The best road cycling routes around Highland Park
3.8
(8)
258
riders
50
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Road cycling around Highland Park offers diverse terrain, characterized by a mix of urban and natural landscapes. The region features established bike-friendly infrastructure, including paved trails and on-road sections that connect neighborhoods and natural areas. Cyclists can find routes that traverse former golf courses, restored woodlands, and areas with varied habitats like forests and wetlands. Elevations are generally gentle, with some routes incorporating river crossings and open green spaces.
Best road cycling routes in Highland Park
- The most popular road cycling route is Old East Jersey – View of the D&R Canal loop from New Brunswick, a 42.2 miles (68.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 48 minutes to complete. This moderate route features views of the D&R Canal.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Rutgers Ecological Preserve – View of the D&R Canal loop from New Brunswick, a moderate 40.3 miles (64.8 km) path. This route offers scenic views as it passes through the Rutgers Ecological Preserve.
- Local road cyclists also love the Old East Jersey – Albany Street Bridge loop from New Brunswick, a 17.8 miles (28.7 km) trail leading through the Old East Jersey area, often completed in about 1 hour 25 minutes.
- Road cycling around Highland Park is defined by paved multi-use paths, on-road sections, and routes through natural preserves and ecological areas. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to longer endurance rides.
- The routes in Highland Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.4 stars from over 8 reviews. More than 292 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Highland Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
31
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
10.6km
00:26
30m
30m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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9
riders
46.0km
02:09
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
3
riders
69.2km
02:48
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
119km
05:43
460m
460m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
A great view, but no cyclists are allowed to use their bikes on the bridge. This is strictly enforced however there is a sidewalk you can walk your bike on.
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Great view from North Mountain Avenue of Bound Brook and New Brunswick. If you want to take in the view, make sure to pull off the road, as it is open to car traffic.
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Oakshades Park is a small park featuring a basketball court, a playground area, and parking for about 30 cars. It serves as one of the endpoints for the scenic Henry Hudson Bike Trail, which stretches 22.6 miles through both urban and natural areas. This tree-lined trail offers passes wetlands, streams, fields, and the Garden State Parkway. This relatively flat trail serves utility corridors and suburban communities.
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The Henry Hudson Bike Trail is a 24-mile paved path that follows a former railroad route, offering a relatively flat ride through both natural and man-made environments. The tree-lined trail passes wetlands, streams, woods, and fields. The northern section runs parallel to Route 36 from Aberdeen to the Atlantic Highlands Marina, ending at Popamora Point. Another section runs from Freehold to Matawan, with future plans to connect the two. This diverse trail, part of the National Rails-to-Trails Network is an awesome spot for a ride, and is family friendly.
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Can get there by foot or by bicycle or by car. This is one of the launch sites for the Nike missiles that were installed in the Cold War days for the last chance defense mechanism against an airborne attack.
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Go early in the morning to have the sunrise behind the old officers houses and the lighthouse in your background. Or go in the evening to stand with the officers houses at your back and watch the sunset over the hills of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and the Raritan Bay… catch it at the right time of the year and you can watch the sunset looking one way and the moonrise looking the other way :)
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The Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath is a 70-mile trail that runs along the historic towpath of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. This section runs into New Brunswick. Despite being so close to a large city, the path still feels like you are out in nature as most of the time you are surrounded by woodland.
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The Albany Street Bridge crosses over the Raritan River and offers great views over the water. This is a great way to cross out of, or into, Highland Park from New Brunswick on Raritan Avenue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Highland Park?
There are over 50 road cycling routes around Highland Park, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with 24 easy routes, 28 moderate routes, and one more challenging option to explore.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Highland Park?
Road cycling around Highland Park features diverse terrain, including paved multi-use paths and on-road sections. You can expect routes that traverse natural preserves, ecological areas like the Rutgers Ecological Preserve, and offer views of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Elevations are generally gentle, making it accessible for many cyclists.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in Highland Park?
Yes, Highland Park offers several family-friendly options. Many routes feature paved multi-use paths, such as the 3.6-mile Half Day Road Bike Path mentioned in the region's characteristics, which is suitable for various bikes. The area's generally gentle elevations also make it welcoming for families.
What are some popular landmarks or viewpoints along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer scenic views, particularly along the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath. You can also cycle through the Rutgers Ecological Preserve, which provides natural beauty. The Middlesex Greenway Trail is another notable feature in the area.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Highland Park?
Yes, many of the routes around Highland Park are designed as loops. For example, the Old East Jersey – View of the D&R Canal loop from New Brunswick and the Old East Jersey – Albany Street Bridge loop from New Brunswick are popular circular options, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Highland Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.4 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the mix of urban and natural landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that connect different areas.
Are there any longer or more challenging road cycling routes available?
While many routes are easy to moderate, there are options for longer rides. For instance, the Old East Jersey – View of the D&R Canal loop from New Brunswick is a moderate 42.2-mile route, and the Rutgers Ecological Preserve – View of the D&R Canal loop from New Brunswick covers 40.3 miles. The region also offers a single difficult route for those seeking a greater challenge.
Can I find routes that pass through natural preserves or ecological areas?
Absolutely. Several routes take you through beautiful natural settings. The Rutgers Ecological Preserve – View of the D&R Canal loop from New Brunswick is a prime example, offering scenic views as it passes through the preserve. The region also features areas like The Preserve of Highland Park and Heller Nature Center, known for their restored woodlands and natural habitats.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Highland Park?
The best time for road cycling in Highland Park generally aligns with pleasant weather conditions, typically spring through fall. During these seasons, you can fully enjoy the diverse landscapes, from green lawns and native gardens to restored woodlands and river crossings, without the extremes of winter or peak summer heat.
Are there any specific trails or paths that are particularly scenic?
For scenic rides, consider routes that follow the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath. The Old East Jersey – View of the D&R Canal loop from New Brunswick is known for its canal views. Additionally, the Ridgewood Reservoir in Highland Park, NYC, offers a paved greenway with clear-day views of the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay, providing a unique urban-natural cycling experience.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, Highland Park has 24 easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Old East Jersey – Albany Street Bridge loop from New Brunswick, which is a manageable 6.5-mile trail.
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