@softrockhardtimes

SOFT ROCK HARD TIMES




ROUTES

· West of the 87
· Cold Spring Clover
· Rotten Apple
· Round Up
· Dirt Audax
· SRHT400


CALENDAR


ABOUT

Mountains out of molehills. Born out of a desire for all day train-accessible dirt adventures based out of NYC, Soft Rock Hard Times is a project to show that, hey, we have some pretty fantastic routes here in our backyard.

Whether you’re training for SRMR, the Colorado Trail Race,  HT550, Tour Divide, or just looking for a simple day trip or overnighter loop, there’s something for everyone. Bikepacking is possible out here! Most of these routes lean towards singletrack and class 4 trails wherever sensible.

Want to practice remote conditions? Skip out on all resupply points. You want to practice handling mountain passes? Ride in the winter*. Thou wouldst like to live deliciously? Use the routes as guides to connect cabins/campgrounds/motels with fine dining and upscale farmstands.

There is always more to find when you take a deeper look locally (or procrastinate on other activities by going doing rabbit holes while perusing RWGPS). Enjoy!

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*Respect trail crews and ride in mtb groomed parks only when conditions are dry. That said, some of the routes are on multi-use paths or stable gravel beds and won’t be negatively impacted by bike use. Read route descriptions for details. Follow advisories when arriving at trailheads.

A lot of these trails are maintained by volunteers. If you’re able to, please donate to JORBA, Palisades MTB, or NEMBA to help keep these trails going!

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Round Up

︎  108.1mi (174km)
︎  10,116’ (3083m)
︎65% unpaved
︎ 59% singletrack
︎  8/10 difficulty


Tilcon Lake Trail, Stephens State Park in January


Trail Systems

  • Round Valley
  • Nassau/Springside
  • Voorhees
  • Columbia Rail Trail
  • Patriot’s Path
  • Stephens
  • Allamuchy
  • Tamarack
  • Weldon Brook
  • Dickerson Mine
  • Mahlon Dickerson
  • Rockaway
  • Telemark
  • Wildcat
  • Jonathan’s Woods
Rewrite what you knew about New Jersey. This point-to-point bikepacking route is quite the treat (if you’re willing to start with an overnighter on a Friday night at a Round Valley campsite. My favorite site is #83W). Your first day could end at either the campground at Voorhees, Stephens State Parks or Mahlon Dickerson after a full day of mostly dirt. The jump track at High Bridge is a fun visit.

Most people would feel comfortable with suspension with knobby tires 2.1” or larger. Most of the trails are purpose-built for mountain bikes although sections like Patriot’s Path or the Highland Trail might require some hike-a-biking. Adjust your expectations and be prepared if you don’t meet hit your intended mileage - singletrack can eat up plenty of hours!

To reiterate, there are only 9mi of gravel. Most of this route is on technical singletrack.






Scenes from the trail


Camping options

  • Round Lake Recreation Valley
  • Voorhees State Park
  • Stephen’s State Park
  • Mahlon Dickerson
Transit options

  • White House (wkday service only)
  • Hackettstown  (wkday service only)
  • Denville
  • Dover


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