Below are the directions to ride starting points. Specific directions to monthly meeting locations are found on the Meetings page. Besides Brookdale Community College, we meet for remote road rides and mountain bike rides at NJ State and Monmouth County parks. Click the destination name for the map link.

Allaire State Park - See "ALERT" in the Special Parking Note below. We meet at different locations for Mountain Bike Rides and Road Bike Rides. Meet for Allaire MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES in the lot on Hospital Road. <TRAIL MAP> From the Garden State Parkway take exit 98. Follow the exit ramp to Rt 34 South. Make the first right (at a light) onto Allenwood Rd. At the T, turn right onto Atlantic Ave Rt 524. Cross the Parkway and turn left onto Hospital Rd. The lot is at the top of the hill on the right. meet for Allaire ROAD BIKE RIDES at the main parking lot on Rt 524 [do not turn onto Hospital Rd].

Special Parking Note: The Saturday morning road rides from Allaire will normally start from the visitors' parking lot, except - A L E R T - between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, when we will meet at the equestrian parking lot on Atlantic Avenue, next to the entrance to the Spring Meadow Country Club . The reason is that the State charges $5 per car for inside parking between those dates. The equestrian lot is right on the Manasquan bike path, and when we are using this lot, we can ride the bike path into the visitors'  parking lot to use the facilities. We may then cycle out of, or into the main entrance if we wish, without paying a fee.

MTB Rides at Allaire State Park rate from Easy to Intermediate. Allaire has a lot of intersecting trails. The race course is a five mile loop. There is also a trail that follows the Manasquan River along a twisting course. Careful, it's easy to get lost in the maze and you may hit some deep sand if you don't know where you are going. For the most part, the hills are relatively gentle and the single track is relatively non-technical. You can do some fast, smooth loops. (Allaire is also known for it's large tick population).

Allenwood School - 3301 Allenwood-Lakewood Road in Allenwood. From NJ Rt 34, go southwest on Allenwood Rd to the end. Turn left on Atlantic Ave and go about 300 feet and make the first right on West Side Drive. The school is about 0.3 miles at the intersection with County Rt 21.


Batsto Village / Wharton State Forest - 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037. Take the Garden State Parkway south to exit 52 and bear right toward New Gretna. Turn right onto County Rd 654/ E Greenbush Rd and proceed 1.4 miles. Make a slight left onto County Rd 653/ Leektown Rd; continue to follow County 653 for 3.2 miles. County Rd 542 and 653 combine; after 1/2 mile 653 ends. Continue on County 542 for 8 miles. Turn right on Batsto Road and make the first left.
MTBNJ | Wharton State Forest


Blue Mountain Reservation, Peekskill, NY | <TRAIL MAP> Take the Garden State Pkwy [North] to its northern terminus. Bear right to merge onto I-287 East/ I-87 South. Shortly thereafter (2+ miles on I-87 E), take exit 13N for the Palisades Pkwy North toward Bear Mountain. Travel ~16 mi passing Bear Mountain and continuing onto US-6 East. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit, continuing to follow US-202 East/ US-6 East (across the Hudson). Follow Bear Mtn Bridge Rd [US 202/ US-6 east] several miles through the next the traffic circle; continue straight onto US-202 E/ US-6 E/ US-9 S/ Jans Peek Branch/ Lower South Street. In 0.2 mi, take the ramp onto US-9 South. Continue on US-9 South for 1.8 mi to the New York 9A/ Welcher Ave exit. Turn left onto Welcher Ave, then continue following Welcher Ave into Blue Mountain Reservation.         
Best to park in parking lot 3 for trail access.
Length/ Configuration: 20+ mile network of mountain bike trails. Ride according to your skill level.
Terrain/Surface: Varies from gently rolling carriage trails with some rocky sections, to more strenuous, technical singletrack.
Technical Difficulty: Beginner trail mostly flat with gently rolling terrain. Intermediate to advanced single-track has progressively more obstacles - rocks, roots and logs.
Elevation Change: Less than 400 feet, with many short climbs and descents.
Trail Use: Mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing.
Caution: Follow the posted Cyclist Responsibility Code and yield to hikers and horses. Watch for deer and stay off the rifle range to the east of the advanced trail.
Blue Mtn Reservation Website _| <TRAIL MAP>
Bike Cam Youtube video of the Stinger Trail
Short Youtube Video - 'Saturday Six'

Brookdale Community College is located on Newman Springs Road (Route 520) less than 1 mile west of Lincroft, NJ and 2 miles west of Exit 109 of the Garden State Parkway. The parking lots are numbered. For meetings (usually held in Larrison Hall), park at Lot #2. For weekend rides, we normally meet in Lot #1 near the Monmouth Museum. Thursday night rides also meet in Lot #1. The campus map is available here.

Bull's Island Rec Area/ D&R Canal, 2185 Daniel Bray Highway Stockton, NJ 08559 - NORTHERN ROUTE: Take the Garden State Parkway North to exit 127 (Rt 440 South/ I-287 North). Continue on I-287 to the exit for Route 202 in Somerville. Follow Route 202 south for 26 miles to the exit for Route 29 north and proceed north for about 6 miles. The park entrance is on the left. SOUTHERN ROUTE: Take I-195 west to the end. Follow signs to Route 29 north. Stay on Route 29 north, and the park is on the left about 5 miles north of Lambertville. Bull's Island Recreation Area web site

Burnt Mill Park (Bedminster, NJ)

Cheesequake State Park - We meet in the first parking area on the left inside the park. Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 120. At the end of the ramp, turn right if you are southbound, left if northbound  on to Laurence Harbor-Morristown Road (toward Matawan). Turn right at the first light onto Morristown Road. Turn right again at the next light onto Gordon Road. Follow Gordon Road to the park entrance. Go through the park gates and park at the first parking lot on the left.

MTB Rides at Cheesequake State Park: Easy to Hard. The fire roads are an easy warm-up. The multipurpose trail is probably the most technical trail that we ride.

Chimney Rock (officially Washington Valley Park) | <TRAIL MAP> - Garden State Parkway North to exit 127 (Rt 440 South/Rt 287 North). Follow signs for 440 South/287 North. You will be traveling on 287 North approximately 12-13 miles. Take exit 14A (Rt 22 East/ New York). Follow Route 22 East to Chimney Rock/Thompson Roads exit in Bridgewater (less than a mile from 287 exit). You will need to make the U-turn and cross back over Route 22. At the end of Thompson Road, bear right onto Chimney Rock Road. Drive approximately 1.5 miles until the road ends. Turn left onto Washington Valley Road. Make the first left onto Newman's Lane. Travel on Newman's Lane until you cross over a small bridge. There will then be a paved parking lot on the left side. On the left there is a green and white park commission sign for Washington Valley Park.

Chimney Rock is a small network of rugged intermediate trails that has been given the name "the rock" by some locals. Like its central Jersey counterpart, Six Mile Run, this park does not drain well, so it should be avoided after heavy rains. There are assorted climbs, rocks, logs, and roots; very few "easy" miles. In 2009 a Technical Trail Feature was installed on the blue loop. If you are limited on time, it is best to park in the Newman's Lane lot and do loops of the red & blue trails, and maybe the white trail, time-permitting. This gives you a good cross section of what the park has to offer. You will get a well marked loop on both sides of the road with some light climbs, and the TTF (Technical Trail Feature) along the blue trail.
MTBNJ Chimney Rock Website _ | <TRAIL MAP>

Clayton Park, 161 Emley's Hill Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08526 - <TRAIL MAP> Take I-195 to Exit 11 (Imlaystown/Cox's Corner); from I-195 eastbound, turn right off exit ramp; from I-195 westbound turn left off exit ramp. Follow to the end. Turn left onto Rt 526 and make immediate right onto Imlaystown-Davis Station Rd. Go straight across bridge and up hill. Left on Emley's Hill Rd. The parking lot is down the road on the left. Rt 537 west to Rt 526 west, turn right. Follow Rt 526 (becomes Red Valley Rd) to Imlaystown-Davis Station Rd. Turn left and follow Imlaystown-Davis Station Rd to Emley's Hill Rd, turn left and follow to park on left.

MTB Rides at Clayton Park: Intermediate. It's similar to Tatum Park with its nice sweeping down hill runs and some twisting, turning trails with ups and downs. However, you will find more roots and logs than at Tatum (i.e., no hybrids at Clayton). Good introduction to technical riding.

Colonial Park - Take the Garden State Parkway North to exit 127 (Rt 440 South/ Rt 287 North). Follow signs for 440 South/ 287 North. You will be traveling on 287 North for approximately 12 miles. Take exit 12 (Weston Canal Rd ). Make a Left turn at the end of the ramp onto Canal Rd. and go 0.2 miles. Turn left at Cottontail Lane. Travel ~ 1.6  miles to the right turn at Schoolhouse Rd . Take Schoolhouse Rd for 0 .8 miles. Turn Left onto Mettlers Rd. In ~1.3 miles. Look for Parking Lot 'F' on the right.

Etra Lake Park - Go West on Rt 33 for 11 miles from the intersection of Rt 9 and Rt 33, to the Applegarth Rd. jug handle and make the left turn.  Road becomes Butcher Rd when you cross over Rt 33. Follow Butcher Rd to the T intersection with Disbrow Hill Rd. Make a right onto Disbrow Hill Rd. Go about 1.5 miles; Etra Lake Park entrance is on the right before you get to Rt 571.

Freehold Twp. YMCA/ Opatut Park - Used for Saturday Road Rides. The Freehold Twp. YMCA is located on East Freehold Road in Freehold Township (just west of where Kozloski Road changes to East Freehold Road). Actually, we start from parking lot 1 of Opatut Park, immediately west of the Freehold Twp. YMCA location. NOTE: There is a potential for confusion here, in that there is another parking lot for Opatut Park immediately east of the YMCA that does not connect to the west lot the club uses. Looking at the YMCA from across the street on East Freehold Road, Lot 1 [where we meet] is to the right/ west.

From NJ Route 79, go west about 0.3 mile on East Freehold Road and the Freehold Twp. YMCA is on the left. Opatut is just past the Y. From US Route 9, go east about 1 mile on East Freehold Road and the Freehold Twp. YMCA is on the right. Opatut is just before the Y.

Frenchtown - New starting location for the NJ Covered Bridge Ride. We meet at the Old Frenchtown Field, just 1/2 mile north of downtown Frenchtown. Turn left at the stop sign for Route 12 and Bridge Street in Frenchtown, go around the corner and make a right turn onto Harrison Street. Go up about .5 to .7 miles to Old Frenchtown Field on the left (between 10th and 12th Streets). Use this link on Google Maps to get directions...

Hartshorne Woods Pk, Grand Tour & Portland Rd, Highlands NJ 07732
STARTING POINT IS ON THE PARK'S EAST SIDE NEAR THE WATER TOWER <TRAIL MAP>

In order to get to our starting location, take Route 36 East, and make a right turn just before the Highlands bridge onto Portland Road. Follow Portland Road to end. Henry Hudson High School is at the end of the road on the right, and our parking lot is on the left.

Alternatively, you can go from the former starting location (Navesink Ave.), and then continue on to the newer starting location. From Route 35 take Navesink River Rd (north of Cooper Ave Bridge, Red Bank) east and continue 4.7 miles. Turn right onto Locust Rd (Monmouth County Rt 8A). Cross Clay Pit Creek bridge to five way intersection. Bear right onto Navesink Ave and continue past the Hartshorne Park lot on right. Garden State Parkway to Exit 109. Southbound, turn left onto Rt 520. Take jug handle for Half Mile Rd; Northbound, go straight at exit. Follow Half Mile Rd to the end. Turn right at traffic light onto East Front St. Follow East Front St to Hubbard Ave. Turn left onto Hubbard Ave and follow (.6 mile) to Navesink River Rd. Turn right onto Navesink River Rd and continue 4.7 miles. Turn right onto Locust Rd. Cross Clay Pit Creek bridge to five way intersection. Bear right onto Navesink Ave and continue past the parking lot on the right (that was our old starting location). Make a right at the top of the hill at the light onto Route 36 East, then follow the directions above.

MTB Rides at Hartshorne Woods Park: Intermediate to Hard (Not for beginners!). This is the best Monmouth County has to offer. Start with some smooth, but steep, climbing then face many other challenges from logs to technical hills. You can test your true mountain bike mettle in this park. We meet at one of 3 parking lots: Claypit Creek, Rocky Point or Buttermilk Valley.

Henry Hudson Trail - From northbound Rt 35 or Rt 36, follow signs to the Garden State Parkway North. About 100 yards before the GSP toll booth, turn right onto Clark St. Follow to Lloyd Rd (at traffic lightwith Broadway). Trail entrance is off the near right corner by the gas station and convenience store. You can park at the ball fields on the far right corner.

MTB Rides on the Henry Hudson Trail: Easy. This trail is paved for 9 miles (running just north of and parallel to Rt 36, crossing many quiet neighborhood roads) from the Aberdeen/Keyport border at intersection of Lloyd Rd and Clark St to the Middletown/Atlantic Highlands border at N Leonard Ave.

Holmdel Park - Garden State Parkway to Exit 114. Southbound, turn right onto Red Hill Rd; northbound, turn left onto Red Hill Rd. Follow Red Hill Rd to Crawfords Corner Rd, turn right (heading northwest). Follow Crawfords Corner Rd to Roberts Rd, turn left. Follow Roberts Rd to Longstreet Rd, turn right to park entrance on left. State.  Hwy 34 to Roberts Rd (1.75 miles north of Rt 520). Southbound, turn left; northbound, turn right. Follow Roberts Rd to Longstreet Rd, turn left. Park entrance in on left. State Hwy 35 to Holmdel/Keyport Rd Rt 3. Northbound, turn around left; southbound, turn right. Follow Holmdel/Keyport Rd Rt3 to a left on to Crawford Corners Rd. Turn right on to Longstreet Rd, Park is on right.

No Mountain Biking in this park (although Ramanessin at the south is an exception - see park map). We generally meet in this popular Monmouth County park for some road rides.

Huber Woods Park - 25 Brown's Dock Rd., Middletown, NJ. From Rt 35 take Navesink River Rd (north of Cooper Ave Bridge, Red Bank) east. Travel east on Navesink River Rd (2.8 miles) to Brown's Dock Rd. Turn left onto Brown's Dock Rd. Park entrance is on the right at the top of the hill.

ALTERNATE ROUTE: Garden State Parkway to Exit 109. Southbound, turn left onto Rt 520 and take jug handle for Half Mile Rd; northbound, go straight at exit. Follow Half Mile Rd to end. Turn right at traffic light onto East Front St. Follow East Front St to Hubbard Ave. Turn left onto Hubbard Ave and follow (.6 mile) to Navesink River Rd. Turn right onto Navesink River Rd and continue 3.2 miles. Turn left onto Brown's Dock Rd. Park entrance is at top of hill on right.

MTB Rides at Huber Woods Park: Intermediate. Small, easier loops can be done starting in the parking area. But, Many Log Run is as challenging as the name sounds. ***Group mountain biking at Huber Woods has been temporarily suspended by the Monmouth County Park System***

James Monroe Park (Monroe Township, NJ)

Jungle Habitat, 59-125 Airport Rd., West Milford NJ 07480 <TRAIL MAP> - Take the Garden State Pkwy North to exit 153B. Merge onto NJ-3 for ~1.3 miles to US-46W; Follow US-46 West for ~4.0 miles. Merge onto NJ-23 North. Travel ~16.5 mi; Make right onto SR-513/ Union Valley Rd. Next, go ~7.2miles to Marshall Hill Rd. In ~0.7mi turn right to stay on Marshall Hill Rd, then right turn onto Airport Rd. Park is on the left in ~0.5miles. 

Jungle Habitat was a Warner Brothers-owned theme park that opened in the summer of 1972, and closed in October 1976. By November 1972, the park had 500,000 paid visitors. The park contained well over 1,500 animals, a drive-through section and a walk-through section. [Read more fun stuff in Wikipedia.] Many years later, under the guidance of JORBA rep Mergs, this one time animal paradise is rapidly evolving as a bikers paradise. Home to the Town Cycle H2H race Rumble in the Jungle, the trail network grows almost monthly in the summer months.

MTBNJ | Jungle Habitat Page | <TRAIL MAP>

Keyport - From Exit 117 of the Garden State Parkway, take Rte 36 South. In 0.7 miles turn right onto Main St, then a sharp left onto Broad St. Take Broad Street across Rte 36. In 1.0 miles the road makes a sharp left hand bend, and becomes American Legion Dr. Parking area is ahead on the right.


Kittatinny Valley State Park, 4 Aeroflex Rd, Newton NJ 07860 <TRAIL MAP> - Take the Garden State Parkway North to exit 127. Follow signs for 440 South/287 North. Travel on I-287 North approximately 24 miles. Take exit 22B (US 202 N/ US 206N).
When 202 and 206 split, Follow US-206 North for ~ 16.7 miles until it merges with I-80 West. Follow US-206 onto I-80 for 2 miles, then take exit 25 following US-206 North toward Newton. Follow US-206 north ~8 miles to a right turn onto Goodale Rd. The Park entrance is after about 1 mile, and parking area will be on the right.

Glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings, former railroads and a small airport are features of Kittatinny Valley State Park. Lake Aeroflex and Gardner's Pond form part of the headwaters of the Pequest River and are excellent for fishing and boating. This scenic property is home to a variety of wildlife. Kittatinny is also home to the Bulldog Rump, one of the H2H races put on by Team Bulldog every year, which serves as the NJ State Championship. It used to be the location of the Running of the Dogs, but that race has since been discontinued.

MTBNJ | Kittatinny Valley State Park Page | <TRAIL MAP>
Full Park Loop

Lake Topanemus Park is in Freehold, NJ. While there are entrances to the park on both Robertsville Road and Pond Road, there is very limited parking at the entrance on Robertsville Road, so we meet at the entrance on Pond Road.

From the south, take Route 9 North to the East Freehold Road jug-handle. The jug-handle ends at Pond Road, where you need to make a right. Go about 0.9 miles, and the entrance to the park is on your left.

From the north, take Route 9 South to Craig Road / East Freehold Road. Make a left (heading east, across Route 9), and make a quick right onto Pond Road. Go about 0.9 miles, and the entrance to the park is on your left.

MTB Rides at Lake Topanemus Park: Easy to Intermediate. This is a relatively small park, with two different types of trails on two separate sides to the park, separated by Lake Topanemus. On the north side of the lake, there are wide packed-cinder trails, perfect for hybrid riding and great for families. Once again, this is a relatively small park, and you can cover all of the cinder-packed trails in a relatively short period of time.

On the south side of the lake is some recently developed single-track with nearly a dozen logs to help you brush up on your technical skills. Those who wish to stay on the cinder-packed trails (and avoid the single-track) can do so.

Lewis Morris Park, 270 Mendham Rd, Morristown NJ 07960 <TRAIL MAP> - Take the Garden State Parkway North to exit 127 for 440 South/287 North. You will be traveling on I-287 North approximately 32 miles. Take exit 30B (US 202 North, Bernardsville). Follow US-202N for ~1.8 miles and turn left onto Tempe Wick Rd. Then go 2.5 miles and turn right onto Corey Ln. Travel ~1.4 miles and go right onto Mendham Rd. In ~1.0 mile make right turn into park; Park at Sunrise Lake Parking Area.

Lewis Morris Park is a small-medium sized park with nicely constructed micro gravel paths, yet many sections with an overabundance of roots. Plenty of steep, short climbing, but nothing sustained. The high quality of the trails makes the descending fast and fun, especially the last half of the yellow trail going clockwise. Every year Marty's Reliable Cycle hosts an H2H race here, the Lewis Morris Challenge. It is also home to the Mountain Man Biathalon.

Across Route 24 is Patriot's Path, which offers some extended miles and the Gilligan's Island Loop. This is beginner level in terms of technical riding, but even experts can enjoy themselves since keeping race pace on all the hills is quite a challenge.

MTBNJ | Lewis Morris Park Page | <TRAIL MAP>

Long Branch - Rides meet on Ocean Avenue North, midway between Joline and Seaview Avenues, near the Windmill. Located 1 block east of Ocean Blvd and 1 block south of where route 36 turns west onto Joline Ave.

Macungie Memorial Park (PA), 50 S Poplar St, Macungie, PA 18062 - Follow Garden State Pkwy, I-287 N and I-78 W to S Cedar Crest Blvd in Salisbury Township. Take exit 55 from I-78 W. Turn left onto S Cedar Crest Blvd (signs for Emmaus/PA-29 S). Turn right onto Indian Falls Rd. Turn right onto Indian Creek Rd. Turn left onto Brookside Rd. Turn right onto N Walnut St. Turn right onto Veterans Way. The park will be on the right.

Manalapan EpiCentre/ Wegmans - It's the Rt. 9 shopping center up the block from the county library main branch where we have held several general meetings. From the Freehold Y/ Opatut Park Parking Lot: Make Left onto E. Freehold Rd. At the first traffic light make a right onto Robertsville Rd.

At the traffic light at Ryan Rd, make a Left. Cross Rt. 9 (becomes Symmes), then make first Left into Target/Wegmans Parking Lot. Go straight back (toward the Home Goods store). After passing Target and before reaching Wegmans, park on the right (see map).

Manasquan Reservoir, 311 Windeler Rd, Howell, NJ 07731 - Garden State Parkway to Exit 98, Interstate 195 west. Proceed on I-195 west to Exit 28B, Rt 9 north-Freehold. Stay in right lane when entering Rt 9 north. At first traffic light, turn right onto Georgia Tavern Rd. [From the north, take State Hwy 9 south from Freehold to Georgia Tavern Rd. Use jug handle to turn left onto Georgia Tavern Rd.] Follow Georgia Tavern Rd for .3 mile. Turn right onto Windeler Rd. Continue 1.5 miles to Reservoir Area on left (if you come to the end of Windeler Rd, you went a few hundred yards too far).

NOTE: The Monmouth County Park System asks that we park our cars on the west side of the main lot (up the main entrance road to the left).

MTB Rides at Manasquan Reservoir: Easy. Ride (run or walk) the wide, rolling 5 mile path around the reservoir. This is perfect hybrid riding and great for families. Also, some of our road rides start here.

Mercer County Park, 334 S. Post Rd., West Windsor, NJ 08550. East Picnic Area Parking: From Exit 8 (Hightstown) of NJ Turnpike: Go east on Rt 33 for 0.4 miles then west on Rt 133. After 3.4 miles, take Rt 571 west. After 0.4 miles go left on Rt 535 [Old Trenton Rd]. After 3.4 miles, turn right on Rt 526 [Edinburg Rd]. Park entrance is 0.2 miles on left. Go to East Picnic Parking on left 0.1 miles from entrance. From Brookdale, exit right on Phalanx Rd for 3.3 miles. Go left (south) on Route 34 for 0.8 miles. Go right (west) on Route 537 for about 7 miles. Bear right on Route 33 ( do not turn on business 33 [Park Ave] for about 11 miles. Go right on Rt 133 (next road after Probasco). After 3.4 miles, take Rt 571 west. After 0.4 miles go left on Rt 535 [Old Trenton Rd]. Next, take the Road or MTB directions below.
ROAD RIDES: After 3.4 miles, turn right on Rt 526 [Edinburg Rd]. The park entrance is 0.2 miles on left. Go to the East Picnic Parking on left 0.1 miles from the entrance.
MTB RIDES: After 3.8 miles, turn right on Paxson Ave. At approx. 1 mile, turn right on S. Post Road [County 602] and park at the Marina lot. MTB Map here.

Michael J Tighe - MJT, formerly Liberty Oak Park - 65 Georgia Rd., Freehold Twp., NJ 07728. Used for our Tuesday night and Saturday series. Michael J Tighe Memorial Park is on Georgia Rd in Freehold Twp. From US Rte 9, south of Freehold, go west about 1 mile on Rte 524 and turn south on Georgia Road (signs point to Turkey Swamp Park). Go about 1/2 mile on Georgia Road and the entrance to Tighe Park is on the left.
RIDES LAUNCH from Lot 2 [left off Remembrance Rd, next to the basketball courts].

Millstone Elementary School, 308 Millstone Rd., Millstone, NJ 08510 - From Exit 11 (Cox's Corner - Imlaystown exit) of I 195: Go north on MC Rt 43 (Hightstown Imlaystown Rd) about .4 mile and turn right on MC Rt 524 (if you get to MC Rt 526 you went south). Go east about 6 miles on MC Rt 524 and turn left on Schoolhouse Rd. The Millstone Twp Elementary School parking lot is about ½ mile on the left. From Brookdale, exit right on Phalanx Rd for 3.3 miles. Go left (south) on Route 34 for 0.8 miles. Go right (west) on Route 537 for about 11 1/2 miles. Bear right on Route 524 for 3.5 miles. Go right on Schoolhouse Rd to Millstone Elementary School about 1/2 mile on left.

Minnewaska State Park is in New Paltz, NY - Take the NY State Thruway to Exit 18 (New Paltz). Get on Route 299 WEST. Take Route 299 through the town of New Paltz. Stay on Route 299 West until you hit US 44 / State Route 55. Take US 44 / State Route 55 WEST. You will run into Minnewaska State Park Preserve. We typically meet in the UPPER parking lot. It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Brookdale.

For spectacular mountain scenery, this 17-mile loop may qualify as one of the best on the East Coast. The carriage roads gently switchback up the mountain face, revealing grander views of the surrounding mountains and lakes at each turn. From Castle Point, the nearly 360-degree view is breathtaking, as mountain ridges recede in the distance in all directions. the scenery never lets up. Good news: You don't need to be super-fit to enjoy this ride. Although there are some long climbs, most of the riding is on six-foot-wide converted carriage roads with gentle grades. Bring endurance, not technical riding ability. The trails are well maintained and heavily used. There is a $6 per car entrance fee on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: We typically only make this trip is there are enough people interesting in going. Trips to the park are sometimes cancelled due to weather, so watch your email before heading out. For those that don't mountain bike, you are welcome to hike. There are some beautiful hiking trails in the park. We typically get together for lunch after riding/hiking.

Monmouth Battlefield - Some of our Saturday Series rides start from here. Monmouth Battlefield State Park is on Old (Business) NJ Rt 33 in Manalapan, 1.6 miles west of US Rte 9 in Freehold.


Monmouth County Library- Main Branch in Manalapan - This location is up the street from the Manalapan EpiCentre Mall on Symmes Rd. From the Freehold Y/ Opatut Park Parking Lot: Make Left onto E. Freehold Rd. At the first traffic light make a right onto Robertsville Rd. At the traffic light at Ryan Rd, make a Left. Cross Rt. 9 (becomes Symmes). Turn right at the main library entrance up past the last mall entrance (on the left).

Monmouth Worship Center - 37 Vanderburg Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07746. Some of our club meetings are held here. Take Route 79 to just north of the Route 18 interchange. Turn onto Vanderburg Rd. (right turn from northbound rt. 79, left turn from southbound rt. 79) proceed 3/10 of a mile; MWC is on the left. From Route 34, turn onto Conover Rd (right turn from southbound rt. 34, then Crine is 1 mile on the right; left turn from northbound rt. 34, then Crine is 1/2 mile on left) and proceed on Crine Rd. Crine becomes Vanderburg at the Boundary Rd. intersection. In about 1/2 mile MWC is on the right.

Mt. Misery - We occasionally do joint MTB rides with East Coast Bicycle Club (ECBC) at Mt. Misery. Meeting place is confirmed when rides are scheduled. One place we meet is the Wawa on the corner of Route 70 and Route 539, in the Whiting/Manchester area. Take Garden State Parkway to Exit 88 (Route 70 exit). At exit, take Route 70 West for approx 14-1/2 to 14-3/4 miles to intersection of Route 70 and Route 539 (traffic light at the intersection). There is an Exxon gas station across the road. From there, someone from ECBC leads us to the actual start, as once you get in the park, you have to make a bunch of lefts and rights on roads with no street signs. This is the Pine Barrens!

Ocean County Park is in Lakewood, NJ. From US Rt 9 take NJ Route 88 east 1 1/2 miles - park entrance on left. From Garden State Parkway south, exit 90, go right [northwest] on Chambersbridge Rd for 0.3 miles then left [west]on Rt 88 about 2 miles - park entrance on right. From Garden State Parkway north, exit 91, go right [southwest] on Chambersbridge Rd for 0.3 miles then right [west] on Rt 88 about 2 miles - park entrance on right.

Perrineville Lake Park We meet at the small, unpaved lot on Agress Road, approximately 1/2 mile up from Perrineville Road. This park has a combination of flat fire roads and semi-technical trails, including a spur that connects to the Assunpink WMA. Trail Map here.

Princeton Shopping Center We meet at the McCaffrey's end of the parking lot near the Valley Road exit.

Ramapo Mtn State Forest / Ringwood State Park 180 Skyline Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436
Take the Garden State Parkway North to exit 142B. Get on I-78 West toward Springfield . Travel on I-78 for approximately 4 miles, then bear right to NJ-24 West toward Morristown . At the end of NJ-24, keep left and follow signs for I-287 N toward Mahwah. Travel about 20 mi on I-287 North to Exit 57 toward Skyline Dr/ Ringwood. At the end of the ramp, make a left onto West Oakland Ave. Continue straight onto Skyline Dr. The Skyline Upper Parking Lot will be about 1.4 miles ahead on the left, between Ramapo Park Rd and Tamarack Rd.

Alternate directions:
Garden State Pkwy North to exit 154. Merge onto US-46 E toward Clifton.  Travel 2.5 miles to NJ-20 N/ McLean Blvd. Go 3.9 mi and make a right turn onto Maple Ave. In 0.9 mi merge onto NJ-208 North toward Oakland. Travel 7.3 miles and merge onto I-287S.  Take I-287 to exit 57 for Skyline Dr toward Ringwood. At end of ramp make Right turn onto Skyline Drive.  Skyline Upper Lot will be on the left in ~1.2 miles between Ramapo Park Road and Tamarack Road.

Beautiful scenery and very technical trails.
MTBNJ | Ramapo Mtn State Forest Page | <TRAIL MAP>
NJ DEP | Ramapo Mtn State Forest Page
MTBNJ | Ringwood State Park Page | <TRAIL MAP>
NJ DEP | Ringwood State Park Page

Suggested Trail Ride

Sandy Hook/ Gateway National Recreation Area - Fort Hancock - Take State Highway 36 (northern extent, running near the Raritan Bay), 14 miles off GSP exit 117, over to the barrier island accessed by the Highlands Bridge. To the north is Sandy Hook; south is Sea Bright. Follow the signs for Sandy Hook/ Gateway National Recreation Area. Once you enter the park it is another 5 miles to reach the ride start point at Fort Hancock. We meet near the Fort Hancock Chapel/ Auditorium (the white building) parking lot on the west side of Hartshorne Dr, near the bay, across from the Post Theatre (which is a brick structure just north of Officer's Row). This is in the vicinity where the bike path originally terminated and the bike rental stand is located on weekends.

Shark River Park - State Highway 18 to Exit 8 for Route 33 West. Follow to Schoolhouse Rd (last traffic light before crossing the Garden State Parkway). Turn left onto Schoolhouse Rd. Follow to park entrance on the right. Garden State Parkway to Exit 100 (Route 33 East). Continue on Route 33 East to traffic light at Schoolhouse Rd (just east of the Parkway). Turn right onto Schoolhouse Rd. Follow to park entrance on the right. State Highway 35 to Highway 33 west to Schoolhouse Rd (last traffic light before crossing the Garden State Parkway). Turn left onto Schoolhouse Rd. Follow to park entrance on the right.

MTB Rides at Shark River Park: Easy, if you avoid or walk a couple tricky spots. This park is our newest local spot for mountain biking. This is a small park, easy to explore, hard to get lost. But, watch signs to avoid the trails reserved for foot traffic only. Check your tires after riding this park, as there are lots of briars/thorns.

Six Mile Run Park <TRAIL MAP> - Six Mile Run Park is located off of Route 27 in Franklin Park. The entrance to the trail is located at the back end of the parking lot for the Jersey Knights soccer field.
From Monmouth Battlefield State Park, take route 522 from Englishtown thru Jamesburg and across the Turnpike and across Route 1 to Route 27 North.
Alternate Route: Proceed north on the GS Parkway from exit 109 or 114.  Stay right on the Driscoll Bridge and turn at exit 127 toward rt. 287 north.  Exit right toward the NJ Turnpike and follow signs for county rt. 514 West. After 3-4 miles follow the sign for rt. 1 south (exit right after overpass). Proceed on route 1 south for several miles. After the Livingston/Jersey Ave overpass turn right onto Cozzens Lane and follow it until it ends at route 27. Make a left onto route 27 south and proceed a short distance to the Jersey Knights' lot on the right (just past Hidden Lake apartments on the left).

Sourland Mountain Preserve, Hillsborough NJ 08844 <TRAIL MAP> -
From Route 287 Northbound: Follow Route 287 North to Route 22 West. Follow the Route 22 directions below.
From Route 22 Westbound: Follow Route 22 to Routes 202/206 South. When the highways split take Route 206 South. Follow directions from Route 206 South.
From 206 Southbound: Follow Route 206 through Somerville and Hillsborough - approximately six miles from the Somerville Circle to Route 514 which is Amwell Road . Make a right turn onto Amwell Road and proceed two miles to East Mountain Road . Turn left onto East Mountain Road . Travel for two miles, and you will see the Sourland Mountain Preserve entrance sign on the right.

This is a very unique place in central NJ. There is really nothing like Sourland in this area. The trails are rocky and technical, and a positive attitude goes a long way in preventing frustration from consuming your ride. Newcomers are advised to bring some basic pads for knees and elbows. You may not need them but are less likely to walk the technical sections if you have them on. Also, first timers are advised to ride the trail network clockwise (looking at the mountain from the parking lot). This route gives you a reasonable warm-up before climbing up to the ridge. It is also recommended that you ride initially with someone who is familiar with the park if possible. Not that you will get lost, but many of the best lines through the rock gardens are not obvious until you see someone clear them first.

MTBNJ | Sourland Mtn Preserve Page | <TRAIL MAP>

Tatum Park <TRAIL MAP> - Garden State Parkway to Exit 114. Go East on Red Hill Road (toward Middletown) and make left onto Van Schoick Road. At the first light turn right onto Holland Rd. The park is on the right. From Rt 35 in Holmdel turn west on Laurel Ave. At the light turn left onto Holland Rd. The park is on the right.

MTB Rides at Tatum Park: Easy, if you can make it up the hills (walking is allowed). This park has plenty of hills and can test the stamina of the best riders. However, a confident hybrid rider can conquer these non-technical trails.

Tenafly, NJ - Franklin St. Municipal Parking Lot - Take the NJ Turnpike to Exit 18E or 18W, and at the northern terminus (of the NJTP) get on the local lanes of I-95 north toward the George Washington Bridge. From there take exit 70A toward Leonia and merge onto Degraw Ave/ Fort Lee Rd. In 0.5 mi make a left onto Grand Ave. Travel 2.3 mi, Grand becomes Engel; then go straight on Engel for another 1.8mi. Make left onto Westerwelt Ave, then second left to stay on Westerwelt . Cross Dean Rd then make first right onto Franklin St. Municipal Lot is 0.2 miles ahead on the left.

Thompson Park, Jamesburg, on Forsgate Drive. From the East on Rt 522, turn left at Rt 612 entering Jamesburg, cross Railroad and park is first turn on left. From NJ Turnpike, Exit 8A, go east on Rt 612/Forsgate Dr. Park is on right just before the second set of railroad tracks (about 2 miles from the turnpike).

Thompson Park, Lincroft - Garden State Parkway to Exit 109. From Southbound parkway, turn right on Route 520 (Newman Springs Rd); From Northbound parkway, turn left onto Route 520. Continue West on Route 520 for 2.2 miles to the park (past Middletown Twp. Thompson Park and Brookdale College) on left. The main park entrance is on the left.
From the west, take Routes 18, 79 or State Hwy 34 to Route 520. Follow Route 520 east to the park. Use the main entrance on the right.
We meet in the first parking lot straight in at the right.

MTB Rides at Thompson Park, Lincroft: Easy and Intermediate. Most of our ride at Thompson Park is on dirt roads and paths, and around the edges of fields. However, we always like to attempt the 1 mile of technical single-track (many roots) along the water. Hybrids may better enjoy this ride by taking an alternate route when some of the group goes through the technical area.

Tip Seaman Park, Tuckerton, on Route 9. Garden State Parkway South. Take Exit 58 for CR-539 toward Tuckerton/Little Egg Harbor. Turn left at CR-539. Turn right at West Main Street/US-9. Turn right at Lakeside Drive. We occasionally meet here for a joint ride with the East Coast Bicycle Club(ECBC).

Turkey Swamp Park is located on Georgia Road in Freehold, approximately 1 mile south of MJT. The parking lot is on the left, approximately 0.3 miles after turning off of Georgia Road.

Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt NJ - <TRAIL MAP> Take Garden State Pkwy North to exit 153B. Merge onto NJ-3 West and go ~1.3 mi to US-46 West. After ~4.0 miles merge onto NJ-23 North. Travel ~17.3 mi; Turn right onto Clinton Rd. Take Clinton Rd for ~ 9.2mi and make a left turn onto Warwick Turnpike. Travel 2.3miles and turn left onto Park entrance road. Continue straight onto Wawayanda Rd. and park at the Boat Launch parking lot.

Wawayanda State Park is a 16,679-acre (67 km) state park in Sussex County and Passaic County in northern New Jersey . The park is in Vernon Township on the Sussex side, and West Milford on the Passaic side. There are 60 miles (96 km) of hiking trails in the park, including a 20-mile (32 km) stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Many of these trails are open to bikes, but not all of them, such as the aforementioned Appalachian Trail . Wawayanda is where Black Bear Cycling hosts the H2H race, the Wawayanda Spring Cleaning.

MTBNJ | Wawayanda Park Page | <TRAIL MAP>

* TOP of Page *