Northeast - special places in New Jersey

I'm working on a list of 10 interesting or pretty places to ride in New Jersey.

Below is what I've come up with so far -- what should get added? or corrected?

* River road between High Bridge and Califon, right alongside South branch Raritan River -- also a rail trail thru that gorge. [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Califon,+NJ&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=38.775203,41.835938&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Califon,+Hunterdon,+New+Jersey&ll=40.694436,-74.869938&spn=0.072626,0.124626&z=13) ]

* farmland roads around Stewartsville in Warren county. [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Stewartsville,+NJ&sll=40.694436,-74.869938&sspn=0.072626,0.124626&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Stewartsville,+Warren,+New+Jersey&ll=40.685194,-75.088463&spn=0.072636,0.124626&z=13) ]

* the "river drive" in Palisades Park north of the George Washington Bridge -- together with riding across the GWB south sidewalk. [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Englewood+Cliffs,+NJ&sll=40.685194,-75.088463&sspn=0.072636,0.124626&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Englewood+Cliffs,+Bergen,+New+Jersey&ll=40.918442,-73.921165&spn=0.144762,0.249252&z=12) ]

* Fiddlers Elbow climb -- together with the "Montana" farmland at its top and rt 519 farmland at its bottom. [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Belvidere,+NJ&sll=40.918442,-73.921165&sspn=0.144762,0.249252&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Belvidere,+Warren,+New+Jersey&ll=40.773587,-75.088377&spn=0.03627,0.062313&z=14) ]

* views of New York skyline + harbor from Liberty State Park - (? together with views of Newark Bay from the sidewalk of the Bayonne Bridge). [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Jersey+City,+NJ&sll=40.773587,-75.088377&sspn=0.03627,0.062313&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Jersey+City,+Hudson,+New+Jersey&ll=40.699642,-74.057808&spn=0.14524,0.249252&z=12) ]

* Sussex county farmland, like rt 519 south from rt 23 to Beemerville - (but I hope somebody who knows that area better will top that one). [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Beemerville,+NJ&sll=40.699642,-74.057808&sspn=0.14524,0.249252&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Beemerville,+Sussex,+New+Jersey&ll=41.240642,-74.662399&spn=0.072027,0.124626&z=13) ]

* Branch Brook park in Newark -- especially in springtime with cherry blossoms. [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Newark,+NJ&sll=41.240642,-74.662399&sspn=0.072027,0.124626&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Newark,+Essex,+New+Jersey&ll=40.764941,-74.178743&spn=0.036274,0.062313&z=14) ]

* the covered bridge -- really more the quiet roads to north of it and the wonderful run south down toward Stockton [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Lambertville,+NJ&sll=40.764941,-74.178743&sspn=0.036274,0.062313&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lambertville,+Hunterdon,+New+Jersey&ll=40.443812,-74.96624&spn=0.072898,0.124626&z=13) ]

? someplace on the shore -- but I can't pick out the special road or area.

? someplace in south Jersey -- but I don't know riding around there hardly at all.

Glad to hear more ideas.

Ken

Nice idea for a list.

Boulevard East - which runs through Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen - offers spectacular views of NYC. Sunrises are lovely:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3973269590_7399903a7d.jpg

Liberty State Park & Bayonne Bridge are also good choices, in a similar vein.

Off topic: I did Breakneck on Saturday. Yikes. Thanks for spreading the word on that one...

anywhere up near Sparta, the entire area. RT202 around Bloomingdale and a dozen other towns should provide some interesting riding, though parts of 202 get hairy.
A road runs east to west below the Atlantic City Highway (forget the name) is desolate, not very "scenic" but wide-open with farms and flatland and very little traffic during the day, wide shoulders, good eyeshot. It's become less traveled since that A.C. highway was built a number of years ago. Only place near the P. Barrens.

I just did the Tour de Lake Hopatcong ride this past weekend, some pretty spectacular scenery there.

There's way more to NJ scenery than NYC, IMO.

The new (still partially under construction) Waterfront Walkway between Newport and Liberty State Park. When this is completed, it may rival Manhattan's Hudson River Greenway.

I rode the Pumpkin Patch Pedal hosted by the Staten Island Bike club a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed the roads and countrified looking route. I felt like it was the Hamptons only in NJ and with rolling hills.


The ride itself was wonderful but unlike in past years I was a bit disappointed on #1 getting a 2005 tee shirt #2 the volunteers on the beginning/ending grounds of the ride were a bit rude.

I would do the ride again because of the wonderful routes.

>>>I rode the Pumpkin Patch Pedal hosted by the Staten Island Bike club a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed the roads and countrified looking route.<<<<

What part of NJ does this ride cover?

>>>I rode the Pumpkin Patch Pedal hosted by the Staten Island Bike club a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed the roads and countrified looking route.<<<<

What part of NJ does this ride cover?

Here is the 50 mile route: http://tinyurl.com/pumpkinpatchpedal

I have done this the past three years. It's a nice ride, but I definitely wouldn't put it on a list of special places in NJ. Mostly farms, horse farms, golf courses and mcmansions.

I couldn't figure out how to zoom in to the route. All I got was a map of the world.

I couldn't figure out how to zoom in to the route. All I got was a map of the world.

It should zoom in to the route, but on the left there is a slider to control the level of zoom. You asked to see the area the ride covers, so there it is.:)

Ah, now I see. As a Long Islander, that's a little farther than I'd want to travel, especially since you said it was not that "special."

(FYI: In case you read my last post before I edited it, I was initially puzzled as to why you had posted this ride on a list of "Special Places In NJ" and then gone on to say that you wouldn't post it on a list of "Special Places In NJ." Subsequently, I realized that you weren't the one who posted it in the first place!)

Once passing en route to Newark we were lucky enough to pass thru the Delaware Water gap New Jersey shares with Pennsylvania.. Impressive.

Ah, now I see. As a Long Islander, that's a little farther than I'd want to travel, especially since you said it was not that "special."

(FYI: In case you read my last post before I edited it, I was initially puzzled as to why you had posted this ride on a list of "Special Places In NJ" and then gone on to say that you wouldn't post it on a list of "Special Places In NJ." Subsequently, I realized that you weren't the one who posted it in the first place!)

That's what I figured when I saw the edit. ;)

Pine Barrens. Generally flat, but can be quite beautiful. Stay on the smaller roads.

The Round Valley Roundabout is a nice ride:
http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/pdf/rvalley.pdf

I haven't ridden in NJ in quite a while since moving to Baltimore County, MD. where we have some pretty spectacular rides, though we have our share of motorists to deal with.

When I lived in Metuchen I used to loop out to Scotch Plains, Westfield, nothing really special about it.

Riding along the Delaware up near the Water Gap should be on there as should some Monmouth County rides. I did some riding around Cape May in July, some decent roads but difficult to avoid crazy shore traffic.

Hi there,

As a soon to be ex-NJ resident I can tell you that if you are heading towards the central/south New Jersey areas then Hunterdon County heading into Northern Mercer County is a fine area for riding. There is lots of pretty farmland, rolling hills and even some rather monster ones. There are even a couple of covered bridges to be found. The Flemington/West Amwell/Hopewell and Lambertville areas are pretty historic as well. From Lambertville or Stockton you can cross over the Delaware River over to Bucks County PA for some gorgeous riding. From Northern NJ you can take Rtes 202 or 31 south to Flemington, Clinton and the surrounding areas. You can also ride to the Delaware Water Gap along Rte 46 (passing Hot Dog Johnny's...yummm!).

I hope this helps you some.

Cheers,

Brian J.

Hi there,

As a soon to be ex-NJ resident I can tell you that if you are heading towards the central/south New Jersey areas then Hunterdon County heading into Northern Mercer County is a fine area for riding. There is lots of pretty farmland, rolling hills and even some rather monster ones. There are even a couple of covered bridges to be found. The Flemington/West Amwell/Hopewell and Lambertville areas are pretty historic as well. From Lambertville or Stockton you can cross over the Delaware River over to Bucks County PA for some gorgeous riding. From Northern NJ you can take Rtes 202 or 31 south to Flemington, Clinton and the surrounding areas. You can also ride to the Delaware Water Gap along Rte 46 (passing Hot Dog Johnny's...yummm!).

I hope this helps you some.

Cheers,

Brian J.

AHHH another hunterdon resident... the stanton road/river road that runs along the north branch? estuaries is desolate in the mornings, and one of the nicest views of farmland you can find. also a killer climb :D

AHHH another hunterdon resident... the stanton road/river road that runs along the north branch? estuaries is desolate in the mornings, and one of the nicest views of farmland you can find. also a killer climb :D

Actually I live in Ewing in Mercer County and envy Hunterdon residents.:D

vincentown is a nice old town at the edge of the pine barrens...good to go on many of roads in that area for pretty farms and pines:)

the stanton road/river road that runs along the north branch? estuaries is desolate in the mornings, and one of the nicest views of farmland you can find.
I got to check out some roads along the river near a place called Stanton (sorta between Flemington and Clinton) and Yes there were some rather pretty sections. Map said it was the South branch of the Raritan River -- so thanks for suggesting it.
(Or if I wasn't in the right place, where else should I try?)
Gave me some ideas about linking it into a much longer ride which covered lots of the Raritan River.

also a killer climb
Which road is the climb you were thinking of? I guess that would take me away from the river.

Ken

@ken... i was talking about stanton indeed (since i'm in the clinton area when not in school, i know it pretty well, so if you see another cyclist... and there's not many, be sure to wave!). it is the south branch of the raritan river, and it runs from route 31 to god knows where. also not a bad idea to follow route 31 (huge shoulder) all the way to flemington.

the climb is actually on river road itself. it's about a 10% grade for 1/2 a mile, but it's just in such a terrible spot that it feels way worse than it is. or maybe because last time i tried, my lowest gearing was a 42-26.

@baj32161 i'm sorry :(

No worries, I get some pretty good riding in down here just the same.

Cheers,

Brian J.

Route 29 between Frenchtown and Stockton. 13 miles of dead flat road with wide shoulders that is very popular with cyclists. The Delaware River is on one side; cliffs with waterfalls are on the other side. Highlights include Bull's Island recreational area and the historic Prallsville Mills. The entire stretch is paralleled by the D&R Canal.

Throughout the summer time trial races are held on this road. Group rides often do pacelines here.

? someplace on the shore -- but I can't pick out the special road or area.
Henry Hudson Bike path(Matawan) to Highlands to Sandy Hook and then points south might work.

the south branch of the raritan river, and it runs from route 31 to god knows where. also not a bad idea to follow route 31 (huge shoulder) all the way to flemington.
Sharon + I tried riding there south from Clinton on Sunday morning, and it worked great for us. While we say the wide shoulders on rt 31, we only rode on it a very short way -- just to cross it in one place where the river rd got discontinued. Didn't see any other bike riders out that early, but some dog-walkers.

"god knows where" -- that was my knowledge about the Raritan River until a few days ago until I tried to figure which "branch" was the Stanton part: South branch. Then I noticed that the "lake" on Lake Rd also suggested in this thread was on the North branch. So I got the idea of riding a big circle that include both branches. So we found out where the two branches meet.

After Clinton and Stanton, we rode to Three Bridges + Neshanic Station, then north thru Branchburg up to Far Hills and Peapack (with some dirt roads along the way as also suggested in this thread). Around Mendham we started running into serious hills around the North Branch and headed west by Chester toward the South Branch. Then it got easier, first a ways on Valley Brook Rd, then Frog Hollow, and the River Rd of the South Branch mostly downhill thru High Bridge (with a brief walk thru a road construction zone) back to Clinton.

I think we'll ride most of it again -- but next time cut off the North branch sooner before too many hills, and Sharon voted for less on dirt roads around Bedminster (on the back of our tandem she feels it more).

So thanks for the new ideas.

Ken

How about Old Mine Rd in the Delaware Gap state park? I did that a few years ago. It might have been the hottest day of the year. It was hard! But the road was quiet, and the scenery was spectacular.

D&R Canal stretching from New Brunswick to Lambertsville. trail is not good for road bikes, unpaved.

Nonsense. I have ridden that trail on my road bike. It's not very rough at all.

How about Old Mine Rd in the Delaware Gap state park? I did that a few years ago. It might have been the hottest day of the year. It was hard! But the road was quiet, and the scenery was spectacular.

A great stretch of scenic road. Saw mother bear with two cubs along hillside a couple of years ago. Hit 55 mph on the downhill.

Yeah, and I saw wild turkeys and all other sorts of birds. Also, a large deer crossed in front of my path so close I almost hit her.

At one point, the road ahead of me looked like a vertical wall. The road zigzagged up it, and I got up it somehow.

A great stretch of scenic road. Saw mother bear with two cubs along hillside a couple of years ago. Hit 55 mph on the downhill.

Are you talking about the stretch of Old Mine Rd. north of Millbrook Village? I've never ridden there, but I descended Millbrook Road into the village, and I likely hit over 50 mph (no computer). Longest, straightest stretch of downhill road I've found in NW NJ, with good pavement.

Descending Rt. 23 from High Point is also fun and fast, with the added thrill of some curves.

It's been a few years for me. I gotta get back out there.

Where do you guys live? You know where I live!

* River road between High Bridge and Califon, right alongside South branch Raritan River -- also a rail trail thru that gorge. [ map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Califon,+NJ&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=38.775203,41.835938&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Califon,+Hunterdon,+New+Jersey&ll=40.694436,-74.869938&spn=0.072626,0.124626&z=13) ]

That entire river valley has beautiful riding. You can extend the route east of Califon along some feeder creeks, including Frog Hollow Road which is gorgeous in the fall with the blazing yellow leaves. You can also head south of Califon on Cokebury to Water Street then Rockaway Rd. which follows the Rockaway Creek - very scenic and lots of wildlife early in the morning. Hill and Dale off Rockaway also has some nice, rural scenery.

I'd rate most of Sussex, Hunterdon and Warren as a special place for riding.

It's been a few years for me. I gotta get back out there.

Where do you guys live? You know where I live!

I live in Mt. Olive, which is in western Morris County. I don't have to go far to see wild turkey, deer, fox. In fact, deer are a problem in the early morning and I have to be very vigilant and ride descents slowly in order to avoid collisions.

I'm just north of Princeton - at the foot of the mighty Sourland Mountain. ;)

Lotsa wildlife here, including the occasional bear.

"Are you talking about the stretch of Old Mine Rd. north of Millbrook Village?"

I had to go back and look at my Ascent file from my Garmin. It was Millbrook Rd., heading towards Old Mine Rd. Millbrook heads north, over the ridge, and then starts to descend as is runs into Old Mine, headed SW towards the Gap.

If I'd had more time the last few weeks, I would have gone up there during the week when the leaves were changing.

take a njtransit atlantic city/asbury park/cape may bus and get out before its terminus, break out the gps and navigate to the cape may/lewes ferry ride it to lewes and keep going to cape henelopen. amazing trip.

I was born in Flemington and raised in Hunterdon and Warren Counties ... sadly I live in New Egypt now ... to flat, I like climbing.

I know Hunterdon and Warren very well, and put my bike in my car and ride up there regularly.

I ride along Rt.29 between Frenchtown and Stockton once or twice a week, usually heading up one of the hills along it into Kingwood or Delaware Twps. I especially like climbing Byrum or Rt. 523 hills.

I also head up to Montana Mt. for some hill climbing. Fiddlers Elbow makes for a great warm-up.

Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex have some of the prettiest areas in the country, not only in NJ.

I was born in Flemington and raised in Hunterdon and Warren Counties ... sadly I live in New Egypt now ... to flat, I like climbing.

I know Hunterdon and Warren very well, and put my bike in my car and ride up there regularly.

I ride along Rt.29 between Frenchtown and Stockton once or twice a week, usually heading up one of the hills along it into Kingwood or Delaware Twps. I especially like climbing Byrum or Rt. 523 hills.

I also head up to Montana Mt. for some hill climbing. Fiddlers Elbow makes for a great warm-up.

Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex have some of the prettiest areas in the country, not only in NJ.

am i taking where i live for granted? haha, i hate climbing those hills though

The Green Acres program just opened Goat Hill Overlook as a disconnected piece of Washington's Crossing State Park. It's a bit over a mile south of Lambertville and gives a fantastic view of the Delaware River.

Here are some photos (http://grothserver.princeton.edu/~groth/random_pics/bikerides/ride_20091103/ride_20091103.shtml) from my visit on Election Day.

It can be combined with a ride that visits the Sourlands, the Covered Bridge near Stockton, Lambertville/New Hope, the Delaware and Raritan Feeder Canal tow path, Washington's Crossing Park, etc.

- Ed

The Pine Barrens have some great roads to ride. Starting from Batsto on Rt 542 east to New Gretna, south toward Mays landing or north to Chatsworth, all nice low traffic roads and woods. Not Rocky mountain scenery, but nice with plenty of clean rivers to dip off in on those hot days. One of my favorite places to put on miles.

thanksgiving riding around hunterdon, anyone else gonna be out?!