Curious Parents Places to Go

2 Wheeling Travels
By Carol Reed

The weather is warming and the air smells sweetly of spring. What to do? Why not stretch those winter-weary muscles and get outdoors. And bring your bike! A wide choice of biking terrain is available locally. You could go easy and ride along historic railroads, forest trails, old-fashioned canals, and seaside boardwalks, or take the challenge to dig your wheels into jagged hillsides and to sprint down steep inclines. Here are a few suggestions.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail is over 60 miles long, running from Milford to New Brunswick, New Jersey. The easiest section is paved with crushed stone, approximately 33 miles long and runs through Princeton. This is one of New Jersey’s most popular trails because of the scenic route. There are 19th century bridges, bridge-tender houses, stone spillways, and hand-built arched culverts. The upper section of the canal follows the Delaware River through historic towns such as Frenchtown, Stockton, and Lambertville. They’re great towns to window shop and catch a bite to eat. Check out the trail at www.trailsfromrails.com/delaware_raritan_trail.htm  or call the D&R Canal State Park at 732.873.3050.

The Allaire State Park in New Jersey provides a more challenging ride with its dirt bike trails. And there are many trails to choose from. Try hard-packed or soft beach sand, single-track or wide jeep roads. The climbs are easy in spots and in others they’re bumpy and steep. Descents can be fast. In Allaire, you can take it easy or you can go for broke (not “broken”)! But, watch out for runners, horses, and hikers.

To read about a complete list of New Jersey’s Dirt Bike Trails go to www.dirtworld.com

The Wissahickon Creek in Philadelphia is a great place to share time with your family. A stroll or ride down Forbidden Drive is a must. This wide, flat gravel road is about five miles long. In fine weather you will share the path with other cyclists, strolling families pushing baby prams, and a horse or two. The woods rise above the trail as the creek flows beside you. The historic and charming Valley Green Inn sits along the creek where you can stop and rest, buy snacks and soft drinks, or fill your water bottles.

The Schuylkill River Bicycle Trail from South Philadelphia to Valley Forge runs 12 miles from Philadelphia’s city limits to Valley Forge National Park. This is an easy, flat, and paved 24-mile ride. Toward Valley Forge, pass through the outskirts of Conshohocken and Norristown. The trail follows the river and an old railroad bed. In Conshohocken, the Outbound Station sells snacks and soft drinks. At the end, you’ll arrive at the Betzwood picnic area of Valley Forge National Park that provides picnic tables, rest rooms, and water. The visitor’s center is about one mile from the picnic area.

Lehigh Gorge State Park in the western Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania covers 6,000 acres of parkland from the dam near Wilkes Barre to the town of Jim Thorpe (between Allentown and Scranton). The Lehigh River cuts an impressive gorge through mountains and scenic state parkland. There is also a restored Victorian village to explore. Thirty miles of abandoned railroad, now converted to bike trails along the river, is considered one of the best mountain biking venues around.  

The New Jersey Boardwalks allow for a different style of biking. The sea, the sun, and the sand make it relaxing. But beware, bikes are only allowed on the boards until noon. So get out there early! In Ocean City, you can greet the day from the seat of an old-fashioned surrey. If you don’t want to bring your own bike you can rent one.

This is a mere sampling of the biking opportunities that surround us. If these sound a bit too daunting, just start with a gentle tour of your own neighborhood. The idea is to get out doors, limber up those winter-stiff muscles, and RIDE!

Carol Reed is a middle school teacher and freelance journalist who specializes in travel writing. Carol’s journeys have taken her as close to home as the New Jersey Pines and as far as the islands in the Caribbean, New Zealand and Australia