Eagle Rock Reservation: Legal?

icebiker

icebiker

JORBA: Morris Trails
JORBA.ORG
Went for a hike with my wife today at Eagle Rock Reservation. I had always gathered that Essex County was no-MTB. But we came across two mountain bikers while hiking. I then checked out the sign at the parking lot. If I read it right:

1) Biking on non paved trails is OK
2) you can be in the park up till 10 pm (thus night ride friendly)

I checked the website for Essex/Eagle Rock and found no mention of bikes (either positive or negative ). Anyone more familiar with the situation?
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Technically legal no, but like alot of places plenty of people ride there . I only ride there hand full of times a year but I also park my commercial utility van in the park right next to the no commercial vehicle signs and just wave to the cops as they drive by . Never had a problem
 
I spoke to our local Commissioner (Luciano) and he said as long as Joe D is still kicking there's no chance of MTB in the parks. He did say he was in favor personally so there's hope...soon-ish...maybe.
 
I had my first negative interaction in years recently with a jogger in the park who took out his earphones to start shouting at me that biking was illegal he seemed primed for an argument or fight. I was passing him slowly and had called out prior that I was passing and didn't want to startle him. I just wished him a wonderful afternoon and hope that he enjoy the forest as he hollered after me that he was calling the sheriff.

It does put a damper on the idea of bringing my children there with me to ride the easier main loops, I think something like this would scar them.

All of it makes me incredibly sad.
 
I used to live nearby and rode Eagle, Hilltop, Mills, and South Mountain regularly. Only ever had one lady yell at me on Thanksgiving morning. After a lot of insults and her reporting me to the authorities. I told her to have a good day and I hope she choked on her turkey.
 
the schwartz said:
I had my first negative interaction in years recently with a jogger in the park who took out his earphones to start shouting at me that biking was illegal he seemed primed for an argument or fight. I was passing him slowly and had called out prior that I was passing and didn't want to startle him. I just wished him a wonderful afternoon and hope that he enjoy the forest as he hollered after me that he was calling the sheriff.

It does put a damper on the idea of bringing my children there with me to ride the easier main loops, I think something like this would scar them.

All of it makes me incredibly sad.
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Perhaps if we kept a copy of the signboard pic above on our phones, we could show the complainers that the rules - as posted - dont specifically prohibit bikes unless they are on paved trails. 🤷‍♂️
 
the schwartz said:
I had my first negative interaction in years recently with a jogger in the park who took out his earphones to start shouting at me that biking was illegal he seemed primed for an argument or fight. I was passing him slowly and had called out prior that I was passing and didn't want to startle him. I just wished him a wonderful afternoon and hope that he enjoy the forest as he hollered after me that he was calling the sheriff.

It does put a damper on the idea of bringing my children there with me to ride the easier main loops, I think something like this would scar them.

All of it makes me incredibly sad.
Click to expand...

First I’m sorry to hear this occurred for you. Second and more importantly, thank you for taking the higher road.

I had a lengthy, but effective conversation with a hiker. I stopped to let them pass me coming from the other direction.

I shared the importance of a healthy lifestyle and staying active. More importantly and one that got her more attention is me telling her I spend hundreds of hours a year maintaining these trails and clearing downed trees.

… continue to shine the light on the power of how MTB in Essex helps everyone.
 
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