The best road cycling routes around Troy Hills

There are over 130 road cycling routes around Troy Hills, offering a wide variety of options for cyclists of all skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Road cycling in Troy Hills offers a diverse landscape. You'll encounter routes that transition from more level areas in the eastern Passaic River valley to elevated western sections featuring rolling hills like Watnong Mountain. The region includes riverine landscapes, diverse marshlands such as Troy Meadows, and scenic parks, providing both steady stretches and engaging ascents.

Yes, Troy Hills offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners and families. Out of the over 130 routes, 40 are classified as easy. An example of an easy route is the Rockaway River – Morris Canal loop from Lake Hiawatha, which is 20.0 miles (32.2 km) long and takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to complete.

For more experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, Troy Hills has 75 moderate and 16 difficult routes. A popular moderate option is the Rockaway River – Taylortown Reservoir loop from Mountain Lakes, spanning 31.1 miles (50.0 km) with over 428 meters of elevation gain. Another great choice is the Rockaway River – Morris Canal loop from Mountain Lakes, a 29.4-mile (47.3 km) path with significant elevation changes.

Many routes in Troy Hills pass by significant natural features and attractions. You can explore areas near the Rockaway River, the Jersey City Reservoir, and various lakes like Lake Parsippany. The region is also home to the nationally recognized Troy Meadows, a large freshwater marsh. For scenic views, Tourne County Park offers panoramic vistas, including distant views of New York City from its highest point. You might also encounter highlights such as Speedwell Lake or the Cedar Lake Swimming Dock.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Troy Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point. This includes popular options like the Roadbike loop from Parsippany High School and the various Rockaway River loops.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Troy Hills, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes rolling hills and scenic river valleys, and the extensive network of routes that cater to different ability levels. The combination of natural beauty and diverse challenges makes it a popular destination.

While the focus is on natural landscapes, the broader Morris County area, which Troy Hills is part of, features historical sites. For instance, the Patriots' Path, an extensive trail network, connects various historic sites. Additionally, the Parsippany Rock Shelter, a collection of glacial boulders with ancient petroglyphs, offers a glimpse into the region's past, though direct road bike access to the shelter itself may vary.

Troy Hills boasts over 2,300 acres of protected open spaces with well-maintained trails. Parks like Hills of Troy Park, Knoll Park, Druid Hill Park, Smith Field Park, and Old Troy Park offer paths suitable for cycling. Old Troy Park alone provides close to 2 miles of trails, and Tourne County Park also features trails that can be incorporated into rides.

Yes, several road cycling routes in the area feature sections along the historic Morris Canal. For example, the Rockaway River – Morris Canal loop from Mountain Lakes and the Rockaway River – Morris Canal loop from Lake Hiawatha both explore this scenic and historically significant waterway.

Absolutely. Many routes offer views of water features. The Rockaway River – Taylortown Reservoir loop from Mountain Lakes specifically highlights a reservoir. Additionally, the Jersey City Reservoir, formed by a dam on the Rockaway River, is a prominent natural feature in the area, and routes often follow the Rockaway River itself, providing scenic water views.