Chimney rock? tell me about it

[salamander]

Hey, I am new here. and I have just moved to Springfield NJ I think Chimney rock is the closest spot to me. I have never been there and wanted to know what you all thought about it. What is a good trail for a beginer? I hear it gets really muddy, Which trails are really technical or Steep? Not that I want to stay away from them, just maybe on my first day out, I would like to know what I am in for. Where is the parking? And do I have any other options besides Chimney rock Within 30 to 40 min drive?

 

[gtluke]

Chimney Rock will suit you well from beginner to expert. Also, check out Lewis Morris as it's a fantastic beginner place.
http://www.mtbnj.com/wiki/Lewis_Morris
The race loop will cover all the good spots in all the right direction.
map:
http://www.mtbnj.com/w/images/3/35/LewisMorrisRaceLoop.jpg

 

[Dusty the Whale]

Agree with Luke. Both place get more difficult the harder you work. FTR both are SS friendly. With the baby head rocks, roots and TTF's CR gets the technical part. Lewis Morris has some good climbs and that race loop is fun in either direction add Patriots Path across the street and you can spend a long time up at LM. 6miles is 40min away from CR down rt1 south...that place is a must ride. Come out to the Chimeny Rock Trail Maintenance and bring the bike for a ride after 3-27 9am Newmans lane lot.

 

[Pearl]

anytime someone says "baby head rocks" it always comes to reference Chimney Rock.

It is fun, it would be easier to describe knowing what trails you have ridden.

 

[walter]

CR is a great place to ride. Keep in mind its made up of 5 or 6 different sections that are looped together by crossing roads, riding through backyards(well, almost), and riding on all sides of the reservoir. It's probably best to hit it with a guide who can show you how to loop it all together. It's not a huge park compared to others, but it will easily provide you with hours of rocky single track fun.

 

[salamander]

Thanks everyone, I am diffinatly heading to Chimney Rock this weekend. and I will look in to Lewis Morris as soon as i can.

 

[THATmanMANNY]

6miles is 40min away from CR down rt1 south...

Don't take Route 1. Take 287 exit 10 to Cedar Grove to South Middlebush to Skillman or Cortelyous. It's only 30min. 😀

Sourlands should be 30 min too. That place is at techy as it gets in central NJ.

 

[VanDbtRiver]

it is where you will learn to gain traction off of textured rock surfaces😀

 

[Kirt]

Just get over there & ride. The place isn't that large & part of the fun of biking is figuring out where to go (well at least sometimes). Or as Chainsaw said come to TM on Sat & check out the trails after the ride if conditions aren't too shitty (yes shameless plug).