Jersey’s Family-Friendly Bike Paths F
or the average family bicyclist, the best cycling is where you can ride without fear of traffic. Fortunately, New Jersey has many paved and unpaved bike paths along abandoned railbeds, canal paths and woodlands. All that’s required is a hybrid or trail bike (for the unpaved paths), helmet, snacks and water. All of these trails are relatively flat and good for family riding. Keep in mind that unpaved trails can be muddy after rainy periods. Bad weather can wreak havoc with bike trails, so check their condition online before heading out. Columbia Trail High Bridge to Long Valley (Hunterdon and Morris counties) Length: 11 miles one way Surface: crushed stone
into Bull’s Island State Park to venture out on the footbridge over the river. It’s 10 more miles to Frenchtown, at which point you can opt to cross the river and ride back along the river on the Pennsylvania side.
Almost entirely flat, this trail follows an old railbed along the South Branch of the Raritan River. Park in the municipal lot in High Bridge (69 West Main Street). The trail quickly heads into thick woods. The trail proceeds along a ledge high above the river, with slate cliffs rising dramatically on the right. At about the halfway point, you enter Morris County, where forest gives way to farmland in places. The ride ends at Long Valley.
D&R Canal/Main Canal Port Mercer to Blackwell’s Mills (Mercer County) Length: 15 miles one way Surface: crushed stone, gravel
D&R Canal/Feeder Canal Titusville to Frenchtown (Mercer and Hunterdon counties) Length: 22.5 miles Surface: crushed stone, gravel They say there’s no finer ride in Jersey than this flat cruise along the Delaware River. Park at Washington’s Crossing and head north through quaint Titusville and into Lambertville. Take a detour 18
Hudson County
NAHudson.com
The inland portion of the D&R Canal State Park trail runs almost 34 miles from Trenton to New Brunswick. To enjoy the most scenic part of the trail, park in the lot near the Port Mercer Canal House (off Route 1 at Province Line Road). Ride north along Lake Carnegie in Princeton, past the historic canal locks in Kingston and Griggstown. It’s a perfect family ride, with well-marked road crossings. Slow down for the slate-covered spillways, which are bumpy and slippery when wet. Elephant Swamp Trail Elk Township to Elmer (Gloucester and Salem counties) Length: 5 miles one way Surface: gravel and sand The trail starts in a forested area off Route 538 in the Aura section
