The best cycling routes in Somerset County

If you're seeking a touring bicycle route that blends history with natural beauty, the Delaware and Raritan Canal Loop is a solid choice. This moderate 20.9-mile (33.7 km) path, with a gentle 418 feet (127 metres) of elevation gain, guides you along tranquil canal waters and the Delaware River. Expect a journey through lush woodlands and picturesque meadows, passing 19th-century bridges and historic towns like Lambertville and Stockton, all while keeping an eye out for wildlife like turtles and beavers.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with the route typically taking around 2 hours and 6 minutes. The trail surface is mostly finely crushed stone and hard-packed dirt, suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes, though you'll encounter some paved sections in Trenton and potentially rougher, rocky patches near Bound Brook. Amenities like cafes and picnic tables are available in the charming towns along the way, making it easy to refuel. The trail is well-shaded, offering a comfortable ride even on warmer days.

This loop is a segment of New Jersey's longest multi-use trail and part of the expansive East Coast Greenway, highlighting its significance. Its historical roots as a 19th-century transportation corridor are evident in the preserved structures you'll see. A unique feature is the ability to create longer loops by crossing into Pennsylvania via pedestrian bridges, connecting to the parallel Delaware Canal State Park trail for varied cycling adventures.

The View of the D&R Canal – Carnegie Lake Dam loop from Manville offers a charming touring cycling adventure, guiding you along the historic D&R Canal and the Raritan River before circling the scenic Carnegie Lake. You'll pedal mostly on packed gravel and dirt, enjoying tree-shaded paths and the chance to spot diverse wildlife like ospreys and bald eagles. This moderate 26.9 miles (43.2 km) route, with a gentle 129 feet (39 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to spend about 2 hours and 42 minutes exploring central New Jersey's natural beauty.

To make the most of your ride, plan to start early, especially on weekends, as this popular route can get busy. The trail is easily accessible from Manville, and while the surface is generally good for hybrid bikes, some sections might be a bit rough, so be prepared for a few bumps. You won't need special permits, but always carry enough water, particularly on warmer days.

This loop is more than just a bike ride; it's a journey through a significant piece of New Jersey's past. The D&R Canal State Park is a National Recreation Trail, preserving 19th-century canal structures like locks and bridge tender houses. It also serves as a vital wildlife corridor and an Important Bird Area, offering a peaceful escape into nature and history.

The Carnegie Lake Dam loop from Montgomery Township offers a pleasant touring cycling experience, guiding you through a landscape of tranquil lake views, varied woodlands, and open meadows. You'll pedal along mostly paved surfaces, enjoying the gentle undulations of the Princeton area, with the historic Carnegie Lake Dam providing a picturesque focal point. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, including bald eagles and great blue herons, especially around the lake's edges.

This moderate 27.8-mile (44.7 km) route, with its modest 253 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, is a great option if you're looking for a longer ride that won't exhaust you, typically taking about 3 hours and 15 minutes. While the Montgomery Township cycling routes are generally accessible, having good fitness will make the distance more enjoyable. Spring and fall are ideal for this ride, offering comfortable temperatures and the chance to witness rowing regattas on the lake.

Carnegie Lake holds a unique place in history as the first lake in the U.S. built specifically for competitive rowing, a tradition that continues today. The area is also part of a broader effort by Montgomery Township to connect its parks and historic sites via an extensive network of multi-use pathways, enhancing the overall cycling experience in the region.

The Raritan Canal Towpath – Old East Jersey loop from Franklin High School offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the historic D&R Canal through a blend of woodlands and river views. You'll glide past 19th-century bridges and remnants of old locks, immersing yourself in the region's past. The route is mostly paved, but expect some sections of finely crushed stone, making it a varied and engaging ride for those who appreciate history and nature.

Starting conveniently from Franklin High School, this moderate 29.8-mile (47.9 km) loop with a gentle 320 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain takes about 3 hours and 3 minutes. While generally easy due to its flat profile, the mixed terrain means a bike with at least 28mm tires is a good idea. There are no specific warnings about permits or closures, making it an accessible option for a spontaneous outing.

This trail is a significant part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park system, a National Recreation Trail that also forms a segment of the East Coast Greenway. It's a fantastic way to explore Central New Jersey's natural beauty and historical infrastructure, offering a peaceful, car-free environment perfect for wildlife spotting and a glimpse into the canal's 19th-century role as a transportation corridor.

The Bike loop from Far Hills offers a delightful touring cycling experience through the scenic New Jersey countryside. You'll navigate rolling hills and dense wooded areas, enjoying picturesque views that include ponds and wetlands, with the route passing near notable natural features like Natirar Park and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This moderate 27.1-mile (43.6 km) loop, featuring 1299 feet (396 metres) of elevation gain, provides a satisfying ride that typically takes around 3 hours and 32 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride on this Far Hills bike loop is straightforward, though it's always wise to check local conditions. The area is known for its well-maintained road cycling routes, and while specific parking isn't detailed, local parks or town centers usually offer convenient access. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful times to visit, offering comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage, making for an ideal day out on the bike.

What makes this route stand out is its accessibility and engaging terrain, catering to a range of abilities from moderate to more demanding sections. The Far Hills area is celebrated for its diverse cycling opportunities, blending challenging climbs with serene paths through natural reserves. It's a highly-rated destination for touring cyclists seeking a blend of physical activity and natural beauty.

The Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary loop from Far Hills is a challenging touring cycling route designed for road cyclists, not for exploring the sanctuary's internal trails. This 36.4-mile (58.6 km) loop features a significant 1736 feet (529 metres) of elevation gain, making it a difficult ride that typically takes around 4 hours and 26 minutes. You'll experience the rolling hills and rural landscapes of the Far Hills area, with plenty of climbs and descents to test your fitness, rather than the wooded paths of the wildlife preserve.

Planning your ride means focusing on the road conditions and weather, as this is a demanding route. Start your journey from Far Hills, ensuring you have adequate parking and supplies for the duration. It's advisable to tackle this route during daylight hours in good weather, as the difficulty is amplified by poor visibility or slick roads.

While the route's name might suggest otherwise, the Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary itself is primarily for hiking, dog walking, and horseback riding, with its diverse habitats, vernal ponds, and the Rockaway Creek offering excellent opportunities for nature observation and birdwatching on foot. The cycling route provides a distinct experience, showcasing the broader Far Hills cycling routes and their elevation profiles.

The Duke Farms cycling routes offer a delightful escape, and this Otter Lake – Great Falls loop is a prime example of the property's charm. You'll glide through diverse landscapes, from open meadows and peaceful woodlands to vital wetlands, all while enjoying the flat, paved, and wide trails. Keep an eye out for the serene Otter Lake and the impressive man-made Great Falls, which are highlights of this picturesque journey.

Planning your visit to Duke Farms is straightforward, with ample parking available on-site. While bike rentals are sometimes offered, it's wise to confirm availability ahead of time. The trails are well-maintained and many are ADA-accessible, making this an excellent choice for a relaxed ride at any time of day during the warmer seasons.

What makes cycling at Duke Farms truly special is its blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and accessibility. Once the estate of Doris Duke, it's now a hub for environmental conservation, offering interpretive signs and opportunities to spot wildlife, including endangered grassland birds. This easy 6.8-mile (10.9 km) touring cycling route, with only 142 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 41 minutes, is perfect for families or anyone seeking a gentle, scenic ride in Somerset County, New Jersey.