Find the top rated mountain biking trails in New Jersey, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Run, walk, or ride! Great for everyone in the family!!
I only did 40 miles of the trail staring in New Brunswick; did enjoy it. I was impressed by the difference in temperature provided by the tree canopy during a good portion of the trail. My only concern, especially when riding with children, is that little attention has been given to traffic intersections. Too many drivers are careless and could prove hazardous. An enjoyable trail otherwise.
We rode this portion of the D&R trail two years ago, and thought we'd do it again yesterday. Started at the trail head along Carnegie Road at Lawrenceville, and rode for about 2 1/2 miles going north-east (we were plaining on doing 20 out and 20 back) . That was enough to decide to pack it up, and go to another trail closer to home. I guess, because of the heavy rains we had in August/September, to repair wash-outs, they just threw very fine gravel down, not packed, and in many places about 2" thick. It made for miserable riding on our cyclocross bikes with 32mm tires. Whoever is in charge of the trail maintenance needs to educate themselves of proper materials and techniques to be used for the trail repairs. Maybe it got better as you got further away from Lawrenceville, but we weren't going to chance it. A real shame, it used to be a great trail.
Some say the Delaware River Trail is the best in NJ. My vote is for Columbia Trail. The only negative is that it is a bit short at 15 miles. The trail is usually wide and well maintained, I've never seen it crowded, but I'm retired and use it during the week. The canopy of trees keeps it cool in the hot summer days of July and August and the turning leaves are spectacular in the fall. About 12 miles from High Bridge, in the town of Long Valley, is a great little coffee shop, the Coffee Potter, that sells pastries and really good coffee and teas. If that isn't enough, less than half a mile from the trail at the same intersection, you can ride to a group of three restaurants, a brew pub, a Latin restaurant, and and All American Cuisine restaurant. Beginning at High Bridge there is some minor elevation. I suggest starting there, so that coming back is easier.
Most of the trail is crushed stone, but there are sections of really hard dirt and some short stretches that might better be described as gravel, as well as a paved section - also very short. There are a few places intersections where a cyclist has to cross a road, but they aren't very busy. Still, caution is always recommended. I've ridden it with no problem with both a hybrid and a gravel bike, and that's what most riders use, but I've seen road bikes navigate the trail with no difficulties. A mountain bike would be fine, but isn't necessary.
Although this is an easy ride, if you're miles from your car and have a breakdown, it's still a problem. Bring the usual necessities in case of flat or other fixable breakdowns because of that distance. Watch for deer and other wildlife. I understand there are black bears, but I've never seen one. Bring the family. Enjoy.
Bridge construction is complete. Trail now run from Sqan to Allaire
Some really beautiful areas. But not suited to road bikes!
The trails that have any signage at all are overgrown. The rest is either not marked or unreadable signage. Not even adequate for mountain biking. The only saving grace is the arboretum in Morristown.
Having read all of the reviews of this trail and recently biked the southern part of the trail, I have to agree with the first review (2002). I parked in one of the parking lots of Ryder University to find the trail. To me it looked like it ended. On closer inspection it did continue on the other side of the road, just a grassy, overgrown path. This was during the summer when the university was not in session. I still worried about a parking ticket, thankfully, I didn’t. I took the path that turned into a trail towards Ewing. Since I ride a long wheel, and I am closer to the ground than an upright bike, I turned around with about a 1/2 mile until the end. There were just too many puddles.
Midday August, it is shady and cool. First ten miles (from High Bridge) most scenic. If you don’t want to go whole way, turn around at Clydesdale farm. Be sure to stop and take short walk to Lake Solitude waterfall! Trail ends dead at a road. A few eatery spots in the quaint towns you pass through. Slight uphill incline becomes slight downhill incline on way back.
Not much elevation change at all over the course of the 27 miles. Nice and shady most of the way. The father west you go the better the scenery becomes. If you need to stop for snacks, the trail goes very close to some stores in Blairstown. You’ll see a ton of wildlife: rabbits, white tail deer, snakes. Only downside is the trail is frequented by horses and there is a ton of excrement on the trail. Other than that, a very enjoyable ride through Sussex and Warren counties.
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