![]() ![]() Just prior to entering the park, and right past the business district of Andover, Cycle Craft is located about a half mile along Route 206. Over 200 bird species have been spotted in the area and it is a popular spot for those seeking to add to their bird list. Heading north past Andover, the trail enters Kittatinny Valley State Park, which some consider to be the highlight of the trail due to the dense woods and abundant wildlife. Almost the entire southern section, however, runs through Allamuchy Mountain State Park and offers dense woods, wildlife, and with no businesses or roads close by, is very peaceful. As noted, the route can be difficult in part because of poor surface conditions including rutted sections and large, loose rocks, mud, and tree roots, although the trail itself is flat in this area so there is no grade with which to contend. If you are determined to ride the entire length of the trail, we recommend heading south first as this may be too exhausting at the end of the ride. Here you will follow alongside Route 206 and some residential areas for awhile before entering a dense woody area before reaching the town of Andover. If you are happy to avoid this section, then head north on the trail. This entry point along the trail is 4.3 miles from the southern end of the route and largely bypasses the roughest portions of this trail. Note that there is a hill along this route and you will be heading uphill on the return. You can also park here if you prefer to drive. To reach the trail by bike, take a right on Tamarack Road, and when the road intersects with Route 206, the trail will be immediately in front of you running alongside Cranberry Lake. The Sussex Branch Trail is located 1.3 miles from Tamarack’s Country Villa B&B. Guests will enjoy a hearty breakfast in the charming dining room, which features an open hearth, bake oven, and 12”beams cut from the property. Five guest rooms with private ensuite baths are available, and there are several relaxing common spaces both inside and out. The property is situated on 5 1/2 acres of gardens and woods, and features a creek and a lake. This historic property was originally built as a stone farmhouse at the turn of the 19th century and later incorporated into a European-style stucco building known as The Colby Mansion. ![]() In the town of Byram Township, stay at Tamarack’s Country Villa B&B. Bike repair services are also available, if that is needed. Call ahead for reservations as this is the only bike rental shop in the area. If you’ve ever been tempted to try out a fat-tire bike, this trail provides the optimal conditions to test ride these fun bikes. This full service bike shop rents full suspension mountain bikes as well as fat-tire bikes. For those who focus on the middle portion of the trail, it is still possible to encounter muddy patches, narrow sections, and tree roots, but the trail is relatively flat, so pay attention and you should find it easy to navigate around any challenging parts.īike rentals can be found at Cycle Craft in Andover, close to the Sussex Branch Trail. If you are limiting your ride to just the better maintained sections, a hybrid bike should be sufficient. We highly recommend a mountain bike, this is especially necessary if you are attempting to ride the entire route. In fact, the Sussex Branch Trail is a gorgeous trail that provides an ideal way to explore this region. ![]() We would not suggest skipping the trail because of this. These sections can be avoided, however, and only account for a relatively small portion of the route. The extreme northern and southern portions of the trail are not well maintained and can have grooves, loose rocks, and generally uneven conditions. Similar to the Paulinskill Valley Trail, which the Sussex Branch Trail intersects with on the outskirts of the town of Lafayette, this route can be a challenging ride in sections. Visitors will experience a ride that is mostly flat, provides shade, and offers few crowds, while passing through several small towns with trail adjacent amenities. The trail stretches from Branchville in the north where it runs alongside the Paulinskill River, travels through the lush and stately Kittatinny Valley State Park, and ends in Allamuchy Mountain State Park. ![]() Enjoy the stunning scenery as you bike through the heart of the countryside on the 18-mile Sussex Branch Trail. Northwestern New Jersey offers visitors a spectacular rural landscape with dense forests, rolling hills, rich farmland, and quaint towns. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |