The best cycling routes around Great Notch
4.7
(11)
141
riders
35
rides
Touring cycling around Great Notch features a landscape characterized by suburban parklands, local reservoirs, and river valleys, offering varied terrain for cyclists. The area includes rolling hills and dedicated trails, providing a mix of gradients suitable for different fitness levels. This region's physical features support both shorter, easy rides and longer, more challenging routes with notable elevation changes.
Best touring cycling routes around Great Notch
- The most popular touring cycling route is West Essex/Caldwell Branch loop from Cedar Grove,…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
19
riders
10.9km
00:58
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
riders
13.7km
01:13
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
26.6km
01:47
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
77.5km
04:45
660m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Verona Park is a 55-acre park that is part of the Essex County park system. There are several trails that run through the park, including the Lenape Trail. The park also has a lake, playground, picnic areas and a restroom.
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This is a nice wide, well-paved road with space for cars to pass. You get a nice speedy downhill all the way from here to the Passaic River.
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Presby Iris Memorial Garden is a vibrant and colorful space filled with dozens of iris varieties blooming in spring and summer. Enjoy riding or walking through to appreciate the beautiful flowers.
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Montclair is a quiet neighborhood that offers a refreshing break from the urban buzz of Newark. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and small parks make it a great place for a ride, with plenty of cafés and local spots to explore. A perfect detour if you’re looking for charm and calmer roads.
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People naturally gathered here to watch and grieve the events of September 11, 2001, so it only makes sense that an evocative memorial to that event was erected here. There are also 400 acres of woodlands to one side of you — when you face them, it almost feels like you could look out over the trees forever.
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You have an unparalleled view of the New York skyline from here. That might be why this place became a spontaneous gathering place and community memorial after the attacks of September 11, 2001. It also became one of the first formal 9-11 memorials, and remains a poignant community gathering place to this day.
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The Lenape Trail is a trail that passes through Essex County. It connects many parks, nature preserves and small towns. This section of the trail passes through Eagle Rock Reservation and weaves its way through beautiful woods on a well maintained dirt trail.
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This 284-acre area is dedicated to preserving the natural surroundings and is a popular destination for hiking, running, and biking. It boasts miles of trails with varying elevation changes, featuring nice hills and passing by several picturesque ponds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Great Notch?
There are over 30 touring cycling routes in the Great Notch area, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for cyclists to explore.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Great Notch?
Yes, Great Notch offers several easy touring cycling routes. For a gentle ride through local green spaces, consider the West Essex/Caldwell Branch loop from Cedar Grove, which is 7.6 miles long and takes about an hour to complete. There are 11 easy routes in total.
What options are available for longer touring cycling routes in the Great Notch area?
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Rockaway River – Montville loop from Walnut Street is a difficult 44.7-mile route that leads through river valleys and past Montville, typically taking over 4 hours. There are 7 difficult routes available for experienced cyclists.
Are there any touring cycling routes that feature scenic viewpoints or natural attractions?
Many routes in the region offer scenic views. The Cedar Grove Reservoir – Hilltop Reservation loop from Montclair Heights provides reservoir views and climbs through the Hilltop Reservation. You can also find attractions like the View of Paterson from Garrett Mountain Scenic Overlook and Eagle Rock viewpoint near some routes, offering panoramic vistas.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Great Notch?
The suburban parklands and river valleys around Great Notch are generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. The varied terrain, including rolling hills and dedicated trails, is enjoyable when the weather is mild. While specific winter conditions can vary, many routes remain accessible, though some may require more preparation.
Are there any loop touring cycling routes around Great Notch?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Great Notch are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Hilltop Reservation – West Essex/Caldwell Branch loop from Cedar Grove, which is an easy 5.3-mile ride.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Great Notch?
The touring cycling routes around Great Notch are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the mix of gradients, from easy green spaces to more challenging climbs, and the well-maintained parkland paths and reservoir loops.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest I can explore while cycling in Great Notch?
Beyond the routes themselves, the region offers several points of interest. You might consider visiting the Presby Iris Memorial Garden or the Barbour Pond. These attractions can be incorporated into your cycling trips or visited separately.
Are there any moderate difficulty touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, there are 17 moderate touring cycling routes. A good option is the Verona Lake – Verona Park loop from Walnut Street, a 16.7-mile route that takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, featuring a mix of terrain suitable for intermediate cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Great Notch?
The terrain around Great Notch is varied, characterized by suburban parklands, local reservoirs, and river valleys. You'll encounter rolling hills and dedicated trails, offering a mix of gradients from flat, easy sections to more notable elevation changes, suitable for different fitness levels.
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