The best road cycling routes around Ridgewood

There are nearly 50 road cycling routes around Ridgewood, offering a wide range of experiences from easy, flat rides to more challenging routes with significant climbs. You can find options suitable for various skill levels.

Ridgewood offers diverse terrain. You'll find mostly flat, paved multi-use pathways, such as those in Saddle River County Park, perfect for relaxed rides. For those seeking more challenge, the broader area, including the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, features routes with significant elevation changes and climbs.

Yes, Ridgewood has many easy and beginner-friendly options. For instance, the Cincinnati Flying Pig Statues – Purple People Bridge loop from Columbia Township is an easy 20.6-mile path offering a mix of urban and riverside scenery. Overall, 19 of the routes are classified as easy.

For cyclists looking for a challenge, routes in the broader Ridgewood area, particularly those venturing towards the Ramapo Mountains, feature notable elevation gains. The Kroger Hills – Geier Pond loop from Norwood, for example, is a moderate 45.4-mile route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, providing varied terrain and scenic views.

While cycling, you can enjoy views of natural features like the historic Easton Tower, a picturesque waterfall, and several ponds including the Glen Rock Duck Pond and the Wild Duck Pond, especially along the Saddle River County Park pathway. For specific points of interest, consider exploring highlights such as the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum or the Cincinnati Observatory, which are nearby attractions.

Absolutely. The paved multi-use pathway within Saddle River County Park is an excellent choice for families. It's mostly flat and accessible, offering a safe and enjoyable ride for all ages. Many of the 19 easy routes available are suitable for family outings.

Ridgewood's lush green spaces and scenic waterways are beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for road cycling. While winter cycling is possible, conditions will depend on snow and ice.

Yes, many of the routes around Ridgewood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Wasson Way loop from Norwood, which is a 11.9-mile trail through urban greenways, and the Wasson Way – Wasson Way loop from Columbia Township.

The road cycling routes in Ridgewood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 11 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from accessible paved paths to routes with significant climbs, and the picturesque landscapes.

While specific cafes or pubs directly on every route are not listed, Ridgewood and its surrounding towns offer various amenities. Many parks, like Saddle River County Park and Overpeck County Park, are located near urban areas where you can find cafes, restaurants, and other services for a break during your ride.

Some popular parks and trailheads in the Ridgewood area, such as Saddle River County Park and Overpeck County Park, are known to have public transport access points. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules and routes for specific park entrances to plan your journey.

The routes vary significantly in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter rides, such as the Wasson Way – Wasson Way loop from Norwood at about 12.7 miles, to much longer excursions like the Kroger Hills – Geier Pond loop from Norwood, which spans over 45 miles.