The nature of Lake Hopatcong makes it a little difficult for scenic bike trips. The terrain is steep and the roads can be curvy, and most of the lake views are taken by the homes that line most of the shore. But as the fall weather kicks in and water activities fade out, taking a bike trip around parts of the lake isn’t an impossible venture. Here are a couple of trips you can try…and then go explore on your own. With all of the little winding roads in the lakeside communities, you’re sure to discover new corners of the lake—and some serious butt-kicking hills. 
SOUTHERN TRIP (7-mile loop, easy): You can start at Hopatcong State Park, and go south on Lakeside Boulevard toward Landing, bearing to the left onto Mt. Arlington Boulevard. After you pass Nixon School, turn left onto Auriemma Court. Make a right onto Apple Tree Lane, and then take that to its end, turning right along Cottage Ave, and then turn left onto King Rd. When you get to the end, make a left onto Bertrand Island Road, following it up to Bertrand Island, where you can bike a lap around the perimeter and then return back. NORTHERN TRIP (11-mile loop, moderate to difficult): Start at Lee’s County Park and go north on Howard Boulevard. Make your first left onto McGregor Ave, and take that to the end, turning right onto Cove Rd, and then making a left back onto Howard Boulevard. (Pay attention during this stretch, because the road is a little curvy and steep.) After passing by Great Cove, make the sharp left onto Nolan’s Point Road, and then bear right onto Castle Rock Road. Turn left onto E Shore Road, and then bear left onto N Cherry Road and bear left again onto Brady Road. Take that over the bridge, and the road eventually becomes Prospect Point Road. Make a left onto Northwood Road, and follow that to the Roland-May Eves Sanctuary, where you can sit and rest, eat, and enjoy the wildlife before you return.
Southern Trip Northern Trip
