- Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Best Roads and Destinations in New Jersey
- 2.1 Wharton State Forest Loop
- 2.2 Central Jersey Tour
- 2.3 Greenwood Lake to Mountain View
- 2.4 Wanaque Reservoir Loop
- 2.5 Route 519 from Phillipsburg to High Point
- 2.6 Oldwick to Muscentong River Road
- 2.7 Chester to Frenchtown
- 2.8 Northeastern New Jersey Triangle: Rumson-Sandy Hook-Sea Bright
- 2.9 Delaware Memorial Bridge to Cape May
- 3. Motorcycle Laws in New Jersey
- 3.1 New Jersey Motorcycle Helmet Laws
- 3.2 New Jersey Motorcycle Passenger Laws
- 3.3 New Jersey Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
- 3.4 New Jersey Lane Splitting Laws
- 4. Motorcycle Luggage for New Jersey Motorcycle Tour
- 5. Parting Words
1. Introduction
Despite New Jersey or “the Garden State” being a relatively small state along the Atlantic Coast, this region is not lacking in diverse terrain for motorcyclists to admire. Covering most of the landscape in this state is the Atlantic Coastal Plain. But you can also travel towards the Piedmont, the New England Upland, and the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region. There will also be plenty of cities and towns along the routes you travel on where you can take rest breaks, fill up on gas, or gather new supplies.
This article is intended to provide a list of New Jersey’s famous motorcycle roads and destinations including supplementary information on this state’s motorcycle laws and possible luggage options.
2. Best Roads and Destinations in New Jersey
2.1 Wharton State Forest Loop
Distance: 52 miles
Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Start: Tabernacle
End: Tabernacle
Heading east away from Tabernacle via Chatsworth Road, you will travel alongside the northern side of Wharton State Forest. You have the chance to enter Franklin Parker Preserve - Chatsworth Lake Entrance to admire the lakefront.
Traveling south on the eastern side of Wharton State Forest, you will head down atop County Road 563. Eventually entering the forest, you can take a slight detour to visit Friendship Historic Ruins or Hawkins Bridge that is closer to the heart of the wilderness. Further along, you will cross over Evans Bridge and come beside the Historic Harrisville Ghost Town Ruins.
Moving along the southern side of the loop, you will be traveling parallel to Mullica River for the first half of this section. You will pass by Greenhead Bulkhead and Crowley Landing. Just before you exit Wharton State Forest, you will come across Batsto Village.
Making your return trip along the western side of the loop, you will head northward on U.S. Route 206. This way has plenty of restaurants along the sides of the road including Pic-A-Lilli Inn, Christine’s House of Kingfish Barbecue, and One More Grill & Bar.
2.2 Central Jersey Tour
Distance: 28 miles
Time: 56 minutes
Start: Brunswick Gardens
End: Atlantic Highlands
Departing from Brunswick Gardens, you will travel along New Jersey Route 18 until you transition onto Newman Springs Road upon getting close to Robertsville. Heading eastward, you will pass by Big Brook Park and St. Gabriel’s Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleums.
Moving onto Holmdel Middletown Road, you will come in close proximity to Holmdel Park. Heading northeast, you will transition onto Red Hill Road which takes you beside Tatum Park and Deep Cut Gardens. Turning straight south, you will travel on Middletown-Lincroft Road which will take you towards Poricy Park Fossil Beds.
Finishing the last leg of the trip, you will be within the vicinity of Bodman Park and Huber Woods Park before you finally arrive in Atlantic Highlands. When exploring the city, you can check out Henry Hudson Springs, Strauss Mansion Museum, and the Atlantic Highlands Viaduct.
2.3 Greenwood Lake to Mountain View
Distance: 29 miles
Time: 43 minutes
Start: Hewitt
End: Mountain View Crossing
Starting at the New York-New Jersey border, you will wind around Greenwood Lake as you begin to head southward. Winding around the Greenwood Lake Turnpike, you will catch sight of Green Turtle Lake, Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Wanaque River, and Beech Brook.
Curving around the Wanaque Reservoir, you will pass outside Sterling Forest/Tranquility and Ringwood State Park. Resuming towards the south, you will ride via Skyline Drive which will take you by Fieldstone and the Painted Forest.
After you finish winding around Interstate 287, you will pass in between and beside many natural sites as you continue the journey south. You should be able to make out Follari Tract, Mountainside Park, Meyer’s Brook, Pequannock Valley Park, Two Sisters Wetland Preserve Property, Pompton River Park, Pequannock River Park, and North Cove Park.
2.4 Wanaque Reservoir Loop
Distance: 31 miles
Time: 49 minutes
Start: Oakland
End: Oakland
Embarking from the outskirts of Oakland, you will travel via Interstate 287 while you progress towards the southern bend of the loop. Heading west until you are on Macopin Road, you will be within the vicinity of Henion Pond, High Crest Lake, Apshawa Preserve, and Skyline Preserve.
After passing Macopin, you will pass by the outer edges of Norvin Green State Forest, Bubbling Springs Park, Reflection Lake, and Pinecliff Lake before arriving in West Milford. Traveling along the northern side of the loop, you will get close to Green Turtle Lake, Long Pond Ironworks State Park, and Wanaque River.
The rest of this route will take you straight south while traveling on Greenwood Lake Turnpike and Skyline Drive. You should be able to see the remnants of Van Slyke Castle or go hiking up Ramapo Lake Trailhead.
2.5 Route 519 from Phillipsburg to High Point
Distance: 61 miles
Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Start: Phillipsburg
End: High Point
If you stick around Philipsburg, you will have the chance to ride steam trains close to the coast of the Delaware River. You can also hang around Walter’s Park or Delaware River Park. Embarking from Philipsburg via Belvidere Road, you will begin making progress towards the northeast.
Further along when you transition onto County Road 519, you will pass by Beaver Brook Wildlife Management Area, Swayze Mill Park, and Jenny Jump State Forest. Places of interest include the Land of Make Believe and the Faery Cave.
Turning onto New Jersey Route 94, you can enjoy the natural scenery at Adiguzelli Tract, Lodestar Park, and Fredon Recreation League. When you are in Newton, you can check out the performances at the Newton Theatre.
Continuing northward, you will pass through Frankford Township Park before you start to coast around the edges of Stokes State Forest. If you are willing to take slight detours into the wilderness, you will get to see Sunrise Mountain Overlook and Lusscroft Farm.
As you approach High Point State Park, you will be able to hike up the Appalachian Trail or Parker Trail. When you eventually get up to High Point, you will have a pristine view of the surrounding landscape.
2.6 Oldwick to Muscentong River Road
Distance: 20 miles
Time: 36 minutes
Start: Oldwick
End: Hampton
Heading north after leaving Oldwick, you will almost immediately pass through Cold Brook Reserve while following Old Turnpike Road. Turning westward in the direction of Fairmount Road West, you will encounter Christie Hoffman Farm Park.
When you make it to Califon, you can spend time at Califon Island Park or check out the Califon Train Station a.k.a. the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Continuing onto Silver Road, you will be within the vicinity of Teetertown Ravine Nature Preserve.
As you clear the northern bend of this route, you will coast along the edge of Point Mountain Reservation. You will be able to reach Hampton via County Road 545 which travels parallel to the Muscentong River.
2.7 Chester to Frenchtown
Distance: 31 miles
Time: 49 minutes
Start: Chester
End: Frenchtown
Surrounding the town of Chester, there are many natural sites of varying distance and size including Black River Wildlife Management Area, Highlands Ridge Park, Tiger Brook Park, MacGregor Preserve, Chubb Park, and Black River Park. Heading west on Route 24, you will come across places to eat such as Cornerstone Pizzeria and Vale Pizza.
Turning southwest, you will head down on West Mill Road which can take you by Lionheart Stables and Willow Grove Farm if you are interested in trying horseback riding. Further along, you will travel on High Bridge Califon Road which will take you between Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area and Voorhees State Park. Going straight south on New Jersey Route 31, you will travel alongside Spruce Run Reservoir.
The last leg of the route after you leaves Clifton, you will pass by Landsdown Meadows, Franklin Open Space Plan, and Capoolong Wildlife Management Area if you wish to admire natural scenery.
2.8 Northeastern New Jersey Triangle: Rumson-Sandy Hook-Sea Bright
Distance: 20 miles
Time: 43 minutes
Start: Rumson
End: Rumson
Heading northwest, you will cross over Navesink River via the Oceanic Bridge after leaving Rumson behind. Looping around on Navesink Avenue, you will be able to make out Claypit Creek, Buttermilk Valley, and Huddy Park. After passing Highlands, you should catch sight of the Twin Lights State Historic Site.
You will then travel onto the narrow island, traveling north towards Sandy Hook while observing the Atlantic Ocean off in the distance towards your right. You will pass by South Beach, New Jersey Beach, and Sandy Hook Beach as you are making your way up.
As the island’s landscape opens up, you will loop back around on Hartshorne Drive and Atlantic Drive to begin your return trip. You will be able to visit 1st Lt Hamilton Douglas Hallyburton Memorial, Missile Monument, and Mortar Battery as you proceed.
You will head back the same way you came due to only being able to follow a strict, linear route. However, upon returning to the mainland, there are additional beaches to see before making it to Rumson such as Highlands Beach, Navesink Beach, and Anchorage Beach.
2.9 Delaware Memorial Bridge to Cape May
Distance: 81 miles
Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
Start: Deepwater
End: Cape May
Departing from Deepwater, you will head southward on Hook Road which will take you by the Salem River Wildlife Management Area. Continuing to head down, you will transition onto New Jersey Route 49 which will get you within distance of Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and cross over Salem River.
After passing Salem, you will travel on Salem Hancock Bridge Road as you head in the direction of Lower Alloways Creek. A few historical sites to visit include Hancock House Historic Site and Lower Alloways Creek Friends Meeting House. Further along when you arrive at the southern bend along Bacons Neck Road, you can view the exhibits at the John Dubois Maritime Museum.
Heading along the straight road that is West Buckshutem Road, you will pass by Edward G. Bevan Fish and Wildlife Management Area. Transitioning onto New Jersey Route 347, you will travel through and beside Belleplain State Forest and Dennis Creek Wildlife Management Area.
3. Motorcycle Laws in New Jersey
3.1 New Jersey Motorcycle Helmet Laws
New Jersey is a state that follows a universal motorcycle helmet policy. This requires motorcyclists of every age to wear a motorcycle helmet whenever they are operating their vehicles.
The types of motorcycle helmets accepted in New Jersey are half, three-quarter, and full-face helmets. These models have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, were manufactured by the American National Standards Institute, and provide both ample protection and visibility.
As you select your motorcycle helmet, check that they meet the following requirements and are designed with the proper features:
3.2 New Jersey Motorcycle Passenger Laws
New Jersey does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. All motorcycle passengers must be wearing protective gear while they are seated behind you.
It is only legal to transport a passenger on your motorcycle if it is fitted with the following equipment: a designated passenger seat and footpegs.
The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.
Characteristics to look for in passengers are individuals who listen to directions, follow your movements, cannot be carrying packages in their arms, are wearing protective attire, and can reach the footrests.
3.3 New Jersey Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
In New Jersey, it is not mandatory for your motorcycle to be subject to periodic vehicle and safety inspections. However, it is recommended that you make a habit of examining the condition of your vehicle before every ride. Maintaining the upkeep of your motorcycle’s primary components will help you when applying repairs, replacing broken parts, and ensuring your vehicle’s overall functionality.
You need the following minimum requirements fitted to your motorcycle for the vehicle to meet the safety requirements in New Jersey. They must be working at optimal capacity to help you quickly avoid obstacles, improve your visibility to other drivers, and increase awareness of your surroundings:
3.4 New Jersey Lane Splitting Laws
Because there are no laws that either confirm or deny lane splitting as being legal amongst motorcyclists, it is recommended that riders avoid engaging in this practice. You should avoid riding on top of the dividing lines in between traffic lanes, riding in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, or attempting to overtake a larger vehicle in front of you while both of you are traveling in the same lane. If you try to bypass heavy traffic, you do so at your own risk.
Similarly, you should act with just as much caution when it comes to lane sharing. Motorcyclists are entitled to make full use of the space within their current lane. They can also share a lane with another motorcycle so long as the vehicles stay apart at least two abreast and both parties consent beforehand. You should refrain from engaging in this practice unless you are alongside someone you trust with riding experience.
4. Motorcycle Luggage for New Jersey Motorcycle Tour
Riding a motorcycle will take you to amazing places scattered throughout New Jersey within just a few hours. However, there are times when you need to take a break from the driver’s seat for a while. You may want to dine at a restaurant to build up your strength before setting out again. You may want to explore the wilderness by hiking on the rough paths. But it would be helpful if you had a reliable form of baggage to store your belongings that you can carry with you while on foot.
Listed below are the motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diverse choices:
- Motorcycle Saddlebags
- Motorcycle Trunk Bags
- Motorcycle Sissy Bar Bags
- Motorcycle Seat Luggage
- Motorcycle Tail Bags
- Motorcycle Windshield Bags
- Motorcycle Tool Bags
5. Parting Words
A motorcycle trip through New Jersey can make for an interesting first-time experience for many reasons. It could be the first time you have ever traveled to New Jersey. Or it might be the first time you have ever planned a long-distance excursion alone with your motorcycle. It may even be the first time you have visited New Jersey’s famous historical and natural sites.
Regardless of the direction your route takes or what you plan to do for the duration of the New Jersey motorcycle trip, make sure to stay safe while doing so. Be mindful of other drivers and the rules of the road. Make sure that your motorcycle’s equipment stays in working order to prevent mechanical failure while riding. Keep the contents of your motorcycle luggage secure so that they do not go flying into the other vehicles behind you.
Remember to be responsible when handling your motorcycle and try to have fun as you prepare to head out on your New Jersey motorcycle trip.
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