Explore the best rated trails in Middlesex, NJ, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Palmer Township Recreation Trail (Towpath Bike Trail) and John Kieran Nature Trail . With more than 136 trails covering 926 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Love this trail in the Bethlehem area. You can access downtown Bethlehem from the trail at Main Street. From there, it's about a 10 minute walk up where you can grab a bite to eat and some refreshments. Only downside last time we were there, saw dozens of people long-term "camping" along the trail east of Bethlehem. Probably not allowed but also does not seem to be disallowed. Just want to make people aware so they are not surprised by this while on the trail.
On an especially brisk, early morning weekday in late October, I had the pleasure of riding my bike on this beautiful trail. There were plenty of walkers and joggers for the first couple of miles, and then me on my bike.
I started at the High Bridge trailhead. The gravel trail made me wish I had my old mountain bike, but after awhile you get used to it and realize your bike isn't going to fall apart. My hybrid did just fine. Just beyond Califon the trail became hard packed dirt and allowed for a smoother, faster ride. Due to time constraints I only went eleven miles out and then back, so I didn't get to discover what the last four or five miles are like.
The Raritan River views are absolutely amazing, and the fall colors dazzling! The sounds of the river and the chirping birds are an additional joy. After Califon the terrain is more suited to land occupied by charming homes and farmland, but there is still plenty of woodlands and river. If I hadn't stopped so many times to take photos and video, I probably could have done the full thirty mile round trip.
After a couple of hours and eleven miles I turned back. It was then that I started passing many, many bicyclists. I think they preferred the warmer temps of late morning to avoid the frozen fingers I had to endure. In fact, I was surprised at how many cars were in the High Bridge parking lot with their bike racks and many, like this Californian, with out of state plates which attests to this trail's fame and popularity. I'm just speculating, but this trail must be super busy on weekends.
What a gem of a trail! A+
I live fairly close to the trail, and I decided to finally walk it, it was truly beautiful and they have off-trails into a pond and a gazebo. I love it
A nice ride especially in the fall At the far north end a couple of very steep short sections that are gravel The rest of the trail is on the railroad right of way so an easy ride
This trail was perfect for me…I have some arthritis and the trail was accessible to me. I will definitely walk this trail again.
I can't believe I'm forced to give this trail two stars. It's not due to the location, the scenery or lack of variety. The trail gets five stars for these features. It's due to the condition of the trail. It's HORRIBLE!! Someone got the bright idea to put very large gravel down on the trail. which turned the trail into one that is only suitable for a mountain bike with suspension. Even then, it's not an easy ride. Yes, there are sections that are flat, but there are also sections that are so steep that you're forced to get off your bike to get up it. Though I'm not any sort of professional biker, I am someone who takes 70 mile road bike day trips on a regular basis. It took me five hours to go 36 miles - 18 miles out and 18 miles back. I had planned to do the entire trail out and back. If I'm having issues with a trail, there's good reason. I took my regular mountain bike (no suspension) and my body was shaken all over the place due to the trail condition. Until the trail condition is resolved, I sadly won't be returning to this trail again. It's a darn shame. On a positive note, I did see a bobcat!
* The trail description of the trail on the national park web page, the official Rails to Trails book for PA and other sources need to be updated to reflect the true condition(s) of the trail.
As of Aug 2023, Frick’s Trail has been fully paved. This is a very nice trail, half shady, half sunny. Two portions are connected by sidewalk thru a residential neighborhood. Mostly flat, one hill at the School Road Park end, but not bad. Be careful crossing Orvilla Road.
I am not an owner of a dog but coming on this trail and getting to love on so many dogs makes me happy. I met some very nice people with their companions.
We started at the south end in Barnegat. We bikes the first 7 miles. There is a lot of opportunities between mile maker 2.5 and 3.5 to eat, drink, restroom.
12 miles to a awesome payoff. NYC Skyline in the distance. A bit bumpy at times. Great way to get used to clipping in. You do it a lot. Lol Many road crossings. Half the ride under shade. Clean path. 2 hours there and back at 11MPH Enjoy the ride!
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