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United States
New Jersey
Somerset County

Franklin Park

The best cycling routes around Franklin Park

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 31, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Franklin Park, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many paths and trails, it's tough to figure out which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best. Consider this your shortcut to an amazing ride, saving you all the guesswork.

Franklin Park truly offers a unique "country park" experience right within the city, spanning 527 acres of diverse landscapes. You'll find everything from expansive parkland and woodlands to multi-use loops, with terrain that's generally flat to gently rolling. It’s a place where you can easily connect with nature, explore varied scenery, and find options suitable for different ability levels, from easy spins to more demanding journeys. While the park itself offers a fantastic network, it also connects to the broader Emerald Necklace system, extending your riding possibilities.

For a truly rewarding experience, we'd start with the View of the D&R Canal – Raritan Canal Towpath loop from Blackwells Mills. This moderate 19.2 miles (31.0 km) route is a local favorite, offering scenic views along the historic Raritan Canal. If you're looking for a longer adventure, the Raritan Canal Towpath – Old East Jersey loop from Franklin High School is a fantastic moderate option at 29.9 miles (48.1 km). With over 300 touring cyclists having explored Franklin Park using komoot, you know you're in good company. Dive in and start exploring!

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Raritan Canal Towpath – Old East Jersey loop from Franklin High School
  2. 2

    D&R Canal Towpath loop from Adams
  3. 3

    Six Mile Run Reservoir Site – Bridge over Six Mile Run loop from Adams

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Raritan Canal Towpath – Old East Jersey loop from Franklin High School

47.9 km

100 m

Moderate

D&R Canal Towpath loop from Adams

91.7 km

210 m

Hard

Six Mile Run Reservoir Site – Bridge over Six Mile Run loop from Adams

13.8 km

50 m

Easy

Carnegie Lake Dam loop from Port Mercer

36.6 km

20 m

Moderate

Bike loop from Blackwells Mills

13.0 km

10 m

Easy

Bunker Hill loop from Kendall Park

19.8 km

100 m

Easy

View of the D&R Canal loop from Franklin High School

12.7 km

30 m

Easy

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1.

Raritan Canal Towpath – Old East Jersey loop from Franklin High School

47.9km

03:04

100m

100m

The Raritan Canal Towpath – Old East Jersey loop from Franklin High School offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the historic D&R Canal through a blend of woodlands and river views. You'll glide past 19th-century bridges and remnants of old locks, immersing yourself in the region's past. The route is mostly paved, but expect some sections of finely crushed stone, making it a varied and engaging ride for those who appreciate history and nature.

Starting conveniently from Franklin High School, this moderate 29.8-mile (47.9 km) loop with a gentle 320 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain takes about 3 hours and 3 minutes. While generally easy due to its flat profile, the mixed terrain means a bike with at least 28mm tires is a good idea. There are no specific warnings about permits or closures, making it an accessible option for a spontaneous outing.

This trail is a significant part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park system, a National Recreation Trail that also forms a segment of the East Coast Greenway. It's a fantastic way to explore Central New Jersey's natural beauty and historical infrastructure, offering a peaceful, car-free environment perfect for wildlife spotting and a glimpse into the canal's 19th-century role as a transportation corridor.

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3.

Six Mile Run Reservoir Site – Bridge over Six Mile Run loop from Adams

13.8km

00:49

50m

50m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.

Bike loop from Blackwells Mills

13.0km

00:49

10m

10m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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6.

Bunker Hill loop from Kendall Park

19.8km

01:12

100m

100m

The Bunker Hill loop from Kendall Park offers a delightful touring cycling experience through a rich natural setting. You'll pedal through serene wooded environments, past lush landscapes, and mature trees, encountering diverse ecosystems like oak savannas, hardwood forests, and wetlands. A highlight is the unique boardwalk section on the north end, which takes you over a swampy area, providing distinct views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

This easy 12.3-mile (19.9 km) touring cycling route involves a gentle 338 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable in about 1 hour and 12 minutes. While specific parking for Kendall Park isn't detailed, the broader Bunker Hills Regional Park provides ample access. It's a great option for a relaxed ride, especially enjoyable during the milder seasons of spring and fall.

Bunker Hills Regional Park is notable for preserving one of Minnesota's last remaining oak savannas, offering a unique "Minnesota wilderness" feel close to urban areas. Beyond cycling, the park boasts over 20 miles of trails and a variety of recreational opportunities, making it a significant natural area worth exploring for its ecological diversity and extensive trail network.

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Tips from the Community

Jose Rodriguez
October 22, 2025, Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath

This is such a great path and excellent maintenance. A place just not to bike and enjoy nature but to connect people and places.

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Canadian geese in the D & R Canal

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The D&R Canal Towpath totals 77 miles across three sections. Originally constructed for mules to pull barges along the canal, it is now a multi-use path connecting communities across three counties.

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Built in 1834, the Kingston Lock was initially constructed to enable safe and efficient freight transport between Philadelphia and New York. These days it is a historic landmark along the D&R Canal Towpath.

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Delaware Raritan Canal trail is in a great condition and a beauty all year around with several historic marks.

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This historic district has so many stories to tell, starting with the Lenni Lenape Indians that originally occupied this area. Many of their artifacts have been found in this area, along with signs of early European settlers and 18th-century agriculture.

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Alexandra P
September 10, 2024, Carnegie Lake Dam

Built in 1907 at the meeting point of Stony Brook and Millstone River, the Lake Carnegie dam created the lake enjoyed by rowers and the community. After a century of upkeep, repairs were needed again in 2015. This is a great place to watch races.

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This is a great way along the canal and should used

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available in Franklin Park?

There are over 20 touring cycling routes available around Franklin Park, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with 14 easy routes, 9 moderate routes, and 1 more challenging option.

What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Franklin Park?

The routes around Franklin Park offer diverse terrain. While the region research highlights Boston's Franklin Park with its multi-use loops, new bike lanes, and varied surfaces from flat paths to areas with rock outcroppings, the specific komoot routes listed focus on the D&R Canal Towpath. These routes are generally flat and scenic, following the historic canal, offering a smooth touring experience.

Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. One great option is the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site – Bridge over Six Mile Run loop from Adams, which is 13.8 km long and takes about 49 minutes to complete. This route offers a gentle introduction to touring cycling in the area.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?

Many of the touring cycling routes around Franklin Park are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, you can explore the View of the D&R Canal – Raritan Canal Towpath loop from Blackwells Mills, a moderate 31 km route that follows the scenic Raritan Canal Towpath.

What are some longer touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?

For those seeking a longer challenge, the D&R Canal Towpath loop from Adams is a difficult 91.2 km trail that leads through varied landscapes along the D&R Canal. It typically takes around 6 hours to complete.

What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around Franklin Park?

The touring cycling routes around Franklin Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 35 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic beauty and the well-maintained paths, particularly along the D&R Canal Towpath.

Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the touring cycling routes?

Yes, the routes often follow the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal. You can explore highlights such as the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath itself, or specific sections like the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath – Griggstown. These offer picturesque views and a glimpse into the region's history.

Can I access the touring cycling routes using public transport?

While the region research for Franklin Park in Boston mentions good connectivity to Boston's cycling network and access points from various neighborhoods, specific public transport options directly to the D&R Canal Towpath routes (which are the focus of the komoot guide data) would depend on your starting location. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for connections to towns along the canal, such as Franklin High School or Adams, which are starting points for some routes.

Is there parking available near the touring cycling routes?

Many access points along the D&R Canal Towpath, which forms the basis of these routes, offer parking facilities. For example, routes starting from locations like Blackwells Mills or Franklin High School typically have nearby parking options. It's recommended to check specific trailhead information for the most accurate parking details.

What is the best time of year to go touring cycling around Franklin Park?

The best time to go touring cycling around Franklin Park and the D&R Canal Towpath is generally during spring, summer, and fall. These seasons offer pleasant weather conditions for cycling, with spring bringing blooming nature and fall showcasing vibrant foliage. Winter cycling is possible but may require appropriate gear and caution due to colder temperatures and potential ice or snow.

Are there any moderate touring cycling routes that offer a good balance of distance and challenge?

Absolutely. A popular moderate route is the Old East Jersey – Raritan Canal Towpath loop from Franklin High School. This 48.1 km path provides a longer journey along the historic Raritan Canal, taking approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a half-day adventure.

Are there any routes that pass by the Carnegie Lake Dam?

Yes, you can cycle past the Carnegie Lake Dam on the Carnegie Lake Dam – D&R Canal Towpath loop from Rocky Hill. This moderate 31.8 km route offers scenic views and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

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