The best cycling routes around Great Notch
4.7
(16)
124
riders
30
rides
Touring cycling around Great Notch features a landscape characterized by suburban parklands, local reservoirs, and river valleys, offering varied terrain for cyclists. The area includes rolling hills and dedicated trails, providing a mix of gradients suitable for different fitness levels. This region's physical features support both shorter, easy rides and longer, more challenging routes with notable elevation changes.
Best touring cycling routes around Great Notch
- The most popular touring cycling route is West Essex/Caldwell Branch loop from Cedar Grove,…
Last updated: October 5, 2026
13
riders
14.7km
01:19
180m
180m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5
riders
76.1km
04:47
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
11.9km
01:10
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
10.6km
01:00
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
25.9km
02:11
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Verona Park is a 55-acre park that is part of the Essex County park system. There are several trails that run through the park, including the Lenape Trail. The park also has a lake, playground, picnic areas and a restroom.
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Presby Iris Memorial Garden is a vibrant and colorful space filled with dozens of iris varieties blooming in spring and summer. Enjoy riding or walking through to appreciate the beautiful flowers.
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Montclair is a quiet neighborhood that offers a refreshing break from the urban buzz of Newark. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and small parks make it a great place for a ride, with plenty of cafés and local spots to explore. A perfect detour if you’re looking for charm and calmer roads.
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Ethan & the Bean is a cozy stop in Little Falls known for great coffee and a welcoming vibe. It’s more than a café, it’s a nonprofit that creates jobs for people with disabilities. A good place to refuel, relax, and support a meaningful mission.
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Brookdale Park is an urban park that is part of the Essex County park system. Several trails run through the park, including the Lenape Trail. There is also a large meadow, dog park, picnic areas and benches.
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This dam was constructed in 1814 to create the Verona Lake. The area used to be swamp land, but the land's owner wanted to create a grist mill, so the dam was added. Now, there is a walkway over the dam that gives you good views of the park and lake.
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Verona Lake is a beautiful 13-acre lake in the park with the same name. Boating and fishing are allowed on the lake, and there is a trail around the perimeter of the lake that is great for a run.
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This 284-acre area is dedicated to preserving the natural surroundings and is a popular destination for hiking, running, and biking. It boasts miles of trails with varying elevation changes, featuring nice hills and passing by several picturesque ponds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Great Notch?
There are over 30 touring cycling routes in the Great Notch area, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for cyclists to explore.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Great Notch?
Yes, Great Notch offers several easy touring cycling routes. For a gentle ride through local green spaces, consider the West Essex/Caldwell Branch loop from Cedar Grove, which is 7.6 miles long and takes about an hour to complete. There are 11 easy routes in total.
What options are available for longer touring cycling routes in the Great Notch area?
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Rockaway River – Montville loop from Walnut Street is a difficult 44.7-mile route that leads through river valleys and past Montville, typically taking over 4 hours. There are 7 difficult routes available for experienced cyclists.
Are there any touring cycling routes that feature scenic viewpoints or natural attractions?
Many routes in the region offer scenic views. The Cedar Grove Reservoir – Hilltop Reservation loop from Montclair Heights provides reservoir views and climbs through the Hilltop Reservation. You can also find attractions like the View of Paterson from Garrett Mountain Scenic Overlook and Eagle Rock viewpoint near some routes, offering panoramic vistas.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Great Notch?
The suburban parklands and river valleys around Great Notch are generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. The varied terrain, including rolling hills and dedicated trails, is enjoyable when the weather is mild. While specific winter conditions can vary, many routes remain accessible, though some may require more preparation.
Are there any loop touring cycling routes around Great Notch?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Great Notch are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Hilltop Reservation – West Essex/Caldwell Branch loop from Cedar Grove, which is an easy 5.3-mile ride.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Great Notch?
The touring cycling routes around Great Notch are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the mix of gradients, from easy green spaces to more challenging climbs, and the well-maintained parkland paths and reservoir loops.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest I can explore while cycling in Great Notch?
Beyond the routes themselves, the region offers several points of interest. You might consider visiting the Presby Iris Memorial Garden or the Barbour Pond. These attractions can be incorporated into your cycling trips or visited separately.
Are there any moderate difficulty touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, there are 17 moderate touring cycling routes. A good option is the Verona Lake – Verona Park loop from Walnut Street, a 16.7-mile route that takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, featuring a mix of terrain suitable for intermediate cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Great Notch?
The terrain around Great Notch is varied, characterized by suburban parklands, local reservoirs, and river valleys. You'll encounter rolling hills and dedicated trails, offering a mix of gradients from flat, easy sections to more notable elevation changes, suitable for different fitness levels.
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