense, but by doing your do diligence at home, you can save yourself the frustration of arriving at the park with an unsafe bike. Be sure to reach out to a local bike shop if you have specific questions or concerns about the condition of your bike.

• Are your tires inflated?

• Are you missing any spokes on your wheels?

• Is your chain rusted or broken?

• Do you have a water bottle cage and will it fit your water bottle?

Check the weather conditions

It's important to know what the weather conditions are so you can plan accordingly. Weather throughout the area can vary greatly. Check the park's weather page or search for "Stillwater, NY" or "Saratoga National Historical Park" in your favorite weather app for site-specific details.

Know the rules of the road

Know the New York State Bike and Pedestrian Laws.

Gather your essentials

By no means are we suggesting you should have top of the line gear, but start with the basics: bike, helmet, activewear (keeping weather in mind), closed-toe shoes, and a water bottle. With these basics in mind, you can plan for a safe ride, just remember to bring them with you!

Make a plan

Whether you are riding solo or with a group, have a plan in place. If it's the first time, or you have an inexperienced rider, consider regular breaks (every 1-2 miles) or the shorter 5-mile loop; the hills can be a doozy!

Bathrooms

Depending on the season and time of day, your bathroom options can be limited. A waterless toilet is available in the lower level of the parking lot and at tour road "Stop 2" (Apr.-Nov.). A compostable toilet is available at tour road "Stop 7."

Bonus tools to consider having on hand

If a water bottle isn't your style, consider a hydration pack. While we recommended you check your tire pressure before leaving the house we know that sometimes tires just don't hold air, especially if the tires are old or haven't been used in a while. Consider packing a hand pump, spare tube, and/or a tire patch kit; of course, make sure you know how to use them! How will you carry this extra gear? Consider a backpack, bike bag, or handlebar basket.

Once you Arrive

Sometimes getting here is the toughest part!
You made it, now what?

Double check your tire pressure

Yes, you did it at home, but perhaps there is a slow leak that wasn't noticeable earlier; it never hurts to double check and play it on the safe side. If your tires are low, consider using that pump we recommended you bring.

• There are two bike Fixit stations located in the park: one in the main visitor center parking lot, the other at tour road "Stop 7." We cannot guarantee their performance, so definitely consider bringing your own tools and considering these as a backup.

Double check the weather conditions

Weather has been know to change at a moment's notice. Check the weather, keep an eye on the sky, and play it safe.

Gear up

Be sure to bring your essentials (bike, helmet, activewear, shoes, and water) with you, it's a long way back to the parking lot if you forget something.

• Did you remember that water bottle? Seriously, though!

Remember your plan and make adjustments if necessary

Before arriving, you put a plan in place; go over the plan again. Now that you've arrived, has anything changed to make adjustments to your plan: weather changes, time constraints, feeling fatigued, etc?

Bathrooms

Depending on the season and time of day, your bathroom options can be limited. A waterless toilet is available in the lower level of the parking lot and at tour road "Stop 2" (April to November). A compostable toilet is available at tour road "Stop 7."

EMERGENCY

Call 9-1-1.

Before you Leave

You completed the bike, nice work!

Make sure you have your essentials

Not only is it important to bring your essentials (hiking boots/shoes, hate, activewear, backpack, first aid kit, and water) with you, it's important to take them back home! Practice Leave No Trace ethics and leave nothing (and no one) behind.

Anything to report? 

As much as we prepare and plan for our adventures in our National Parks, sometimes things go awry. Let us know if there's a way we can help. If reporting something, please provide us with contact information and date of incident.

• Did someone get hurt?
• Did someone lose something?
• Did you notice vandalism?
• Did you notice damage?