Today, thank to Bicycling.com map contributor MacKenzie Ryan, we have seven-mile loop along a wetland-lined gorge, forested hills and a still reservoir in Washington Valley Park.
SOMERVILLE, NJ: WASHINGTON VALLEY PARK
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This 7-mile figure-eight starts with an exploration of Washington Valley Park’s west side. From the parking lot on Chimney Rock Road, climb up a rocky spur trail and access the Orange Perimeter Trail. The route cuts through hilltop forests before dipping down along wetlands and waterfront.
Cross over to the opposite side of the creek, merging onto the Yellow Perimeter Trail. Parts of the shoreline path are nearly unrideable unless you are an expert. After the eroded, rooty section passes, the trail levels out along a hard-packed surface. Views of the water make the entire trip worthwhile.
Along the Reservoir
From here, the route gradually climbs to another hilltop woodland. It heads west toward a quiet, remote section of the forest. Make sure to double-check for yellow markers because this area has many unmarked spurs that can get riders lost easily.
After the route loops back through the woods, retrace the way to the Orange Perimeter Trail and continue back to Chimney Rock Road.
For a cool-down, cross the road and ride along the Washington Valley Reservoir. The route takes a modest loop on the Red Perimeter and Interior Trails before coming back to the start.
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Enjoy your weekend. I hope you get a ride in…
-Andrew Matranga, bicycling.com Map Editor