4.5
(4)
63
riders
4
rides
Mountain biking around Glen Gardner, New Jersey, offers access to diverse terrain within its natural landscapes and adjacent state parks. The region features rolling hills, deciduous forests, and mixed hardwood forests, providing a varied experience for riders. Trails often wind alongside brooks and offer views of local reservoirs, including Spruce Run Reservoir. The area's topography includes sections with uneven terrain, small hills, and some steeper grades.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.0
(3)
36
riders
13.6km
01:12
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
24.6km
01:36
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.0
(1)
5
riders
11.9km
00:50
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
13.3km
00:56
250m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The old train station was built in the late 1800s for the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Today, it serves as a hub for the Califon Historical Society and access point for the Columbia Rail Trail. Supposedly, the name Califon comes from a shortening of "California", since the painter creating the station map didn't leave enough room for the original title.
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A packed dirt road takes you along the Raritan River at the sheltered base of the gorge. There are plenty of spots to park as you head in from Readingsburg, but most of the road is closed to vehicle traffic and makes for the perfect bike route. You are right next to the water and can bike along both sides of the gorge.
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There are abandoned railroad ruins along the sides of the road. There are even still rails on the ground in spots overgrown with grasses and weeds.
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The Columbia Trail is a 16.5-mile paved path consisting of dirt and packed gravel. Pretty much any tires can handle the smooth surface, and it's easy to cover a lot of miles with how flat the entire trail is.
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Explore the captivating Ken Lockwood Gorge within the 500-acre Ken Lockwood Wildlife Management Area. This picturesque landscape, adorned with towering hemlocks along steep walls, creates an isolated and serene atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the 2.5-mile stretch of the South Branch of the Raritan River, featuring cascading waters, small waterfalls, and tranquil poolsβan enchanting experience, especially in the vibrant spring season.
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This stunning lake features a unique rock wall waterfall and is surrounded by lush trees. The sights are even more amazing in springtime when the leaves start to change colors.
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Explore the captivating Ken Lockwood Gorge within the 500-acre Ken Lockwood Wildlife Management Area. This picturesque landscape, adorned with towering hemlocks along steep walls, creates an isolated and serene atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the 2.5-mile stretch of the South Branch of the Raritan River, featuring cascading waters, small waterfalls, and tranquil poolsβan enchanting experience, especially in the vibrant spring season.
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This stunning lake features a unique rock wall waterfall and is surrounded by lush trees. The sights are even more amazing in springtime when the leaves start to change colors.
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The Glen Gardner area offers a diverse range of terrain for mountain biking. You'll encounter rolling hills, deciduous forests, and mixed hardwood forests. Trails often wind alongside brooks and provide scenic views of local reservoirs like Spruce Run Reservoir. The topography includes sections with uneven terrain, small hills, and some steeper grades, providing varied experiences for riders of all levels.
Yes, Glen Gardner offers several easy mountain bike trails. For example, the Lake Solitude and Waterfall β Railroad Ruins loop from High Bridge is an easy 8.3-mile trail that takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to complete. Another great option is the Califon Train Station β Columbia Trail loop from Califon, an easy 9.5-mile route through forested areas.
While many trails are easy to moderate, experienced riders can find more challenging sections, particularly on trails like the Highlands Trail, which can feature black diamond difficulty singletrack. The Solar System Trail is also noted for its steeper grades. For a longer, moderate ride, consider the Califon Train Station β Columbia Trail loop from High Bridge, which covers nearly 31 miles through varied landscapes.
Absolutely. The Lake Solitude and Waterfall β Railroad Ruins loop from High Bridge specifically explores scenic natural features including a waterfall and the beautiful Lake Solitude. You can also find scenic overlooks with views of the Round Valley Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir within Voorhees State Park and Spruce Run Recreation Area.
Many trails offer access to notable attractions. You can ride past the historic Califon Train Station, explore sections of the Columbia Trail, or visit the picturesque Ken Lockwood Gorge. The Lake Solitude Waterfall β Columbia Trail loop from High Bridge is another route that combines natural beauty with trail riding.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Glen Gardner are designed as loops. Examples include the Lake Solitude and Waterfall β Railroad Ruins loop from High Bridge, the Califon Train Station β Columbia Trail loop from High Bridge, and the Ken Lockwood Gorge β Califon Train Station loop from High Bridge.
Voorhees State Park, partly located in Glen Gardner, offers a scenic backdrop for mountain biking. It features eleven multi-use trails spanning nine miles, winding through deciduous forests and alongside Willoughby Brook. The park's infrastructure was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and it provides scenic overlooks with views of the Round Valley Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir.
Yes, Spruce Run Recreation Area offers a network of multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking. These trails often provide views across the 1,290-acre Spruce Run Reservoir, the third-largest reservoir in New Jersey, and its adjoining woodlands. The area encompasses nearly 2,200 acres of forested land and open spaces, with rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests.
The mountain bike routes in Glen Gardner are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 90 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic views, diverse landscapes, and the mix of easy and more challenging sections available.
The region's deciduous and mixed hardwood forests make spring and autumn particularly scenic for mountain biking, with vibrant foliage. Summer offers lush greenery, though trails can be busier. Winter conditions can vary; while some trails may be accessible, be prepared for potential snow or ice, which can impact trail conditions and accessibility.
While specific cafes directly adjacent to trailheads are not detailed, Glen Gardner and nearby towns like Califon and High Bridge offer local establishments where you can refuel after your ride. It's advisable to check local listings for current operating hours and locations.


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