New Jersey

GPS Trail Source is a really well thought out, and very complete site, filled with trail information for the central East Coast, including New Jersey.

Where to Ride Your Mountain Bike in the NJ/NY area

In most metro NY/NJ park and forest areas, mountain bikes (ATBs), like horses and other alternative trail uses, are allowed only on trails specifically designated for their use.

In southern New York, there is a designated shared-use trails in Fahnestock State Park (our East Hudson maps) and an extensive network in Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve (Shawangunk maps). A permit is required at Mohonk; 914/255-0919. In Harriman-Bear Mtn. State Park no ATBs are allowed as yet, however an ATB trail network is being planned by park authorities and volunteers (hopefully ready in spring 1996). ATBs are permitted in Black Rock Forest (West Hudson maps); permit required, 914/534-4517. Just west of Newburgh, try the Stewart Airport properties. A free permit is required; visit airport Bldg. #138. For information, call 914/564-2100 (then dial 8). In Westchester, the 26-mile Old Croton Aqueduct/Trailway State Park allows ATBs and there are 7 miles of ATB trails in the Blue Mtn. Reservation, call 914/593-PARK.

On Long Island, call the LI Greenbelt Trail Conference @ 516/360-0753 or write Climb (Concerned LI Mountain Bicyclists), PO Box 203, Woodbury NY 11797. Catskill trails are open to ATB's but many are almost impossible. Look for the trails routed over old woods roads. No ATB riding allowed in any NYC park (including Staten Is.) nor on the Appalachian Trail.

New Jersey areas that allow ATBs on designated trails include Wawayanda and Ringwood State Park & Ramapo Mtn. State Forest. In West Jersey (Kittatinny Trails maps) enjoy large sections of High Point State Park and Stokes State Forest. Other ATB areas include designated trails in these NJ Parks and Forests: Allaire, Allamuchy, Belleplain, Cheesequake, D&R Canal, Estell Manor, Hartshorne Woods, Lebanon, Monmouth Battlefield, Parvin, Round Valley, Washington's Crossing and some others.

Morris County offers two prime locations. One is Lewis Morris Park, just outside of Morristown. Another is Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, located off Route 15 in Jefferson Township. For the latest information, I suggest you contact the specific park before you go. NJ Parks Regional Office can be reached at 201/827-8848.

Local bike shops are also sources of information and often sponsor group rides. But, always play it safe and check first with the land managing agency as we have heard of some bike shops giving out incorrect or out-dated information.

The Catskill trail system is currently completely open to mountain biking. Please note the caveat, most trails there are not, however, rideable. The Catskill mountain trails are primarily steep and very rocky which make it virtually impossible to enjoy on a bike except if your name happens to be Hans "No Way" Rey. Before you embark on your Catskill mountain bike adventure, it is recommended that you purchase the NYNJ Trail Conference Catskill map set. The maps can be purchased at most delis and outdoor shops in and around the Catskills.

Following are short descriptions of Catskill trails that are passable on a mountain bike.

South Mountain In Haines Falls, take North Lake Road (off Rt. 23A) to Scutt Road. Right on Scutt Road into parking area on right. Trail head begins over foot bridge at end of Scutt. Follow Red/Blue or Yellow trail markers and make your own loops. When you reach the edge of the Escarpment on the Red trail, check out the Catskill Mountain site with its extensive views of the Hudson Valley; the trail beyond is not rideable.

Note for advanced riders: Using your trail map take Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail down into Palenville (awesome downhilling!), turn left onto Rt. 23A to Bogart Road. Left onto Bogart. Follow to Mountain Turnpike Road. Follow Mtn Turnpike Road (look for DEC trial signs) and take back up the mountain to North Lake Boat House. Killer uphill ride! Plan for 2 1/2 hour round trip.

Colgate Lake Yellow Trail Off Rt. 23A at Tannersville traffic light turn right onto Route 23C (not marked well - I think its Hill Street). Avoid the Rt 25 short cut, as of 8/15/01 the road has a detour in it prior to reaching the 23C intersection. Follow 23C west to Colgate Road in the town of Jewett and turn right. Park at the third Parking lot (on right). Trail begins there. Follow Yellow markers in as far as you want to go, then turn around. Good ride but tough when wet.

Trial maps will show a lake that has since dried up. I understand the beaver dam that created the lake years ago has let go leaving a nice open ,meadow. This ride is relatively flat and good for beginner/intermediate riders.

Mink Hollow Blue Trail Approximately 8 miles of what was once an old loggin road between Elka Park (Greene County) and Lake Hill (Ulster County). Trail runs between a number of mountains. The trail, is a bit washed out from the floods of 1996, but worth the effort.

At Tannersville traffic light turn onto County Road 16 and follow to Elka Park Road. bear left at Elka Park Post Office and keep the road to left, to Mink Hollow Road.

Elm Ridge Ride From the Bike Shop at Winham Mountain Outfitters, take a left out of parking lot, and follow Route 296 straight through Hensonville, cross bridge and bear right on Rt. 40. In Maplecrest, make left on Rt. 56. Make left on Peck Road and follow to end, where the trail begins. Trail is difficult in sections, so be prepared to walk a bit. Follow trail to trail intersection signs, double back 100 yards and make right onto unmarked trail. Follow trail to end, and make right down the hill. At end of hill, turn right and return to the Bike Shop. 3 1/2 miles, intermediate to advanced.

In addition to the local riding most of the ski resorts in the Northeast offer mountain biking in the summer months. Below are links to some of our favorites:

Central Jersey

Allaire State Park |
Black River Wildlife Managemnet Area |
Cheesequake State Park |

Chimney Rock Park |
Clayton State Park |
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park |
Hartshorne Woods Park |
Henry Hudson Trail |
Huber Woods |

Kilmer Reserve |
Lewis Morris State Park |
Mercer County Park |
Round Valley Reservoir State Park |
Sourland Mountain Preserve |
Thompson Park |

Voorhees State Park |
Washington's Crossing State Park |
Woodfield Reserve

Washington's Crossing State Park

There are two parts to Washington's Crossing, one on the NJ side and one on the PA side. The one on the NJ side has some really nice trails. Some special trails set up for biking, called 'MutliPurpose' Trails on the map, are really easy - wide grass trails. But there are tons of hiking trails that are technical - not too many logs but tons of killer roots. You do have to pay $3 for parking but it's well worth it. Follow the signs for the Nature Center and park there and ride from one of the many trails there.

directions: Right off Rt. 29 just south of Lambertville. If you're coming from Trenton or south, take 29 north to Washington's Crossing State Park sign (can't miss it, big intersection and big sign). Take a right at the sign and the park entrance is on the left about a half a mile up.

Round Valley Reservoir State Park

Killer hills and singletrack - rocks and roots. Some of the trails can be quite rocky, and there are some hilly areas. There is only one path here they let bikers go on. It's about 8-9 miles around the ridge of the reservoir: Out and back. Ask the guard at the entrance for directions to the only bike path. I think it's the first right after you enter the park, near the boating area. Beware, the park closes at 8pm, and they get grouchy about it if you are still there. Call (908) 236-6355 for more info.

directions: Park at Round Valley State Park, wilderness camping parking area, 2 miles south of Rt 22 in Lebanon, NJ. Exit 20A off Route 22 in Lebanon, NJ.

Black River Preserve Wildlife Management Area (New Jersey)

There is both a railroad bed, and a power line trail. They parallel each other, and there are trails that connect the two. The railroad bed is a beginner level ride suitable for hybrid bicycles. The power line trail is for more experienced riders and there are some hill sections. Note that hunting is allowed here so you may wish to ride on Sundays. Some areas of the power line trail can be overgrown in the warmer months.

One parking area: Turn onto Oakdale Rd in Chester at intersection of Rt 513/510/24 (right turn if travelling SW on 513, straight if going west on Rt 24/510), make right turn in 1 mi onto Pleasant Hill Rd, parking lot on left in approx 0.5 mi. The trail entrance will be on the left side in approx. 100 yards as you head west on your bicycles from the parking lot.

Alternate parking area: Parking lot is on the right, approx 1/4 miles past Bill's Luncheonette, as you travel south on Rt 513 in Ironia. A trail goes down to the power line trail, and railroad bed. This parking area is not recommended if you plan on using a hybrid bicycle. In the warmer months, you may have to ride through some tall grass to access the trail leading down to the other trails.

directions: 52 North Road, Chester.

Hartshorne Woods Park

map

All types of trails for beginners and expert mountain bikers. The park has at least two trails for mountain biking. The first one (Laurel Ridge Trail) is a moderate trail of around 2.5 miles and mostly composed of fire roads and the other one (Grand Tour Trail) is for expert mountain bikers and composed of fire roads and singletrack with lots of hilly sections (around 6 miles long). I heard this place can get really crowded. Call (908) 879-6262 for more info.

Hartshorne is most likely the most popular place in New Jersey. You'll find plenty of high-tech bikes, and the serious riders that they belong to, littering the population.They'll need their expierience and technical edge here, for this park has fast and challenging trails, not to be ridden on by the light-hearted. The black diamond trails here will test your skills and your bike's design; by the end of the ride you will not only have to tighten a few bolts on your bike but in your body as well.

For those people just out for a leisurely ride will soon find their in for a good workout. I'd like to suggest this park for everybody but, there just aren't any areas without hills. If there is an easy side it would be the paved trails on the east side of the park. The area has an excellent veiw of the ocean and the Navesink River. It also has some historical military bunkers, built in 1942, that you can ride right through and on top of.

The terrain here is hardpack and fast! The obstacles are unique and the climbs are thigh-burning and technical. There are approxiametly 12 miles of trails here and if you conquer them all you will come out with a sweaty, dirty, worn-out, happy grin.

directions: Garden State Parkway to exit 109. Southbound: turn left onto Rt. 520. Take jughandle for Half Mile Road; Northbound, go straight at exit. Follow Half Mile Rd. to the end. Turn Right at traffic light onto East Front St. Follow East Front St. to Hubbard Ave. Turn left onto Hubbard Ave. and follow (.6 mile) to Navesink River Rd. Turn right onto Navesink River Rd. and continue 4.7 miles. Turn right onto Locust Rd. Cross Clay Pit Creek bridge to five way intersection. Bear right onto Bavesink Ave. and continue to Park on right.

alternate: State Highway 36 to Navesink Ave. Southbound, turn right; Northbound, use jughandle for Locust/Navesink Ave. Follow Navesink Ave. to Park on left.

Huber Woods

map

Huber Woods has a main entrance which is but a few minutes (almost seconds!) from Hartshorne Woods. It's smaller than Hartshorne, but less crowded. The trails are more technical and less developed, there is lots of singletrack.

Huber Woods Park is almost a carbon-copy of Hartshorne without the intense climbs. It offers fast twisting trails and moderate obstacles. This is the place to go when you want challenging trails without the challenging physical intensity. Although, if you want a tough trail take the Many Log Run (the name say it all), it'll knock a few screws loose.

The park is relatively small (6+ miles), but makes a good 1-2 punch when combined with Hartshorne, which is about 1/2 mile from the end of Claypit Run. (Warning: Claypit Run is generally a long gradual downhill so, if you decide to take it be prepared to take the road back or climb back up!) The dirt is hard and smooth in most areas and rarely gets muddy (ie: fun in the rain). In the summer, parts of the trails can become very sandy. The trails here can be conquered by any intermiediate to advanced rider and may not be challeging to expert riders, but nontheless, Huber Woods will give any begginer a hell of a workout.

Note: Huber Woods Park has a few other things that needed to be mentioned - first, a small picnic area, across from the trail entrance, that offers a beutiful overlook of the Navesink River. Second, a historical building/mini-museum (Enviormental Center) with a nature walk around it (Discovery Path). And third, a reptile house. Just a little something to indulge in after the ride -- enjoy!

directions: from Hartshorne Woods front entrance: Make a left out of the Hartshorne parking lot, proceed to the 5-way intersection and make a left, continue across the small bridge, and make a left onto Navesink River Road, Huber is located about 3/4 of a mile down this road, and it's entrance will be on the left, there is parking available for trail users.

someone else's directions: Garden State Parkway to Exit 109. Southbound, turn left onto Rt. 520. Take jug-handle for Half Mile Road; Northbound, go straight at exit. Follow Half Mile Rd. to end. Turn right at Traffic light onto East Front Street. Follow East Front St. to Hubbard Ave. Turn left onto Hubbard Ave. and follow (.6 mile) to Navesink River Rd. Turn right onto Navesink River Rd. and continue 3.2 miles. Turn left onto Brown's Dock Rd. Park entrance is at top of hill on the right.State Highway 35 to Navesink River Rd. (north of Cooper Ave. Bridge, Red Bank). Travel east on Navesink River Rd. (2.8 miles) to Brown's Dock Rd. Turn left onto Brown's Dock Rd. The park entrance is at the top of the hill on the right.

Cheesequake State Park

Some good singletrack trails,, not too hilly. Rocks, logs and sand. The park closes at 7pm.

directions: Exit 120 off the Garden State Parkway. Keep making rights untill you get to the park. Don't park in the commuter lot off the Parkway though. I recently heard the cops patrol it and will tow your car. (Though how they know you aren't a commuter is beyond me. Are there special stickers or something???)

Lewis Morris State Park

This park has everything from nice flat trails to some long steep and technical descents, stream crossings. Be careful not to connect into Jockey Hollow, it's not that hard to do, but if the Rangers see you they get pissed off and start yelling at you. You are not supposed to ride in Jockey Hollow (except on the roads).

directions: Lewis Morris State Park is next to the Jockey Hollow National Park. There are signs for Jockey Hollow on Route 287 (In Morristown). Follow signs to Jockey Hollow and take the scenic drive to Patriots Path. There should be a sign for Lewis Morris, and a trail map at one end of the parking lot.

Use main entrance to the park, approx 4 mi west of Morristown Green on Rt 24 in Mendham. Meet at Mendham Overlook area in park on left past turnoff to Sunrise Lake. Trail map available from Morris County Park Commission at (973) 326-7600.

Henry Hudson Trail

An old railroad trail that starts in Keyport and heads about 8 miltes east, not quite all the way to Sandy Hook. It's very flat, mostly dirt with some unpacked gravel sections. Since it passes through a number of towns, the trail crosses quite a few main streets. Contact the Monmouth County Park Commission for more infromation.

Thompson Park

One trail winds around the resevoir. It's pretty technical, lots of ups and downs (but no real killer hills), logs, tight turns, etc. You also really have to keep on your toes in a couple of spots or you could wind up in the reservoir!

directions: Thompson Park is next to Brookdale Community College in either Holmdel or Middletown. It's right off of 520. From the Parkway you would take exit 109 (Red Bank) and head west on 520. It's a couple of miles down on the left hand side of the road.

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

Located in Central Jersey, the canal towpath runs nearly 36 miles from New Brunswick to Trenton. (However, the canal is covered by US Route One near Trenton). The trail is mostly flat and wide, and is usually either packed dirt or loose gravel. A nice easy ride. There are lots of pedestrians though, especially around Princeton and especially on really nice days. Call (908) 873-3050 for more info.

directions: Main Access points between New Brunswick and Trenton: Demott Lane(P), Five-Mile Lock(P), South Bound Brook(Pb), Amwell Road/Rte 514(P), Blackwells Mills(Pb), Griggstown Causeway(Pb), Rocky Hill/Rte 518(P), Kingston Lock/Rte 27(Pb), Millstone Aqueduct(Pb), Harrison Street, Washington Road, Alexander Road(Pb), Port Mercer(p), US Route 1(P), Carnegie Road(P. Key: P=Plenty o' parking. p=limited parking. b=picnic benches/park area/maybe even some port-o-johns!

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Part II

You can ride from somewhere in Trenton all the way to Frenchtown. One place to start is at the parking lot at Washington Crossing on Rt. 29. The stretch from WC to Lambertville gets crowded on the weekends. The nicest ride is from Stockton to Frenchtown. Beware of pedestrians.

directions: There are numerous places to park along Rt. 29.

Kilmer Reserve

Lots of good singletrack trails throughout the reserve. A lot was overgrown last time I was there. Some steep hilly parts and streams and swampy mud made parts of it a little harder, but over all a pretty cool place to ride.

directions: On the Kilmer/Livingston Campus of Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ.

Allaire State Park

Good, fast singletrack but some parts are very sandy. The loop might be around 16 miles.

directions: off of I-195 by Rt.9. (You can also take the NJ Parkway) There is an exit for the park. Just follow the signs for the park and go to the park office to get a map of the trails. DON'T GO INTO THE PART WHERE YOU HAVE TO PAY. When you get the map, you will see some parking off Hospital Road and a lot of trails over there. That is the best place to ride. The park map also has the local roads, to just follow the map and park off of Hospital Rd. (There is a gravel lot right next to where people fly model planes. The planes are a good thing to listen for if you're lost in the woods too =)

Sourland Mountain Preserve

Killer hills with sharp rocks and boulders plenty of logs also. Tight single track and steep rocky decents. At one point there is a nice veiw at a cleared strip of pipe line trail. The trails are well taken care of and well marked. You can pick up a map of the place at the trail head.

directions: It's on East Mountain Road in Hillsborough. From 206, take Mountain View Road to the end and make a left. Park is on your right.

Chimney Rock Park

Excellent singletrack. Hills, logs, rocks and roots, everything you can ask for. Tons of trails so you won't get bored. The trails cross the road in a couple of places, so be sure to look both ways.

directions: Chimney Rock Road is off Rt 22 in Bridgewater. There is a park about 1-2 miles from Rt 22 where you can park. Follow the dirt road between the ballparks to the trail head.

Clayton State Park

map

Very nice singletrack, and very nicely groomed trails. Clayton is that one park tucked away in the few remaining "old time" country areas of New Jersey. There are never too many people there and the surroundings are well maintained and sceinic. The vacant backroads around the area are excellent and I can definately see it being a "roadie" mecca.

The park has 6 miles of trails and can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced riders. The trails here are almost always hardpack and have excellent drainage, but beware, if the ground is wet a thin layer of mud accumulates over almost the entire trail making your technical riding a little more apprehensive, yet kinda fun. The ground here is relatively flat and smooth making it very easy to go fast and maintian speed. There are only a handful a climbs and decents here that would challenge a begginer, nothing to fear. And to top it off the park is relativley small so you don't have to worry about getting lost or being too far from the parking lot. I would encourage anyone starting their mountain bike adventures to begin your training here.

directions: Take Interstate 195. Get off at Exit 11, Cox's Corner - Imlaystown. Go towards Imlaystown. When you come to a stop sign, make a left on Route 526. Make the immediate right onto Imlaystown Road. Bear right at the Happy Apple Inn, onto Davis Station Road. Take the second left, Emily's Hill Road. The park entrance is exactly .5 mile on your left.

Voorhees State Park

A relatively small park, especially compared to nearby Round Valley, but worth checking out the twisty single track section if you live nearby. Start from the NJAA Observatory entrance Scenic Overlook (nice view of Round Valley). A map is posted. I recommend crossing road and bearing to right when you get to play ground area. First part of trail is gravel/hiking trail, bear right at 'cross park trail/tree ID trail' (new trail not on map). This is a fun section of twisty single track with some rocky streams, ups and downs. Bear right at power lines, good downhill. You ultimately work your way back up a nice climb which ends up on a paved road. Make right, climb on road for a short distance and take short single track back to Scenic Overlook. Quick loop can be run in an hour or less. Watch for hikers, Hunting in season except for Sundays.

directions: From 78 E or W take 31 N about 1 mi to R on 513N. Follow 513N through High Bridge, you will see Voorhees State Park signs, take entrance on left marked for NJAA Observatory.

Mercer County Park

Narrow windy single track, mostly flat and not too many rocks. Some good logs. The dirt paths run almost all the way around the lake, though at one point you have to get on Quakerbridge road to cross over the stream. The path continues along the side of the golf course, but it is against park rules to ride there, so don't. You can probably get 8-12 miles of riding in without repeating too much of it. Avoid after a storm though, as it turns into a swamp. The park also has paved paths (a great place to inline-skate!), lots of picnic areas, a boat dock, playgrounds, tennis courts, etc.

directions: Mercer County Park is in (where else?) Mercer County, NJ. Take the Quakerbridge Rd exit off Rt 1 in Lawerenceville, through 4(?) lights and a left onto Hughs Drive.

Woodfield Reserve

A few miles of singletrack. Pretty rocky and rooty, slightly hilly and some tricky litttle "bridges" to cross over the streams. Tends to get muddy after a storm. NOTICE - I've recently been told that Princeton Township doesn't allow mountain biking here.

directions: On Great Rd, off Elm/Great near Princeton Day School, Princeton, NJ.

South Jersey

Brandywine State Park |

Elmer State Park |
Glouster County College |
Parvin State Park |
Wharton State Forest

Wharton State Forest

Hammonton, NJ. This state forest offers 200-300 miles of trails and forest roads. The roads are available for use by bikers, hikers, horse-back riders and some for driving. The trails are mostly flat, there are a lot of sandy areas and some rivers. Visit the Ranger Station in Batsto, Route 542 for maps. Call (609) 561-3262 for more info.

Brandywine State Park

Mostly single track. These trails range from easy (Delaware Greenway) to very hard, steep, rocky single track. The area is very scenic and hilly. If you plan to ride there, please support the park by buying a season pass ($40 out of state). Also, be nice to anyone you see riding a horse (stop and let them by).

directions: Take 95S to the Naamens Rd exit (at the DE/PA border). Take Naamens Rd (rte 92) west until you cross over rte 202 (intersection with 4 lanes in all directions), continue to the next left (about 100 yards), turn left and go to the stone parking lot on left, which is right on the Brandywine River (alternate parking availble by making a right turn after the left and proceeding to the parking area). Most of the trails are upstream.

Parvin State Park

About 20 miles of singletrack. There are no hills. Look for the lower trail (goes thru a swampy section) it has a bunch of small bridges that can be challenging. This is a really nice place to ride with bath rooms, swimming and a campground.

directions: Centerton, New Jersey.

Elmer State Park

An old abandoned railway that runs south from Glassboro to Elmer and continues south. A virtually unknown trail, just farms and not much else.

directions: Go to the ball fields in Elmer on RT. 40. The section going north starts here. To get to the section going south take a right (from ballfield) onto RT 40, make a left at red light. Go to Center St. or Park St. and make right. Look for the old rail bed on the left (it cuts behind a lumber yard). When you pick up the trail south you will need to use a farm road to go around an over grown section. There are other spots where you need to use alternates (never for long). The trail goes for at least 15 miles in both directions.

Glouster County College

Excelent mapped out trails used for racing. Hilly...you need speed to travel up the uphills. You can get tight, very fast riding possible here. Killer log bridges, believe me you'll like it.

directions: Take Rt 42S to Rt 55. Take Glouster exit (will say Glouster County School of Technology). Take that loop up (you will be crossing over Rt 55). You will see a gas station. There is a side road that runs parallel to the station, go down that one. You'll see a tiny Glouster County College sign. The college will be on your right side. The trails run near the security office (tennis courts)

North Jersey

Blue Mtn Lakes |
Deer Park |

High Point State Park |
Kearny Meadowlands |
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation |
Mountain Creek |
Ringwood State Park |
Stokes |

Torne Park |
Wawayanda State Park

Deer Park

About 15+ miles of rolling singletrack and about 5 miles of doubletrack.

directions: Take Exit 19 off Route 80 to Route 517 south. Go 2 to 2 1/2 miles and look for a small dirt road on the left. There is a miniscule little green street sign for Deer Pond Road (a small gravel road). The parking area (or mud lot!) is about 1 1/2 miles down this road. You can also enter the park from the Rt 80 overlook parking lot. This overlook parking lot is normally closed in the winter.

Wawayanda State Park (Sussex County, New Jersey)

Located in Vernon (Sussex County), this is nice network of trails and old roads. This park gets a lot of mtn bikers. There's also a beautiful mountain lake to cool off in. It is located in Highland Lakes in Sussex County, close to the Passaic County border. Telephone number is (973) 853-4462.

Take Breakneck Road (Vernon) from either Route 515, 94, or Canistear Road through Barry Lakes. Continue on this road until you can go no further. It will lead you to the back entrance of the park, where you generally don't need to pay for parking. If parking fees are in effect, I usually park outside of the park, and ride in. There is a Ranger's Station about 2 miles down the road in the park, where there are maps, a phone, etc. Inside the park there is mostly rolling terrain, and some technical terrain. Very technical in some areas. Note: You are sharing the park with hikers and equestrians, so be careful in some areas. I find that Waywayanda makes a great ride in the fall. As you will see, the scenery is great!

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Rocky technical singletrack and bridle trails. Some sections of the trail are very rocky. Pretty hilly, but not a killer. The map says there are about 10 miles of trails.

directions: Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is off Walden Road in Jefferson, Morris County. Take Route 80 to 15N (Walden Road is a right). Park in the Saphrin (sp?) Pond parking area, there is a trail map right there. The riding is very good technical (rocky) single track and bridle trails. It is also pretty hilly, but not a killer. The map says there is about 10 miles of trails. At the north end there is at least one killer hill, an abandoned ski area with 4-5 runs you can ride. The view is great.

Meet at Saffin Pond parking area on Weldon Rd in Jefferson Twp. Weldon Rd off of Rt 15. Trail map available from Morris County Park Commission at (973) 326-7600.

Torne Park (Morris County, New Jersey)

Good singletrack. Somewhat hilly, but nothing too strenuous. There is a variety of trails. Some good single track riding, which can be technical and hilly in some places.

directions: Take exit 42 from 287 (turn left at stop from 287s, turn right from 287N) Make the first right. Follow to T-junction where you turn right. Bear left at fork. Park is on your left.

Meet in parking lot by the softball field in Tourne County Park off Powerville Rd., Boonton, NJ. Trail map available from Morris County Park Commission at (973) 326-7600. Trails also connect to trails in Birchwood Park (local park) which will not be indicated on trail map.

Stokes

Long, never ending, beautiful scenery and more technical than most places you'll ever ride. This will leave you sore after a 15-20 mile ride. You can also bike from High Point to Stokes which is more pleasant and pretty long also.

directions: 80 West to 15 North to 206 North to Stokes entrance on right after Kittatiny lake.

Blue Mtn Lakes, Del Water Gap

Newly opened to bikers. Double track, lots of hills some very steep and the trails went on forever. Watch for deer and hikers .

directions: Take last exit before toll bridge on 80 and proceed north about 10 miles, left at Millbrook Village then right at Blue Mt. Lake sign.

High Point State Park

This is the greatest place to ride, Their are some tough hills but the struggle is worth it when you see the views. Take a ride on the Iris trial. This is the best trial: it has springs, logs, and lots of mud.

directions: Take route 23 north untill you come to the high point park office. Park in the lot and maps are available. (It is about five minutes from the New York State line)

Kearny Meadowlands

Gravelly manmade roads located in an old wetland area. Lotsof water hazars, old railroad tracks,and some sandy dunes. Watch out for the illegal 4 wheelers and dirt bikers. Best time is early Sunday mornings. This site is not for kids.

directions: New Jersey Turnpike to Route 280 Exit. Take 1st exit on 280, Harrison Ave West, make a right on Schuyler Ave, 2 miles left onto Bergen Ave, take Bergen Ave to End. Park by garbage company. Take dirt road 200 yds down.

Ringwood State Park

Also refered to as The Skylands Park. The trails are excellent singletrack although somewhat rocky and there are miles and miles of jeep roads. It's definitely got hills to climb with some pretty good descents.There is a fee to enter the park on the weekends. The trail map sucks so you need to explore on your own.

directions: Ringwood is located in the Passaic Cty. Take Rte 17 north past the Thruway entrance and go about another two miles into the town of Sloatsburg, NY. Look for signs for Ringwood State Park. You make a left onto a main road, travel for about five miles and the park entrance is on your left. - OR - Take Route 287 North to Skyline Drive. Take Skyline Drive all the way to Greenwood Lake Turnpike (Also called 511) and turn right at Sloatsburg Road. You can get to the Skylands Manor by making a right from Sloatsburg onto Morris ave. (In Winter, Skyline Drive may be slippery)

Mountain Creek (Vernon, NJ)

I recently heard the Mountain Creek no longer offers lift access for mountain bikes, so call ahead Mountain Creek offers the only lift-served mountain biking in NJ/NY metro area. There are 20 miles of maintained trails ranging from wicked single-track downhill expert rides to wide, gentle dirt roads for beginners and families. For more information check out the website http://www.mountaincreek.com/ or call 973-827-2000.

Other Northern New Jersey Off-Road Ride Locations, and some other locations

Allamuchy State Park |

Minnewaska State Park |
Patriots Path |
Paulinskill Valley State Park |
Sussex Branch Trail

Allamuchy State Park - Deer Pond Area (New Jersey)

Variety of trails. Many trails are marked. The main trail down to, and around, Deer Pond is suitable for beginner level off-road riding. I believe fishing is still allowed in Deer Pond.

Directions to the parking lot of the actual park: Take exit 19 off Rt 80, take Rt 517 south (left turn if you traveled westbound on Rt 80), go about 2 1/2 miles. The entrance is a small dirt road on the left that looks like a driveway. There is also a brick home next to the entrance. There may be a small green street sign for Deer Pond Road (a small gravel road). The parking area is about 1 1/2 miles down this road. This road can be extremely muddy with many pot holes. An option is to park at the Park & Ride area of Panther Valley Shopping Center approx. 1-1/2 miles away (you would have passed it on the way to the park entrance after exiting off of Rt 80), and ride down to the park entrance.

Alternate parking area in the warmer months (This parking area closed in the winter months): Take exit 19 off Rt 80 West, turn left to return back onto Rt 80 going east. Go into first rest stop/overlook area. Use the upper parking lot. There are 3 trails leaving the upper parking area (going up the hill). Only one is the correct one to the trails in the park. I think the trail you want is the one to the left of the other two. If the trail you pick is flooded out, or there is a fence you have to crawl under, you have picked the wrong trail.

Minnewaska State Park (New York)

Explore the beautiful vistas, rugged granite cliffs and crystal clear lakes of the Shawangunka Mountain ridge in the NY Catskills. Non-technical packed gravel carriage roads with a few good climbs. Approx 17 hrs by car from Morristown, NJ. Take Rt 87 north to exit 18 (New Paltz,NY), go west to New Paltz (1 mi), follow Rt 299 west for 6 mi, right turn onto Rt 44/55 and go approx 4 mi. There is a free parking lot after the main entrance if following directions listed.

Patriots Path (Morris County, New Jersey)

Fairly level, with only a few hills (one steep one). Good for beginner level. I normally meet at the trail head on Rt. 24, across from the Sunrise Lake area of Lewis Morris Park in Mendham, approx. 4 miles west of Morristown Green. Other parking lots give access to trail. Another possible starting point is Speedwell Lake Park in Morristown off of Speedwell Ave. (Rt. 202). This is the north eastern end of the current trail. Trail map available from Morris County Park Commission at (973) 326-7600.

Paulinskill Valley State Park (New Jersey)

Bike the newest New Jersey State Park - the scenic Paulinskill Valley Trail. Railroad bed, mostly level. Full trail is 26 miles long. Southern most portion ends near Columbia. Northen most portion ends near Sparta. Suitable for hybrids. I normally meet in Halsey at intersection Rts 519 & 626 (3 miles north of Newton intersection Rts 206 & 626). Note that some of the bridges you have to cross on the trail are missing the main riding/walking surface so you have to carry your bicycle across while walking on the old steel girders. I think that 2 out of the 5 bridges have new riding/walking surfaces. Hopefully, all of the bridges will have new riding/walking surfaces by the end of 1996 or 1997. Note this trail intersects the Sussex Branch Trail in the north.

Sussex Branch Trail (New Jersey)

Ride along the Sussex Branch Trail, an abandoned railroad bed. Suitable for hybrids. One possible starting point is the trail head on Rt. 206 in Andover, 0.2 miles after you cross abandoned railroad tracks as you travel north. A second possible starting point is as follows: Take exit 25 off Rt 80 to Rt 206 North, turn left onto Rt 604 at second traffic light (follow signs for Waterloo Village), go 1 mi to dirt parking lot on right, across from Trade Zone entrance road, Byram Twp.

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