Find the top rated horseback riding trails in New Jersey, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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My wife and I took advantage of the recent rare sunny days a tried this trail out today. We started from the Somers Point end, parking by the police station on New York and 1st. We did about 5.5 miles out and turned around due to time constraints. The trail is very well maintained and goes through various residential neighborhoods. There was mixed use with walkers, runners, dog walkers and bikes. The only reason I didn’t rate it a 5 star is because of the frequent traffic crossings. They are well marked and autos were generally cautious at the crossings. If you’re looking for higher, more consistent speeds, this might not be the best trail for you. If your down the shore and want to do a family ride off the streets, this is a great choice. Somers Point also has many nice, low key restaurants, bars and micro breweries, that make it a nice destination for recovery after the ride.
I tried this trail for the first time the other day and was walking my dog when all of a sudden a professional cyclist (all dressed up for a race) went flying by, going at a n extremely high speed, almost hitting my dog and not an excuse me sorry nothing. Just kept charging forward. Someone needs to get security on these trails. Other than that a pleasant experience.
Everything about the Columbia Trail is just right to me. At 15 miles it was just the right length to be able to do an out and back with a lunch break in a half a day. The trail surface is nicely packed gravel that is virtually flat almost the entire length. The three towns along the trail are pretty evenly spread out giving you plenty of options for start points as well as places to take a coffee or lunch break.
The Columbia Trail provides enough scenic variety from quiet creeks to rolling farmland to keep the ride interesting. The only area that was a little rough was right after Long Valley where the trail winds through a housing development and around a industrial business as the trail gets narrow and almost seems to stop at points. I never had an issue with staying on the trail and the entire trail was in very good condition despite some recent rain. The Columbia Trail is just right for all riders regardless of skill.
Contrary to the description, this trail is not good for skating. The surface is rough and uneven, you are likely to take a nasty spill. Otherwise, it’s good for walking, biking, or running. There’s a playground, tennis courts, and basketball courts. There’s a home with multiple bird feeders which enhances an already good bird-watching trail.
This trail is difficult to rate because it's so different in many places and we only rode about a quarter of it. It is not a true rail trail. Parking on Cedar Knolls Rd. in Whippany, we rode west into Lewis Morris County Park. What makes it confusing are the many, poorly-marked offshoot trails. Also, it's confusing because it's many different types of riding in one trail. It goes from road riding, to light trail riding, to mountain biking. There are spots where the trail ends with no direction as to where to go. Once you get into Lewis Morris County Park, it becomes mountain biking, roots and all. I would not attempt this part of the trail with a road bike. I had my hybrid with no suspension and ended up walking quite a bit. In some spots, you ride on rocks. The surface is slightly icy in some spots. The area around Speedwell Lake is nice and has some ruins of old buildings in the parking lot. If I ride this trail again, I would start further west. Morristown National Historic Park is located along the trail, which is a destination for next time. To optimize this ride, research the different sections and pick the one that's right for you.
The LHT is many trails in one. We rode from the parking area (98 Carson Rd. in Princeton) to Bristol Meyers Squibb in Hopewell. To create a loop, we took Elm Ridge Rd. to Carter Rd. and back to the trail at the Educational Testing Service, then back to the car. If you map to this parking area, your GPS takes you to the right location. (I've mapped many trail parking areas that aren't where they say they are. ) It's obvious that the community has put a lot into the development of this trail. I would give it a B+ for signage. There were only 2 or 3 spots where it wasn't quite clear. One major one is if you ride through Maidenhead Meadows Park, there's a point in the woods where you come to a T-intersection. There's no marking to indicate you go to the right. When you reach the road (Princeton Pike), take a left to ride along the road. There is a decent shoulder, which makes for safe road riding. Within about a half-mile, you'll see the Brearley House sign at Meadow Rd. This is a short, worthwhile side trip to see the 1761 home of a Constitution signer. This is where the D&R Canal trail is located. It's also a nice area for a short rest and snack. This trail has a mixture of settings - historical, woods, roads, neighborhoods (beautiful homes), and parks. Any type of bike can be ridden on most of this trail. The wooded areas had a lot of downed branches and leaves that might make them a little tricky with a road bike. Princeton is a great town for its architecture, shops, and restaurants.
The Barnegat Branch Trails are fantastic jogging and running trails.
My family has been enjoying them for years.
I recently received a fit bit with a GPS as a gift for running.
However, the GPS and the mile markers on the trail are not jiving.
The GPS seems to be indicating the trail is longer than the mile markers are stating. Not sure if the GPS is inaccurate or the mile markers are somehow not exact? Anyone else with a similar experience? Otherwise, the trails are just perfect for walking, jogging or running.
I rode the northern section of the trail last week. I started at the Oakshades Park trail head, rode to the end at Popamora Point park, and then continued on a (mostly) marked on-street bike path to the Highlands Sea-Bright Bridge over to Sandy Hook. The trail was in very good shape with a few sections of root bumps. Fine for a road bike.
Once over the bridge I easily accessed the Gateway National Recreation Area multi-use path which allowed for fine cycling throughout the peninsula.
On the way back I took a detour to the Mt. Mitchill Scenic Overlook which, according to the signage, is the highest point on the eastern seaboard south of Maine.
Including some exploring of the historic sites included in the Recreation Area and the detour, about a 45 mile out and back.
Everyone who's posted a review in on the Money about what to expect on the Atlantic County Bike Way. It's a Straight Shot from the EHT Shore Mall, West to Mays Landings ACIT Atlantic County Institute of Technology. The Path itself is in Great condition that receives little use making it idea for those who require speed, fitness and Strava~Ass times ;). The Scenery isn't picturesque, unless you enjoy Pine Tree and Huckelberry Bush scenery. It feels more like a straight paved trail through the woods with traffic you can't see on either side of you. Nonetheless, if your looking for seclusion from horrific Traffic in the area and open space to ride or run, this is your Oasis. When the AC Bike Way is finally completed, it will run from EHT, NJ Shore Mall, all the way to the Buena Campground in Buena, NJ. Making the Total Distance from end to end 23.6 miles long. Not bad for all day bike excursion with several interesting stops along the way ;)
Above is my take on the Atlantic County Bike Way ~ East, I'm more concerned with the County, State and Outside Enthusists funding and building the Atlantic County Bike Way ~ West. For those who don't know, the AC Bike Way is Divide into 2 separate Bike Way's and the Middle Point is Mays Landing, NJ. The Bike Way West WILL be a very secluded Ride, but has a lot of potential in becoming a must do Day Trip/Ride. The reason I say this is because there is so much to stop and see on the AC Bike Way. Here is a short list of places you won't want to miss on your Ride ~ Tuckahoe Micro Brew, Lazy Eye Vodka Distillery, Funny Farm Animal Rescue AND the Baltic Winery. All these business are free to visit (Adult Beverage Establishment offer free Adult Beverage tasting to those of legal age and will offer discounts to Bike Way users when the Bike Way is up and running) All these business are located a 100 yards or less from the AC Bike Way ~ West.
If you have a interest in getting the AC Bike Way ~ West completed, please sign up for my Atlantic County Bike Way ~ West, Facebook Page. Thanks ;)
If in the area and want to get a run in, this 4 mile loop around the river is nice. A chance to see some rowing teams is cool. The view of Philly is a pleasant sight when crossing over the bridges at either end.
At the end of the trail is a Kings supermarket with awesome sandwiches and more.
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