Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Montclair State University
Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Montclair State University
3.4
(8)
61
riders
Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Montclair State University
02:15
48.3km
330m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 8.06 km for 260 m
After 45.8 km for 173 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
8.04 km
Verona Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
16.6 km
Orange Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
18.1 km
View of South Mountain Reservation
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
18.2 km
Brookside Drive
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
21.2 km
Diamond Mill Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
37.6 km
Nishuane Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
45.8 km
Presby Iris Memorial Garden
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
48.3 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
39.1 km
5.55 km
3.20 km
421 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
37.8 km
9.97 km
587 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (160 m)
Lowest point (40 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 27 June
25°C
20°C
80 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Montclair State University is one of those road cycling routes that truly delivers a varied experience, blending scenic reservoir views with challenging rolling hills. This moderate 30.0-mile (48.3 km) ride packs in 1069 feet (326 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a substantial road cycling workout with diverse landscapes near Montclair State University.
What to expect on Orange Reservoir – Brookside Drive loop from Montclair State University
You can expect a dynamic journey on this route, starting with the largely flat and paved Orange Reservoir Loop, which offers nice views of the water, especially vibrant in the spring. As you continue, the terrain shifts to rolling hills through urban parklands and residential areas, with segments like Brookside Drive and Valley View Drive featuring decent elevation gain. The route combines natural settings with suburban landscapes, and from higher points, you can look down and see the Orange Reservoir. This ride is best for cyclists with good fitness who enjoy noticeable climbs and descents, offering a rewarding blend of effort and scenery.
Planning your visit
For an optimal experience, consider riding on a Sunday morning, as Brookside Drive is closed to vehicular traffic until noon, providing an extra wide, paved route for cycling within the South Mountain Reservation. The Orange Reservoir section is well-maintained with distance markers and benches, making it suitable for interval training or a quick rest. While the route starts from Montclair State University, parking is generally available in the surrounding areas. Always carry enough water, especially during warmer months, as the route covers a significant distance.
Trail details
- Distance: 30.0 miles (48.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1069 feet (326 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free