The best cycling routes around Brookdale
4.7
(11)
145
riders
39
rides
Touring cycling around Brookdale features a dedicated bike trail within Brookdale Park, which is also a segment of the 36-mile Lenape Trail. The park's landscape, designed by Olmsted Brothers, includes partially forested areas, open lawns, and varied elevation contours. Notable features like the Essex County Rose Garden and Pollinator Gardens add ecological interest and scenic beauty to the routes. The terrain offers a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines suitable for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Brookdale
…Last updated: June 28, 2026
8
riders
44.2km
02:51
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
76.1km
04:46
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
13
riders
26.7km
02:15
370m
370m
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.
6
riders
Moderate bike ride. 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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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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Tunney’s Brook runs through this small park called The Glen, with gazebos, benches, and grassy areas along the water. It’s a pleasant place to pass by or take a short break.
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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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Ethan & the Bean is a cozy stop in Little Falls known for great coffee and a welcoming vibe. It’s more than a café, it’s a nonprofit that creates jobs for people with disabilities. A good place to refuel, relax, and support a meaningful mission.
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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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Brookdale Park is an urban park that is part of the Essex County park system. Several trails run through the park, including the Lenape Trail. There is also a large meadow, dog park, picnic areas and benches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Brookdale?
There are over 35 touring cycling routes available around Brookdale, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to suit different preferences. You'll find options ranging from easy loops to more challenging long-distance rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Brookdale?
The terrain around Brookdale offers a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines, suitable for touring cyclists. Brookdale Park itself features partially forested areas, open lawns, and varied elevation contours. The routes often integrate into the longer Lenape Trail system, providing diverse landscapes.
Are there options for different skill levels in Brookdale?
Yes, Brookdale offers touring cycling routes for all skill levels. You'll find 13 easy routes, 19 moderate routes, and 6 more difficult routes, ensuring there's a suitable option whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge.
What makes touring cycling in Brookdale unique?
Touring cycling in Brookdale is unique due to its integration into the 36-mile Lenape Trail system and the picturesque, Olmsted-designed landscapes of Brookdale Park. You can enjoy scenic beauty, including the vibrant Essex County Rose Garden and Pollinator Gardens, while cycling on dedicated bike trails.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Brookdale?
The touring cycling routes around Brookdale are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.77 stars from over 23 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths, the scenic beauty of the park, and the variety of routes available.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Brookdale area?
Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Cedar Grove Reservoir – Hilltop Reservation loop from Montclair Heights is a moderate 9.9-mile route that offers views of the Cedar Grove Reservoir and varied terrain.
Can I combine touring cycling with visiting local landmarks or attractions?
Absolutely. Several routes pass by or are close to interesting landmarks. You could cycle near the Christ Church Montclair or explore areas with scenic views like the View of Paterson from Garrett Mountain Scenic Overlook. The Cedar Grove Reservoir – Christ Church Montclair loop from Nutley is a longer route that incorporates some of these points of interest.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling options in Brookdale?
Brookdale Park itself offers a dedicated bike trail and a circular, one-way road that is excellent for families. The park's open spaces and gardens provide a safe and enjoyable environment. The West Essex/Caldwell Branch loop from Cedar Grove is an easy 7.6-mile route that is suitable for a family outing.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in Brookdale?
Spring and fall are generally ideal for touring cycling in Brookdale, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. The Essex County Rose Garden within Brookdale Park is particularly vibrant in June and September when blooms are at their peak, adding to the scenic experience.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes in the area?
For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Rockaway River – Montville loop from Walnut Street offer a substantial distance of over 44 miles with significant elevation changes, providing a more demanding touring cycling experience.
Can I find routes that pass by lakes or water features?
Yes, several routes in the Brookdale area incorporate water features. For instance, the Verona Lake – Verona Park loop from Walnut Street takes you past Verona Lake and Verona Park, offering pleasant lakeside views during your ride.
Is Brookdale Park part of a larger trail system?
Yes, Brookdale Park is a significant segment of the 36-mile Lenape Trail, an urban/suburban pathway that connects 18 parks and 11 municipalities within Essex County. This integration provides extended cycling opportunities beyond the park's boundaries.
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