For cyclists looking for a challenge, this routes climbs over a distance. Similar to the “3 Hills and an Ice Cream”, this route travels over some of the same roads but with additional miles through Flemington, Raritan Township and Three Bridges.
Places to stop to refuel are limited, so bringing extra water bottles and some nutrition is recommended.
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The gravel roads of Kingwood Station and Tumble Idell are just enough road and gravel combinations for the novice gravel rider. Add in the D&R Canal Towpath and you’ve got the opportunity to ride quite a bit of flat gravel once off of the road. The roads are quiet, but there are some ascents to contend with as well. Hunterdon County does not have as many gravel roads as other counties in the state, but the scenery is unmatched to the beauty of Hunterdon County.
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There is a trail system just outside of High Bridge that is a true hidden gem. Voorhees State Park offers an easy trail system perfect for novice mountain bikers and families. There are 4 plus miles of multi-use trails and 1.5 plus miles of paved park roads. All trails in Voorhees State Park are multi-use for both hiking and mountain biking except for the Cross Park Trail and the Parcourse Circuit (a fitness circuit trail), which are footpaths only. The trails range from wide with gravel, to rocky and steep in places; the Parcourse is accessible for people with disabilities. Check out the 2.3 mile section of the 150-mile Hunterdon Highlands Trail, which extends corner-to-corner through Voorhees State Park before continuing on at Spruce Run Recreation Area.
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Special thanks to the Western Jersey Wheelmen for sharing this route with us.
This beautiful, low traffic 35 mile route passes through picturesque farmland with plenty of horses, cows and pigs to be seen along the ride. The only real climb is early on to get up and onto the Hunterdon County Plateau. Once there, the terrain is mostly flat with a few short rolling areas. There are also many places to cut the route shorter if necessary. Be sure to bring plenty of water and nutrition because there are virtually no stores along the way. There are, however, plenty of places for coffee, food, and, of course, beer at the start and end of the route.
This is a really short, really beautiful, really great family ride. You'll see people fly fishing, walking their dogs and other cyclists. High Bridge is a cycling mecca, and this short path of gravel is a fun adventure. Take the time to stop and take photos. It's an easy jump up to the Columbia Trail simply by not making this an out and back.
Beginning and ending at the historic Praillsville Mill, this rolling ride was first made popular by the NJ Conservation Foundation for their short-lived Tour de Open Space. The route was one of the local cyclists's favorites. It's also now part of the Hunterdon County Beer Trail and this route ends right near Odd Bird Brewing. There are many ways to add or shorten the route and the start location is the site of many beautiful road and trail routes. Make a long weekend of riding with a stay at the Woolverton Inn for some of the best riding Hunterdon County has to offer.
Sunken Silo is another stop along the Hunterdon Beer Trail. This hilly route requires crossing Route 78, but once crossed over to the northern part of the county, the roads become quieter and often require some strength for the rolling hills. Be sure to bring hydration and nutrition with you as there are not many places to stop to refuel.
This is a great trail system that can be accessed on Upper Creek Road, Route 29 and Worman Road, all in Stockton. The trailhead on Worman or behind the John Prall House offers the best car parking as street parking is ample in the town. Most of the trail is flat, but there are some difficult creek crossings and some hilly and rooty areas. If spending the better part of the day, a combined preserve and D&R Towpath ride makes for a very enjoyable bicycling experience. There are great places to grab a bite to eat at the Stockton Market or Stockton Deli and bicycle parking is available right in front of the Market.
This is not for the inexperienced rider as there are many creek crossings, large rocks and root and tree obstacles. There are some very flat short sections that are beginner friendly, but refer to njconservation.org for a trail map and information about the different sections of the trail.
Some of the best gravel roads Hunterdon County has to offer, connects with the best of gravel roads in Somerset County, particularly in the Bedminster area. This route begins at the River Road Park in Bedminster, but joins with great backroads and gravel roads in the Oldwick and Tewksbury area of Hunterdon County. The highlight of this route is riding down in the Ken Lockwood Gorge against the backdrop of people fly fishing and rushing water. This route was shared by a member of ridewithgps.com.
Horseshoe Bend Park’s orange trail is a 4.5 mile multi use loop perfect for beginners and is interesting enough for more advanced riders looking for a quiet, scenic route.The trail can get muddy during the warmer months, but it’s the perfect place to ride when the ground is frozen. It’s well marked throughout and there is plenty of parking within the park.
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While this short route travels over smooth back roads, it also includes some of the best gravel roads Delaware Township has to offer. Views are beautiful and include longhorn farms, animal rescue farms and scenic vistas perfect for picture taking. While it appears the ride is all along the back roads, it is never far from places to rehydrate or get some snacks.
The Frenchtown Preserve is a hidden mountain biking treasure for beginners, families and those looking to spend time in the woods. This less than 5 mile trail is perfect in the winter when the ground is frozen. During the summer months it can get muddy and it’s recommended that you wait for the trails to dry before attempting to ride them. Near Frenchtown, there are many amenities for before and after riding. There is a bike shop in town as well as coffee shops, restaurants, bicycle parking and great views of the Delaware River.
Modified from a route created by David Kokinda
Looking for a challenge? This spectacularly beautiful, but incredibly hilly road route begins and ends in lovely Milford Borough.
The route starts to gradually climb right out of the gate; the first being a warm up for the next two steep and long climbs. There’s plenty of opportunity for photographers to get great scenic shots along the quiet, winding back roads. It’s recommended that those choosing to do this route are prepared to climb or willing to walk. Either way, the scenery justifies the effort. Plus, there’s ice cream!
High Bridge, NJ boasts a fairly new pump track right at the trailheads to the new Flow Trails. Parking can be found both on the street and in the municipal lot across from the entrance to the Columbia Trail. This is a great warm up for both the new Flow Trails as well as the Nassau Trail system. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy the pump track.
Four mountain biking trails, appropriate for beginners and advanced trail riders are located directly behind the pump track. Parking is available in either the municipal lot or on the street.
This gorgeous route highlights the best of Hunterdon and Bucks counties. Begin your ride at Bull's Island Recreation Area. If parking is full, ample parking can also be found at Prallsville Mills.
We call this route Trifecta because there are three stunning, quiet roads worthy of photo opps, eagle sightings and funky artful cottages. There are plenty of places along the way to refuel and relax.
Access to the farms and farm markets along the Hunterdon 579 Trail makes this a beautiful recreational route as well as a functional one if produce market shopping is part of the plan. Short detours to the Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market as well as the Stangl Market are easy to include at the end of the tour by bike or by car. Ample parking can be found at V5 Cycles, Raritan Township.
Ample car and bike parking at Lone Eagle Brewing allows for a great starting point for this route with easy detours along the Hunterdon 579 Trail This almost 33 mile long route takes the rider along quiet, rolling back roads along farmland which is perfect for photo opportunities. Along the way, you can check out four farmers markets and several farm stands. End your ride with a cold brew back at Lone Eagle Brewing.
Ready for some bird watching? This route begins and ends at V5 Cycles, Raritan Township, but you could start anywhere in Flemington/Raritan.
From eaglet flying lessons to herons feeding along the banks, there's much to see along this quiet, relatively flat route meandering along the hills of Hunterdon County to just touching on the flatlands of Somerset County. Eagle nests can be found at approximately mile 7 on the high tension towers. Just before mile 10 as you cross the bridge, look to your left and in the trees above the banks is the heron rookery. Be sure to cross the street carefully for a closer look.
This is a good introduction to gravel riding route that begins and ends at the historic Prallsville Mill.
Be sure to spend some time reading about the history of the mill and visiting the historic buildings.
The route starts along the Delaware River before the first of the gravel roads.
The turn is across from Bull's Island Recreation Area. The pedestrian bridge in the park crosses the Delaware River and the towpath on either side.
The quiet back roads take you to the very last Covered Bridge in New Jersey.
Once in Sergeantsville the roads get a bit busier, but offer a very wide shoulder most of the way.
Upon return, take some time to pedal on the Delaware-Raritan Canal Towpath to enjoy and extend the route.
Experienced bicyclists knows that anytime one is by a river, all roads go up, and this route is no exception. Head up to the Hunterdon Plateau to begin this ride. Once you reach Ferry Road, the route is fairly flat and meanders through woods, farmlands and passes many old farmsteads before a nice decent on Upper Creek Road, to the only remaining covered bridge in New Jersey. After a bit of a ride by the creek, the route heads up hill before heading back down to Lambertville.
This route can be started anywhere on the route map. The map shows the route starting at the Black River & Western Railroad parking lot. At approximately mile 5.5 and again at 27.5, there are a number of possible rest stops. The Sergeantsville General Store and Bagel Barn & Deli offer the road cyclist plenty of choices for snacks, breakfast, lunch or just a stop along the way. If you are riding during the weekend, The Stockton Market is another choice for available rest rooms, full meals or just a snack with a very large bicycle rack out front.
Wheefine Bicycle Shop, located on Route 518, caters to all cyclists. The “old world” feel of the shop makes for an interesting and historical stop.
When you arrive in Lambertville, enjoy the many unique restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops.
This 6 mile trail system has everything for the beginner to advanced mountain biker, offering rock gardens, climbs and switchbacks. Park in the lot at the top of Nassau Avenue. That trail head offers gnarly downhill switchbacks from the start. Ride your bike down the hill a bit and you will see an open field to your right. Ride up the grassy area and there are two openings for some intermediate fun. Further down that road is a short 1 mile beginner or warm up loop. No matter where you begin, you can ride the whole park in a few hours. Lots of fun for everyone.
Nassau Trail’s High Bridge location gives riders plenty of options for restaurants. Both Casa Maya and Circa have menus fit for the voraciously hungry mountain biker. If coffee, pastries, breakfast or lunch is what you are looking for, check out Scout’s Coffee Bar & Mercantile.
Starting in Hunterdon County, this 66 mile route will take you over the backroads of Hunterdon and Bucks counties, providing views of three covered bridges in Bucks County and the only remaining covered bridge in Hunterdon County.
Begin your ride by parking in the Prallsville Mill Parking lot. There is usually plenty of parking, unless an event is scheduled. There are options to ride along the D&R Canal Towpath or roads along the ride. The majority of roads are smoothly paved. For a steep hill climb challenge, continue straight on Uhlerstown Hill Rd. at mile 25. This hill is not for the faint of heart. It's so steep that the road is closed to all cars during the winter months. Do not attempt the hill unless you are a very experienced rider; but it is worth a hike up just to see the views.
Just past mile 24 is a gas station with a convenience store. This is probably the first real opportunity for a rest stop. Another 22 or so miles and you find yourself at Ralph Stover Park in PA where you can find rest rooms and places to relax and picnic. At mile 50.5, you’ll come across the bicycle friendly Village Deli, or if you can wait another 5 miles you will reach the Carversville General Store, steeped in history and offering great food/snacks, rest rooms and a picnic area. At mile 62, you will reach the Lumberton General Store, but if you are not in the need of a rest stop, you can go directly across the bridge, back into Hunterdon County. There are rest rooms on the NJ side of the bridge at Bull’s Island.
This beautiful 18 mile road bike route takes the cyclist from Flemington through the rolling farmlands of Readington Township. Route 523 is a busy road, but has a wide shoulder. Cyclists should ride single file until turning right onto Barley Sheaf Road. Once on Barley Sheaf Road, there are minimal cars, beautiful scenery and just enough challenge for the rider to keep it interesting. The route begins and ends at V5 Cycles, one of two Flemington bike shops. The other, Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, is nearby. If you are visiting the area and plan on staying in Flemington, accommodations can be found at Main Street Manor on Main Street, and The Hampton Inn on Royal Road near Route 202.
Rest stops offering food are limited along this route, but there are farm stands on Hillcrest Road during the warmer months.
The D& R Canal Towpath is the perfect place for a family friendly ride with spectacular views of the Delaware River and the canal. The path is surfaced with compacted grit, providing a smooth enjoyable ride. Enjoy traveling alongside the Delaware River past historic lockkeeper houses, stone arched culverts and a range of wildlife. During the warmer months, be on the lookout for eagles, herons and swans.
You can start your ride in Frenchtown, Stockton, or Lambertville. The Frenchtown to Lambertville Route is approximately 15 miles in each direction. In Frenchtown, you may leave your car in the park and ride lot at Front & Bridge Streets. The Bridge Cafe, Maria’s, Early Bird Espresso and Sunbeam General Store are all worthwhile stops before you begin your ride. Lunch and dinner spots include The National Hotel and the The Frenchtown Inn. Frenchtown also offers great shopping from the arts to clothing.
At about mile 9, you’ll reach Bull's Island where there are plenty of restrooms and hiking trails. Cross the footbridge and you will be in Lumberton, PA which offers its own towpath. A fun thing to do is cross over the bridge, get onto the PA side towpath heading south and end in New Hope, Lambertville’s sister city. An easy walk across the free bridge and you can get back on the NJ side.
You can also begin your ride in Stockton, a few miles south of Frenchtown. Street parking is available. Cravings, The Stockton Market, Stockton Food Store and Via Ponte are all great locations for a snack, coffee or a full meal. The Prallsville Mill, a short distance from the center of town, offers art galleries, restrooms, and a ton of history.
As you continue south, you will reach Lambertville. Spend some time exploring the city’s many art galleries, restaurants and boutique shops. Stop in to Pure Energy Cycling & Java House, the local bike shop for supplies, repairs, coffee or “bicycle talk”. Also, check out bikelambertville.com for more local cycling information.
The Columbia Trail is a 15 mile multi-use path that runs from High Bridge in Hunterdon County to the border of Mt. Olive and Washington Township in Morris County. The trail is built upon an abandoned railroad corridor. The route is relatively flat as it parallels the meandering South Branch of the Raritan River. The trail surface is mostly crushed stone with short segments of larger gravel or dirt. Bicycles with wider tires are recommended. The trail is perfect for the hybrid rider and is very family friendly. The Columbia Trail is part of the Hunterdon County Park System.
Parking is available at the High Bridge Municipal parking Lot across from the trail head. A popular ride takes the rider from High Bridge, through Califon, and into Long Valley. Riders will want to stop at the spectacular Ken Lockwood Gorge, named one of the “Ten Most Beautiful Places in New Jersey” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. The Gorge accessible at approximately 1 mile into the Columbia Trail. Looking down into the gorge, you'll see fly fishermen and crystal clear waters. If you are riding into Long Valley and back, there are a few places to stop along the way for snacks. The Califon General Store, about five miles in, takes you off of the trail, but it’s worth the road ride up the hill. It is great stop for breakfast or lunch, a quick coffee or to replenish your supplies. Rambo's General Store is also a good option. In High Bridge, Circa, and Scouts Coffee Bar & Mercantile are all great stops for refreshment.
This 30 mile scenic ride takes you up beautiful Hogback Road in Franklin Township. The route begins at V5 Cycles, winding its way from Flemington, through historic Clinton, Franklin Township, and then back to Flemington, with one of the nicest five mile descents. If time allows, spend some time in Clinton. Stop into the Clinton Bicycle Shop, LLC located directly across from the Hunterdon Art Museum and the iconic Red Mill. The Clean Plate restaurant is right next door to the bike shop, offering outdoor seating with a spectacular view of South Branch of the Raritan River, historic truss bridge and Red Mill.
Before the ascent up Quakertown Road, consider stopping at Duke's Pizzeria & Restaurant. In addition to pizza and Italian fare, they stock energy bars, offer coffee and can replenish water bottles. Upon return there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the Flemington area.
Parking is available at the start of the ride at Delaware Township School. The 29 mile ride begins with a gradual climb to the top of the Hunterdon Plateau. The top of the plateau is some of the flattest riding in this area of New Jersey. Early on, the route takes you through the Green Seargent Covered Bridge, the last covered bridge in New Jersey. On Federal Twist Road, you will drop down off the plateau. Lower Creek Road winds between hemlocks along the Wickecheoke Creek. A few climbs will bring you to the top of the Sandy Ridge with views of the Sourland Mountain to the right and the line of the Hunterdon Plateau to the left. The country between Ringoes and Sergeantsville is some of the best of the beautiful, sparsely populated, rolling farmland Hunterdon has to offer.
This is an absolutely beautiful, “off the beaten path” 25 mile road ride to one of Hunterdon’s premier wineries. The roads are typical of Hunterdon County's back road system featuring views of plenty of open space and farmland.
This route begins and ends at Main Street Manor, Main Street, Flemington. The route takes you west toward Sky Manor Airport. There are rest rooms available at the airport, along with a cozy restaurant. Enjoy a bite while watching small airplanes take off and land throughout the day. Or, stop in at adjacent Beneduce Vineyards, an award winning winery.
As you wind down your return trip, look for Mine Brook Park and Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve both in Flemington. The preserve offers a number of hiking trails along a quiet creek that continue to the Uplands Reserve.