Round Valley Recreation Area is a prominent recreation area in New Jersey, characterized by its diverse landscapes and the expansive Round Valley Reservoir. This area features rolling hills, eastern woodlands, and the deep, clear waters of the reservoir, which is New Jersey's second deepest lake. The terrain includes rugged mountain paths and flatter, wooded trails, providing varied environments for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and more. The natural features, including Cushetunk Mountain and the surrounding forests, create a setting well-suited for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.
Round Valley Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities and routes for all skill levels. With more than 10 routes available across several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and mountain biking, there are ample opportunities to explore the area. More than 1,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers can find both challenging trails, such as those traversing Cushetunk Mountain, and easier options like the Pine Tree Trail, as detailed in guides like Hiking in Round Valley Recreation Area. Cyclists can enjoy multi-use trails and roads, with options ranging from rugged mountain biking routes to more leisurely rides, which can be explored further in Cycling in Round Valley Recreation Area. For those seeking gentler paths, Family-friendly hikes in Round Valley Recreation Area provide accessible options.
55
Routes
4.8
(27)
Average rating
609
People visited

5.0
(2)
19
hikers
9.27km
02:37
190m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
hikers
6.93km
01:59
170m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.38km
01:40
70m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.97km
01:53
100m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
54
riders
47.8km
02:26
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

30
riders
34.9km
01:40
320m
320m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

9
riders
89.9km
05:34
1,920m
1,920m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

12
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.5
(2)
37
riders
13.4km
01:11
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
26
riders
49.6km
02:59
230m
230m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
19.7km
01:50
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
riders
24.6km
01:36
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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27
runners
17.7km
01:51
140m
140m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
runners
9.10km
00:57
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
runners
24.4km
02:33
180m
180m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
20.5km
02:08
110m
110m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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23
riders
14.9km
01:24
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
10
riders
27.7km
01:46
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

10
riders
28.4km
01:49
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
12
riders
9.10km
00:37
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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28
riders
38.9km
02:22
390m
390m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
riders
76.3km
04:31
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
9
riders
28.7km
01:44
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Round Valley Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Jogging, Mountain biking, and Gravel biking. The area features diverse landscapes suitable for various skill levels. More information can be found in guides like Hiking in Round Valley Recreation Area and Cycling in Round Valley Recreation Area.
The Cushetunk Trail is an 8.35-mile path traversing Cushetunk Mountain, offering rugged and steep terrain for experienced hikers. For less strenuous options, the Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hike & Bike Trail are shorter loops, approximately 1 mile each. These trails provide access to scenic views and forested areas. Explore more hiking options in the Hiking in Round Valley Recreation Area guide.
Yes, Round Valley Recreation Area offers easier trails suitable for families and those seeking less strenuous options. The Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hike & Bike Trail are approximately 1-mile loop trails that pass through pine woodlands. These trails are ideal for birdwatchers and seniors. Consult the Easy hikes in Round Valley Recreation Area guide for more details.
Cyclists can find options for touring, road cycling, and mountain biking. The Family Hike & Bike Trail is open to cyclists for flatter rides, while multi-use trails like the Cushetunk Trail and Campground Trail permit mountain biking. The area's roads and less challenging trails provide enjoyable experiences for touring cyclists. Discover routes in the Cycling in Round Valley Recreation Area guide.
Mountain biking is permitted on multi-use trails within Round Valley Recreation Area. Notable options include the Cushetunk Trail and the Campground Trail, which offer rugged terrain. These trails provide opportunities for mountain bikers to explore the area's diverse landscapes. For specific routes, refer to the MTB Trails in Round Valley Recreation Area guide.
Round Valley Recreation Area features several family-friendly options. The Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hike & Bike Trail are approximately 1-mile loop trails suitable for families. These paths offer a gentle experience through pine woodlands. More family-oriented routes are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes in Round Valley Recreation Area guide.
The central feature is the Round Valley Reservoir, New Jersey's second deepest lake, covering 2,350 acres and reaching depths of approximately 180 feet. It holds up to 55 billion gallons of water, contributing to its clear quality. Surrounding the reservoir are eastern woodlands and rolling hills, including Cushetunk Mountain, which rises nearly 500 feet above the shoreline.
Round Valley Recreation Area is the only New Jersey State Park to offer true wilderness camping. Campsites are accessible only by hiking three to six miles along a steep and rugged trail or by boat. This provides a unique backcountry experience for visitors.
Routes in Round Valley Recreation Area have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 1,000 visitors who have shared their experiences. There are 15 routes available across various sports.
Komoot offers several guides for Round Valley Recreation Area, including Hiking in Round Valley Recreation Area, Cycling in Round Valley Recreation Area, and Family-friendly hikes in Round Valley Recreation Area. Other guides cover easy hikes, traffic-free bike rides, road cycling, running, and MTB trails.
The official website for Round Valley Recreation Area is nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/roundvalleyrecreationarea.html. For direct inquiries, the park can be reached by phone at +1-908-236-6355. These resources provide official information and assistance for visitors.

