Califon Train Station – Columbia Trail loop from Mount Olive
Califon Train Station – Columbia Trail loop from Mount Olive
4.6
(7925)
9,450
riders
Califon Train Station – Columbia Trail loop from Mount Olive
04:56
75.3km
540m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very 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 19, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
3.01 km
Lake Musconetcong
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
29.8 km
Califon Train Station
Highlight • Historical Site
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.
Tip by
33.7 km
Ken Lockwood Gorge
Highlight • Gorge
Tip by
33.9 km
Columbia Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
36.8 km
Lake Solitude
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
70.1 km
View of Budd Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
70.8 km
Nice road in the forest
Highlight • Forest
73.5 km
The forest lake
Highlight • Lake
75.3 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
42.8 km
17.6 km
9.47 km
3.21 km
2.18 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
37.9 km
29.2 km
5.11 km
3.14 km
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (330 m)
Lowest point (100 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Monday 29 June
29°C
17°C
54 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 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
If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding touring cycling adventure, the Califon Train Station – Columbia Trail loop from Mount Olive delivers. This difficult 46.8 miles (75.3 km) route, with a substantial 1766 feet (538 metres) of elevation gain, will take you approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for experienced cyclists seeking a diverse ride through New Jersey's scenic countryside, combining rail-trail comfort with some more demanding sections.
What to expect on Califon Train Station – Columbia Trail loop from Mount Olive
This loop is a journey through varied landscapes, primarily following the Columbia Trail, a former railroad corridor. You'll pedal alongside the South Branch of the Raritan River, passing through dense woodlands that offer welcome shade, and open farmlands. A highlight is the stunning Ken Lockwood Gorge, where the river carves through steep slopes. The trail surface varies; expect predominantly crushed stone, but be prepared for segments of larger gravel or dirt, especially towards the Mount Olive end. While the rail-trail sections offer a gentle grade, some parts can be rougher, making a hybrid or gravel bike highly recommended for comfort. You'll also pass through the charming Victorian-style town of Califon, home to the historic Califon Train Station, which now houses a museum.
Planning your visit
Accessing the Columbia Trail is straightforward, with parking available near the Califon Train Station and at the Mount Olive end. Given the varied surface, ensure your bike is suitable; wider tires are a definite plus. The trail is multi-use, so you'll share it with walkers, joggers, and equestrians, particularly in the Hunterdon County sections. While the route offers amenities in towns like Califon and Long Valley, it's always wise to carry enough water and snacks for the duration of this nearly five-hour ride.
Trail details
- Distance: 46.8 miles (75.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1766 feet (538 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 55 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free