The best road cycling routes in Lochiel Creek County Park

There are 4 road cycling routes available in and around Lochiel Creek County Park, offering a range of distances and experiences for cyclists.

The park features a varied terrain, including rich forests, wetlands, and distinctive rolling hills, which are relic sand dunes. Many routes connect to the Barnegat Branch Trail, which is known for being relatively flat and straight with a stone dust surface, making for an enjoyable ride. The routes listed in this guide are generally of moderate difficulty, with one easier option.

Yes, the Barnegat Branch Trail, which is accessible from Lochiel Creek County Park, features a stone dust surface. While many road bikes can handle this, touring cyclists will find it particularly suitable due to its relatively flat and straight profile. Consider your tire width for optimal comfort.

The Barnegat Branch Trail, accessible from the park, is a multi-use rail-trail that is relatively flat and straight, making it a good option for families. For a shorter, easier ride, consider the Barnegat Light Bay Beach loop from Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, which is 14.1 km long and rated easy.

Lochiel Creek County Park itself offers unique natural features, including relic sand dunes and the Atlantic White Cedar swamp through which Lochiel Creek flows. This swamp is an ecologically significant area with unique flora like federally threatened wildflowers and native orchids. While cycling, you can immerse yourself in these diverse ecosystems and observe local wildlife.

The park provides ample parking, and its parking area serves as a trailhead, offering direct access via a short connector trail to the Barnegat Branch Trail. This makes it a convenient starting point for your cycling adventures.

The park's diverse wildflowers and wildlife can be observed throughout the year, making it pleasant in many seasons. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for cycling, with beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but the shaded sections of trails can provide relief.

Yes, several loop routes are available. For example, you can explore the Cox House loop from Barnegat (48.2 km) or the longer Lake Barnegat loop from Forked River (67.1 km). There's also the Barnegat Branch Trail loop from Forked River (42.2 km) which incorporates the multi-use trail.

Lochiel Creek County Park offers practical amenities for visitors, including a comfort station with restrooms and ample parking. Benches are also placed along the trails, providing convenient spots for resting or enjoying the scenery.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the unique natural setting, the accessibility to the Barnegat Branch Trail, and the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, from forests to relic sand dunes.

For experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, the Lake Barnegat loop from Forked River covers 67.1 km with moderate elevation gain, offering an extended ride through the region's varied landscapes.