Hunterdon County is one of the most scenic regions in New Jersey, and what better way to explore its natural beauty than on a bicycle? With rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and charming small towns, Hunterdon County is the perfect place for cycling enthusiasts of all levels.

 

When planning your ride, you’ll want to start by visiting BikeHunterdon.org, an initiative of the non-profit organization goHunterdon.  Bike Hunterdon offers a wealth of information on cycling routes, local bike shops, clubs, events, and even where you can park your bicycle while visiting great destinations throughout the county. You’ll also find downloadable route maps, making it easy to navigate.

 

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely pedal along the Delaware River or a challenging uphill climb, Bike Hunterdon’s Bike Routes feature allows you to build your perfect ride. With an extensive database of trails, gravel, mountain biking and road routes, cyclists can filter options based on distance, elevation, and difficulty level. The website provides detailed descriptions of each ride opportunity.  The latest feature allows you to sort routes that highlight Hunterdon County’s popular 579 Trail, Beer Trail, and Main Streets initiatives.

 

If you find yourself pedaling through any of our many quaint Main Streets, be on the lookout for the “Cyclists Welcome” window clings, identifying some of the best stops for refueling or relaxing after your ride.

 

Family Friendly Rides

Hunterdon is home to several off-road trails that are part of the Hunterdon County Parks System. Each are perfect for the whole family, no matter your level of experience. The Columbia Trail, meanders along the South Branch of the Raritan River from High Bridge to Califon and continues into neighboring Morris County.

You can park in one of the many free lots around High Bridge and fuel up before your Columbia Trail ride at Scout’s Coffee Bar and Mercantile or the Polka Dot Café, which features both breakfast and lunch offerings.

Relax post-ride with lunch or dinner on the porch of local favorite restaurant, Circa.

The Landsdown Trail offers a smooth and easy ride along beautiful scenery. Before or after your ride, the Town of Clinton is a wonderful place to explore shops and restaurants, the iconic Red Mill Museum, or Hunterdon Art Museum.  Stop for ice cream at Scoop’s or frozen yogurt at Just Chill, both located on Main Street.

Hoffman Park Family Ride is another great trail for those with young children. This simple loop trail provides a safe riding environment for riders of all ages and skill levels. Located in Union Township, it is just a short drive to downtown Clinton.

For the More Adventurous Biker…

Are you a thrill-seeker? Then you’ll want to explore High Bridge’s newly renovated Pump Track and Flow Trails for a fun challenge.

Lambertville’s Rockhopper Trail is a great destination for those who love a chunky trail. This short out-and-back trail passes through an old quarry pit, giving riders a real workout as they navigate.

If you’re looking to hone your mountain biking skills before hitting the more difficult trails, the Frenchtown Preserve is for you. This beginner-friendly trail is located just a short pedal away from Bridge Street in Frenchtown, where riders are met with plenty of pre-and post-ride coffee shops, restaurants, ice cream, and more.

Road Adventures

Road cyclists are drawn to Hunterdon County for the variety of routes, elevations, and scenic beauty.    A popular road ride is the, which begins and ends at the historic Prallsville Mill in Stockton, NJ. Originally created as part of a fundraising ride for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, this 34-mile route is now part of the Hunterdon Beer Trail. Odd Bird Brewing is located at the route’s end, ready to pour you that post-ride pint of ice-cold beer. Looking to make your ride part of a long weekend in the Hunterdon River Country? Book a stay at the picturesque Woolverton Inn Bed and Breakfast, just a short ride from the Mill.

Bicycle Shops
If there is any question that bicycling is popular in Hunterdon County, just look to the nine bicycle shops that have made Hunterdon County home!  If you a veteran cyclist, just getting started cycling, or in the market for a new bike, helmet or accessories, look no further than https://www.bikehunterdon.org/shops to find independently owned bike shops in Clinton, Frenchtown, Flemington, High Bridge, and Lambertville.