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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
New Jersey
Essex County

Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Mountain Station

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
New Jersey
Essex County

Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Mountain Station

Moderate

4.9

(7161)

7,162

riders

Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Mountain Station

01:31

23.5km

250m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

7.35 km

Brookside Drive

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Brookside Drive is closed to car traffic on Sunday mornings, making it a peaceful ride with views of Campbell's Pond. There's a nice downhill if you start at the north end of South Mountain Reservation.

Tip by

2

10.1 km

View of South Mountain Reservation

Highlight • Viewpoint

South Mountain Reservation is a nature reserve that spans 2,112-acres along the Rahway River. This park is known for its hardwood forests, waterfalls, and creeks. It is also famed for …

Tip by

3

11.7 km

Orange Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

The Orange Reservoir is a 62-acre man‑made lake that was originally part of the Rahway River watershed and used to provided drinking water to the nearby towns. No longer a water source, it is not a popular outdoor recreation area.

Tip by

4

13.1 km

Brookside Drive

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Closed on Sunday mornings to car traffic. Nice flat followed by fun downhill bend finishing up along a scenic reservoir

Tip by

5

16.1 km

Diamond Mill Pond

Highlight • Lake

This is a lovely tranquil next to Diamond Mill Pond and within the woods. At this spot you there is a parking lot which you will be able to see …

Tip by

B

23.5 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.6 km

7.24 km

524 m

120 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

13.2 km

10.1 km

180 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (40 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Saturday 4 July

38°C

23°C

59 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a rewarding touring cycling experience that balances scenic beauty with a manageable challenge, the Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Mountain Station is an excellent choice. This moderate 14.6-mile (23.5 km) route, featuring 819 feet (249 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hours and 30 minutes, making it one of the popular trails for a solid morning or afternoon ride. It's ideal for cyclists seeking a mix of flat, paved paths and rolling hills within a natural setting, especially those who appreciate car-free sections.

What to expect on Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Mountain Station

This route offers a delightful journey through varied terrain, starting with the serene Orange Reservoir loop. Here, you'll enjoy flat, paved riding with scenic views of the water and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various birds and turtles. As you transition to Brookside Drive within the South Mountain Reservation, the terrain shifts to rolling hills, providing a decent elevation gain that keeps things interesting without being overly strenuous. The route combines natural parklands with some residential stretches, offering a pleasant mix of environments for touring cyclists of moderate ability.

Planning your visit

For an enhanced experience, plan your ride for a Sunday morning when Brookside Drive is closed to vehicular traffic, creating a wide, safe, and car-free route for cyclists. The Orange Reservoir area itself provides amenities like public restrooms and benches, making it a convenient starting point. While specific parking details for Mountain Station aren't provided, the area is generally accessible. This route is best enjoyed in spring when the reservoir comes alive with vibrant colors, though it offers a pleasant ride throughout the warmer months.

Trail details

  • Distance: 14.6 miles (23.5 km)
  • Elevation gain: 819 feet (249 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 30 minutes

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