Cycling The Delaware River
It’s early morning. The first warm glows of a rising sun dance across the magnificent waters of the Delaware River, glistening with a radiance that will only increase as the day goes on.
The fresh air fills your lungs, leaving you energised, enthused, eager to hit the trails and pathways, not wanting to waste even a single moment of your cycling vacation in Bucks County.
You put foot to pedal and with one last smile at your travel partner, you set off on the adventure of a lifetime.
As you go, you take in awe-inspiring scenery full of dramatic cliffs, acres of lavish forests and vistas sweeping out as far as the eye can see.
You hear the rush of the mighty Delaware River, you hear laughter and joy from the groups enjoying whitewater paddling, kayaking, and tubing, and you get up close and you get a front-row seat to see some of the United State’s most spectacular creatures in their natural environment…
Sounds like a dream vacation?
Making that dream a bright reality is easier than you think.
At the historic 1740 House in New Hope, PA, our prime location close to a number of the area’s best cycling routes makes us a popular choice for those planning a two-wheeled adventure of their own.
Here, we combine our own expert local knowledge with advice and top tips from some of our regular cycling vacation guests to provide you with this:
Your complete guide to cycling around the Delaware River.
Where to Ride
Whether you’re a novice cyclist or a seasoned veteran, the area boasts a plethora of different routes to suit all abilities and all ages.
It would take us an entire book (or several!) to cover them all, so we’ve done the next best thing:
Rounded-up some of the top cycling spots that are essential for any vacation in the area.
Bull’s Island Recreation Area
We start our adventure close to home, with a unique that takes us from Lumberville, PA into one of New Jersey’s best-loved recreational areas.
Saddle up and head out from our hotel to the famous Lumberville–Raven Rock Bridge, where you’ll have to dismount and walk your bike across into NJ.
The bridge, one of two pedestrian footbridges crossing the Delaware River, is an attraction in its own right. Year in, year out, it attracts scores of visitors who come not only for the novelty of walking from one state to the other via a footbridge, but for the truly spectacular views you’ll encounter as you cross.
Reaching the other side of the bridge, you’ll find yourself at Bull’s Island Recreation Area.
From there, take the towpaths along the Delaware & Raritan Canal and journey off along a trail which takes you into the heart of those very same forests you saw from the bridge earlier.
There, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lofty sycamore trees and ancient silver maples, passing acres of unblemished tulips and all manner of rare fauna.
A gentle ride along the towpaths and surrounding areas before heading back up and over the bridge can prove to be the perfect day out for those who prefer to take things easy.
Meanwhile, more advanced riders will enjoy venturing off into the hills and tackling some of the tougher terrain surrounding the area.
Delaware Water Gap
Ask any experienced cyclist for their favourite cycling routes around Delaware River, and we’d be surprised if the answer was anything other than Delaware Water Gap.
Hugely popular among more advanced cyclists, the area offers exhilarating rides for both road bicycles and mountain/hybrid bikes alike.
For the latter, The McDade Recreational Trail covers almost the entire length of Delaware Water Gap, running alongside the river for 32 miles.
Whether it’s an adrenaline-charged rush through the forests you’re looking for, or a leisurely ride taking in delightful streams, vast fields and grand, sweeping vistas, the trail truly does offer it all…
Written by James White
Excerpt from BIKE Magazine, click here to continue reading the full article
