This route is best begun at Barley Sheaf School in Raritan Township. This route takes the cyclists on some of the quietest roads in Hunterdon County. However, caution should be taken as most of the roads do not have shoulder access.
This route also takes the rider past two of the county’s wineries: Old York Cellars and Unionville Vineyards. A nice rest stop location can be found at Carousel Deli in Ringoes. The route passes by a number of horse farms, parks and open space areas, incorporating rolling hills and plenty of picturesque landscapes for photos.
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For cyclists looking for a challenge, this routes climbs over a distance. Similar to the “3 Hills and an Ice Cream”, this route travels over some of the same roads but with additional miles through Flemington, Raritan Township and Three Bridges.
Places to stop to refuel are limited, so bringing extra water bottles and some nutrition is recommended.
The Western Jersey Wheelmen do an excellent job of creating routes throughout the entire County and we thank them for this particular one that travels from Whitehouse to Hacklebarney State Park and back. The hilly area of the northern part of the county is well worth it due to the quiet, tree lined roads perfect for Fall leaf peeping while pedaling. This route touches on all of the northern areas including Califon and Tewksbury, both known for their picturesque farmland. Although the route officially begins on Oldwick Road, other starting points include Cold Brook Preserve or in Califon.
Special thanks to the Western Jersey Wheelmen for sharing this route with us.
This beautiful, low traffic 35 mile route passes through picturesque farmland with plenty of horses, cows and pigs to be seen along the ride. The only real climb is early on to get up and onto the Hunterdon County Plateau. Once there, the terrain is mostly flat with a few short rolling areas. There are also many places to cut the route shorter if necessary. Be sure to bring plenty of water and nutrition because there are virtually no stores along the way. There are, however, plenty of places for coffee, food, and, of course, beer at the start and end of the route.
Beginning and ending at the historic Praillsville Mill, this rolling ride was first made popular by the NJ Conservation Foundation for their short-lived Tour de Open Space. The route was one of the local cyclists's favorites. It's also now part of the Hunterdon County Beer Trail and this route ends right near Odd Bird Brewing. There are many ways to add or shorten the route and the start location is the site of many beautiful road and trail routes. Make a long weekend of riding with a stay at the Woolverton Inn for some of the best riding Hunterdon County has to offer.
Sunken Silo is another stop along the Hunterdon Beer Trail. This hilly route requires crossing Route 78, but once crossed over to the northern part of the county, the roads become quieter and often require some strength for the rolling hills. Be sure to bring hydration and nutrition with you as there are not many places to stop to refuel.
This route starts and ends right at Chive & Thyme Café, located right on Route 31. There's plenty of parking. This route is 17 miles of rural back roads, so bring something to eat/drink with you on your ride. The roads take riders up the challenging Hogback Road climbs, with a spectacular view from the top. Wellington Road offers a very wide shoulder and offers a great opportunity to practice shifting through the rolling terrain. For those using gravel, hybrid or mountain bikes, a detour onto the Capoolong Creek Wildlife Management Area Path is a nice change to riding on the road and leads riders right back onto the course.
This short course is made challenging by the fact that this is on one of the oldest racecourses in the country and county. The Century Road Club of America's race course that travels through both Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. Beginning and ending at Barley Sheaf School, Raritan Township, provided for ample parking. Be cautious with some of the left turns and be prepared for one short steep hill on the course. Please be sure to carry water with you as there are no places to stop along the course itself.
Modified from a route created by David Kokinda
Looking for a challenge? This spectacularly beautiful, but incredibly hilly road route begins and ends in lovely Milford Borough.
The route starts to gradually climb right out of the gate; the first being a warm up for the next two steep and long climbs. There’s plenty of opportunity for photographers to get great scenic shots along the quiet, winding back roads. It’s recommended that those choosing to do this route are prepared to climb or willing to walk. Either way, the scenery justifies the effort. Plus, there’s ice cream!
This gorgeous route highlights the best of Hunterdon and Bucks counties. Begin your ride at Bull's Island Recreation Area. If parking is full, ample parking can also be found at Prallsville Mills.
We call this route Trifecta because there are three stunning, quiet roads worthy of photo opps, eagle sightings and funky artful cottages. There are plenty of places along the way to refuel and relax.
Access to the farms and farm markets along the Hunterdon 579 Trail makes this a beautiful recreational route as well as a functional one if produce market shopping is part of the plan. Short detours to the Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market as well as the Stangl Market are easy to include at the end of the tour by bike or by car. Ample parking can be found at V5 Cycles, Raritan Township.
Parking for this route can be found at Oldwick Park or at Cold Brook Preserve. This part of the county is hilly and some of the roads are not particularly smooth. But what this short route lacks in smooth flat roads is made up for in bucolic farmland scenery, shaded roads and gravel. Be sure to visit Melick's Town Farm and the Oldwick General Store. Add some gravel by taking Cold Brook Road at mile 10.8. Just take a left at Vliettown and that will take you back to the start.
Ample car and bike parking at Lone Eagle Brewing allows for a great starting point for this route with easy detours along the Hunterdon 579 Trail This almost 33 mile long route takes the rider along quiet, rolling back roads along farmland which is perfect for photo opportunities. Along the way, you can check out four farmers markets and several farm stands. End your ride with a cold brew back at Lone Eagle Brewing.
Whether you are short on time or are just looking for a quick beautiful route, the Lambertville Loop offers gradual climbs and descents, quiet country roads and gorgeous scenery. This route is perfect for adding a tour along the river by getting onto the D&R Canal Towpath at the Holcombe-Jimison Farm. If riding all day is in the plan, consider connecting to the Last Covered Bridge Ride. Parking in Lambertville to start the route can be found in the CVS parking lot or behind the Canal Studios Building.
Ready for some bird watching? This route begins and ends at V5 Cycles, Raritan Township, but you could start anywhere in Flemington/Raritan.
From eaglet flying lessons to herons feeding along the banks, there's much to see along this quiet, relatively flat route meandering along the hills of Hunterdon County to just touching on the flatlands of Somerset County. Eagle nests can be found at approximately mile 7 on the high tension towers. Just before mile 10 as you cross the bridge, look to your left and in the trees above the banks is the heron rookery. Be sure to cross the street carefully for a closer look.
Experienced bicyclists knows that anytime one is by a river, all roads go up, and this route is no exception. Head up to the Hunterdon Plateau to begin this ride. Once you reach Ferry Road, the route is fairly flat and meanders through woods, farmlands and passes many old farmsteads before a nice decent on Upper Creek Road, to the only remaining covered bridge in New Jersey. After a bit of a ride by the creek, the route heads up hill before heading back down to Lambertville.
This route can be started anywhere on the route map. The map shows the route starting at the Black River & Western Railroad parking lot. At approximately mile 5.5 and again at 27.5, there are a number of possible rest stops. The Sergeantsville General Store and Bagel Barn & Deli offer the road cyclist plenty of choices for snacks, breakfast, lunch or just a stop along the way. If you are riding during the weekend, The Stockton Market is another choice for available rest rooms, full meals or just a snack with a very large bicycle rack out front.
Wheefine Bicycle Shop, located on Route 518, caters to all cyclists. The “old world” feel of the shop makes for an interesting and historical stop.
When you arrive in Lambertville, enjoy the many unique restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops.
Start your ride by parking in the Reading Ridge Center parking lot on Reading Road or up further at Barley Sheaf School on Barley Sheaf Road. There are some busy roads on this route, so be ready for some single file riding. Riders will be rewarded mid-ride with some very scenic rural roads. For this 23 mile route, it’s best to bring your own food and drink as there is not really anywhere to stop and refuel along the way. However, at the start and end there are a few places to get supplies and eat on the return.
The Hunterdon Plateau is 60 square miles of fairly flat farmland west of Flemington and a cyclist's paradise. Kingwood is at the western boundary of the plateau and this 13 mile loop stays on the plateau along country roads, through woodlands and farmlands affording the rider a fairly flat ride with just enough ups and downs and turns to make it more interesting. This ride is perfect for the novice road rider as well as experienced riders looking to see open space and beautiful farmland.
Park at any of the local stores along Route 12 (Café Maria, the Sunset Market or The Corner Store). Parking at the Kingwood Township School would work as well. At the very end of the ride, be sure to visit the Hunterdon Land Trust’s Lockatong Creek Farm Conservancy.
Enjoy mile upon mile of picturesque Hunterdon farmland as you travel toward the Green Sergeant's Covered Bridge, the only remaining covered bridge in New Jersey. The route offers three different loops: 15, 24 or 48 miles long. The two shorter loops begin near Ringoes. The best parking for this route can be found at the Municipal Building located at Wertsville Road and Route 202.The long loop can begin at either Ringoes or Princeton. The entire route is hilly (especially the long loop) and for the most part utilizes low traffic volume rural roads traversing picturesque countryside. It should be particularly attractive when the leaves change color in the fall. Of the full loop, 12 miles wind through the serene woods of the Sourland Mountain Reservation. The ride offers a beautiful day away from civilization. Be sure to bring enough supplies along with you if you choose to do the full route.
At mile 7.5, you will come to the Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge, the last covered bridge in New Jersey. You won’t ride through the bridge. Instead, you will make a left and ride along the creek on a very quiet road. Look up occasionally and you might see eagles, hawks and/or herons.
Please consider getting off your bike and walking across Route 31 at the corner of Rocktown Road and Route 31. This is a difficult crossing, but well worth it as it brings you to the other side of the mountain area. At the corner of Rocktown Road and Mountain Avenue, there is an alpaca farm.
If you need to refuel, at mile 24.5 you can take a detour onto Pennington-Hopewell Road that changes to W. Broad Street, Hopewell. Sourland Cycles is the local bicycle shop.
Experience riding with traffic and riding hills is needed for this nearly 65 mile road route. The first 20 miles roll through gorgeous quiet roads along a babbling brook. Hog Back Road offers the rider the first of the serious hill sections with outstanding views in more than one location. If you love to climb, then this route does not disappoint. Once by the Delaware River and into the Frenchtown area, there are plenty of places to stop for food, drinks and sweets. The route starts and ends at V5 Cycles in Flemington. In the Raritan Town Square there are ample meal opportunities at LongHorn Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dockside Market & Grill and Delizia’s Pizza.
At mile 17.5, there is a Bagelsmith as well as gas stations. It is a busy intersection. Proceed with caution. At almost mile 33 there is a Deli Mart. Not much further is Jimmy’s Ice Cream, open seasonally.
Before getting onto Route 12, at approximately 40 miles, stop at Maria’s in Frenchtown for a quick snack. Right next door is Cycle Corner of Frenchtown, the local bicycle shop. At mile 49.5, Highland Gourmet is another great spot to stop and pick up some nutrition or hydration. On your return you can catch a good look at the Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge, last remaining covered bridge in New Jersey.
Starting in Hunterdon County, this 66 mile route will take you over the backroads of Hunterdon and Bucks counties, providing views of three covered bridges in Bucks County and the only remaining covered bridge in Hunterdon County.
Begin your ride by parking in the Prallsville Mill Parking lot. There is usually plenty of parking, unless an event is scheduled. There are options to ride along the D&R Canal Towpath or roads along the ride. The majority of roads are smoothly paved. For a steep hill climb challenge, continue straight on Uhlerstown Hill Rd. at mile 25. This hill is not for the faint of heart. It's so steep that the road is closed to all cars during the winter months. Do not attempt the hill unless you are a very experienced rider; but it is worth a hike up just to see the views.
Just past mile 24 is a gas station with a convenience store. This is probably the first real opportunity for a rest stop. Another 22 or so miles and you find yourself at Ralph Stover Park in PA where you can find rest rooms and places to relax and picnic. At mile 50.5, you’ll come across the bicycle friendly Village Deli, or if you can wait another 5 miles you will reach the Carversville General Store, steeped in history and offering great food/snacks, rest rooms and a picnic area. At mile 62, you will reach the Lumberton General Store, but if you are not in the need of a rest stop, you can go directly across the bridge, back into Hunterdon County. There are rest rooms on the NJ side of the bridge at Bull’s Island.
This 33 mile route begins at Luminary Coffee, a small-batch, artisan coffee roaster, located in the Canal Studios Building, Lambertville. Riders will enjoy many of the quieter Hunterdon County roads including Alexauken Creek Road and Dunkard Church Road. Be on the lookout for fox, deer and longhorn cattle.
There are not many places to stop to purchase food until about mile 23 when you reach the intersection in Ringoes. There you will find The Carousel and Mom’s Restaurant adjacent to each other. The Carousel is quick and easy and they offer both inside and outside seating and they are very bicycle friendly. Mom’s has a bicycle rack right out front.
Upon return to Lambertville, be sure to grab locally sourced and the locals’ favorite ice cream at Owowcow. If you are looking for a full meal, check out Thai Tida or Liberty Pizza in the same building as Rojo’s.
This beautiful 18 mile road bike route takes the cyclist from Flemington through the rolling farmlands of Readington Township. Route 523 is a busy road, but has a wide shoulder. Cyclists should ride single file until turning right onto Barley Sheaf Road. Once on Barley Sheaf Road, there are minimal cars, beautiful scenery and just enough challenge for the rider to keep it interesting. The route begins and ends at V5 Cycles, one of two Flemington bike shops. The other, Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, is nearby. If you are visiting the area and plan on staying in Flemington, accommodations can be found at Main Street Manor on Main Street, and The Hampton Inn on Royal Road near Route 202.
Rest stops offering food are limited along this route, but there are farm stands on Hillcrest Road during the warmer months.
This 30 mile scenic ride takes you up beautiful Hogback Road in Franklin Township. The route begins at V5 Cycles, winding its way from Flemington, through historic Clinton, Franklin Township, and then back to Flemington, with one of the nicest five mile descents. If time allows, spend some time in Clinton. Stop into the Clinton Bicycle Shop, LLC located directly across from the Hunterdon Art Museum and the iconic Red Mill. The Clean Plate restaurant is right next door to the bike shop, offering outdoor seating with a spectacular view of South Branch of the Raritan River, historic truss bridge and Red Mill.
Before the ascent up Quakertown Road, consider stopping at Duke's Pizzeria & Restaurant. In addition to pizza and Italian fare, they stock energy bars, offer coffee and can replenish water bottles. Upon return there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the Flemington area.
This 24 mile roundtrip route travels out of Flemington onto the beautiful back roads of Hunterdon County. The route takes you directly to one of the county's well known vineyards for some wine tasting and beautiful views. Unionville's home vineyard is an 88.7 acre farm that had originally been part of the largest peach orchard in the United States. After enjoying some time at the vineyard, leave enough time for the return trip, which is a bit longer, but just as beautiful. As you return, at mile 21 consider stopping at the Thee Ice Cream Parlor or The Fudge Shoppe.
This 15 mile round trip excursion takes you on a direct route to the winery. There you can relax on the back patio enjoying a sip or two of your favorite wines. Old York Cellars boasts 25 beautiful acres of preserved farmland and 13 acres of rolling vineyards. If you forgot hydration or nutrition, you can make a quick stop at the Flemington WaWa about a half mile into the ride after carefully crossing Route 31.
This 20 mile ride, as originally published by Boysen Tours, "This ride starts at the Oldwick Park and skirts the foothills of the front ranges of the Appalachian highlands. On the northern part of the ride you will be at the base of the Fox Hill range and Hell Mountain. The name of the latter does not refer to its slopes, but is a shortened form of the German word for pretty. About halfway through the ride you will go through the historic village of Oldwick. The Oldwick General Store is a favorite place for cyclists and the nearby Tewsbury Inn has an outdoor cafe in the summer."
Hampton Borough Park (20 Valley Road in Hampton) is a great starting point for this beautiful 21 mile Musconetcong River Valley route which can be enjoyed in any season. Scenic views are abundant across the valley from the lower slopes of the Pohatcong and Musconetcong Mountains. The route should be ridden in the direction indicated for easiest terrain and best views. You can use the Subway or Pilot Travel Center for a rest stop about 12 miles in to the ride.
Parking is available at the start of the ride at Delaware Township School. The 29 mile ride begins with a gradual climb to the top of the Hunterdon Plateau. The top of the plateau is some of the flattest riding in this area of New Jersey. Early on, the route takes you through the Green Seargent Covered Bridge, the last covered bridge in New Jersey. On Federal Twist Road, you will drop down off the plateau. Lower Creek Road winds between hemlocks along the Wickecheoke Creek. A few climbs will bring you to the top of the Sandy Ridge with views of the Sourland Mountain to the right and the line of the Hunterdon Plateau to the left. The country between Ringoes and Sergeantsville is some of the best of the beautiful, sparsely populated, rolling farmland Hunterdon has to offer.
Beginning at Franklin Township School, Quakertown, this is a fairly flat (at least as flat as it gets in this part of New Jersey), 30 mile ride. For part of the route, you will drop down off of the plateau to the Delaware River in Frenchtown for more flat riding. Stop at Maria's, Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile or the Bridge Street Café in Frenchtown for a rest stop. The portion of the ride along the southern plateau, through Kingwood and Locktown, is especially beautiful. You may encounter more horses than cars! Another option is to stay in Frenchtown and begin your ride from the quaint river town.
This almost 45 mile route begins in Oldwick Park, just off of Old Turnpike Road, Tewksbury. It is an excellent ride for anyone looking for a challenge. Tewksbury is known for its hilly, quiet back roads. The route is designed for an experienced rider comfortable with climbing roads with little or no shoulders. It offers some great climbs. The spectacular scenery makes up for the hard work involved. There are rest stop opportunities at Woodglen General Store, Schooley's Mountain Store, and Black River General Store in Pottersville.
This is an absolutely beautiful, “off the beaten path” 25 mile road ride to one of Hunterdon’s premier wineries. The roads are typical of Hunterdon County's back road system featuring views of plenty of open space and farmland.
This route begins and ends at Main Street Manor, Main Street, Flemington. The route takes you west toward Sky Manor Airport. There are rest rooms available at the airport, along with a cozy restaurant. Enjoy a bite while watching small airplanes take off and land throughout the day. Or, stop in at adjacent Beneduce Vineyards, an award winning winery.
As you wind down your return trip, look for Mine Brook Park and Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve both in Flemington. The preserve offers a number of hiking trails along a quiet creek that continue to the Uplands Reserve.
Bicycle through Hunterdon County’s most picturesque farmlands and rolling hills. Four Picturesque and Scenic Rides.
Take on a challenge built for riders of all levels. Cycle through the scenic country roads of Northern New Jersey and by the horse farms that make this area popular along with a community of riders dedicated to changing the world for people with MS one pedal stroke at a time.
Up to 100 miles; 100% volunteer and 100% to charity.
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