qclabrat
Well-Known Member
wow today didn't go so well at Cushetunkhttps://goo.gl/maps/A7oY7A5414q
there is a fence, but it is only across the road. park at cornhusker field at dreahook and rt 523 (readington?) - ride in from there.
BTW - even tho it is a road - round valley road to the back gate is solid climb - the path goes around the fence on the high side.
once inside the gate, turn left onto the trail to head towards switchbacks, or right to head back towards cush. if you got to the payphone, you went to far.
the trails are tough - but there is a low side bailout along the campground road, or ride the beach - fatbike not required at this time. about 100' of shoreline exposed right now.
I do not endorse this - but if you do, please respect the park, and do not approach the swim beach or use the bathrooms.
It would be nice if our jorba membership could be used to buy a discounted park pass.
Cushetunk is a tough climb - and now part of the toughest trail climb in NJ -
when it is dry - parking at pickell park, and riding into cush is a nice way to start - then loop back on round valley road.
recommend ignoring the cush blue trail that goes up the backside of the hill.
here is all of cush - https://www.strava.com/activities/623979486
https://www.strava.com/activities/809687240 - i park at pickell, ride through cush, out the back gate and down to the round mountain trails, then back via road.
the power lines at round valley look to be private property - even tho the road clearly connects to the paths. i haven't chanced it yet.
these are tough trails with tough climbs. Be mentally prepared to walk, and embrace it. challenge everyone to go just a bit farther.
the good is very good!!!
parked at the railroad lot
last time I was here it was 2 years ago, same sign
went to the left and went up yellow where a hiker just exited. Not too tech but just keeps on going up. Hiked quite a bit and it got pretty steep when yellow meets white
lots of rocks on top, at this point, not much pedaling
I get lost for about an hour, trails but no blazes. Think I'm near the scout camp. Also get a flat. I'm back by Cushetunk again and found an interesting shelter in a tree
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Eventually find my way to blue and hit a long downhill. Don't want to go up that way. I just made another big fricken circle
more getting lost and eventually decided to head towards Pickell park. Thought cutting through the fields would be direct. No such luck, I'm going to get ticks...
so damn happy to see Pickell park.