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The Bob Trail (or simply, The Bob) in Trap Pond State Park loops around the perimeter of the 90-acre Trap Pond for 4.5 miles. The trail winds through hardwood forests, crosses a scenic dam at Raccoon Pond, and travels over boardwalk bridges through Trap Pond’s freshwater swamps, offering intimate views into the lowlands of Sussex County.
The park is home to Cypress Point, offering views of extensive stands of bald cypress trees—the northernmost in the eastern United States. The area can be reached via hiking trails from The Bob. Birdwatchers may be able to spot the elusive pileated woodpeckers that inhabit these freshwater cypress marshes.
The trail was formerly known as the Loblolly Trail but was renamed in honor of Bob Venables, a local champion for trails and the outdoors.
About the Route
At the park’s southeastern end, the trail passes by Bethesda Church’s historic cemetery along Wootten Road; exploring the century-old headstones easily merits a stop. The trail then continues back into the forest and eventually leads to the Trap Pond camping area. From the campground, the trail proceeds around the western edge of the pond to another larger dam and then turns back toward the picnic area and the Baldcypress Nature Center where the loop began. The shorter, wooded American Holly Trail picks up from the nature center as well, for those looking for an extra spur for their hike or ride.
While the full Bob Trail permits hiking and bicycling, equestrian use is restricted to the southwestern portion of the trail. Trail-use markers will guide trail users.
Connections
Trail users can pick up the American Holly Trail at the Baldcypress Nature Center.
The Bob Trail runs in a complete circle around Trap Pond, located in Trap Pond State Park.
Parking is available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Firm fine gravel or dirt through the woods around the pond. A small section near the dam was paved. The south side is about 8 feet wide with gradual curves. The north side is about four feet wide and winds through the trees with a couple of sharp turns. We went counterclockwise out of the campground and found that to be downhill all the way around, or felt that way. Really no hills, just a slight up on the wider path for a short distance. We had two inch tires which were fine. One inch tires would probably be fine too. It was an enjoyable ride through the woods. Stop at the lovely church restored church
This was a nice ride to do in the fall. The route mostly went thru wooded areas. It was an easy mostly level ride over a gravel path that sometimes got narrow between the trees. It was 4.5 miles starting and ending at the nature center parking lot.
Nice Ride through a State Park, I have been here on Many Weekday Afternoons after work & it has never been crowded. Main Trail Loops around Trap Pond & through the Campground, some Boardwalk, some Stone, Some narrower riding through the woods on Stone Dust. Plenty of other areas in the Park to ride as well. Easy to get 10 Miles in just cursing around the Park. Very Enjoyable
Very nice paved ride!
Absolutely loved it, very peaceful. Nice walk with my daughter & dog.
This is one of the nicest trails my wife and I have ever been on. Beautiful path through the woods, lakeside views, very little change in elevations. Well maintained and not much traffic on the trail. Loved it.
The bike trail at Trap Pond is shaded almost the entire length, which makes it very inviting on a hot day! It winds around the pond, over some wetland areas, almost entirely through dense woods. Very pleasant!
Great ride and a nice day out. Add a picnic or a fishing trip and make a day of it. Trail is nicely shaded with some great curves. Not boring at all.
Trap Pond State Park has a very enjoyable biking pathway through the forest. The ride is about 4.5 miles, relatively flat and completes the circle around the pond. Bikes are available at the park shack for boat/kayak/canoe rentals. I believe the bikes are still free for use in the park. The path is crushed shell, some small stone fill and easy to navigate. It is also great for birding, hiking, and just enjoying the park surroundings. We usually park in the boat launch area, cross the bridge on the east side of the pond, follow the path through the picnic area, and head west along the pond. About a quarter mile on the path you'll find a point which overlooks the pond, and typically affords some good birding. Continue west about a mile and one half to trap pond road. Make a left on the road and find the east path entrance about a tenth of a file further. About another mile and one half you reach a wooden bridge(another great spot for birding). Follow the trail back to the camp store, and the parking lot. All together about 4.5 miles....enjoy
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