The best traffic-free bike rides around Round Valley

Round Valley offers a selection of dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes. Our guide features 4 routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Round Valley feature diverse terrain, from rolling hills to scenic sections near the reservoir. You'll encounter elevation changes that provide both heart-rate-raising climbs and exhilarating downhills, characteristic of the Cushetunk Mountains framing the area.

Yes, the Round Valley Recreation Area includes a marked Family Hike & Bike Trail, accessible from the South Parking Lot, which is open year-round and suitable for family cycling away from vehicle traffic.

Many routes offer postcard-picture-perfect views of the expansive Round Valley Reservoir and the surrounding Cushetunk Mountains. The reservoir's brisk blue waters and the pristine eastern woodlands provide a beautiful backdrop for your ride.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, consider routes like the Paradise – Mosquito Flats Trailhead loop from Mesa. This route is rated difficult and features significant elevation gain, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.

Yes, along popular cycling routes in the Round Valley area, you can find convenient stops. The Oldwick General Store is known as a bicycle-friendly deli, and places like Melick's Town Farm offer fresh fruit. The Round Valley Reservoir itself provides restrooms, picnic benches, and a beach area for cooling off.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for no-traffic road cycling in Round Valley, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Birders can also enjoy watching the return of birds in the spring, including bald eagles often seen nesting on Cushetunk Mountain.

Absolutely. Routes like the Pleasant Valley Dam loop — Gravel (27.8 km) and Pine Creek Canyon (25.2 km) are both rated moderate, offering a good balance of distance and elevation without being overly strenuous.

The Round Valley Recreation Area provides various parking lots for access. The Family Hike & Bike Trail, for instance, is easily accessible from the South Parking Lot. Specific route starting points may have designated parking areas, so it's advisable to check the individual route details.

While these routes aim for no traffic, some may involve sections that require suitable tires. For example, the "Round Valley Roundabout" route (mentioned in regional context) is suitable for gravel, cyclocross, or road bikes with at least 700x28 tires due to varying road conditions. Always check route descriptions for specific recommendations.

Beyond cycling, Round Valley Recreation Area offers a wide array of activities. You can enjoy boating, camping (including wilderness camping), fishing in the reservoir, picnicking, and swimming in designated areas. Bird and wildlife viewing are also popular, with hawks, eagles, deer, and bears inhabiting the eastern woodlands.