Eagle Rock Reservation: Legal?

[icebiker]

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?

 

[Ryan.P]

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

 

[Jmann]

It’s all fight club, but people ride there every day and no one seems to care.

 

[Gene]

It’s a work in progress across all Essex county parks. Most are ok. South mountain reservation still has signs for no mountain biking which I am continuously working on.

 

[Cassinonorth]

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.

 

[the schwartz]

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.

 

[xc62701]

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.

 

[icebiker]

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.

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. 🤷‍♂️