Columbia Trail

The Columbia Trail is a 16 mile trail extending from High Bridge, NJ to  Bartley Road in Washington Township, NJ. It is a mixed use trail including cycling, walking and horseback riding. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are permitted in winter.

I parked at 40.66967, -74.89593 but there are several other parking/access points along the trail. 

The portion of the trail near High Bridge is nicely improved with a smooth crushed stone surface. It has mile markers every 1/4 mile. Be aware however that the mile markers start at the end and the middle of the trail. The marker is different depending on your direction of travel. It is unfortunate that the mile markers can not be used to uniquely identify a spot on the trail.

Lake Solitude is less than a mile from the High Bridge end of the trail. This lake is created with a dam. The dam has a spillway that creates a stunning waterfall just a few yards off the trail. Look for the sign for the Taylor Steelworkers Greenway on the south side of the trail. Unfortunately, the lookout on the trail side of the spillway is obscured by trees.

The first half of the trail is densely populated with gnomes. Not just a lot at one or two locations but all along this section of trail.

About the half way point on the trail is a pet spa/resort, Green Acres. Looks like a nice place for a doggie vacation. Across the street is Willow Grove Farm where you can see and ride Clydesdales!

The second half of the trail is less improved with dual tracks of packed dirt in most places with a portion of the trail narrow dirt and gravel with limited visibility turns. This section doesn't have mile markers but does have emergency locator signs indicating the distance to/from the end of the trail. 

The trail pass through Califon where there is a short on road section. There are also several road crossings along the trail but these seem to have low volumes of traffic.

For more information about the trail check out Morris County Park Commission.

Enola Low Grade Trail

The Enola Low Grade Trail is located south of Lancaster, PA and runs about 29 miles. I rode the section of trail along the Susquehanna River starting in Manor Township near the Turkey Hill Nature Preserve. I parked at the trailhead lot at 39.96473658420567, -76.45483424278768. From there is was a smooth stone dust trail the must have been 20 feet wide. There were nice views of the river that included many vultures and eagles, both bald and golden. I rode in mid June of 2022 shortly after the Safe Harbor Bridge was opened the week before. The $9M trestle project used federal and state funds along with Manor Township contribution of $808,000 all of township portion was raised with private donations. 

The 1500 foot bridge spans the Conestoga River 140 feet below. This links two previously disconnected sections of trail. Crossing the bridge takes you into Conestoga Township. I rode this portion to the Martic Forge bridge that is currently closed due to an arson fire. This bridge is being repaired and is expected to reopen later in 2022. As you ride along the Conestoga Township section the trail starts to move away from the river. The trail continues away from the river for another 20 miles that I have not had a chance to ride.

The are rock faces suitable for climbing and I saw a couple of climbers when I rode. The part I rode had several port-a-potties spaced along the trail. The trail itself was flat with a grade of less than 1%. There is no tree canopy so expect your visit to be entirely in the Sun.

A map of the trail is published by Lancaster County.

PA DCNR has additional trail information.

Farmington River Trail

 The Farmington River Trail extends 16 miles between Simsbury and Farmington, CT. On both ends it meets the Farmington Canal Trail. The combinations creates a loop trail but the northern portion of the River Trail is on road.

In May, 2022, I rode the approximately 10 mile southern portion that is dedicated bike path. The remaining portion is on road. Even this section had a couple short sections on road but these were short and on very lightly traveled roads. There were nice views of the river and paths that made river access easy. 

One short section in Canton is on a sidewalk that is also shared with a local eating establishment that has tables placed on the same sidewalk.

To view a video of my ride visit my YouTube channel, Mark's Bike Tock. For more information about the trail see FCHTrail.org 

Arnold Arboretum

 

The roads on Arnold Arboretum are for service vehicles only. The grounds are beautiful examples of nature tamed by man. The result is a bike ride rated by many as one of the best rides in the Boston area. Paved and car free makes for a relaxing ride to melt away your stress. The arboretum consists of 281 acres on the campus of Harvard University. Architect for the arboretum was Frederick Law Olmsted, known for designing Central Park in NYC.

Parking is on street but free. There is no admission fee and you can cycle on any paved road or path. It should be mentioned it is not flat. Peters Hill gives you an amazing view of the city. The main loop is only 4.5 miles but there are many additional paved paths and spurs. Be sure to bring a camera.

For more information visit their web site: Arnold Arboretum.