The best traffic-free bike rides in Kittatinny Valley State Park
4.2
(18)
118
riders
11
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in Kittatinny Valley State Park traverse a landscape shaped by glacial history, featuring freshwater wetlands, lakes, and varied forests. The park's terrain includes sandstone ridges, shale hills, and open fields, providing diverse environments for cycling. A key characteristic is its network of rail-trails, which offer wide cinder surfaces and gentle grades. These former railroad beds are ideal for touring cyclists seeking routes with minimal elevation changes.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in Kittatinny Valley…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
5.0
(2)
9
riders
11.3km
00:59
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
19.8km
01:44
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
riders
74.8km
06:31
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
38.9km
03:32
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
23.4km
02:09
110m
110m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kittatinny Valley State Park
Tips from the Community
Paulinskill Lake was created after a dam was constructed across the river in Stillwater Township in the 1920s. From this point in the rail trail, there is a great view of the lake.
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The Paulinskill Valley Trail is a 27-mile trail that follows along a river of the same name. The trail is mostly gravel and dirt. This section runs alongside Paulinskill Lake and there are several points where you get a great view of the water.
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Warbasse Junction is the intersection of the Sussex Branch Trail and the Paulinskill Valley Trail. There are no facilities at this spot, but there are some information boards to give you some valuable information about the area.
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The Sussex Branch Trail is a 21-mile multiuse trail. The trail follows an old railroad corridor and runs between Branchville and Byram. The path is unpaved and changes between dirt, grass, and cinder.
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Great, small wooden bridge over Paulins Kill River. The river is very narrow and not very deep at this point, so the bridge is a short walk to get across. The bridge has no hand ropes, so make sure you are physically able to cross the bridge before attempting.
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Paulinskill River Wildlife Management Area is a 2,300 acre nature preserve along the Paulinskill River. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, herons, turtles, and bobcats. The Sussex Branch Trail runs through the southern section of the WMA.
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A tranquil escape for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts exploring the scenic Sussex Branch Trail. It's wildly popular for wildlife viewing and birding.
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The Paulinskill Valley Trail follows the Paulins Kill, a creek that meanders through forests and fields. On this section, you ride on a super nice single track in the woods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Kittatinny Valley State Park?
Kittatinny Valley State Park offers a selection of 18 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. These routes are designed to provide a peaceful and scenic cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.
What are the difficulty levels of the no traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes cater to various skill levels. You'll find 4 easy routes, 13 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route. The rail-trails, in particular, are known for their modest, gentle grades, making them accessible for many cyclists.
Are there any family-friendly no traffic touring cycling routes in the park?
Yes, many of the park's rail-trails, such as sections of the Sussex Branch Trail and Paulinskill Valley Trail, offer wide cinder surfaces and gentle grades, making them ideal for family outings. Routes like the Whites Pond loop from Andover are particularly suitable for an easier ride.
What kind of landscapes and natural features can I expect to see while cycling?
The park's routes traverse diverse landscapes shaped by glacial history, including freshwater wetlands, vernal pools, and four lakes. You'll cycle through sandstone ridges, shale hills, and a mix of rock-ribbed hemlock and hardwood forests alongside open fields. Keep an eye out for unique features like glacial erratics and limestone outcroppings.
Can I see wildlife while cycling in Kittatinny Valley State Park?
Absolutely. The varied environments of Kittatinny Valley State Park provide habitats for a rich array of wildlife. Cyclists often spot whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and various songbirds. Beavers, muskrats, black bears, bobcats, and foxes also inhabit the park, and birdwatchers can identify over 200 species of birds.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in the park?
Spring, summer, and fall offer excellent conditions for touring cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn and lush greenery in warmer months. The wide cinder surfaces of the rail-trails are generally well-maintained during these seasons. For specific trail conditions, it's always good to check local park advisories.
Are the trails suitable for winter cycling?
While the rail-trails are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, their suitability for touring cycling depends on snow and ice conditions. Some sections might be passable, but it's advisable to check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before planning a winter cycling trip.
Where can I park when visiting Kittatinny Valley State Park for cycling?
Kittatinny Valley State Park offers various parking areas that provide access to its extensive trail network. Specific parking locations are often available near trailheads for the Sussex Branch Trail and Paulinskill Valley Trail, as well as at the park's visitor center.
Are there any long-distance no traffic touring routes available?
Yes, the park features significant long-distance options. The Paulinskill Valley Trail – Paulinskill Valley Trail loop from Newton covers over 75 km, and the Sussex Branch Trail – Sussex Branch Trail loop from Lafayette Township offers a substantial 32 km ride, both utilizing former railroad beds for extended, traffic-free journeys.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Kittatinny Valley State Park?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Kittatinny Valley State Park, with an average score of 4.56 stars from 15 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the rail-trails, the scenic beauty of the diverse landscapes, and the accessibility for various fitness levels.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Warbasse Junction loop from Andover Township and the Warbasse Junction – Paulinskill Lake loop from Lafayette Township, providing convenient options for a round trip.
Most popular routes in Kittatinny Valley State Park
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