Family Biking II

This past Saturday, we attempted to try out the Patriots Path in Morris County.  I say "attempted" because it never actually happened.  After looking at the trial map, knowing it was 35 miles, I tried to pick a parking area that was closest to us and near one of the endpoints of the trail.  I selected the Frelinghuysen Arboretum.  Unfortunately, we could not find the trail near there.  We only found some blue marked spur trails, but not the white blazes of the main trail.  The main intersection leading into the arboretum had wooden sign posts reading Patriots Path, but no trail.  The next major intersection also had these wooden signs.  I gather that portion of the trail is the street itself.

Luckily my better half is familiar with the area and recommended we try a different park.  Shortly thereafter, we arrived at the Loantaka Brook Reservation.  I was hoping this would be a portion of the Patriots Path, but later realized that it was not.  Nevertheless, there is a decent network of

trails.  They cut through the reservation and the scenery is awesome.  The trees provide plenty of shade so the sun doesn't kill you.  There's a stretch where a dirt trail parallels the main paved trail.  That was my favorite part, since it allowed us to ride alongside one another.  The paved trail is a little narrow so you have to be aware of others.  There are also a handful of street crossings, but they are well marked for bikers and cars alike.  All in all it was well worth the trip.

Afterward, I had to find out where I missed the Patriots Path.  I studied aerial views online to try to catch a glimpse of a trail.  I did not see anything near where we parked.  Finally I found a large portion of the trail around Speedwell Avenue.  Next time, we'll start there.