The best road cycling routes around Packanack Lake
4.5
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807
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96
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Road cycling around Packanack Lake features a landscape centered on the serene man-made lake, surrounded by rolling woodlands and nature preserves. The region offers varied topography, including rolling hills and moderate elevation changes, providing engaging cycling experiences. Well-paved roads connect the area, making it accessible for road cyclists. This blend of natural beauty and diverse terrain caters to various fitness levels.
Best road cycling routes around Packanack Lake
- The most popular road cycling route is Taylortown Reservoir Loop, a 40.3 miles (64.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 59 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers scenic views and approximately 1930 feet (590m) of elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Long Hill Road Loop, a moderate 59.8 miles (96.2 km) path. This route passes through the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, featuring paved roads and Osborn Pond.
- Local road cyclists also love the Chatham – Green Valley round loop from Mountain View, a 48.8 miles (78.5 km) trail leading through historic sites in Chatham, often completed in about 3 hours 10 minutes.
- Road cycling around Packanack Lake is defined by rolling hills, woodlands, and nature preserves. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to more challenging routes with moderate elevation changes.
- The routes in Packanack Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 500 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Packanack Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
3
riders
64.8km
02:59
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
96.2km
04:06
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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13
riders
48.8km
02:05
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
79.6km
03:49
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
95.9km
04:10
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
really nice vibe, though don't count on riding though the blue trail, its still can be nice to visit just for the views
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This little coffee shop closes fairly early — usually around 4pm on weekdays, and 2:30pm on weekends. They have a nice selection of drinks, including a juice bar and a latte that features blue spirulina.
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This charming, scenic little town has a number of good road cycling routes, including the Green Valley Round/Chatham Loop. There are some interesting historic sites here too, including the Atwood Museum (first built as a home in roughly 1752), and the Mayo House, which is furnished with period furniture and sometimes open to the public.
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This is a piece of a popular road ride, also known as the Chatham Loop, that's generally pretty easy to accomplish.
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Osborne Pond, also known as Osborn Mill Pond, is a 20-acre lake home to fish species like black crappie and largemouth bass. The Lees Hill Road bridge that goes over Osborn Pond provides a nice view of this waterway, dotted with greenery on the waters surface. Stop on the sidewalk here for a photo opportunity.
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From this spot you get nice view of the water cascading over the Boonton Reservoir Dam. This is a pretty spot to ride past as you explore the area.
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Parking lot overflow during nice weather. There are other parking areas along Patriots Path about a mile west.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling around Packanack Lake?
The Packanack Lake area is characterized by rolling woodlands and nature preserves, offering varied topography. You'll encounter rolling hills and moderate elevation changes, providing an engaging cycling experience on mostly well-paved roads. This blend of natural beauty and diverse terrain caters to various fitness levels.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Packanack Lake region?
There are over 85 road cycling routes available around Packanack Lake. These routes vary in difficulty, with options for easy, moderate, and more challenging rides, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners around Packanack Lake?
Yes, there are several easy routes. For instance, the Francesca’s Bakery and Coffee loop from Preakness is an easy option, covering about 37.6 km with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed ride.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural features I can see while cycling in the area?
The region offers several beautiful spots. You can enjoy fantastic views from the Garrett Mountain Scenic Overlook. The Presby Iris Memorial Garden is a vibrant and colorful space, especially during spring and summer blooms. Additionally, Barbour Pond within the Garret Mountain Reservation offers scenic trails along its banks.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about the routes around Packanack Lake?
The road cycling routes around Packanack Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained, paved roads, the varied topography with engaging rolling hills, and the beautiful natural scenery, including woodlands and nature preserves.
Are there any longer, more challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Taylortown Reservoir Loop is a moderate 64.8 km route with approximately 590m of elevation gain. Another option is the Long Hill Road Loop, a moderate 96.2 km path through the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Can I find routes that pass through historic sites or towns?
Yes, some routes offer a blend of cycling and history. For example, the Chatham – Green Valley round loop from Mountain View is a moderate 78.5 km ride that leads through historic sites in Chatham, such as the Atwood Museum and Mayo House.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling around Packanack Lake?
While specific seasonal recommendations are not provided, the region's lush green spaces and blooming gardens like the Presby Iris Memorial Garden suggest that spring and summer offer particularly vibrant and pleasant conditions for cycling. The varied topography makes it enjoyable across different seasons, weather permitting.
Are there any road cycling routes that feature lakes or water bodies?
Yes, the region is centered around Packanack Lake itself, offering scenic views. Additionally, the Long Hill Road Loop passes by Osborn Pond, and Barbour Pond in Garret Mountain Reservation is another notable water body in the area.
How can I find parking for road cycling routes in the Packanack Lake area?
While specific parking locations for each route are not detailed, the area is known for its accessibility with 'good roads from everywhere' leading to Packanack Lake. It's advisable to check individual route descriptions on komoot for suggested starting points and potential parking information, especially near parks or trailheads.
Are there any moderate-difficulty road cycling routes that offer a good balance of distance and elevation?
Certainly. The Roast’d Coffee – Pompton Furnace loop from Mountain View is a moderate 75.2 km route that provides a good balance, featuring rolling hills and moderate elevation changes for an engaging ride.
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