Outdoor Club of South Jersey -Bicycling

The Columbia Trail is regarded by many as one of the top 5 bike rides in New Jersey. It runs 15.5 miles from Long Valley in Hunterdon County to Chester in Morris County on a rail-to-trail that runs atop a natural gas pipeline from which it received its name. The Columbia Trail travels through mature deciduous and evergreen forests that create a canopy from the summer sun. White-tailed deer, raccoons, and coyotes, as well as the occasional black bear, make their home here. Heading north, the trail passes farm and pastureland. There are several towns in which to stop for snacks along the way. OCSJ President Joe Fabian is leading a hike on the trail the same day with a coffee shop break in Long Valley. With luck we will meet up with them! The trail is out and back so you can turn around early if needed.

The trail is crushed stone so hybrid or mountain bikes are recommended. Keep in mind this is a mixed use trail and pedestrians should be expected.

There is a small parking lot at 296 Bartley Rd, Chester, NJ and more parking at the nearby Palmer Park baseball field. The parking area is 1:25 (84 miles) from Exit 4 of the NJ Turnpike. I can take 3 others with bikes on my SUV if interested in carpooling. If so, let me know in the comments.

Feel free to bring lunch or buy. You will need to bring the usual: helmets, lights & bell, water, good attitude.

The weather calls for the low 50's and wind, so let's ride out of Brendan Byrne and look for some different roads and trails.

Let's start at the ranger station this time.

I expect anywhere between 18-20 miles and we can always circle back to start for the halfway mark.

Mountain bikes only.

It'll be Taco Tuesday at Billy Boy's.

Branch Brook Park in Newark is home more than 4,000 cherry trees that blossom during April and are greater both in variety and number than the famed Washington, D.C., display. This is a weekday exploration when it is less crowded and should be in the middle of bloom season. Plan on 8-10 miles of low speed street and path riding while we admire the trees. We will plan to attend the 11:00 "Cherry Blossom Talk" at the Welcome Center. These 30-minute talks discuss the history of cherry blossom trees in the United States, how cherry blossom trees grow, and the history of Branch Brook Park. During the ride, we will allow time to stop for photos and enjoying the scenery. There is no telling how many tourists will be there and frequent stops / slowing down should be expected. Bring a bag lunch to be left in the cars for afterwards.

After lunch, for those interested, we can visit the nearby Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Built on the highest peak in Newark, the French Gothic Cathedral covers 40,000 square feet, an area equal to that of London's Westminster Abbey. It is longer and taller, even, than the renowned St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. It's organ has 9,513 pipes and is the largest church organ in New Jersey. With its 232-foot twin towers, it is taller than the Notre Dame in Paris.

Finally, again, for those interested, an option to make a few quick stops at notable statuary / sites in downtown Newark.

Bring lunch, a bike lock, sneakers or sensible walking shoes, camera (or phone); and the usual helmet, bike light and bell, water. For anybody interested in carpooling I can take 3 in addition to myself - Let me know in the comments. If driving on your own plan for on-street parking using 75 Clifton Ave, Newark as the location. For anybody interested and driving on your own, you can meet at my house and follow me up the turnpike.