There is a lot you can do to keep up your eye health. In my opinion, one of those things is to enjoy your eyesight and get outside to appreciate the beauty nature has to offer. Biking is one of my favorite ways to do this. In honor of National Bike Month, I wanted to share some of my favorite on-and-off road local bike trails with you. Enjoy!
Mountain Biking Here in NJ
Here are a few of my go-to trail rides in my neck of the woods.
Lewis Morris
This is a great mountain biking trail. It’s a 6.5 mile loop and of a moderate level, meaning it’s a great trail to do with the family if you have kids. The State of New Jersey does a good job of keeping this trail clean and maintains it well.
Allaire State Park
Although these trails are also loved by hikers and horseback riders, I love taking my bike here. There are 4 main marked trails which makes it easy to mix things up if you want a change of pace now and then. And if you really want to be adventurous, you can try riding on some of the unmarked trails, too. The park is 800 acres and so there are miles and miles of trails for you to enjoy.
The Tourne
This is where I come where I want to hit some trails before work. My friends and I love some of the technical trails and will occasionally bike off trail and do a little “bushwhacking” If you want to stop to enjoy a packed lunch, there are also areas to have a picnic before getting back in the saddle, so to speak.
Road Rides in NJ
When I want to see the sights in a more urban way, I hit the pavement. Here are some on my on-road routes.
Head East from Chatam
This is a great ride to do if you’re looking for a route with terrific scenery and little traffic. If you want to road bike with your kids, you may also feel a little safer about taking them on this ride. If you’re interested in seeing a route I take, feel free to look here and post with any questions you have.
Around NYC into Brooklyn
Being in New Jersey, it’s hard not to take advantage of New York City being so close! I love to take my road bike and brave the traffic (both of cars and people) and circle around Manhattan, and head into Brooklyn. Nothing beats this ride on a sunny day and this is the perfect time of year with the trees blooming!
Ride by the shore
How can a bike enthusiast live in New Jersey and not enjoy the shore? They can’t! I head to the Jersey Shore to enjoy the ocean breeze and flat roads. I love enjoying this ride when I want a great view and easy-going road beneath my tires.
Denville Area
When I especially want to enjoy New Jersey’s scenery, I hop on my bike and ride this route. The roads are well maintained and the route has a good mix of flat land and nice hills. Additionally, if you want to check out the beautiful lakes the state has to offer, then this is the route for you. Pack a sandwich and your fishing pole and enjoy the ride!
Things to remember
Before heading out to enjoy National Bike Month here in New Jersey, please make sure you’re taking the correct safety precautions. Plan your route, always carry a cell phone in case of emergency, and of course, always protect your head and eyes by wearing a helmet. I’d love to hear about how much you enjoyed my favorite trails and road routes. Feel free to tell me about here on the blog or during your next consultation. This gives a different side to New Jersey sightseeing!